Santa Maria del Castello Hike from Hostel Brikette - Positano

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What is Santa Maria del Castello?

Your destination is a mountain village positioned above Positano at 670 meters (2,200 feet) elevation. The village features a restaurant offering good food at affordable prices, as well as great views.

A dedicated lookout point provides stunning panoramic views across the Amalfi Coast, Positano, and the surrounding mountains.

Why should you do this hike?

The views are breathtaking and at least as good as those on the Path of the Gods.

You can expect to see great views within 15 minutes of leaving the hostel, so you don't have to hike all the way to the top to enjoy them.

This hike offers more flexibility and is a good alternative if you don't enjoy using the SITA buses or prefer a peaceful and quiet environment.

It is also a good starting point if you plan to explore other parts of the mountain.

Why should you avoid this hike?

It is quite strenuous compared to the Path of the Gods.

If you don't have much time and really want to check the Path of the Gods off your bucket list, you may want to prioritize that hike instead.

During the summer months, it can get very hot and we do not recommend doing this hike between 11am and 4pm to avoid the hottest parts of the day.

Directions to the village

Here are the detailed directions to the village:

1) From the hostel, turn right and take the steps that lead up the side of the building.

2) At the top of the steps, continue on the footpath.

3) You will reach a junction where you have the option to turn left and go uphill, or turn right and go downhill. Choose to turn left and go uphill.

4) Follow the steps until you reach a point where you can either turn right and go up more stairs that lead to a road, or continue on the path by turning left. Choose to turn right and go up the stairs.

5) At the top of the stairs, look across the road and you will see a set of stairs leading alongside some houses. Cross the road and take those stairs.

6) Follow the stairs behind the houses and it will lead you to a mountain trail.

7) Continue on the mountain trail, which will take you to the village.

8) In two places, the mountain trail will split in two directions. Choose the path that goes uphill.

9) You have reached the top when the mountain trail levels out and you reach a crossroads.

Directions to the lookout point

Please be aware that the vantage points have sudden drop-offs of several hundred meters, so consider whether you will feel comfortable proceeding before continuing on:

1) At the crossroads, turn right. Please note that cars do travel on this road.

2) Take the road uphill until you reach a junction.

3) At the junction, turn right and follow the road around to the right.

4) When you see a grassy section off the road, go there and proceed to the vantage points.

What to bring

• Sturdy hiking shoes with good grip for steep, uneven terrain
• At least 1.5 litres of water per person—limited refill opportunities
• Sun protection: hat, sunscreen, and sunglasses for exposed sections
• Light snacks or lunch if planning to spend time at the village restaurant

Hiking tips

• Start early in the morning during summer months to avoid the midday heat.
• Take your time on the steep sections—the views are worth savoring along the way.
• Consider having lunch at the village restaurant before descending back to Positano.
• Bring a camera or fully charged phone—the photo opportunities from the lookout are exceptional.

Safety warnings

• Vantage points at the lookout have sudden drop-offs of several hundred meters. Stay well back from edges and supervise children closely.
• This hike is significantly more strenuous than the Path of the Gods. Assess your fitness level before attempting.
• Avoid hiking between 11am and 4pm during summer months due to extreme heat exposure on the mountain trail.

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