{"id":88735,"date":"2025-03-12T11:00:00","date_gmt":"2025-03-12T10:00:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/camminiditalia.org\/the-via-degli-dei-as-the-first-path\/"},"modified":"2026-02-24T16:07:33","modified_gmt":"2026-02-24T15:07:33","slug":"the-via-degli-dei-as-the-first-path","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/camminiditalia.org\/en\/the-via-degli-dei-as-the-first-path\/","title":{"rendered":"The Via degli Dei as the first path"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

If you are thinking of taking the Via degli Dei as your first walk: you are in the right place!

In this article we are going to analyze all the pros and cons of this path for beginners and guide you to see if you are ready to tackle this route.

Before you begin, if you haven’t yet, we invite you to visit the Via degli Dei page, where you can find out the mileage of this Cammino, its history, signage, reception along the route, and all of its STAGES.

Once you have visited the board, come back here to evaluate with us all the pros and cons of this path.

Click here to view the Via degli Dei fact sheet.<\/a><\/p>\n\n

The cons: the Via degli Dei is a challenging path<\/h2>\n\n

Let’s start right away with the “bad” news. The good ones we’ll see later!

We are well aware that you will have heard several stories of people who have walked it as their first path, but let us never forget that the Via degli Dei has features that might be challenging for those without walking experience.

The first thing to consider is the elevation gain: you will cross the Tuscan-Emilian Apennines with significant ascents and descents, facing rather steep slopes in some sections.

In particular, the climb up Mt. Adonis<\/a>, the STAGE between Madonna dei Fornelli and Monte di F\u00f2, and the ascent to Mt. Gazzaro and its crosses require good physical preparation.<\/p>\n\n

Are your knees <\/strong>and ankles <\/strong>ready to take on climbs and descents?

Test yourself before you set out<\/strong> by hiking trails with significant inclines for a few consecutive days so you can see how your body may react.

Below, in the dedicated section, you can find tips on physical preparation for the Via degli Dei.<\/p>\n\n

The pros: signage, guidance, Apps and accommodations along the Via degli Dei<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n

Although the Via degli Dei is a challenging route, there are some aspects that make it accessible to the less experienced. <\/p>\n\n

The trail is well marked <\/strong>with the iconic red-and-white CAI signs and by the Via degli Dei markers, greatly reducing the risk of getting lost.<\/p>\n\n

You can also walk the Via degli Dei by relying on the tracks of several free itinerary apps<\/strong>, including the official Cammini d’Italia App<\/a>, which has all the day-by-day tracks of the walk inside, which can also be downloaded offline.<\/p>\n\n

La official guidebook of the camino<\/strong><\/a>, published by Terre di Mezzo and available both online and in all the best bookstores, will be another very useful tool for getting to know and plan the Camino not only during the journey, but also and especially in the days leading up to departure, thus allowing you to find all the information you will need: the route described in both directions, detailed maps, elevations, height differences and directions on where to sleep (including in tents). In addition, the guidebook gathers all the historical and artistic insights<\/a> and the most significant places to visit. <\/p>\n\n

Another important aspect to consider when planning is that accommodations are well distributed along the route<\/strong>, allowing you to plan shorter STAGES if necessary (see below to find out the ideal breakdown of beginner STAGES).<\/p>\n\n

A great strength<\/strong>, especially for those embarking on their first walk, is the contagious energy of all the walkers who will walk the Via degli Dei with you. As one of the most traveled routes in Italy, you will have a thousand opportunities to meet other walkers<\/strong>, exchange stories, useful advice and perhaps find new fellow adventurers. <\/p>\n\n

This atmosphere makes the walk even more special: in the most challenging moments you will always find a smile, a word of encouragement, or a funny anecdote that will energize you. <\/p>\n\n

Tips for the Via degli Dei for beginners<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n

After reading all this, do you have a little voice inside you saying, “I want to leave”? <\/p>\n\n

Here are some tips for how to best approach the Via degli Dei: <\/p>\n\n

When to leave for the Via degli Dei<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n

Choosing the best time to set out on the Via degli Dei is crucial, especially if it is your first walk. The Tuscan-Emilian Apennines have special climatic characteristics that you should be aware of before setting out. <\/p>\n\n

Spring and autumn: the ideal periods<\/strong> <\/p>\n\n

Spring months, particularly April and May, and fall months such as September and October, are considered the best times to tackle this path. <\/p>\n\n

Temperatures are moderate, the landscape is at its most beautiful, and ground conditions are generally good. Beware, however, of spring rains that can make some sections muddy and slippery. <\/p>\n\n

Summer: the busiest period but also the most challenging<\/strong> <\/p>\n\n

Despite the fact that it is the period with the greatest number of walkers, summer presents some critical issues that should not be underestimated. High temperatures, especially in the middle hours of the day, can make the climbs even more strenuous, although it should be pointed out that the Camino has many shady stretches that are not exposed to the sun. <\/p>\n\n

If you decide to leave in the summer, it is essential:<\/p>\n\n