Cinque Terre Sentiero Azzurro vs Path of the Gods: Which Should You Hike?
Choose Cinque Terre Sentiero Azzurro if you want a flexible, village-to-village coastal walk you can take in pieces by train; choose Path of the Gods if you want a single, higher, cliff-traversing walk that ends near Positano. Neither needs a permit, but Cinque Terre has card requirements and closures to check.
Cinque Terre Sentiero Azzurro and Path of the Gods at a glance
Cinque Terre Sentiero Azzurro is a 12 km (7.5 miles) chain of linked sections between five Ligurian villages. Path of the Gods is a 7.8 km (4.8 miles) one-way mule-track traverse from Bomerano to Nocelle on the Amalfi Coast. Both are Italian coastal walks on old mule tracks above the sea, so travelers often weigh them against each other when planning a trip.
| Cinque Terre Sentiero Azzurro | Path of the Gods | |
|---|---|---|
| Place | Ligurian Coast · Italy | Amalfi Coast · Italy |
| Distance | 12 km (7.5 miles) total, split into 4 linked sections between the 5 villages (Monterosso, Vernazza, Corniglia, Manarola, Riomaggiore) | 7.8 km (4.8 miles) one way, Bomerano (Agerola) to Nocelle |
| Elevation gain | ~500-600 m (1,640-2,000 ft) cumulative across the full trail | Net descent overall (Bomerano ~650 m down to Nocelle ~430 m); cumulative figures cited by guides are roughly ~150 m ascent / ~370 m descent on the main Bomerano-Nocelle section |
| Difficulty | Easy to moderate overall — the Riomaggiore-Manarola stretch (Via dell'Amore) is flat and paved, while the Corniglia-Vernazza and Vernazza-Monterosso sections are steeper and rougher with many steps | Moderate — uneven ancient mule-track terrain with some cliffside exposure, but not technical |
| Route type | point-to-point (walked as a chain of connected sections rather than a loop) | point-to-point (typically walked downhill Bomerano to Nocelle; many continue via a long stairway down to Positano) |
| Official season | April to October; summer is hot and crowded | April–June and September–October; summer is hot |
| Managed by | Cinque Terre National Park | Regional authorities |
Effort and difficulty
Cinque Terre Sentiero Azzurro is the longer route at 12 km (7.5 miles), with roughly 500-600 m (1,640-2,000 ft) of cumulative climbing, and its difficulty is listed as easy to moderate overall. The northern sections are steeper and rougher, with many steps. Path of the Gods is shorter at 7.8 km (4.8 miles), a net descent with guides citing roughly 150 m of ascent and 370 m of descent, and it is rated moderate. Cinque Terre is the bigger commitment in total; Path of the Gods is the more exposed, uneven walk per kilometer.
Season, permits and booking
Both routes list April as the start of the best season. Cinque Terre's official guidance is April to October, with a hot, crowded summer. Path of the Gods lists April-June and September-October, with a hot summer. Neither requires a permit, but Cinque Terre needs a Trekking Card for the main coastal-path sections, a separate Treno card for park trains, and some segments are closed after landslides. Confirm current rules with Cinque Terre National Park and the regional authorities.
Which one is right for you?
Choose Cinque Terre Sentiero Azzurro if…
Pick Cinque Terre Sentiero Azzurro if you like building your own day: one or two sections in a morning, lunch in a village, then the train back. It suits walkers who want flexibility, can handle many stone steps on the northern stretches, and are willing to check which sections are open and carry the right cards before setting out.
How to hike Cinque Terre — Sentiero AzzurroChoose Path of the Gods if…
Pick Path of the Gods if you want one continuous, shorter walk with sweeping views, mostly contouring rather than climbing, and a finish near Positano. It suits hikers comfortable with uneven footing and a few narrow stretches with a drop on the seaward side, and who will plan around bus schedules for getting to and from the trail.
How to hike Path of the Gods — Amalfi CoastWhat the two have in common
Both are point-to-point walks along ancient mule tracks on Italy's coast, with dry-stone walls, terraces and views over the sea. Neither requires a permit, both are rated within the easy-to-moderate range, and both favor spring and autumn over a hot summer. Each ends with a long stairway or many steps, so expect tired legs on either one.
How your choice changes what you pack
Both routes call for sun protection, water, and sturdy footwear for uneven stone and dirt. Cinque Terre's village stops make it easy to refill and eat along the way, so a lighter daypack is workable, while Path of the Gods has exposed, hot stretches and a longer unbroken walk, so carry more water and a bit more sun cover.
Common questions
Which is harder, Cinque Terre Sentiero Azzurro or Path of the Gods?
Cinque Terre is longer, at 12 km (7.5 miles), with more cumulative climbing, but it is listed as easy to moderate overall. Path of the Gods is shorter at 7.8 km (4.8 miles) and rated moderate, with uneven terrain and some exposure. Which feels harder depends on your comfort with steps versus cliffside paths.
Which is better for first-time hikers?
Cinque Terre's flexibility is helpful, since you can walk single sections and use the train. Path of the Gods is not technical but has uneven ground and narrow, exposed stretches. Beginners should read the difficulty notes for each, choose the pace that suits them, and check current conditions before going.
Do I need a permit for either hike?
Neither requires a permit. Cinque Terre does need a Trekking Card for the main coastal-path sections, and park train travel uses a separate Treno card. Some Cinque Terre segments are closed after landslides, so confirm what is open with the park before you start.
When is the best time to hike each route?
Cinque Terre's official best season is April to October, though summer is hot and crowded. Path of the Gods is best April-June and September-October, with a hot summer. Starting early helps on both routes, and you should confirm current guidance with the managing authorities.
Sources
- Cinque Terre National Park — parconazionale5terre.it: official information for Cinque Terre Sentiero Azzurro.
- Regional authorities — comune.agerola.na.it (Comune di Agerola, the municipality at the trailhead): official information for Path of the Gods.
Conditions, permits and access rules change without notice — confirm current information with each managing authority before you go. See our editorial policy.