Nocelle…
Nocelle – The Village High Above Positano and Hiking on the Path of the Gods
What a wonderful little place. This small village sits high up in the mountains, watching over busy Positano far down by the sea. The village hardly notices all the activity taking place 2,000 steps below.
Nocelle lives in its own time and at its own pace; here, you are truly transported back in time. Nocelle is sleepy, and they still use donkeys to transport goods, as it’s impossible to reach the houses by car or other means of transportation. In Nocelle you’ll find a few restaurants, a couple of kiosks, and a small square—everything you need for a day or two. If you want to get out into nature and escape the crowds, this is the perfect place. And if you’re also up for a hike, the famous trail “Il Sentiero degli Dei,” the Path of the Gods, is right outside the door.
The Path of the Gods…
If you love breathtaking nature at high altitudes, we recommend hiking the natural trail known as the Path of the Gods, or in Italian, Il Sentiero degli Dei. If you want to hike the entire original route, you can start from Bomerano (a nearby town) and walk all the way from there to Nocelle. This trek requires planning and a good level of hiking fitness, as it is about 30 km long. It’s also best not attempted during the hottest part of summer. We chose to start our hike in Nocelle and only cover a small part of the trail—reaching some of the most beautiful viewpoints where we enjoyed a light lunch before returning to Nocelle.
A little magical and "secret" spot: when you arrive in Nocelle, you pass by a kiosk called “Il chiosco del sentiero degli dei.” We highly recommend stopping by during your hike. It’s an experience you won’t forget—try their platter of cheeses, cured meats, and bruschetta, and a cold beer here will surely be the best you’ve ever tasted.
If you’re really adventurous and up for more, you can even walk back down to Positano or Montepertuso. It’s well signposted all the way, though there are about 2,000 steps down to Positano.
Here we have written a short guide on how to reach Nocelle.
POSITANO – THE PEARL OF THE AMALFI COAST
Positano is located by the sea below Nocelle, just a short bus ride away. Read more about our many adventures in this beautiful city on the Amalfi Coast.
Stay in Amalia’s Garden – An Authentic Escape
Nocelle has truly found a special place in our hearts. Staying so close to nature, in complete tranquility, while having the entire Amalfi Coast at our feet, is an experience we will never forget. Here, we wake up to the sound of donkeys and roosters—a reminder of the authentic, rural life that still defines this little mountain village. The trails leading up into the mountains offer breathtaking views over Positano far below. For those who love hiking, this is paradise.
We cannot recommend Villa Antica Macina enough. Here, you stay immersed in nature, surrounded by lush gardens belonging to the warm and welcoming host, Amalia. She greets her guests with open arms and prepares a delicious breakfast with fresh fruit and vegetables from her garden, when in season. On the terraces, you can sit back, let your gaze wander over the sea, and take in the panoramic views of Positano and
Praiano.
GET TO KNOW VILLA ANTICA MACINA HERE.
Nocelle also has a small grocery store, perfect for picking up fresh ingredients to cook at home. Staying in Nocelle means experiencing the Amalfi Coast at its most authentic—peaceful, harmonious, and with nature as your closest neighbor.
The white house in the center of the image is Amalia’s home, Villa Antica Macina. To the right, you can see the charming and rustic kiosk.
