A road trip along the Amalfi Coast. I believe almost without a doubt that when we dream or think about visiting Italy, the Amalfi Coast is always in our plans. For a day, for a night or for several days, but including it is definitely on the agenda.
So Europe welcomes you on a 4-day tour along the Amalfi Coast.
Indice:
Day 1 Naples/Sorrento
Where to start? On the date, we went in mid-September and we did it in a rented car through Discovecars.
We left from Naples where we had stayed four nights, and we did the stage to our first stop Sorrento. Fifty kilometers, an hour’s drive.
Before making the decision to do the Amalfi Coast route by car, there are a few things to think about. The distances are covered slowly because there is a lot of traffic, the speed is logically limited, the road is narrow and has many curves, so if driving is not something you feel confident about, take a good look at the images I will leave so you can make the decision.
There are few parking spaces and the prices are high. When you get to the cities, there are limited traffic zones (as in all of Italy) that you will have to be careful of in order to avoid a fine.
On the other hand let’s go to the positive, it is one of the most beautiful roads in the world and the car gives you the freedom to do it at your own pace.
You have excursions that take the Amalfi Coast tour from Naples if you want to go more carefree.
Having clarified this, we continue our journey. You can go by train on the Circumvesuviana line it costs about €4.20, on the Campania Express train about €15. You can also go by ferry, you can check the price in this ferry search engine. Or by bus, Flixbus covers the journey, it costs about €6.
Perched on cliffs overlooking the Gulf of Naples, Sorrento is a southern Italian gem that combines spectacular views with laid-back charm.
Its historic centre, full of narrow streets, craft shops and the scent of limoncello, reflects the essence of the Amalfi Coast. We will take Piazza Tasso as a reference point, from there walking along Via Corso de Italia, or the picturesque Via Cesáreo are two of the must-sees in the city. From Piazza Tasso to the romantic viewpoint of Villa Comunale, Sorrento invites you to lose yourself among its landscapes and traditions.
Marina Piccola, where the ferries leave from. Marina Grande, a charming place. For Argentines, you should stop by to see the plaque commemorating the Sorrentinos who set sail for Mar del Plata and all of Argentina. Here on the map I have marked the points to help you.
Apart from being a destination, it is a perfect starting point for exploring the Amalfi Coast or the island of Capri.
Day trip from Naples to Sorrento , another option to visit this charming city.
The hotel: The night guest House Sorrento, the location is good, you can walk to the places to visit, it is not a hotel, there is no reception. He sent us his own accommodation to Parcheggio Sorrentino where we could leave the car, it is relatively close but not that close.
Day 2 Sorrento/Positano
Today we will make a beautiful stretch of the route along the Amalfi Coast. Our destination will be the famous Positano.
The road is winding and the views are fantastic, as I said, you have to go slowly and carefully. The journey is about 16 kilometres in half an hour or more depending on the season.
If you do not have a car, you can take the bus, Sita Sud, which takes 50 minutes, but will depend on traffic. In summer it can take much longer. The cost is €10 for a 24-hour ticket or about €3 for one way. Sita Sud timetables for the area.
Or you can also do it by ferry in 30 minutes.
Before we went, we found information about restrictions on driving between Positano and Vietri Sul Mare between 10 am and 6 pm depending on the license plate number in August and weekends from June to September inclusive, but we went on a weekend in September and there was no such restriction, so I cannot inform you about this measure.
I advise you to leave early to find less traffic and enjoy the tour more, being able to stop at a viewpoint.
Positano is undoubtedly one of the most iconic destinations on the Amalfi Coast. This picturesque village, known as the “jewel of the coast”, seems to defy the laws of gravity with its colorful houses that rise up from the mountainsides and descend to kiss the Tyrrhenian Sea.
Walking through Positano is like stepping into a living postcard. Its narrow cobbled streets, lined with artisan boutiques and small galleries, invite you to wander around at your leisure, the scent of lemon accompanying every step. The vibrant and lively port is the starting point for exploring the coast by boat, but also the perfect place to relax and watch the boats come and go.
Positano’s most famous beach, Spiaggia Grande, is a true spectacle. Here, the contrast between the colourful parasols and the crystal-clear blue sea creates an unforgettable image. For those looking for something more intimate, Fornillo, a smaller and quieter cove, is just a few minutes’ walk away along a charming coastal path.
Positano is not only natural beauty, but also history and culture. The church of Santa Maria Assunta, with its ceramic tile dome, houses the famous image of the Black Madonna.
Choosing a night in Positano is a pleasure to think about whether to give it or not, it is perhaps and without it perhaps the most expensive point of this route, both to eat and to stay.
A stop to watch people go by and take a break is a must. If you want to swim on the beaches, you can do so on the public beach if you don’t want to pay to do so, or you can go in and have your own umbrella and chair, for a cost starting at €40, if what you’re looking for is to spend the day on the sand.
We leave it at the Mandara Parking for a price of €60 24 hours a day.
The accommodation was spectacular, Il Sogno di Positano, the issue, as in all of Positano, in addition to the high prices is that the number of stairs to reach it is impressive, and thank goodness we went only with the carry on, as we did throughout the Amalfi Coast, where large suitcases were always left in the car.
Keep in mind that the staircase seems to lead to heaven, although once you arrive you feel like you’re in paradise. Check-in is contactless.
We had dinner in the same place that we had enjoyed 10 years ago, of course at that time there were fewer people and the prices were lower, anyway it is a highly recommended place if you want a special dinner: Restaurant Il Capitano.
Day 3 Positano/Ravello/ Amalfi
Today we continue along this magnificent route along the Amalfi Coast and we will do perhaps the most beautiful section of it, we will stop in some places until we reach Amalfi. We will have 18 kilometers in about 40 more minutes. But we will take advantage of the day to visit Ravello first, which is about 6 kilometers more. Like the arrival in Positano you can make the leg to Amalfi by bus for €2 to 3 each way, or by ferry.
Before arriving we will make some stops in places that we liked a lot.
The route continues to zigzag and the views are simply wonderful. Our first stop will be in Praiano.
Praiano is a hidden gem between Positano and Amalfi, and can be an option for those looking for a more relaxed experience away from the crowds. This picturesque village offers stunning views of the Tyrrhenian Sea, charming streets, and views from the terrace of the San Gennaro church.
Next I would go to Marina di Praia, which was like discovering a little secret of the Amalfi Coast. From the moment the road began to descend between two huge cliffs, I felt like I was entering a different place, almost out of time. As I parked and approached the shore, the first thing that captivated me was the sound of the sea, which seemed to whisper stories of the ancient fishermen who still leave their mark on this port.
A perfect corner to escape the hustle and bustle, from here you can embark to take a walk. We are already in the Furore area.
The passage through the Fiordo dei Furore, so well known by everyone for having seen it in many images, is almost impossible with a car because there is practically nowhere to park. The plans to visit it can be to take a bus from Amalfi and get off there to do it on foot, you have a long staircase to access it or to embark to see it. Renting a scooter is also an option, it is something we are considering doing.
When we arrived at Amalfi we did not stop, we continued to Ravello, a city that despite having visited the Amalfi Coast we did not yet know, you can draw your own conclusions from the images, we loved it.
Perched on a hilltop, Ravello is an oasis of tranquillity with spectacular views of the Tyrrhenian Sea. This small town is renowned for its romantic atmosphere, lush gardens and rich cultural heritage.
We walked around, had lunch and visited places like Villa Rufolo, a majestic medieval palace with hanging gardens that seem to touch the sky. From here, the views over the coast are impressive. Unfortunately, the gardens are still being renovated, but the views are still wonderful.
Walking through narrow streets and pottery workshops is charming. We can find the Cathedral, the Duomo or simply enjoy the panoramic views.
There are many more sides to enjoy, such as Villa Cimbrone, home of the iconic “Terrace of Infinity,” one of the most beautiful views in the world. Or the Oscar Niemeyer Auditorium, where concerts and cultural events are held.
Time always goes by quickly when you’re having a good time, and it was no exception in Ravello, so it was time to leave for Amalfi for check in at the accommodation.
In each of the cities I am leaving you my option of accommodation and I tell you that such, obviously according to my opinion, as well as in Sorrento I told you that there was nothing to highlight, it was only correct, in Positano very good but with many stairs and expensive, this one in Amalfi for us was perfect, Holiday Baía d’Amalfi.
The dream location, in front of the Amalfi port with a terrace, that was just great, but apart from that, remember that I told you that when you come to these places, the car is unnecessary. It includes free parking, you coordinate your arrival with the hostess, when you arrive, the husband comes and takes the car to a parking lot, when you need it upon your departure, you let him know in advance the time because it takes a while.
The downside is that you have two flights of stairs, and if you want to have the car under your control, it won’t be like that.
You cannot miss the majestic Cathedral of San Andrés, with its spectacular façade and a mix of architectural styles that reflect its rich history, and entering to see its cloister.
Walking through its narrow streets full of craft shops and the famous limoncello is a must on this coast. If you are looking for a bit of relaxation, Amalfi has small beaches ideal for resting after a day of sightseeing.
But in addition, you can take a boat trip to see the coast from the water, an unforgettable experience.
A hike to Atrani is not to be missed, notice that you have places to do it and you don’t have to walk on the road.
Atrani is a very picturesque little town and less touristy than Amalfi, which makes it an excellent choice for a quiet walk. The distance is short, approximately 10 minutes on foot. You just need to follow the path that connects both towns.
We had dinner in front of the Cathedral, the dream place for a summer night.
In the morning we had breakfast in a traditional Amalfi site, the Pansa pastry shop, founded in 1830 by Andrea Pansa in 2001 received the prestigious recognition of inscription in the register of the cultural association of Historic Places of Italy, because it is rightly considered one of the oldest confectionery production and tasting environments in the Amalfi region.
Day 4 Amalfi/Vietri Sul Mare
We would then leave to do the last stretch of the Amalfi road, our destination would be the last town on the road, Vietri Sul Mare, but before that we would pass through other places.
We were separated by about 20 kilometers and about 40 minutes or more.
By bus with Sita Sud, or by ferry to the Port of Salerno.
The Waze application is the one we use during our car trip to guide us on the map, since you do not want to go too far because returning on the road will be very difficult, as I have told you in other videos both for this and to be connected all the time with the family and with you through the networks we use a lot of mobile data that thanks to the eSIM Holafly Europe we have unlimited access without having to think about how many GB we are spending, we don’t worry at all, and on a trip of this number of days, far from being an expense, it becomes a saving due to the number of times we need the connection to communicate with hotels, or to buy tickets online, among other things.
The first stop would be Minori. Minori is a small but picturesque seaside town. Its location makes it an excellent starting point for exploring the coast. Although it is less known than its neighbors, it has a unique beauty that makes it special. Minori beach is one of the quietest in the area, perfect for enjoying the sun and sea without the crowds.
But it was only one stop and we would continue our journey to Maiori. Maiori is another of the beautiful villages on the Amalfi Coast, with a quiet yet vibrant atmosphere.
It was starting to get a little cloudy and we would continue our journey. Now straight to Vietri Sul Mare. From here the route was with much less traffic.
We would pass through Cetara and some drops were already beginning to fall. We were beginning to glimpse our last stop, but already on the way as always we had communicated with the accommodation through the car park.
She didn’t give us the option of leaving it at one before entering the city at Parcheggio rent Federico and having the girl take us in the car to the accommodation and the other way around on the way back and we did it like that, without any problem. The cost was €20.
Vietri Sul Mare is perhaps the least attractive of the places chosen on this coast, but it is also true that we find much less tourism. We had already noticed it in the difference in the price of accommodations.
The accommodation on the outside and the place did not say at all what we were going to find inside, a dedication in every detail that Antonia put with all the care and that you can see the love in what she does. We loved Mareteré
Vietri sul Mare has a rich tradition in the production of ceramics dating back centuries. Thanks to its strategic location, the town was influenced by various cultures, and ceramics became one of its main activities. Vietri ceramics are known for their vibrant colours, especially yellow and blue, which reflect the beauty of the sea and the nature that surrounds them.
Walking through the streets of Vietri sul Mare, you will find shops full of hand-painted ceramics, from small souvenirs to large decorative pieces. You can also see ceramics on the facades of buildings, giving a unique touch to the town. It is the perfect place to bring a piece of the Amalfi Coast home.
Here we closed the route, the next day we would go to Matera.
The entire trip we were protected with Iati’s travel insurance, we leave you here a discount.
Video of the route along the Amalfi Coast
NOTE: The information in this article is based on our own experience, being totally objective. This article contains affiliate links.
