Path of the Gods: Short Hike from Nocelle
This guide is one of three routes we have produced for the Path of the Gods. The other two are Path of the Gods via Amalfi (ferry) and Path of the Gods via Amalfi (bus). If you are not sure which one to do, start with our overview.
The Nocelle route is the simplest logistics: catch the Montepertuso–Nocelle bus, walk out on the Sentiero degli Dei toward Colle Serra, then retrace your steps back to Nocelle and ride the same bus down.
Scan, prep, and buy tickets
Buy two bus tickets per person at Bar Internazionale: Positano → Nocelle and Nocelle → Positano. If you are unsure which ticket type to get, ask reception or the staff at the bar.
Bus times are subject to seasonal changes, so confirm the Montepertuso/Nocelle timetable before you leave. A guide to bus times and a map can be found in reception.
Plan to set off in the morning to avoid the hottest part of the day and ensure you have plenty of time to complete the hike.
Ride the bus up to Nocelle
Head to Bar Internazionale to buy your tickets, then wait outside for the bus. You can also catch it from Chiesa Nuova (the stop beside the church).
The bus will say “Montepertuso - Nocelle”. Validate your ticket when you board.
Stay on until the final stop in Nocelle. The bus terminates at a small car park, then turns around to head downhill again.
Walk through Nocelle to the trail entrance
From the car park, walk down the stairs to reach the main walkway.
At the bottom, turn left and walk through the village toward the Sentiero degli Dei signs.
At the key junction, ignore the signs pointing down to Positano (stairs). Stay on the main route for the trail.
Hike as far as you like
Once you reach the trail entrance, follow the Sentiero degli Dei markers toward Colle Serra for the best viewpoints.
You can turn around whenever you like. If you continue all the way to Bomerano, expect a longer day; most people prefer this route as a simple out-and-back from Nocelle.
There are no facilities along the trail, so bring plenty of water. If you want a budget-friendly lunch, consider picking up a panini from the mini-market before you start.
Return to Positano
Retrace your steps back to Nocelle the same way you came. At the key junction, keep to the main route back toward the car park and bus stop.
Use your return ticket for the bus down to Bar Internazionale or Chiesa Nuova. If the bus is full, you can walk the paved road (about 4 km) but allow 45–60 minutes.
Avoid the stairs down to Positano unless you intentionally want a long, knee-testing descent that ends far from the hostel.
Sample timings (indicative)
1. 06:30 → 06:50 (hike 3 hrs) → 09:50 → 10:10 (total 3 hrs 40 mins)
2. 06:50 → 07:10 (hike 3 hrs 40 mins) → 10:50 → 11:10 (total 4 hrs 20 mins)
3. 07:20 → 07:50 (hike 3 hrs) → 10:50 → 11:10 (total 3 hrs 50 mins)
4. 08:10 → 08:30 (hike 3 hrs 20 mins) → 11:50 → 12:10 (total 4 hrs)
5. 09:30 → 09:50 (hike 3 hrs) → 12:50 → 13:10 (total 3 hrs 40 mins)
6. 10:30 → 10:50 (hike 3 hrs) → 13:50 → 14:10 (total 3 hrs 40 mins)
7. 11:30 → 11:50 (hike 3 hrs) → 14:50 → 15:10 (total 3 hrs 40 mins)
8. 12:30 → 12:50 (hike 3 hrs) → 15:50 → 16:10 (total 3 hrs 40 mins)
9. 13:30 → 13:50 (hike 3 hrs) → 16:50 → 17:10 (total 3 hrs 40 mins)
10. 13:55 → 14:15 (hike 3 hrs 35 mins) → 17:50 → 18:10 (total 4 hrs 15 mins)
11. 14:30 → 14:50 (hike 3 hrs) → 17:50 → 18:10 (total 3 hrs 40 mins)
12. 14:55 → 15:15 (hike 3 hrs 5 mins) → 18:20 → 18:50 (total 3 hrs 55 mins)
13. 15:30 → 15:50 (hike 3 hrs) → 18:50 → 19:10 (total 3 hrs 40 mins)
14. 16:30 → 16:50 (hike 3 hrs) → 19:50 → 20:10 (total 3 hrs 40 mins)
15. 17:30 → 17:50 (hike 3 hrs) → 20:50 → 21:10 (total 3 hrs 40 mins)
16. 18:00 → 18:20 (hike 3 hrs 30 mins) → 21:50 → 22:10 (total 4 hrs 10 mins)
17. 18:30 → 18:50 (hike 3 hrs) → 21:50 → 22:10 (total 3 hrs 40 mins)
18. 19:30 → 19:50 (hike 3 hrs) → 22:50 → 23:10 (total 3 hrs 40 mins)
19. 20:30 → 20:50 (hike 3 hrs) → 23:50 → 00:10 (total 3 hrs 40 mins)
These timings are indicative only: everyone walks at different speeds, and bus timetables vary by season.
Essentials
- Two bus tickets per person (uphill and downhill) plus a spare.
- Plenty of water — there are no facilities along the trail.
- Snacks or a packed lunch, sunscreen, and a hat for the exposed ridge.
- Comfortable shoes with grip for uneven steps.
Typical costs
- Nocelle shuttle tickets: €1.80–€2.40 per leg depending on carnet.
- Granita or drinks from the Nocelle kiosk: €3–€5.
- Trail access: free.
Route tips
- Set off in the morning for cooler temperatures and more buffer time for the return bus.
- Do not forget to bring plenty of water — there are no facilities along the trail.
- For a budget-friendly lunch, pick up a panini from a mini-market before you start hiking.
Step by step
- Buy bus tickets: Purchase Nocelle tickets at Bar Internazionale before leaving the hostel.
- Ride to Nocelle: Catch the Montepertuso–Nocelle bus and stay on until it turns around at the car park.
- Reach the trail: Follow the pedestrian path through town, keeping right to find the Sentiero degli Dei signs.
- Hike out-and-back: Walk toward Colle Serra, turning around whenever you are ready to return.
- Return to Positano: Retrace your steps to the bus stop and ride back to Bar Internazionale or Chiesa Nuova.
FAQs
How long should I hike before turning around?
Many hikers continue 45–60 minutes toward Colle Serra for the most famous viewpoints, then retrace their steps. Allow more time if you plan to reach Bomerano.
Is the Nocelle bus reliable?
Yes, but it runs on a fixed timetable with longer gaps midday. Check the posted schedule at Bar Internazionale and plan a buffer in case the bus is full.
Can I walk down instead of taking the bus?
You can descend the paved road in about 45–60 minutes. Avoid the staircase unless you specifically want a workout and are comfortable with thousands of steps.
