Nocelle, a Mountain Village of Positano with the Views That are Out of This World

Nocelle, a tiny, still relatively isolated mountain village, sits around 443 meters above Positano. It is the highest and oldest village of Positano. Nocelle is not only known for the mountain Lattari but also the Path of the Gods. The scenic Path of the Gods (a trail between Bomerano and Nocelle) starts and ends there.

Besides, the small mountain village provides stunning vistas of the coastline. As our family always likes to explore the hidden corners without all the touristic hustle and bustle, Nocelle became the must-see place during our Amalfi Coast trip.

I leaned against the railing. Before me, it was the spectacular coastal view of the endless ocean.

Driving up to Nocelle from Positano

The road to Nocelle is narrow with sharp curves. In several places, due to the repair work, the driving turned out to be a nightmare. From Positano, followed by Via Monsignor Vito Talamo, and passed another mountain village Montepertuso, we drove further up and arrived at the small parking lot of Nocelle. The parking lot wasn’t full.

Start the Nocelle round walk

Start at the parking area

At the parking lot, we tried to orient ourselves. The big map shows several hiking trails (including the Path of the Gods) around the Nocelle. And, two big information boards display the hotel information. A sign “Croce di Nocelle” on the wall shows the way to the village centre. After a few stone steps up the hill, we turned left and continued to follow the Via Cercola.

Passing the Bus stop

Soon we reached a small flat area where an information board shows the bus stop and the directions to several hotels. It also indicates the direction of the famous hiking trail Path of the Gods. That was the first place to observe panoramic views of the Amalfi Coast area. The morning mist that obscured the views of the sea was moving away. The white clouds drifted in from the Lattari mountain area. And, the winding Amalfi Coast came into sight. Beneath the mountain, we could see Positano.

A small square where an information board shows the bus stop and the directions to several hotels.

Stony ways to all directions

Many rustic stone ways lead to all directions. We just followed the same road and walked towards the centre and coast direction. In some areas, farmers grew vines on terraces carved into the hillside. Others grew colourful wildflowers and long grass. This part of the village has only a few houses around. It was so peaceful and silent.

We took our time to wander around the stone ways and immerse ourselves in the heavenly beauty of this remote mountain village. The street Via Cercola goes on and ends in the village centre, where we saw the restaurant Rifugio Dei Mele (Via Cercole 1, Nocelle Positano 84017). Being thirsty and tired, we rushed in for a break.

Looking around, many rustic stone ways lead to all directions.
The street near the restaurant Rifugio Dei Mele

The restaurant Rifugio Dei Mele with spectacular views

The restaurant looked new and has a modern ambient. The drinks weren’t so expensive, but the food does. It wasn’t dinner time yet, so we just ordered a few drinks. Surprisingly, the restaurant has spectacular views over the Amalfi Coast.

Large parasols partially covered the terrace outside. Some people, dress up elegantly, were still having their late lunch. The terrace towards the coastal side features white cast-iron railings with simple architectural details.

I leaned against the white railings. Before me, it was the spectacular coastal view of the endless ocean. The sky was already clear, and I took full advantage of the healthy ocean air. The panoramic terrace has such a fabulous ocean view.

The white open-air bar is at the edge of the terrace. Its position gave us the impression that it merged into the ocean and sky with no boundary. Could I call it an infinity bar?

The position of the restaurant Rifugio Dei Mele gave us the impression that it merged into the ocean and sky with no boundary. Could I call it an infinity bar?
The restaurant Rifugio Dei Mele looked quite new and has a modern ambient.

Complete the round walk

The village centre

The restaurant is in the village centre. Occasionally, we saw several locals walked by. More restaurants and bars are nearby. Several hotels are also in this area, such as Casa Cuccaro and Villa La Quercia. The most attractive villa we have discovered is a Villa Degli Dei Luxury House, which has 3 floors, 5 rooms, 1 kitchen, an infinity swimming pool, and a dominant landscape!

A lonely mini-market

It is not difficult to find those hotels because an information board clearly indicates their directions. Followed the Via Capella and after a leisurely stroll through the main part of the town, we saw a lonely mini market. It is so small like someone’s garden house and only sells some basic daily stuff. Near the mini market, there is a sign showing the path to the village Montepertuso. But we decided to be back in the parking lot instead.

End of the round walk

The elevated mountain village has unbelievable scenery. It is a world apart from touristy Positano, but a silent place where we hope it always keeps it that way. Being part of Positano, the village is one of our absolute highlights during our time on the Amalfi Coast. Nocelle commands some of the most spectacular views on the entire coast.

a leisurely stroll through the main part of the town
The Path of the Gods, Nocelle, Positano
The path to the village Montepertuso from Nocelle, Positano

Travel tips

Where to stay

Nocelle features some Bed & Breakfast accommodations. Most hotels in Nocelle have gorgeous views over the Amalfi Coast. Some views there are out of the world!

  • The most attractive villa we have discovered is a Villa Degli Dei Luxury House, which has 3 floors, 5 rooms, 1 kitchen, an infinity swimming pool, and a dominant landscape!
  • Maison Rosa is an apartment featuring air-conditioned accommodation with a private pool, pool view and a balcony. Restaurants nearby have equally magic views.
The most attractive villa we have discovered is a Villa Degli Dei Luxury House, which has 3 floors, 5 rooms, 1 kitchen, an infinity swimming pool, and a dominant landscape!
Villa Degli Dei Luxury House

How to get there

Mobility Amalfi Coast Bus departs for Nocelle from the center of Positano every hour. Due to the traffic and other situations, the bus schedule doesn’t promise you the exact time, when the bus will arrive. The time table just tells you that a bus will arrive around that time.

Or, follow a massive 1,500-step staircase that starts from the village Arienzo (around one kilometer away from Positano) and ascend up to Nocelle.

Alternatively, you can hike from Bomerano (Agerola) to Nocelle  by joining a group tour in Ravello.

24 Comments

  1. I live in France now but I was born and raised on the Amalfi Coast. Your story took me back in time when I use to take long walks in those areas. Thanks for this 😉

  2. I stayed in Nocelle 2 years ago, at a marvelous B+B hosted by Beatrice. I wish I could remember the name. I climbed about 300 steps from the bus area parking lot with the signs.

  3. My wife and I traveled here from Rome,Italy summer of 2017. We had the most amazing time in Nocelle, we stayed in an Airbnb apartment. We walked the path of stairs all the way down to Positano and mingled with the locals. This town really is heaven on earth. The restaurant staff were amazing and the food was great. We want to return when all this craziness is over!!

    1. Hi Kyle,

      Thanks for reading! What you did, the path of stairs all the way down to Positano, was exactly the part we have missed. We didn’t have time to do that. We didn’t think about this place being so amazing. We are also thinking of seeing the place again. Hope the situation gets better soon.

  4. I only spent a short time in the Amalfi coast and really wished I spent at least a week here and not do a day trip drive around the peninsula. I never heard of Nocelle but now I want to see it. The views of the Mediterranean looks totally amazing with the rugged coastline. I would defo want to have a meal on a nice summer sunny day at Rifugio Dei Mele, I would love to eat and just have this simple but perfect view in front of me.

  5. Wow, this was full of surprises. I never considered this area, but it honestly sounds like the perfect place for me and my family. It’s so beautiful

  6. I have been on the Amalfi Coast twice and every time I missed hiking the Path of Gods from Nocelle. Your photos are spectacular!

  7. The view there is absolutely gorgeous! I’ve never heard of Nocelle Mountain Village before, but I definitely plan on taking a trip there to experience this beautiful place.

  8. Its sooo sunny and bright! I want to visit the place. I also like how rustic the feel of the photos are.

  9. First time to hear about this place and I can really say that there’s a lot of beautiful sites and attractions that you can visit in Nocelle and I wish to be there someday!

  10. OMFG this place cannot be real. NOPE. It’s totally photoshopped, ha! But seriously, if I ventured here (and I have been to a place similar before) I would NOT be able to stop taking pictures!!!

  11. Okay, so I think I like the look of this even more than the Amalfi coast! I LOVE heading up into the mountains, especially if there are some hiking trails, gorgeous views and tasty food!! The path of the Gods sounds pretty epic too!!

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