Mediterranean Dinner in Positano at Nonna Colomba’s Cellar

Discover the authentic side of Positano with a Mediterranean Dinner at Nonna Colomba’s Cellar. For about $210 per person, you’ll enjoy a 4.5-hour journey combining scenic walks, local legends, and genuine family recipes. Led by passionate guides like Franco, this tour offers a rare glimpse into the traditional life on the Amalfi Coast, away from the luxury resorts and busy crowds.

What makes this experience truly special are two things: First, the walk through Montepertuso, a charming village filled with stories and incredible natural beauty, and second, the authentic family dinner served in a terrace or cellar overlooking the sea. You get to taste ancient flavors that have been passed down through generations, paired with local wine, in a setting that feels more like visiting relatives than a typical tourist outing.

A potential consideration is the uphill walk, which can be tiring if you’re not used to hiking, so comfortable shoes and water are recommended. But for those who love a mix of history, nature, and genuine food, this tour offers a memorable, heartfelt experience. It’s perfect for travelers interested in exploring Positano beyond its postcard-perfect views, especially those eager to connect with local stories and traditions.

This tour suits travelers who want more than just sightseeing — those curious about local life, passionate about food, and eager for a meaningful connection with the community. It’s especially recommended if you appreciate stunning natural scenery and authentic family stories.

Key Points

• Authentic Experience: Offers a genuine taste of Positano’s land, stories, and family recipes.
• Scenic Walk: Takes you through Montepertuso with breathtaking views and legends.
• Family-Owned: Enjoy a dinner in a cellar run by four generations of a local family.
• Cultural Insights: Guides share legends and traditions in a warm, personal way.
• Physical Activity: Includes a somewhat uphill walk, so be prepared with comfortable shoes and water.
• Private Tour: Only your group participates, enhancing intimacy and connection.

A Deep Dive into the Experience

What’s Included and How It Unfolds

This tour is priced at about $209.44 per person, which may seem steep at first glance. But when you consider the depth of experience—combining scenic walking, local storytelling, and a home-style meal—the value becomes clearer. The experience begins at Piazza Cappella in Positano, where you’ll meet your guide, Franco, usually around 5:00 pm, just as the sun starts softening the coast’s stunning vistas.

The walk takes you along paths with special geological features, notably the Buco di Montepertuso, a famous natural hole in the mountain. As you ascend through oaks, holm oaks, strawberry trees, and medicinal plants, Franco will share stories and legends, enriching your understanding of the area’s history and natural environment. You’ll pass vineyards, lemon groves, and vegetable terraces—showing the resilience and dedication of local farmers.

The Land and the Legends

We loved the way the guide intertwines geology, history, and folklore, turning a simple walk into a captivating story. The natural balcony at the top offers sweeping views of Positano, making every uphill step worthwhile. You’ll get a sense of authentic rural life—not the luxury hotel scene—more grounded and connected to the land.

The Family Cellar and Dinner

The highlight is the visit to the family-owned cellar, passed down through four generations. Here, the atmosphere is warm and intimate, more like visiting relatives than a commercial restaurant. The dinner is a celebration of traditional flavors, prepared with love and passed down through the ages, echoing the words of the host: “Everything is done with love that is passed down from our grandparents.”

Depending on the weather, you might dine on a terrace overlooking the sea or indoors in the cellar. The meal features local products, artifacts of a land where hard work and resilience are woven into every dish. The wine served is available only to those over 18, enhancing the experience of sipping local varieties paired with authentic flavors.

The Social Aspect

The tour is designed to be a family-style experience—not just the food, but the warmth, stories, and shared joy. As one reviewer put it, “we become part of their family,” which captures the spirit of this experience well. It’s perfect for travelers craving a personal connection and a meaningful cultural exchange.

Practical Notes and Considerations

• The walk can be slightly tiring uphill, so wear comfortable, non-slip shoes and bring at least half a liter of water.
• The tour is private, meaning only your group participates, which enhances the personal, relaxed atmosphere.
• The duration of about four and a half hours makes it a well-paced, relaxed experience rather than a rushed tour.
• Most travelers can participate, and service animals are allowed, making it accessible for many.

Why It’s Worth It

When you compare the price to what you get—scenic views, local legends, a family dinner, and a chance to understand Positano’s land-based roots—the experience feels like a good investment. You’re not just paying for food or scenery; you’re paying for a story, a connection, and a taste of true local life.

Who Will Love This Tour?

This experience is best suited for adventurous travelers who enjoy walking and exploring, those interested in local traditions and stories, and anyone who appreciates authentic family-run establishments. If you’re tired of typical touristy dinners and want to see Positano from the perspective of its hardworking residents, this tour offers an eye-opening, heartfelt journey.

FAQs

Is the tour suitable for all ages?
Yes, most travelers can participate, but the uphill walk might be tiring for some. Comfortable shoes and water are recommended.

How long is the walk, and what is the terrain like?
The walk includes natural stairs and uneven paths, passing through oaks, holm oaks, and strawberry trees. It is somewhat uphill but manageable for most.

What should I wear?
Wear comfortable, non-slip shoes suitable for walking uphill. Light layers are best, given the outdoor nature of the walk and potential weather changes.

Is the dinner served indoors or outdoors?
Depending on the weather, it will be either on a terrace overlooking the sea or inside the family cellar.

Can I bring my service animal?
Yes, service animals are allowed, and the tour is private, so arrangements can be accommodated.

Is wine included, and are minors allowed to join?
Wine is only served to those 18 and over. Minors can join to enjoy the walk and the storytelling but will not partake in wine tasting.

What is the cancellation policy?
You can cancel free of charge up to 24 hours before the start. Cancellations within 24 hours are non-refundable.

How do I meet the guide?
Meet at Piazza Cappella in Positano at 5:00 pm, where your guide Franco will welcome you.

What makes this experience different from other tours?
It’s a private, family-led experience emphasizing authentic land-based traditions, legends, and local flavors, not just sightseeing.

The Sum Up

In a region famous for its stunning coastlines and glamorous hotels, this tour offers a genuine, heartfelt look at Positano’s roots and local life. It’s perfect for travelers eager to go beyond the postcards and discover the stories, flavors, and landscapes that truly define this area. The combination of scenic walking, engaging storytelling, and a warm family dinner makes for a memorable adventure that’s worth the modest price.

If you’re the type of traveler who relishes authentic experiences, loves local cuisine, and enjoys connecting with people and stories, this tour will resonate deeply. It’s a chance to see Positano not just as a picture-perfect destination but as a living community rooted in resilience and tradition.

Enjoy every step and every bite—this experience promises to be one of those special moments that stay with you long after your trip.