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The Amalfi Coast, just a about an hours drive from Naples, is a dreamlike stretch of Italian coastline where cliffs plunge into turquoise waters, lemon groves perfume the air, and pastel-colored villages cling to the mountainside. Driving along the winding roads of the Amalfi Coast is an adventure in itself—narrow lanes carved into the cliffs, hairpin turns with jaw-dropping views, and the occasional scooter whizzing past. But the reward? Some of the most beautiful towns in Italy, each with its own charm and attractions. Here are my tips to the best Amalfi coast road trip.
Renting a Car & Driving to the Amalfi Coast
If you’re flying into Italy, the easiest places to rent a car are Naples or Rome. Naples is closer (about an hour’s drive), while Rome is roughly 3.5 hours away. I picked up my rental at Naples International Airport—just be prepared for Naples’ chaotic traffic!
The drive from Naples to the Amalfi Coast takes you along the A3 highway, passing Mount Vesuvius before reaching Sorrento, where the famous SS163 (Amalfi Drive) begins. This coastal road is narrow and winding, so drive cautiously—especially in summer when traffic is heavy.
How much will it Cost?
I highly recommend renting a small Fiat, because in Italy, you just have to drive a Fiat, and also because its small and agile enough for the narrow coastal road. Renting a Fiat for a week in Italy will cost around EUR 250 to 500 depending on the season. High season is from May to September.
Here’s a sample budget for a week on an Amalfi coast road trip for 2 people staying in the more cheaper accommodations. There are plenty of high end hotels available also.
| Expense | Cost (2 people) |
|---|---|
| Car rental | €400 |
| Accommodation | €500–€700 |
| Food & drinks | €350–€500 |
| Activities | €100–€150 |
| Parking/gas | €50–€100 |
| Total | €1,200–€1,500 |
1. Positano
Positano is the Amalfi Coast’s most photographed town—and for good reason. Its cascading pastel houses, draped in bougainvillea, seem to tumble down the cliffside toward the sea. Walking its steep, narrow streets feels like stepping into a romantic film.
Top Attractions & Experiences:
- Spiaggia Grande – The main beach, lined with colorful umbrellas and lively beach clubs. Perfect for swimming and sunset aperitivos.
- Church of Santa Maria Assunta – Famous for its striking majolica-tiled dome and the legendary Black Madonna icon.
- Path of the Gods (Sentiero degli Dei) – A breathtaking hiking trail with panoramic coastal views (starts nearby in Bomerano).
- Boutique Shopping – Positano is known for its handmade sandals (visit Safari or La Bottega di Brunella) and limoncello.
2. Amalfi
My Amalfi coast road trip continued to the stunning town of Amalfi. After the glamour of Positano, Amalfi feels refreshingly real. This was once one of Italy’s great maritime powers, and you can still sense that proud history in the grand cathedral steps and the bustling piazza. I spent hours getting lost in the maze of alleyways behind the main drag, where laundry fluttered between buildings and old men played cards in shady corners.
Top Attractions & Experiences:
- Duomo di Amalfi (St. Andrew’s Cathedral) – A masterpiece of Arab-Norman architecture with a dramatic staircase and a stunning Cloister of Paradise.
- Paper Museum (Museo della Carta) – Amalfi was famous for its handmade paper—this museum showcases the centuries-old craft.
- Emerald Grotto (Grotta dello Smeraldo) – A mesmerizing sea cave with glowing emerald waters (accessible by boat or elevator).
- Lemoncello Tasting – Sample the region’s famous lemon liqueur at local shops like Antichi Sapori d’Amalfi.
3. Ravello
The road to Ravello climbs and climbs until suddenly you’re above the coastal chaos, breathing in the scent of roses and listening to birdsong instead of scooter engines. This is where Gore Vidal lived, where Wagner found inspiration, where modern visitors come to catch their breath.
Villa Rufolo’s gardens were in full bloom when I visited, tumbling down the cliffs in explosions of color. But it was Villa Cimbrone’s Terrace of Infinity that stole my heart – standing at that stone balustrade with the endless blue stretching to the horizon, I understood why they call it the most beautiful view in the world. As the sun set, a string quartet began playing in the gardens, and I thought: if there’s a more perfect moment than this, I haven’t found it yet.
Top Attractions & Experiences:
- Villa Rufolo – A medieval villa with tropical gardens and the inspiration for Wagner’s opera Parsifal. Hosts the famous Ravello Festival (summer concerts).
- Villa Cimbrone – Its Terrace of Infinity is one of Italy’s most romantic viewpoints, with a sheer drop to the sea below.
- Duomo di Ravello – A quiet, beautiful cathedral with an impressive 12th-century pulpit.
- Ceramics Shopping – Ravello’s artisan workshops sell exquisite hand-painted ceramics.
4. Praiano
Praiano—a quiet fishing village where the real Amalfi Coast reveals itself. With its pastel houses clinging to cliffs, hidden sea coves, and some of the most breathtaking sunsets in Italy, Praiano offers all the beauty of its famous neighbors without the crowds.
The town sits perfectly between Positano and Amalfi, making it an ideal base for exploring the coast—yet it remains blissfully untouched by mass tourism. Unlike the bustling streets of nearby towns, Praiano’s alleyways are quiet, its beaches uncrowded, and its pace refreshingly slow.
Top Attractions & Experiences:
- Marina di Praia – A secluded pebble beach nestled between cliffs, with excellent seafood restaurants.
- Church of San Gennaro – A baroque gem with a colorful majolica floor.
- Sentiero degli Dei (Path of the Gods) – Praiano is a great starting point for this legendary hike.
- Local Trattorias – Try Da Armandino for fresh seafood pasta.
5. Maiori
With its rare stretch of sandy beach and wide waterfront promenade, this is where Italian families come to vacation. Here you can see kids building sandcastles while grandparents play cards at beachfront cafes. The pace here is gloriously slow.
I spent a lazy afternoon exploring the ruins of the medieval castle above town, then treated myself to a long lunch at a seaside trattoria where the waiter insisted I try their famous lemon risotto. As I lingered over dessert, watching fishing boats come and go, I understood why some visitors never make it past Maiori – this is the Amalfi Coast at its most relaxed and welcoming.
Top Attractions & Experiences:
- Spiaggia di Maiori – A wide, sandy beach with calm waters.
- Castello di San Nicola de Thoro-Plano – A medieval fortress with panoramic views.
- Santa Maria a Mare Basilica – A striking church with a Byzantine-style Madonna.
- Lemon Groves – Visit Giardini di Cataldo for limoncello tasting.
6. Minori
Tucked between the dramatic cliffs of Italy’s Amalfi Coast, Minori often gets overshadowed by its glamorous neighbors like Positano and Amalfi. But those who take the time to explore this unassuming seaside town are rewarded with an authentic slice of Italian life—where the scent of lemon groves mingles with freshly baked pastries, and the pace slows to the rhythm of lapping waves.
Minori may be small, but its culinary reputation is mighty. Nicknamed “La Città del Gusto” (The City of Taste), this is where the Amalfi Coast’s food traditions run deepest. The reason? Fertile valleys bursting with lemon trees and a long history of pasta-making that dates back to Roman times.
Top Attractions & Experiences:
- Roman Villa – Ancient ruins with well-preserved frescoes.
- Sal De Riso – A legendary pastry shop known for its lemon delight cake.
- Pasta Making Classes – Learn to make traditional scialatielli (local pasta).
7. Vietri sul Mare
My journey ended where many begin – in Vietri sul Mare, the colorful gateway to the Amalfi Coast. Known for its dazzling ceramics, the town feels like an open-air gallery with hand-painted tiles decorating everything from street signs to church domes.
I spent my final morning at the Solimene ceramic workshop, watching artisans transform lumps of clay into works of art with quick, confident strokes. Afterwards, I sat on the pebbly beach with a cappuccino, watching the sunlight dance on the water and thinking about all the beauty I’d seen along this incredible coast.
Vietri’s cheerful ceramics made the perfect souvenirs – little pieces of the Amalfi Coast’s soul to take home. As I drove away, I knew exactly why this stretch of coastline has bewitched travelers for centuries. It’s not just the stunning views or the perfect light – it’s the way each town reveals a different facet of Italy’s heart, if you’re willing to slow down and look.
Top Attractions & Experiences:
- Ceramica Artistica Solimene – A stunning ceramics workshop in a spiral-shaped building.
- Vietri’s Beach – A quieter spot to relax before heading further along the coast.
- Colorful Streets – The town’s walls and staircases are adorned with ceramic art.
Final thoughts
Each town on the Amalfi Coast has its own magic—whether it’s Positano’s glamour, Ravello’s elegance, or Minori’s culinary delights. The best way to experience them? A leisurely Amalfi coast road trip, stopping wherever the view (or a plate of pasta) calls to you.
