I’ve dreamed of driving along the Amalfi Coast for years. The winding roads hugging dramatic cliffs, charming seaside towns, and sparkling blue Mediterranean vistas have called to me. Now I’m sharing my ultimate guide to this iconic Italian road trip.
The Amalfi Coast drive offers 50 kilometers of stunning scenery along Southern Italy’s Campania region. This UNESCO World Heritage Site is home to picturesque villages like Positano and Amalfi. I’ll take you through the best stops, hidden gems, and practical tips for navigating the famous coastal road.
Get ready for an unforgettable journey! We’ll explore secret beaches, sample limoncello, and soak in views that will take your breath away. Join me as we wind our way through one of Italy’s most beautiful regions. It’s time to hit the road and create memories that will last a lifetime.
Planning Your Amalfi Coast Road Trip
I’ve found that careful planning is key to an amazing Amalfi Coast adventure. Let’s go through the essentials to make your trip unforgettable.
The Best Time to Visit
I love visiting the Amalfi Coast in spring or fall. The weather is perfect – warm but not too hot. Plus, there are fewer crowds than in summer.
May and September are my top picks. The sea is warm enough for swimming, and prices are lower than peak season.
If you’re on a budget, try the off-season from November to March. It’s cooler and some spots may be closed, but you’ll have the roads mostly to yourself.
Summer is busy and hot. July and August see tons of tourists. Prices go way up, and traffic can be a nightmare.
Renting a Vehicle: Car vs Scooter
I’ve tried both cars and scooters on the Amalfi Coast. Each has pros and cons.
Cars give you more freedom to explore. They’re comfy for long drives and great if you have lots of luggage. I use Discover Cars to find good deals.
Scooters are fun and easier to park in tiny towns. They’re cheaper to rent and use less gas. But they’re not great for bad weather or long trips.
If you’re not used to tiny, winding roads, a car might be safer. The SS163 coastal highway can be scary on a scooter.
Plotting Your Route
I always start my Amalfi Coast trips in Sorrento. It’s easy to get to from Naples or Rome.
Here’s a sample 5-day route I love:
- Day 1: Sorrento
- Day 2: Drive to Positano, explore the town
- Day 3: Day trip to Amalfi and Ravello
- Day 4: Beach day in Praiano
- Day 5: Return to Sorrento, side trip to Pompeii
Don’t try to see everything. The joy is in the slow pace and stunning views. Plan for lots of stops to take photos and soak in the scenery.
Remember, the coastal road is very twisty. What looks close on a map can take hours to drive. Give yourself plenty of time between stops.
Must-Visit Towns and Sights
The Amalfi Coast is dotted with charming towns and stunning sights that will take your breath away. I’ve explored hidden gems and popular spots alike, discovering the unique character of each place. Let me share some of my favorite destinations that you won’t want to miss on your road trip.
Positano and its Iconic Beaches
Positano is a true gem of the Amalfi Coast. As I approached by car, the colorful houses cascading down the cliffs took my breath away. The town’s narrow streets are a maze of boutiques, cafes, and artisan shops.
The main beach, Spiaggia Grande, is a bustling hub with its grey pebbles and blue umbrellas. I spent hours here, soaking up the sun and people-watching. For a quieter spot, I walked to the smaller Fornillo Beach.
Don’t miss the Church of Santa Maria Assunta with its beautiful majolica-tiled dome. I climbed the steps for a great view of the town and sea.
Parking can be tricky, so I’d recommend using one of the paid lots on the outskirts of town.
The Historic Charm of Amalfi
Amalfi, the coast’s namesake town, is steeped in history. The bustling main square, Piazza Duomo, is the heart of the action. I spent time here sipping espresso and watching the world go by.
The star attraction is the Amalfi Cathedral. Its Arab-Norman style facade caught my eye immediately. Inside, I marveled at the mix of architectural styles. The adjacent Cloister of Paradise was a peaceful oasis with its elegant arches.
I loved wandering the narrow streets, stumbling upon hidden piazzas and tiny shops selling limoncello. The Paper Museum gave me insight into Amalfi’s past as a papermaking center.
For a quick dip, I headed to the small beach right in town. It was perfect for a refreshing swim after exploring.
Ravello’s Panoramic Views
Perched high above the coast, Ravello offered me the most spectacular views of my trip. The main square, Piazza Vescovado, is a great starting point. I enjoyed a gelato here before exploring further.
Villa Rufolo’s gardens were a highlight. The vibrant flowers framed breathtaking vistas of the coastline below. I timed my visit for sunset and was rewarded with an unforgettable sight.
Villa Cimbrone’s Terrace of Infinity lived up to its name. Standing at the balustrade, I felt like I was floating above the sea. It’s a spot that truly captures the magic of the Amalfi Coast.
Ravello’s quiet charm was a nice change of pace from the busier coastal towns. I found it perfect for a relaxing afternoon of wandering and soaking in the views.
Cultural Treasures in Vietri sul Mare
Vietri sul Mare, known as the gateway to the Amalfi Coast, surprised me with its rich ceramic heritage. The town’s buildings are adorned with colorful tiles, giving it a unique character.
I visited the Provincial Museum of Ceramics to learn about the craft’s history. The displays of vibrant pottery spanning centuries were impressive. Walking through town, I spotted numerous workshops where artisans were creating beautiful pieces.
The Church of San Giovanni Battista caught my eye with its majolica-tiled dome. Inside, I found more ceramic art integrated into the decor.
For a beach break, I headed to Marina di Vietri. The mix of sand and pebbles was comfortable, and the water was crystal clear. It was a great spot to relax after exploring the town’s cultural sites.
Experiencing the Amalfi Coast
The Amalfi Coast offers a feast for the senses. From mouthwatering cuisine to breathtaking hikes and boat rides on the sparkling sea, there’s no shortage of ways to immerse yourself in this stunning region.
Culinary Delights and Limoncello Tasting
I’ll never forget my first bite of fresh seafood pasta in Cetara. The tiny fishing village is famous for its anchovies, and the local restaurants serve them up in delicious ways. As I strolled through the narrow streets, the scent of lemon groves filled the air.
No trip to the Amalfi Coast is complete without sipping limoncello. I visited a family-run lemon farm where I learned how they make this zesty liqueur. The bright yellow drink packed a punch and left me feeling warm and happy.
Don’t miss trying some of these local specialties:
- Scialatielli ai frutti di mare (seafood pasta)
- Delizia al limone (lemon dessert)
- Fresh mozzarella di bufala
- Colatura di alici (anchovy sauce)
Hiking the Path of the Gods
Lacing up my hiking boots, I set out on the famous Path of the Gods. This trail between Agerola and Positano offers jaw-dropping views of the coastline. I huffed and puffed my way up steep inclines, but the panoramas were worth every step.
The path winds through lemon groves and past crumbling stone houses. At times, it felt like I was walking on the edge of the world. The sparkling Tyrrhenian Sea stretched out below me, dotted with colorful fishing boats.
Tips for hiking the Path of the Gods:
- Wear sturdy shoes
- Bring plenty of water
- Start early to beat the heat
- Allow 3-4 hours for the full hike
Boat Tours and the Mediterranean Sea
To truly appreciate the Amalfi Coast’s beauty, you need to see it from the water. I hopped on a small boat tour from Marina Grande in Amalfi.
As we cruised along the coastline, I marveled at the pastel-colored towns clinging to the cliffs. We also stopped at hidden coves and secluded beaches only accessible by boat.
I dove into the crystal-clear Mediterranean, feeling refreshed and invigorated. The captain pointed out historic watchtowers and told stories of pirates who once roamed these waters.
Some of the best beaches we visited:
- Arienzo Beach (Positano)
- Furore Fjord
- Atrani Beach
The boat tour gave me a new perspective on the Costiera Amalfitana. Seeing the towering cliffs and picturesque towns from the sea was unforgettable.
