Nocelle: A Mountain Village with Views Truly Out of This World

Nocelle, a quaint and still somewhat secluded mountain hamlet, perches at an elevation of approximately 443 meters above Positano. Holding the title of the highest and oldest village in Positano, Nocelle is renowned not only for the towering Lattari mountain but also as the starting and ending point of the breathtaking Path of the Gods trail, which winds its way between Bomerano and Nocelle.

Beyond its hiking trails, this petite mountain village offers unparalleled views of the coastline. Drawn by the appeal of undiscovered treasures, far from the tourist hustle and bustle, our family couldn’t resist including Nocelle as a must-visit destination in our Amalfi Coast adventure.

Driving up to Nocelle from Positano

Navigating the road to Nocelle from Positano was challengeable. The narrow path with its sharp curves became somewhat of a nightmare, especially in areas undergoing repair work. Following Via Monsignor Vito Talamo from Positano, and passing by the quaint mountain village of Montepertuso, we continued our ascent until we reached the modest parking lot in Nocelle. Surprisingly, the parking lot wasn’t at full capacity.

Start the Nocelle round walk

Start at the parking area

Beginning our exploration from the parking area, we took a moment to get our bearings. The large map highlighted numerous hiking trails, notably the Path of the Gods, crisscrossing the Nocelle vicinity. Two sizeable information boards provided details about local hotels. A clear sign marked “Croce di Nocelle” on the wall pointed towards the village centre. Ascending a few stone steps up the hill, we turned left and proceeded along Via Cercola.

Passing the Bus stop

Before long, we arrived at a petite level space with an information board highlighting the bus stop and guiding us towards various hotels. The board also pointed towards the renowned hiking trail, the Path of the Gods. This spot marked the commencement of breathtaking panoramic views of the Amalfi Coast. As the morning mist gracefully lifted, revealing the sea below, white clouds gently rolled in from the Lattari mountain region. The winding Amalfi Coast unfolded came into sight. Resting below the mountain, Positano revealed itself on the coastal panorama.

Stony ways to all directions

Many rustic stone pathways extended in various directions. Following the same road, we strolled towards the village center and the coastal direction. Along the way, terraced hillsides featured vineyards, while bursts of colorful wildflowers and tall grass added vibrancy. This secluded part of the village had only a handful of houses, creating an atmosphere of serenity.

We leisurely explored the cobblestone paths, fully immersing ourselves in theheavenly beauty of this remote mountain village. The street, Via Cercola, continued until it ended in the village center. There, we discovered the Rifugio Dei Mele restaurant (Via Cercole 1, Nocelle Positano 84017). Feeling both thirsty and fatigued, we eagerly stepped in for a well-deserved break.

The restaurant Rifugio Dei Mele with spectacular views

The restaurant had a new and modern ambiance. While the drinks were reasonably priced, the food leaned towards the expensive side. Since it wasn’t yet dinner time, we onlz ordered a few drinks. To our surprise, the restaurant had spectacular views overlooking the Amalfi Coast.

The terrace outside had with large parasols providing partial coverage. Some elegantly dressed patrons were still enjoying their late lunch. The coastal side of the terrace featured white cast-iron railings with simple yet charming architectural details.

Leaning against the white railings, I gazed upon the breathtaking coastal panorama, stretching endlessly into the ocean. The sky was clear, and I relished the refreshing ocean air. The panoramic terrace truly offered a fabulous ocean view.

Situated at the edge of the terrace, the white open-air bar created the illusion of merging into the ocean and sky with no discernible boundary. Could it be aptly called an infinity bar?

Complete the round walk

The village centre

Situated in the village centre, the restaurant buzzed with occasional sightings of locals passing by. Nearby, you’ll find more charming restaurants and bars, along with several hotels like Casa Cuccaro and Villa La Quercia. One particularly attractive find was the Villa Degli Dei Luxury House, including three floors, five rooms, a kitchen, an infinity swimming pool, and a commanding landscape!

A solitary mini-market

Navigating the Via Capella and strolling through the town’s main hub, we spot a mini-market. It’s small, resembling someone’s garden shed, and offers basic daily necessities. Close by, a sign points the way to the village of Montepertuso, but we decided to head back to the parking lot instead.

End of the round walk

The elevated mountain village has unbelievable scenery. It’s a tranquil haven that we hope stays this way. Nocelle, as part of Positano, is truly a world apart.

Travel tips

Where to stay

Nocelle has a handful of Bed & Breakfast accommodations, and most hotels in this quaint village offer stunning vistas of the Amalfi Coast. The views from some places there are truly out of this world! Among the discoveries, the most captivating is Villa Degli Dei Luxury House, a three-floor haven with five rooms, a kitchen, an infinity swimming pool, and commanding landscapes.

Maison Rosa, an apartment with air-conditioned comforts, private pool, and a balcony offering pool views, is a very good option. Surrounding restaurants also provide magical views to complement the overall enchantment of Nocelle.

How to get there

Mobility Amalfi Coast Bus sets off for Nocelle from the centre of Positano every hour. However, due to traffic and various factors, the bus schedule doesn’t guarantee an exact arrival time; it simply provides a window for when the bus is expected.

Another option is to tackle the substantial 1,500-step staircase, commencing from the village of Arienzo, approximately one kilometer away from Positano, and ascend your way up to Nocelle.

For those seeking a more adventurous journey, consider hike from Bomerano (Agerola) to Nocelle by joining a group tour based in Ravello.