A steep, step-by-step descent through terraces and lemon pergolas from the hill hamlet of Nocelle to the beach front of Positano. It is the standard finish of the Path of the Gods, and also works as a stand-alone short walk when combined with the bus to Nocelle.
The Nocelle to Positano stairway is a steep stone-step descent from the hill hamlet of Nocelle, in the comune of Positano on the Amalfi Coast of Campania, Italy, down to the beach front of Positano. It is the standard finish of the Path of the Gods and also works as a short stand-alone walk. The start is near Via Cappella and the Chiesa di Santa Croce in Nocelle, which has no road access for large vehicles and is reached either on foot along the Path of the Gods or by local bus from Positano. From Sorrento, visitors can use the Positano ferry (alilauro.it, travelmar.it, navlib.it or snav.it, seasonal) or the SITA coast bus, and return the same way. No permit is required, and parking is not practical in Nocelle.
The route covers about 2 km and drops roughly 450 m (about 1,480 ft) to sea level. Guides give the descent as 45 to 60 minutes, with the climb back up taking considerably longer. The surface is stone steps, many of them polished by centuries of use and slippery when wet, interspersed with short paved or dirt sections. The path passes through terraces and lemon pergolas, with intermittent views over the rooftops and domes of Positano and the sea. Exposure is limited because the staircase is mostly enclosed by walls and terraces, but there is little shade on the open flights of steps, so summer heat is intense.
Landmarks along the way include the terraced gardens, lemon pergolas, small chapels and village houses, and the final approach into the lanes of Positano. Nocelle itself has small cafes where water and drinks can be bought before the descent, but there are no water sources, refuge huts or shelters on the stairway. A sensible turn-around point for walkers who only want a taste of the route is any of the landings partway down, though the climb back is demanding. Most visitors treat the walk as one-way and return to Sorrento by ferry or bus from Positano.
Knee support or walking poles help on the long descent, and shoes with good grip are essential. Water and a sun hat are recommended since the steps offer little shade. Spring and autumn give the most comfortable conditions.
| Distance | Short descent of about 2 km; steep stone steps down to the sea |
|---|---|
| Duration | About 45-60 minutes down (two guides give 45 and 60 minutes) |
| Difficulty | moderate |
| Trailhead | Reach Nocelle on the Path of the Gods or on a local bus from Positano; from Sorrento use the Positano ferry (alilauro.it, travelmar.it, navlib.it, snav.it, seasonal) or the SITA coast bus. Return from Positano the same way. |
| Best season | April-June and September-October; avoid midday heat in summer |
| Address | Start: Nocelle village, Via Cappella (Chiesa di Santa Croce), 84017 Positano SA |
Trail facts
- Trail area
- Nocelle to Positano, Amalfi Coast
What to bring
- Shoes with good grip (steps are polished and slippery when wet)
- Knee support or walking poles for the long descent
- Water and sun hat (little shade on steps)
Location
Start: Nocelle village, Via Cappella (Chiesa di Santa Croce), 84017 Positano SA
40.6284, 14.5035 View on map
Highlights
- Steep stone-step descent from Nocelle to the sea at Positano
- Lemon pergolas and terraced gardens along the stairway
- Views over Positano's rooftops and domes during the descent
- Standard finish of the Path of the Gods
Tips for visiting
- Use walking poles or knee support for the long descent of about 450 m
- Wear shoes with good grip; the polished steps are slippery when wet
- Avoid midday in summer, as the steps have little shade
- Buy water and drinks at the cafes in Nocelle before starting down
- Consider taking the local bus from Positano to Nocelle rather than climbing back up
When to visit
April-June and September-October are the most comfortable. In summer, descend early in the morning or late afternoon to avoid midday heat.
Accessibility
The stairway is not wheelchair- or stroller-friendly, as it consists almost entirely of steep stone steps. Visitors with limited mobility are better off taking the bus between Positano and Nocelle.
Frequently asked questions
How long does the Nocelle to Positano descent take?
Guides give 45 to 60 minutes for the descent of about 2 km. The climb back up takes noticeably longer.
How does a visitor reach Nocelle from Sorrento?
Take the Positano ferry or the SITA coast bus to Positano, then a local bus up to Nocelle. Alternatively, walk in along the Path of the Gods.
Is the stairway slippery?
Yes. Many steps are polished stone and become slippery when wet, so shoes with good grip are recommended.
Is there water on the stairway?
There is no water on the stairs. Drinks can be bought at the small cafes in Nocelle before the descent.