I was maybe twenty minutes into the walk from Scala to Ravello when the first goat appeared. Then four more. Then a whole herd, bells clanking, completely unfazed by my presence. We stood there, me and a dozen goats, on a narrow stone path with the Mediterranean glittering far below. Not another human in sight. That’s when I knew I had finally found the Amalfi Coast I’d been looking for.
In peak summer, the Amalfi Coast can see up to four cruise ship calls a day flooding Positano’s single beach and narrow coast road.
If you want the epic postcard views and don’t mind company, hike the Path of the Gods. If you want to feel like you’ve discovered something quietly yours, take the coastal path between Scala and Ravello. Goats optional but likely.
Solo hikers seeking solitude
Families with steady walkers (ages 8+)
Photographers who prefer empty landscapes
Hiking
The Path of the Gods: The Famous One
Before I rave about the quiet trail, let me give you the honest picture of the hike that puts every Amalfi Instagram post on your feed.
The Sentiero degli Dei, or Path of the Gods, is a 7.5km trail from Bomerano (above Agerola) to Nocelle (above Positano). It takes three to five hours depending on how many photos you stop for. The views are exactly as good as the photos suggest — you’re walking a high ridge with the sea on one side and mountains on the other.
That said, it’s not a secret. In May and October you’ll share the path with a manageable number of other hikers. In July and August you’ll be in a slow-moving line in the heat. The path is exposed and has steep drop-offs, so it’s not for anyone uncomfortable with heights or for very young children. Research specifically notes that the trail becomes dangerously slippery after rain — hiking boots or trail shoes are essential. Start from Bomerano for a more gradual ascent; starting from Nocelle involves a steeper initial climb.
Don’t attempt this trail in wet conditions or with inadequate footwear. The exposed sections with loose gravel become genuinely dangerous after rain. Also, there’s no shade — start by 7am in summer to avoid midday heat.
Hiking
The Scala–Ravello Coastal Path: The Quiet One
This is the trail the locals would rather you not write about. I’m writing about it anyway because it deserves to be walked, respectfully.
The path connecting Scala (the oldest village on the Amalfi Coast) to Ravello runs roughly one hour each way, hugging the hillside with the sea always in view. It’s a fraction of the length and elevation gain of the Path of the Gods, and it sees a fraction of the foot traffic. On a Tuesday morning in late September I encountered exactly five other people. And about thirty goats, which I counted because it was more interesting than my step count.
Scala itself is a quiet, largely residential village perched 400 metres above sea level. It doesn’t have Ravello’s famous gardens or concert festival, but that’s exactly the point. A coffee at the bar in Scala’s main piazza costs about half what it does in Ravello, and you’ll hear Italian spoken at normal volume. The trail is mostly paved with stone and easy to follow — no exposed drop-offs, no scrambling. It’s doable for school-age children with decent balance, though the uneven medieval stones require attention.
Start in Scala (take the SITA bus from Amalfi or Ravello) and walk toward Ravello. That way you finish in Ravello in time for a late lunch with a view. The Villa Cimbrone gardens are an easy 5-minute walk from the trail’s end — the Terrace of Infinity is worth the 8 EUR entry fee, especially in April–May when the roses are out.
Path of the Gods vs. Scala–Ravello: Which Hike Should You Choose?
They’re completely different experiences. Here’s how they stack up on the things that mattered to me.
| Path of the Gods | Scala–Ravello Coastal Path | |
|---|---|---|
| Length | 7.5 km (3–5 hours one way) | Roughly 2 km (45–60 min one way) |
| Difficulty | Moderate; exposed sections, steep drops | Easy; paved path, no exposure |
| Views | Wide sweeping ridge views with sea on both sides | Uninterrupted sea view, closer to the coast |
| Crowds (shoulder season) | Moderate to heavy by 10am | Very light — you’ll share only with goats |
| Best for | Fit hikers who want the classic experience | Solitude seekers, families, photographers |
- Hike Path of the Gods for the iconic views, but go in May or October and start by 7am to beat heat and crowds.
- Take the Scala–Ravello path for a peaceful hour-long walk with no crowds and goat company — it’s safe for steady children and anyone who just wants a gentle coastal stroll.
- Both trails are free; Villa Cimbrone gardens at the Ravello end of the quiet path cost 8 EUR and are a lovely reward.
If you’re carrying a lightweight drone like the DJI Mini 4K (under 249g, no registration needed in Italy), the Scala–Ravello path gives you open airspace with almost no chance of disturbing other hikers. That said, always check local drone regulations — the Amalfi Coast has restricted zones near towns and archaeological sites.
Before You Walk the Amalfi Coast Trails
Is the Path of the Gods overrated?
No, but it’s hyped beyond reality in summer. The views genuinely live up to the photos. The problem is the queue of people taking those photos. If you hike it in May or late September, it’s everything you want it to be. In July or August, it can feel like a theme park line with better scenery.
Can I do the Scala–Ravello trail with a stroller?
No. The path is paved but uneven with steps, narrow sections, and no guardrails. A baby carrier works fine. My husband Michael carried our son Ethan (4) on his back in an Osprey hiking carrier and managed easily. For a toddler who needs a stroller, stick to Ravello’s main streets.
What’s the best way to get to Scala?
Take the SITA bus from Amalfi — it runs roughly every 30–40 minutes and drops you in Scala’s centre in about 15 minutes. Driving is impractical because parking in Scala is extremely limited. The bus also costs a fraction of what you’d pay for parking in Amalfi.
Which hike should I choose if I only have one day on the Amalfi Coast?
Do the Scala–Ravello path in the morning, then spend the afternoon exploring Ravello and lunch at Villa Cimbrone. You get a quiet walk, a gorgeous garden, and none of the stress of the bigger trail. If you’re set on the Path of the Gods, allot the full morning and start before 7am.
Is the Scala–Ravello path safe when it’s wet?
Yes, because it’s mostly paved and doesn’t have the exposed drop-offs of the Path of the Gods. Wet stone can still be slippery, so wear shoes with good grip. Our daughter Lily (7) managed it fine after a light rain — we just took it slower on the stepped sections.
Finding Your Own Pace on the Amalfi Coast
The Amalfi Coast isn’t going anywhere, and neither are the goats. The thing that stuck with me most after that morning walk was how little the experience cost — a bus ticket, a coffee in Scala, the trail itself free — and how much it felt like mine. If you give yourself permission to skip the famous thing for the quiet thing, you might leave with a better story than any postcard can sell you. For more down-to-earth Amalfi Coast ideas, Salerno is your honest gateway to the coast — and it won’t charge you resort prices for a parking spot.
Sources and further reading
travelarbitrage.net. “Amalfi Coast Like a Local: Positano, Ravello.” 2026. 🔗
Villa Cimbrone. “Gardens & Terrace of Infinity.” 🔗
Related reading on Emily in Italy
Path of the Gods — Amalfi Coast’s Epic Hike — A full trail guide with detailed logistics, including bus connections and what to pack.
Italy’s Amalfi Coast: Cliffside Villages and Turquoise Waters — An overview of the main villages, from Positano to Vietri, with honest opinions on where to spend your time.
Cetara Still Smells Like Anchovies (And That’s Exactly the Point) — A deep dive into one of the coast’s least touristy fishing towns and its centuries-old anchovy tradition.
Greece or Italy: Land-Based vs. Sailing Exploration — A comparison that helps you decide between a coastal road trip and an island-hopping sailing trip, relevant if you’re planning a larger Mediterranean itinerary.