Driving the Amalfi Coast: A Week-Long Italian Road Trip

# Driving the Amalfi Coast: Your Complete Guide

The Amalfi Coast's winding coastal road is one of the world's most scenic drives. Here's how to do it right.

## Before You Go

**Car rental:**
- Book smallest automatic possible (roads are NARROW)
- Pick up in Naples or Salerno, not at airport
- Get full insurance-seriously

**Driving tips:**
- Drive early morning or late afternoon to avoid tour buses
- Honk before blind curves (everyone does)
- Be prepared to reverse at passing points
- Parking is challenging-ask your hotel

## Day-by-Day Itinerary

### Day 1: Naples to Sorrento
- Morning: Explore Naples (pizza at L'Antica Pizzeria da Michele)
- Afternoon: Drive to Sorrento via coastal road
- Evening: Sunset limoncello in Sorrento

### Day 2: Sorrento Base
- Day trip to Pompeii ruins
- Return for dinner in Sorrento
- Try gnocchi alla sorrentina

### Day 3: Positano
- Early start (7 AM) to beat traffic
- Park at Positano's main lot (€25/day)
- Explore vertical village
- Beach lunch at La Cambusa
- Afternoon: Hike Path of the Gods if energetic
- Sleep in Positano

### Day 4: Amalfi & Ravello
- Morning: Drive to Amalfi town
- Visit Amalfi Cathedral
- Lunch: Il Risorgimento
- Afternoon: Drive up to Ravello
- Villa Cimbrone gardens
- Dinner with view at Rossellinis
- Sleep in Ravello

### Day 5: Praiano & Furore
- Explore quiet Praiano
- Swim at Marina di Praia beach
- Furore Fjord photo stop
- Lunch at Trattoria San Pietro
- Return to Ravello

### Day 6: Boat Day
- Book private boat tour
- Visit Capri by sea
- Blue Grotto
- Swim stops
- Return to Amalfi Coast

### Day 7: Return
- Leisurely morning
- Drive back to Salerno
- Train to Naples if flying

## Best Restaurants

**Positano:**
- La Sponda (Michelin star, romantic)
- C'era Una Volta (local favorite)

**Amalfi:**
- Il Risorgimento (fresh seafood)
- Lido Azzurro (beachfront)

**Ravello:**
- Rossellinis (2 Michelin stars)
- Cumpa' Cosimo (family-run, authentic)

## Money-Saving Tips

- Skip expensive hotel breakfasts-get cornetto and cappuccino at local bar
- Lunch is cheaper than dinner (same menu often)
- BYOB at many restaurants (no corkage)
- Municipal beaches free, private beaches charge €15-25

## What to Pack

- Comfortable walking shoes (LOTS of stairs)
- Swimsuit
- Light layers
- Good sunglasses
- Motion sickness meds (just in case)

The Amalfi Coast rewards brave drivers with spectacular views and authentic experiences. Take your time, embrace la dolce vita, and enjoy the journey as much as the destination.