I stood at the edge of Nocelle’s main square, looking down at the sea glinting 450 meters below, and I understood why this village is so special. The only sounds were wind through the lemon groves and a distant rooster. Nocelle, part of the municipality of Positano, sits roughly 450 meters above sea level — high enough that the crowds down below feel like a different world.
Nocelle is a village with sweeping vistas of the Mediterranean Sea, historically a small agricultural community whose name derives from the Italian word for “hazelnut.”
If you’re wondering whether the effort to reach Nocelle is worth it, the answer is a clear yes. Its distance from the road is exactly what makes it a quiet, authentic place to experience the Amalfi Coast without the crowds.
Hikers
Photographers
Couples seeking quiet
Nocelle was largely untouched by mass tourism until recently, and walking through its narrow stone streets still feels like stepping into a different century. The village hosts local festivals like the Festa di San Giovanni on June 24 and a Harvest Festival in early October, though when I visited in late spring, it was the quiet that stood out most.
Most people visiting the Amalfi Coast never make it up here. They stay in Positano, swim at Spiaggia Grande, and leave without seeing the terraced lemon groves and the trailhead of the Path of the Gods. That’s their loss — and your gain.
Getting to Nocelle: The Three Options
There are three ways to reach this hilltop village, and each one sets the tone for your visit.
The Mobility Amalfi Coast bus runs roughly every hour from Positano center. The ride takes about 15 minutes up the narrow Via Monsignor Vito Talamo, passing through Montepertuso. The schedule is not guaranteed, so allow extra time. mymagicearth.com notes that the bus can be unreliable, especially in peak season.
For the adventurous, a staircase of about 1,500 steps climbs from the village of Arienzo up to Nocelle. It’s a steep, leg-burning workout, but the views expand with every landing. Bring water and take breaks. It took me about 45 minutes with Michael — we passed several locals who seemed to do it in their sleep.
The Sentiero degli Dei trail runs about 7.8 km (4.8 miles) from Bomerano to Nocelle. It’s a moderate 2–4 hour hike with incredible coastal views. You can also join a guided tour from Ravello for added context. GetYourGuide offers a group tour with private transfer, which is a solid option if you don’t want to arrange your own transport.
Driving to Nocelle is not recommended. The road is narrow with sharp curves, and ongoing repair work is common. Parking is limited to a small lot at the edge of the village. If you rent a car, leave it in Positano and take the bus.
The Village of Nocelle: Quiet, Stone, and Lemon Groves
Nocelle is small, with narrow streets and stone houses that feel untouched by the rush of the coast below.
Nearby, the 12th-century Church of Santa Maria a Castro holds frescoes worth a quick look. The village also has a small mini-market for basics, and you can buy fresh lemons from local farmers. Many terraces are planted with vineyards and wildflowers, and the scent of lemon trees follows you through the alleys.
Pack a picnic and eat on the benches near the church. You’ll save money and get the same million-dollar view.
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I brought my compact drone (the DJI Mini 4K) to capture the coastline from above — the 3-axis gimbal kept the footage stable even in the wind. The vertical shooting mode was perfect for Instagram stories of the terraced hillsides.
Path of the Gods: The Hike That Connects to Nocelle
The famous Sentiero degli Dei starts in Bomerano and ends in Nocelle — or you can hike it in reverse.
From Nocelle, you can walk to the trailhead in about 10 minutes. The path is well-marked and offers panoramic views of the Amalfi Coast and the island of Capri in the distance. The trail is not suitable for strollers — Lily and Ethan are too young for this hike, but I’d recommend it for older kids who are used to walking.
You can join a guided tour from Ravello that includes a private transfer to the trailhead. This saves you the hassle of arranging transport back to your car. GetYourGuide offers one such tour.
Nocelle vs. Positano: Where to Base Yourself
Choosing where to stay on the Amalfi Coast often comes down to convenience vs. quiet. Here’s how they compare.
| Factor | Nocelle | Positano |
|---|---|---|
| Atmosphere | Quiet, village feel | Busy, lively, touristy |
| Access | Bus or 1,500 steps | Road, ferry, parking |
| Views | Panoramic, elevated | Closer to sea, but crowded |
| Cost (per night) | From around €100 (Hotel Nocelle) | From around €200+ (Le Sirenuse from €600) |
| Crowds | Very few | High season overwhelming |
If you stay in Nocelle, book a room with a terrace — the views are worth the extra. Villa Degli Dei Luxury House offers five rooms, a kitchen, and an infinity pool with commanding landscape. Booking.com has details.
- Nocelle is best for peace, hiking, and authentic village life.
- Positano is better for beach access, nightlife, and convenience.
- You can easily visit both by bus — no need to choose one for your whole trip.
Before You Go to Nocelle
How do I get from Positano to Nocelle without a car?
Take the Mobility Amalfi Coast bus from Positano center — it runs roughly hourly. The ride takes about 15 minutes and costs a few euros. Alternatively, walk the 1,500-step staircase from Arienzo for a workout with a view.
Or hike the Path of the Gods from Bomerano, which ends right in Nocelle. That’s the most scenic option but requires 2–4 hours and good hiking shoes.
Is Nocelle crowded in summer?
No — that’s the whole point. Even in peak season, Nocelle sees far fewer visitors than Positano. The lack of road access keeps the crowds away. You’ll share the village with a handful of other travelers and locals.
That said, the Path of the Gods trail can get busy on weekends in summer. Start early to avoid the heat and the crowds.
Is the Path of the Gods suitable for kids?
It depends on the child. The trail is 7.8 km with moderate difficulty, some uneven terrain, and no railings. I’d say ages 10 and up who are used to hiking. Lily at 7 would struggle with the full distance, but we did a short section near Nocelle and she loved it.
Bring plenty of water, sun protection, and sturdy shoes. No strollers — the path is too narrow and rocky.
What’s the downside of staying in Nocelle?
Restaurant options are limited. Rifugio Dei Mele is the main sit-down spot, and it’s pricey. The mini-market sells basics, but you’ll want to stock up in Positano. The bus schedule is not guaranteed, so you might wait longer than planned.
Also, the steps are no joke. If you have mobility issues, choose the bus and be prepared for steep streets within the village. It’s not a place for strollers or wheelchairs.
Why Nocelle Stays With You
Nocelle taught me that sometimes the best places are the hardest to reach. Its distance from the road isn’t a flaw — it’s the reason the village feels like a secret. I left with sore legs and a full heart, already planning my return. For more off-the-beaten-path spots along the coast, read our guide to Amalfi Coast’s scenic routes and hidden gems.
Sources and further reading
OnyTrip. “Nocelle Travel Guide: Everything You Need to Know.” 2026. 🔗
My Magic Earth. “Nocelle: A Mountain Village with Views Truly Out of This World.” 2019. 🔗
Related reading on Emily in Italy
Skip Positano’s Crowds and Swim at Fornillo Before Sunrise Instead — A practical guide to enjoying Positano’s quieter beach by arriving early.
See Italy’s Amalfi Coast: Hike the Path of the Gods — Detailed hiking tips, what to bring, and how to get to the trailhead.
The 10 Best Amalfi Coast Towns to Visit — A broader overview of coastal towns, including Nocelle and its neighbors.
Italy’s Hidden Gems: 20 Beautiful Small Towns — More quiet villages across Italy, perfect for slow travelers.