If you are planning a trip to the beautiful Amalfi Coast of Italy, our article describes what to expect on the cliff-hugging Amalfi Coast drive, plus what to see and do along the route.
From the terraced little houses of Positano to the mountaintop views from Ravello, and the sparkling blue waters of the Tyrrhenian Sea, the Amalfi Coast is well-deserving of its bucket-list status.
Some links on this page may be affiliate links. If you click an affiliate link and make a purchase, we may receive a small commission, at no extra cost to you. For more details, refer to our disclosure.
Officially the Strada Statale Amalfitana, or SS 163, the Amalfi Coast Road is one of the most scenic coastal drives on the planet.
The Amalfi Coast drive is one of my favorite memories from our very first visit to Italy.
Well, strictly speaking, driving the Amalfi Coast of Italy may be a bit of a misnomer, if it means we did the driving ourselves. We did the drive, but we hired a car and driver for the day.
Without question, the best money we spent on our entire Italy trip!
Why? Let me document what we saw on our drive while ensconced comfortably in the back of a sturdy Mercedes Benz sedan with an unflappable Giovanni in the driver’s seat:
- Twisty, windy road, barely wide enough for a bus in some places? Check.
- 100-foot sheer drops on one side for much of the corniche? Check.
- Full-sized tour buses bearing down on tiny cars without a care in the world? Check.
- Young Romeos in tight jeans and glares weaving in and out of traffic on Vespas? Check.
- Irate drivers hanging out of windows, gesticulating violently and yelling at one another? Check.
- Overflowing parking lots at popular stops? Check.
Trust me. If you want to finish your Amalfi Coast drive with your sanity intact, and better yet, have everyone in the group actually enjoy this breathtaking drive in one of the most beautiful parts of the world, you want to leave the driving to a local.
Take the bus, do a small group tour, or splurge on a hired car and driver.
Heartfelt advice out of the way, let’s move on to why you should definitely include the Amalfi Coast drive in your Italy itinerary.
DRIVING THE AMALFI COAST: A BREATHTAKINGLY BEAUTIFUL EXPERIENCE!
Lemon and olive groves terraced into emerald hillsides. Little houses clad in pink, yellow and orange tumbling down steep slopes. The sparkling blue waters of the Tyrrhenian Sea. And the air of la dolce vita that hangs over it all.
The 36-mile stretch of coastal road between Sorrento and Salerno along the Costiera Amalfitana is routinely included in lists of the most spectacular drives in the world and the Amalfi Coast was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1997.
The setting for movies like A Good Woman, the Amalfi Coast deserves a top spot on your Italy itinerary. Driving the Amalfi Coast was, without question, one of the highlights of our first trip to Italy.
Read on to discover what to see and do on the drive!
We did the drive as a day trip from Sorrento to Ravello and back, about 24 miles one way. Driving west to east means that on the way to Ravello, you are on the ocean side, and the views are unobstructed.
Take in the Spectacular Views
The primary reason you’d want to drive the Amalfi Coast is of course to be able to enjoy the stunning views of the water and the coastline.
The Tyrrhenian Sea, the blue waters you see below, is part of the Mediterranean Sea. On a bright sunny day, you would be hard-pressed to beat the fabulous views of the deep blue water far below, with tiny white boats lined up at harbors or speeding across the sea. Even on a cloudy day, the views were spectacular!
When the road bends, which it does often, you get water views edged with the pretty coastline, making a gorgeous picture postcard.
Tall craggy cliffs rise up from the edge of the water. Little houses cling to the cliffs, their pastel pinks and yellows a pleasing contrast to the green hillsides. Here and there the tiled dome of a church gleams in the sun.
Bougainvillea clambers over fences at the edge of the road and along the back walls of houses.
Can you imagine a more idyllic setting?
You’ll want to stop often for photos. But remember to sit back and just enjoy the drive as well: it’s the road trip of a lifetime and you want to be there, experiencing it, as well as capturing memories for the future.
Stop at the Fruit Stand outside Positano
There is a little fruit stand just outside Positano, the first of the three major Amalfi Coast towns you will want to visit when driving in this direction. Most tourist buses and guided tour drivers stop here, and you should too.
Make your way to the viewing area next to the stand, from where you can see the little pastel houses of Positano clinging to the hillsides. It’s a view worth the stop, especially if you have a bright sunny day and the ocean is a deep blue.
It was a little drizzly and very cloudy when we visited, but I still enjoyed the views of Positano. From here, you can see how vertical the town really is.
Explore Pretty Positano
Next, on to explore the town of Positano, a must-stop place when driving the Amalfi Coast. This little town is called the “Jewel of the Amalfi Coast,” for good reason. It is the perfect picture postcard.
And ideal for just walking around, so feel free to wander where you will, soaking in the views whilst savoring the obligatory gelato artigianale.
BROWSE THE SHOPS AND GALLERIES
From the parking lot, make your way along the little main street lined with stores, cafes and restaurants. You’ll see lots of boutique clothing stores in this little coastal town.
You will also see stores offering pretty made-to-order sandals. And shops selling the ceramics for which the region is famous.
Finally, lemon-themed items are everywhere in the region, and Positano is no exception.
Stop and browse the little art galleries in the town center. Pick up some lemon-scented soap bars or a pretty ceramic plate to take home.
VISIT THE SPIAGGIA GRANDE
The little street winds its way down to the shore at the Spiaggia Grande, where colorful umbrellas are lined up on the sand (it isn’t a proper beach, but a strip of pebbly sand nevertheless).
From the beach, you can look up at the houses of Positano for a different perspective of the town.
EXPLORE THE CHURCH OF SANTA MARIA ASSUNTA
The church of Santa Maria Assunta is right near the beach, so stop for a brief visit. Almost any of the staircases going up from the beach will bring you to the church.
The dome of this church is a popular Instagram subject, and when you see the green, blue, and yellow majolica tiles that make up its exterior, you’ll see why it is perfect for photos.
And its interior is gracious, in cream and gold, with a Byzantine icon of the Virgin Mary.
Pass by Praiano and Fiordo di Furore
Continue driving along the Amalfi Coast to your next destination, Amalfi. You will pass Praiano, another little picture postcard town, and the Fiordo di Furore, the only fjord in Italy.
On a one-day Amalfi Coast drive, you likely won’t have the time to explore either, but if you spend a few days here, both should make your list of places to explore.
Discover Amazing Amalfi
Amalfi is the second must-stop town on your one-day Amalfi Coast drive. Amalfi used to be a maritime powerhouse until it was sadly decimated by a tsunami in 1343, and then the plague.
Today it is a pretty little coastal town with a beautiful pier. It is located at the foot of the towering Monte Cerreto.
Discover THE DUOMO DI AMALFI
For a little coastal town, Amalfi boasts a glitzy Duomo with a Byzantine facade and a Baroque interior. The Duomo is dedicated to St. Andrew. The little piazza at the foot of the Duomo steps is the center of action in Amalfi.
Visit the duomo first and then stroll around the piazza.
At the Duomo complex, the Cloister of Paradise is gorgeous. Admire the five sacrophagi and the beautiful frescoes. Walk around the Arabic-style garden with its many palm trees. Also don’t miss the Byzantine bronze doors to the main portal.
Stroll the AMALFI PIER
Next, walk along the Via Lungomare dei Cavalieri, the road along the shore, to the Amalfi Pier. Walk out onto the pier that juts quite a bit out into the water for beautiful panoramic views of the entire town.
Look for BAMBAGINA PAPER
Amalfi is also famous for a paper mill that produces a special kind of thick paper called bambagina. The paper is made from a mix of linen, hemp, and cotton.
You likely won’t be able to tour the Amatruda paper mill on a one-day visit, but browse the shops in the town center. You will find products made with the local paper, such as blank greeting cards or notebooks.
Have Lunch at a Restaurant with Water Views!
Have lunch in (or near) Amalfi. If you haven’t tasted limoncello, the lemon liqueur for which the region is renowned, try it now.
Limoncello is made from sfusato amalfitano lemons grown in this region. These lemons are large and much longer than regular lemons and the flesh is much sweeter.
We had a lovely pasta lunch at a restaurant near Amalfi with stunning views of the water.
Then get back on the Amalfi Coast road for mile upon mile of stunning water views. You will pass the blink-and-you-will-miss-it bend in the road at Atrani, the miniscule Amalfi Coast town with the beautiful green dome of the Collegiate Santa Maria Maddalena.
Get a Taste of la Dolce Vita at Romantic Ravello
Your final destination on the drive is Ravello. It’s not on the main coastal road but nonetheless a must-visit when driving the Amalfi Coast.
Even in this region of all-around extravagant beauty, romantic Ravello will steal your heart. Its clifftop location is a dizzying 1,100-plus feet above the coast.
As a result, you enjoy jaw-dropping views of the Bay of Maiori, as well as breathtaking views of the surrounding emerald hillsides dotted with little houses.
Ravello has a simple Duomo and lovely old cobblestone streets. From April to October, Ravello hosts chamber music, piano and orchestral concerts on the grounds of the Villa Rufolo.
More peaceful and less touristy than Positano and Amalfi, Ravello draws you into its scented lemon groves and elegant cliffside gardens to bask in la dolce vita.
Stroll the Gardens of the Villa Rufolo
The must-see sights in Ravello are definitely the Villa Cimbrone and the Villa Rufolo. We spent some time strolling around the Villa Rufolo.
With its charming crumbling walls, the twin towers made famous in Instagram feeds, and panoramic views of the water below, the Villa Rufolo is worth every cent of its admission fee.
Walk around and admire the colorful floral displays in season.
Admire the views from Villa Cimbrone
Originally built in the 11th century, the Villa Cimbrone was renovated in the 20th century and is now a luxurious hotel. You can visit the gardens of the villa, which are still open to the public.
Walk along the Terrace of Infinity, admiring the marble busts that line the wall. Take in the absolutely spectacular views of the blue waters below. This is the view that Gore Vidal said was the most beautiful he had ever seen in his travels.
Stroll around the gardens, with its pergola draped with wisteria, and its many statues and temples.
Read more: One Day in Ravello
Drive Back to Sorrento
Your day on the Amalfi Coast is sadly nearing its end.
After you explore Ravello, return to Sorrento the way you came. Look out at the views out the window and bask in the experience of having done one of the most spectacular drives in the world.
Or Continue On to Salerno
If you have more time on the coast, book a night or two in Salerno and continue the drive to experience the remaining towns along the coast.
Minori and Maiori are connected by a pedestrian path. There are several sandy beaches, and both towns are eminently walkable. Stop by the Pasticerria Sal de Riso in Minori for exquisite lemon desserts.
Cetara has a delightful fishing-village feel and it is famous for its seafood.
And in Vietri sul Mare, you’ll want to browse ceramics and visit the sandy beach. Vietri sul Mare is only a short drive from Salerno, and is known as the eastern entrance to the Amalfi Coast.
My Tips for a Great Amalfi Coast Drive Experience
Here are some tips to help you have a wonderful time on your Amalfi Coast drive:
WHICH TOWNS TO VISIT?
If you are driving the Amalfi Coast in one day, pick just three or four towns to explore, so you can spend a decent amount of time walking around and enjoying the atmosphere.
While Positano, Amalfi, and Ravello are very beautiful, they are also the most popular stops along the drive. Know that in season, and even in the shoulder months, these towns will be crowded during the day. For a first visit, I’d still recommend these towns.
WEATHER
If you have the luxury of picking a day, check the weather forecast, and pick a bright sunny day. We had variable weather the day we went, with some clouds and sprinkles, and patches of bright sun. Your photos taken in bright sunlight will be amazing.
CAR AND DRIVER/TOUR
Splurge on a car and driver, so you can enjoy the views instead of dealing with the road, and traffic.
When I researched online while we were considering doing the drive ourselves, I read so many accounts of harrowing experiences that I decided to play it safe and book a car and driver.
And I am so glad I did! Both my husband and I enjoyed a carefree day on the beautiful coast without having to worry about traffic, or parking, or the serpentine Amalfi Coast road, or other drivers.
Or join a group tour
If you have only a day to experience the beautiful Amalfi Coast, a guided tour is a great option. Most tours cover all or some of the most popular towns: Positano, Amalfi, and Ravello.
This highly-rated tour of the Amalfi Coast from Sorrento includes the three popular towns of Positano, Amalfi, and Ravello. The 8- to 9-hour small group tour includes walking through the towns, with free time to shop and wander on your own.
Book this tour now!
This popular tour from Naples covers Positano, Amalfi, and Sorrento, and allows for time to stroll the towns, shop, and enjoy the beach in Amalfi. The 8-hour tour includes a light lunch and a taste of limoncello.
Book this tour now!
Planning to Drive? Note Traffic Restrictions!
If you are planning to do the drive yourself, note that there are traffic restrictions in place in peak season to reduce congestion.
Restrictions apply on weekends between June and September, during the entire month of August, around the week of Easter, and during the week from April 24 through May 2, between the hours of 10 a.m. and 6 p.m.
At these peak congestion times, vehicles with license plates ending in an odd number can use the road on odd-numbered dates, whereas vehicles with plates ending in an even number can use it on even-numbered dates.
If the self-drive is on your itinerary and you plan to visit during these times, verify traffic restrictions to make sure you have current information.
BEST TIME FOR DRIVING THE AMALFI COAST
The best time to do the Amalfi Coast drive would definitely be in the shoulder months: April-May and September-October.
In the winter months, although crowds will be less of a problem, the weather may be cold and rainy.
In the spring, sweet-smelling citrus will be in bloom and temperatures warmer, so it’s a lovely time to visit.
Summers can be hot, and you will encounter huge crowds everywhere, with accompanying traffic problems.
In the fall, crowds taper off but temperatures are still pleasant, making it a great time to do the drive. We visited at the very end of September.
WHICH DIRECTION TO DRIVE THE AMALFI COAST?
As long as the driver is comfortable, doing the Amalfi Coast drive from west to east is preferable, because that’s the water side, and your views are unobstructed on the way in and as you are exploring.
So you would start at Sorrento or Positano and drive towards Ravello, or Vietri sul Mare, which is even further east.
Driving the entire length of the Amalfi Coast Road on a day trip would make for a really long day and you will feel rushed when you stop to explore. I enjoyed our breaks and was glad we did only a part of the road. Even so, our day was about 10 hours.
START EARLY!
Start as early in the day as is feasible, so you won’t be on the road at the peak time most people start, which is 9 a.m. from Sorrento. We requested a start time of 8 a.m., and paid a tad bit more to be able to have more photo stops on the way.
Is driving the Amalfi Coast worth it?
If it is on your bucket list and you are confident in your driving skills, you may decide you want to drive it on your own. We recommend choosing a weekday in the off season, and going in with the expectation that the drive will be challenging.
Not only is the road windy, the traffic snafus and parking challenges will wear you down.
If the point is to enjoy the views, we recommend splurging on a car and local driver!
So there you have it: the perfect one-day itinerary for driving the spectacular Amalfi Coast of Italy.
Have you done the Amalfi Coast drive? What did you enjoy most? Comment below to respond! If you haven’t done it yet, I hope you add the Amalfi Coast drive to your itinerary for your next visit to Italy!
MORE FUN DESTINATIONS IN ITALY
ROME: 25 Best Things to Do in Rome for First-Timers
ISLE OF CAPRI: One Day in Capri: What to See and Do!
FLORENCE: 10 Best Things to Do in Florence on Your First Visit
VENICE: How to Make the Most of Two Days in Venice
SIENA: How to Spend One Wonderful Day in Siena
ORVIETO: One Day in the Charming Umbrian Hill Town of Orvieto
CINQUE TERRE: Two Magical Days in the Cinque Terre
MORE WONDERFUL PLACES TO EXPLORE AROUND THE WORLD!
CALIFORNIA: 25 Most Amazing Things to Do in Maui
NEVADA: What to Do in Valley of Fire State Park in One Day
BRITISH COLUMBIA: 10 Best Things to Do on Your First Visit to Vancouver
GERMANY: One Day in Rostock and Warnamunde
NORWAY: 10 Best Things to Do in Stavanger
ANDALUSIA: The Best Things to Do in Seville in 3 Days
POLAND: A Self-Guided Walking Tour of Gdansk Old Town
Did you find this article useful? Pin it and share!
Heading to the area in October. Debating “order I should visit” Staying at least a couple of nights in sorrento and positano wanted to do a night in Ravello too. What order would you suggest for least amount of “backtracking.”
Hi Nanette, that depends on where you are coming to the area from. You can take a train from Naples (or Rome) to Salerno, the opposite end of the Amalfi Coast road, and then a bus to Ravello. That way you would see all of the Amalfi Coast road, and not backtrack at all, since from Ravello you can go to Positano and then on to Sorrento. You can also take a direct transfer from Naples to Ravello without passing through Sorrento or Positano…same if you are driving yourself.
Well written, thanks I will definitely be back and this time will hire a driver.
Sounds like a wise move! Much better for enjoyment of the drive.
I have to admit to driving the Amalfi Coast last year. It was more of an endurance challenge but I know way less traffic as it was in December! I really like your idea of hiring a driver & think it’s great advice. Also, love the photos as unfortunately when we visited the sun was elusive & the shorter days made it harder to see everything we wanted. Thanks for sharing!
You are brave indeed! We had variable weather as well. But the drive is spectacular regardless.