Amalfi Coast · Italy · Itineraries
Amalfi Coast road trip: Sorrento to Amalfi, mapped
The classic Amalfi Coast drive runs from Sorrento over the ridge to Positano and on to Amalfi along the SS163, a little over 30 kilometres of cliff road with a bend every few seconds. It can be driven in about an hour without stops, and it is best done at dawn or outside summer. In July and August the ferry between the same towns is faster and far less stressful.
Day by day
- 1
Sorrento
Sorrento sits on the north side of the peninsula, facing Naples and Vesuvius, and is the practical base for the whole coast. It has the train from Naples, ferries to Capri and the coast towns, and flat streets, which the cliff villages do not. Pick up the car here, or leave it here and use the boats. The road climbs out of town through lemon groves and crosses the ridge to the southern side, where the first views of the coast open up near the Li Galli islands.
- 2
Positano
Positano is the vertical one: pastel houses stacked up a ravine above a grey pebble beach. The road passes high above the centre, and from there it is all steps. Parking is scarce and tightly controlled, so in season arrive early in the morning or come by ferry and walk up from the pier instead. The view back to the town from the road east toward Praiano is the picture most people have in their heads. Allow two to three hours for a swim and lunch.
- 3
Amalfi
Amalfi is the largest town on the south coast and was once a maritime republic that rivalled Venice. The striped cathedral at the top of a wide staircase fills one side of the main square. It is flatter than Positano and easier with children or luggage. From here a short, steep road climbs to Ravello, whose terrace gardens look straight down the coast and are the quietest view on the route. Ferries link Amalfi with Positano, Salerno and Capri.
Plan it
- Best time
- May, early June, late September and October. In July and August traffic can crawl, and restrictions on vehicles can apply at peak times.
- How long
- One long day for the drive with stops. Three nights on the coast is better, with the car parked.
- Getting around
- A small car, or no car. Ferries run between Sorrento, Positano and Amalfi from spring to autumn, and SITA buses cover the road all year.
Good to know
- Drive west to east, from Sorrento toward Amalfi, to be on the sea side of the road.
- Rent the smallest car that fits your luggage. The road is narrow and buses take the whole bend.
- Base yourself in one town and use boats for the others.
Frequently asked
How long does it take to drive the Amalfi Coast? +
Sorrento to Amalfi is a little over 30 kilometres and takes about an hour without stops or traffic. In summer the same stretch can take twice that. With stops in Positano and Amalfi, plan a full day.
Is it hard to drive the Amalfi Coast? +
The road is narrow, winding and shared with buses and scooters, with stone walls on one side and a drop on the other. Confident drivers manage it, especially early in the day. Nervous drivers are happier on the ferry or the bus.
Is it better to drive or take the ferry on the Amalfi Coast? +
From late spring to early autumn, the ferry is usually better. It is quicker between towns, avoids parking, and gives the view of the cliffs from the water. Driving suits the off-season and dawn starts.
Where should you stay on the Amalfi Coast? +
Sorrento for transport links and value, Positano for the view and the steps, Amalfi for a flatter and more central base, and Ravello or Praiano for quiet. Staying in one place and day-tripping works better than moving.
