Nestled along the glorious Italian coastline lies the jaw-dropping Amalfi Coast, a destination that epitomises wanderlust. With its colourful villages perched on cliffs towering above the crystalline azure waters, the Amalfi Coast beckons road trip enthusiasts seeking postcard-perfect vistas and old-world Italian charm.
From the pastel facades of Positano to the lush lemon groves of Amalfi, this stretch of Italy offers endless delights. Prepare to feast your senses on the coastal views, indulge in the flavours of Sorrento, and lose yourself in the captivating culture.
An Amalfi Coast road trip promises intimate encounters with picture-perfect towns, dramatic landscapes, and memories for a lifetime.
Planning Your Amalfi Coast Road Trip
The best time to embark on an Amalfi Coast road trip is during the ‘shoulder season’ in April-June or September-October when the weather is ideal, and the crowds are manageable. The summer tends to get very busy, but you’ll be rewarded with sunny days.
When selecting your vehicle, opt for a small rental car with good manoeuvrability for the narrow cliffside roads. Manual transmission allows better control navigating the winding routes.
As lodging books up quickly, reserve hotels, B&Bs, or vacation rentals at least a few months in advance for the most options. Consider splurging on hotels with views in Positano or Ravello, if you can, to maximise the scenic experience.
Pack layers of clothing for variety, as the coastal breezes can shift temperatures, along with proper footwear for hiking. Create a loose itinerary focusing on 2-3 key towns as home bases, allowing time to wander.
Don’t pack your days too tightly or you’ll miss the charm of spontaneously discovering cafés, artisan shops, and talking to locals. Part of the magic is venturing down a side street and stumbling upon captivating surprises that you’ll long remember.
The Ultimate Itinerary For Your Amalfi Coast Road Trip
The adventure begins by touching down at Naples International Airport, or you could drive from Rome to extend your trip. Pick up your rental car and hit the roads towards Sorrento, your gateway to the Amalfi Coast. After an hour and a half drive, stop to stretch your legs in Pompeii to witness Roman history before reaching Sorrento by midday.
Spend the afternoon wandering cobblestone streets lined with lemon trees and indulging in fresh seafood, pizza, and homemade gelato. Make time to see the fascinating luxury shoe making process at Antico Calzaturificio. Sleep in Sorrento for one night to experience its old-world ambience.
The next morning, embark on the Amalfi Coast drive, heading south and navigating the famous hairpin turns revealing gorgeous vistas. Pause above Positano to photograph its pastel buildings cascading towards the sea.
Descend into the town and stroll the church of Santa Maria Assunta or the boutique-lined streets. Grab lunch at La Tagliata featuring views and farm-to-table fare before continuing through emerald grottos and watchtowers.
Further along, park to see Praiano’s majolica-tiled dome or take an hour-long hike on the Sentiero degli Dei (Path of the Gods) for dramatic scenery across the coastline. If energy lags, fuel up on local cakes at Pasticceria Sal De Riso.
Continue towards Amalfi through vineyards and lemon trees, then down with a drink near the Santa Andrea Cathedral. Spend the late afternoon wandering bustling Piazza Duomo.
Devour flaky sfogliatelle pastries for breakfast before driving 15 minutes to Ravello. Meander through 14th century Villa Rufolo’s sprawling gardens and Arabian architecture.
For unforgettable views, head up to Belvedere di Terrazza dell’Infinito’s infinity terrace. Enjoy rosé and a charming stay in Ravello before looping back towards Naples the next day, making time to venture off the winding coastal trail to uncover hidden coves and deserted beaches for one last magical memory.
Must-Visit Attractions on The Amalfi Coast
No Amalfi Coast road trip is complete without encountering the following iconic attractions:
Amalfi Cathedral – This striking 9th century Cathedral, with its iconic 60-metre bell tower, dominates the Piazza Duomo, surrounded by vibrant cafés and shops. Step inside the opulent interior to gaze at intricate Byzantine mosaics and admire the Cloister of Paradise’s Arabic twisted columns and vibrant lemon trees.
Positano – The pastel facades of this cliffside jewel are the most photographed on the coast. Beyond the postcard views, meander down the Church of Santa Maria Assunta’s mosaic majolica tiled dome and continue to Spiaggia Grande beach to dip your toes in the sea. Wander the boutique warren of steps lined with one-of-a-kind fashion, ceramics, wines, and sandals to bring home.
Path of the Gods – Named after the Ancient Greek residents who believed only gods could have created such beauty, this spectacular cliffside hiking path stretching from Bomerano to Positano offers celestial vistas of the coastline untouched by time. Along the rough stone trail, find pockets of solace among the brilliant wildflowers and diverse vegetation.
Villa Rufolo – Perched above Ravello with sprawling terraced gardens, this 14th century villa provides dreamy sea views. Inside, discover Arabic and Mediterranean architecture from Moorish palaces showcasing vibrant ceramic tiles. Out on the sprawling gardens, find classical music floating on the breeze from the open-air concert stage during summertime festivals.
Don’t miss discovering your own hidden gems like sleepy fishing villages seemingly forgotten in time, family-run trattorias serving secret family recipes, the ancient ruins of imperial summer villas, and local artisans carrying century-old handicraft traditions.
Around each hairpin cliffside bend lies another magical memory waiting to be made on the Amalfi Coast.
Adventure and Activities on The Amalfi Coast
Beyond its scenic driving routes, the Amalfi Coast serves up adventures to awaken your senses. The steep cliffs plunging into the sea provide opportunities for heart-racing hiking trails, like the famous Path of the Gods traversing hilltop heights towards Positano.
Local outfitters lead kayaking tours to otherwise unreachable emerald grottos, little coves with tempting turquoise waters to take a dip, and formations carved by the elements.
Take a guided tour of boutique lemon groves like Furore’s Agriturismo Serafina to get insider access and sample homemade liquors.
For boating enthusiasts, hop aboard a private sunset cruise or take the ferry for impromptu stops between Positano, Amalfi, and Capri.
Tackle Europe’s most thrilling zipline at FlyZone soaring over epic Amalfi vistas.
Many coastal towns have pebbly beaches and lidos with beach clubs. Follow locals’ leads and arrive at small beaches via long staircases down the cliffside to uncover hidden oases with few tourists.
When planning your road trip between late spring and early fall, check local event listings for added opportunities to mingle with locals at regional wine, food, and music festivals. Often these festivals feature parades and culinary specialties of the hosting town for a true immersion into Italian culture.
Time your visit to enjoy rich traditions like elaborate Easter ceremonies or the Regatta of the Ancient Maritime Republics where costumed processions parade through Amalfi’s streets.
Whether you seek high-thrill adventures or prefer savouring chilled wine atop sun-drenched cliffs, the Amalfi Coast promises memories guaranteed to lure your heart back.
Practical Tips for a Seamless Amalfi Coast Road Trip
Navigating the Amalfi Coast’s narrow, cliffside roads and limited parking can prove challenging without proper preparation. Opt for an automatic rental car with rearview camera and GPS to ease driving stress. Schedule key driving legs between towns during morning hours before large tour buses congest the roads. Build in extra time for getting lost and pulling over to capture those Instagram-worthy vistas.
Pack layers to adjust for shifting coastal weather, especially if boating. Don’t forget sun protection including hats, cover ups and waterproof sunscreen. Bring broken-in sneakers to allow spur-of-the-moment hiking.
Carry cash for parking attendants and small shops, as credit cards aren’t always accepted. Secure lodging with parking when possible or expect to use public garage parking for a fee.
Limit luggage to essentials in a compact daypack with anti-theft features. Invest in a quality camera with spare batteries and memory cards to photograph the stunning landscapes.
Confirm estimated drive times using offline GPS apps and build in buffer time for photo stops. Avoid nighttime driving when possible. If fatigue sets in, hop on the ferry or a bus to relax and enjoy the views.
Our Final Thoughts on The Amalfi Coast Road Trip
From the towering cliffs to colourful villages frozen in time, an Amalfi Coast road trip awakens the senses at every hairpin turn. Around each bend, another delightful scene unfolds – sparks of blue sea, a hiking trail revealing majestic views, the heavenly scent of lemon trees.
Linger longer to encounter the true gems – a nonna’s treasured pasta recipe, a painting that captures the Coast’s essence, new friends making your adventure their own. With its rich culture, stunning landscapes, and simple pleasures, the Amalfi Coast offers an easy escape to la dolce vita.
Have you travelled to the Amalfi Coast? Share your favourite stops and memories in the comments! Check out more European road trip inspiration including our list of essential road trip apps and our European driving tips.