Driving the Amalfi Coast
First things first, driving the Amalfi Coast may sound daunting and even a little life threatening (which truthfully, it probably is) BUT it is the BEST way to see it.
Other than that, it is every man + WOMAN for THEMSELF on the narrowest, curviest, most dangerous and yet most beautiful roads in the world, or at least that I've been privy to. HERE’S HOW WE DID IT.
The Route:
We started in Napoli and thought a stop downtown for pizza would be quick and simple. It was neither. Having a car in downtown Naples is more of a headache than it could ever be worth!
My advice: save at least a few hours and cab/bus in from the airport OR find a guarded parking garage in Naples. (I've heard if you rent from Hertz they provide safe parking near the main train station!)
All in all, your best bet would be to save Naples for the end of your trip if you're flying in and out of the city, then you can return your car and bus/cab in. Or if you're set on driving into Naples, it'll give you more time to adjust to the maniac mopeds coming at all sides of your vehicle.
From Naples, you'll head out on the A3 highway and pass right beside Mount Vesuvius and Pompeii-- a must see stop in my opinion.
Plan for at least a few hours roaming through the ruins. See some of my photos from our stop here!
Next is Sorrento, you'll know once you hit the peninsula because there will be handy little scenic stop off points every curve.. and you should pull over.
Spend a few days here in Sorrento...read here to see what to do, where to stay, what to eat.
From Sorrento, take the SS163 to Positano. You'll begin seeing cars parked all the along the road into Positano and there is something special and characteristic about taking one of the winding, narrow staircases down into the city. But remember if you go down, you have to go back up. There's a parking garage down in the city if you're feeling like just observing the stairs from afar!
Next up, the namesake of the coast, Amalfi. (You'll pass numerous small towns between Positano and Amalfi so save time if you're up for exploring!)
If you drive through the marina of Amalfi, around the next bend, you'll find a parking garage. I would recommend planning to spend at least a few days in this area so coordinating parking with your accommodation is very much advised!
I think the true gem of the infamous coastline is Atrani. Literally steps away from the busy tourist crowd, is one of the tiniest towns in Europe. You feel like you're stepping back in time to an undiscovered, true Italian gem.
Above Atrani, high in the mountains, is Ravello. It is romantic and charming and offers gorgeous vantage points of the cities nestled by the coast. from amalfi or atrani, you can easily taxi up to ravello in about 10 minutes. There are also many buses running from Atrani and also a steady incline hike of only 3 km -- I prefer the hike because you can see little snippets of true countryside Italian living. Read all about Ravello here!
Leaving from Atrani, continue on the SS163 and you'll skim past the coastline villages of Maiori and Minori. We followed the SS163 to the A3 and continued past Pompeii again back to Naples.
The narrow and winding roads are enough, but then add in jaw dropping views competing for your attention and the wild, risk taking Italian drivers and you have the ever exciting road trip of the Amalfi Coast!
IF YOU WANT TO OPT FOR AN ISLAND ESCAPE…. HERE IS A FULL GUIDE TO CAPRI!
Where to Stay on the Amalfi Coast (And THE VIP Perks OF BOOKING WITH US) :
🌸 Le Sirenuse – Positano
Elegant, family-owned hotel with breathtaking sea views and old-world charm
Perks: Daily breakfast, room upgrades (if available), $100 resort credit, and early check-in/late checkout
Why it’s special: Perfect blend of glamour and authenticity, plus Michelin-starred dining
🌿 Hotel Santa Caterina – Amalfi
A romantic clifftop retreat with private beach club and lush terraced gardens
Perks: VIP welcome amenity, breakfast, spa credit, and preferred room categories
Why it’s special: Old-Hollywood elegance with unmatched service and access to Amalfi
🌞 Caruso, A Belmond Hotel – Ravello
Set in a restored 11th-century palace high above the coast
Perks: Signature Belmond benefits like complimentary experiences, upgrades, and flexible check-in/out
Why it’s special: Infinity pool views that feel like heaven—and a peaceful escape from the crowds
🌊 Borgo Santandrea – Amalfi
One of the Amalfi Coast’s BEST 5-star boutique gems, blending mid-century Italian design with stunning sea views
Perks: Daily breakfast, dining credit, upgrades, and personalized concierge service
Why it’s special: A hidden jewel with private beach access and stylish interiors
🩵 Palazzo Avino – Ravello
A pink palace perched high above the sea with Michelin dining and panoramic views
Perks: Complimentary breakfast, spa or dining credit, upgrades, welcome amenities
Why it’s special: Romantic, refined, and quietly luxurious with a private beach club accessible by shuttle
🎨 Villa TreVille – Positano
Former home of director Franco Zeffirelli turned ultra-exclusive boutique resort
Perks: Breakfast, transfers, minibar included, and exclusive experiences curated by the concierge
Why it’s special: Artistic, theatrical, and utterly private—an A-list-worthy Amalfi hideaway
