It'd be accurate to say that the only thing I actually had on my Amalfi Coast to-do list was to…read morehike the Sentiero degli Dei (aka Path of the Gods).
While back at home, I booked a guide to walk with on the route from Bomerano to Nocelle but further research told me this was something I could probably do without a paid guide. As the date of my trip grew nearer I canceled the guide without regret. It would be nearly impossible to get lost on this well-marked trail and seeing large tour groups hiking en masse was an experience I was glad to forgo.
While many people hike the Path of the Gods from Bomerano to Nocelle, Bomerano was a 1 hour bus ride (or 25 euro per person private shuttle ride) away from my Positano lodging. Instead, I did as my hotel concierge recommended: I took the bus to Nocelle, hiked in and out on the same path, and completed a big loop trail in the center (about 5 total miles). This is a great alternative for those who don't want to head all the way to Bomerano or who are nervous about starting and ending in different locations, neither of which is the location of your lodging. It's at least equal in length and the stretch you miss, from Bomerano to the split, is only about a 30 minute hike.
Living in the California Bay Area I'm accustomed to beautiful mountain trails with water views but none so high up as those seen from here and none, of course, of the Amalfi Coast. Get ready to be amazed. But first, be prepared.
The best views are obtained in that center loop trail, about mid-way from either of the trail's entry points in Bomerano or Nocelle. Getting there is a reasonably challenging exercise as the trail is rocky with a fair amount of elevation changes. Come early, before the heat, hydrate, apply sunscreen, use a hiking stick if you have one, and be in shape. The terrain is uneven and you might need to scramble with both hands and feet to get up and down in some points.
The mid-way point brings you to a private home whose owner sells lemon granita and offers up his bathroom and some outdoor bench seating from which to (again) savor the views. It's the only bathroom on the trail.
If you worry at all about losing track of the trail note that there are red marks applied at regular intervals to large rocks on the trail. If the correct trail is ever in question look for the next red mark and that will effectively keep you on track.
Apparently, you can finish in Nocelle then walk some 1700 stairs down to Positano but after 4 hours I'd had enough for the day. I caught the bus back down to Positano from the same location at which I'd disembarked earlier in the day.
My Amalfi Coast goal was accomplished.