Perched high above the Amalfi Coast—and refreshingly removed from the crowds and bustle below—Nocelle offers a rare glimpse of what this stretch of UNESCO-listed coastline was like before the world’s glitterati discovered it. This sleepy mountain hamlet sits at the western end of the Path of the Gods; hiking this sky-high trail is one of the most unforgettable things to do in Nocelle. The village offers sweeping views along the coast as far as Capri and has a budget-friendly clutch of simple yet authentic restaurants and bed and breakfasts.
Nocelle is sleepy year-round compared to the buzz in A-list towns like Positano and Amalfi, but the village shutters entirely in the winter. Drive (or hike) up the mountainside for the views between November and April, but you probably won’t be able to reserve a room or a restaurant meal. Instead, head to this high-altitude perch in summer to enjoy its cooler temps and more relaxed atmosphere.
It takes just a few minutes to walk across Nocelle—though be prepared for stairs in this steeply terraced village—and most visitors arrive on foot along the Path of the Gods. Mobility Amalfi Coast’s green line runs hourly between Positano and Nocelle, or you can reach the hamlet by taxi, rental car, or scooter. The walking route connecting Nocelle and Positano requires walking about 1,500 steps.
The mountain towns of Nocelle and Bomerano bookend the Path of the Gods (Sentiero degli Dei in Italian), one of southern Italy's most panoramic and popular hiking trails. For the best scenery, start in Bomerano. From here, you’ll walk northwest and be treated to views of the Amalfi Coast and Capri along the way. Once you arrive in Nocelle, take the bus or steps (all 1,500 of them) back down to Positano.