Amalfi Coast Road Trip in Italy: Best 3 Days Amalfi Coast Itinerary
Planning your Amalfi Coast road trip itinerary? Great, you’ll love this article!
It’s actually mostly driven on a peninsula and the route connects some of the most famous villages and small towns in Italy, including the ruins of Pompeii and the glamorous beaches of Positano. In this 3 days Amalfi Coast itinerary you’ll get to experience the highlights along it.
I’ve always had a love affair with Italy. There’s something about the people, the passion, and the food which calls to my soul. So, when given the opportunity to explore the Amalfi Coast by motorcycle, I jumped at the chance despite being a little intimidated by tales of the crazy Italian drivers – this surely is the best way to travel the Amalfi Coast
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Driving the Amalfi Coast in Italy
An Italian Coast road trip is one of those once-in-a-lifetime experiences. Although you could spend a lot longer than just three days on the Amalfi coast, it does give you a decent flavour of what’s on offer, plus it makes for a great long-weekend trip.
Here’s what our Naples to Amalfi Coast road trip covered.
Amalfi Coast 3 Day Itinerary Highlights
- Naples/Napoli
- Pompeii
- Herculaneum
- Sorrento
- Nerano
- Positano
- Amalfi
- Ravello
- Salerno
What Is Amalfi Drive?
The Amalfi Drive, or Amalfi Coast Road, is a stunning 50-kilometre coastal route in southern Italy. It winds along the picturesque Amalfi Coast, offering breathtaking views of the Mediterranean Sea, charming towns like Amalfi and Positano, and dramatic cliffs.
The Amalfi Coast Drive is a renowned tourist attraction, drawing adventurers and travellers from around the world.
How Long Is the Amalfi Coast Drive?
The Amalfi Coast Drive is one of the best Italian road trips, spanning 50 kilometres along the stunning Amalfi Coast.
The best way to travel the Amalfi Coast is to start north from Sorrento and head south to Salerno.
Travel by car or bus to fully appreciate the scenic views and charming towns along the way.
Planning Your Amalfi Coast Road Trip – Know Before You Go
To make the most of your Amalfi Coast 3 days trip, there are several things you should organize before you arrive at the Amalfi Coast. This section covers all the things you should know before you go.
Getting to the Amalfi Coast
The first thing is getting there. The Amalfi coast is easily reached from Naples International Airport (NAP), which joins routes to most major hubs around the world.
From here, it’s about an hour’s drive to the coast (although you might want to stay in the city for a night and enjoy some of the most famous pizzas in the world!)
Where to stay in Napoli
Hotel Europeo Napoli is situated in the heart of the city, near Piazza Garibaldi and the central train station, providing convenient access for your road trip to the Amalfi Coast.
The hotel offers comfortable rooms at a reasonable price and is well-connected to public transportation options.
Getting Around the Amalfi Coast
Next is your vehicle. How do you want to do this Amalfi Road trip?
If you’re renting a vehicle, you’ll be spoilt for choice; there are luxury sports cars, family saloons, and classic cars available for hire. Why not rent a soft-top convertible and feel like Brigitte Bardot (or Bridget Jones!)
If you fancy being even more adventurous, do what we did and go motorcycling in Italy; there’s something about feeling the wind in your hair and smelling that incredible ocean breeze through a helmet that makes the whole trip feel more like an adventure.
If a motorcycle is too much or you don’t have the correct license, you can hire a scooter and feel like a true Italian as you zip around on your Vespa!
Do You Need a Guide?
It’s perfectly easy to explore the Amalfi coast without a guide, although plenty of tours do go there, you’ll have a lot more freedom with your own vehicle and a good map. Plus, you can linger over a glass of limoncello or go back for another dolce.
Guided Tours of the Amalfi Coast
Enjoy this 3 Day Amalfi Coast driving tour from Rome to Naples, Pompeii, and the stunning Amalfi Coast itself.
Explore Naples’ charm with a guided tour, then discover the well-preserved ruins of Pompeii. Lastly, experience the beauty of the Amalfi Coast with its picturesque towns and azure waters.
Enjoy the comfortable transportation of the Amalfi Coast by car, knowledgeable guides, and a delicious lunch in Pompeii. Hotel pick-up is available from Rome city centre.
Two nights of accommodation in Amalfi are included.
It’s worth noting, that if you’re staying somewhere other than Rome, then you’ll need to arrange your own transport to the meeting point.
Where to Stay Along the Amalfi Coast
The last thing to do is to plan your accommodation. This is an incredibly popular stretch of coastline and can get very busy, especially in the high season of July and August.
If you’re planning on travelling to the south of Italy during that time, or one of the many festivals in the area, make sure you plan well in advance and book up hotels or B & Bs to stay in during your trip.
Amalfi Coast Map
Our Amalfi Coast itinerary started in Napoli and ended in Salerno. There are various routes that you can take, but this one worked best for us. You could always do this Amalfi Coast route in reverse.
Click to download the Amalfi Coast road trip map
Tips for Driving the Amalfi Coast Road
When driving the Amalfi Coast road, consider visiting during the shoulder seasons of spring (April to June) or autumn (September to October) to avoid heavy traffic.
Expect moderately challenging driving conditions. This is down to its narrow lanes, hairpin turns, and steep cliffs. Ensure you have proper car insurance coverage and consider renting a small vehicle for easier navigation.
Plan parking in advance, as it can be limited. Take your time, drive cautiously, and be courteous to local drivers. Utilise viewpoints and pull-off areas for photos and to allow other vehicles to pass.
3 Days Amalfi Coast Itinerary
A common question everyone asks when planning to drive the Amalfi Coast is how long does it take. Well, in all honesty, as long as you like.
The entire route on the peninsula is only 43 miles long, although you’re not going very fast because the road apparently has 1001 turns in it! I’ll be honest, I didn’t count all of the Amalfi coasts’ bends, but I do promise you’ll be stopping regularly to take photos, which will slow you down considerably.
Here’s what our 3 day itinerary for Amalfi Coast looked like:
3 Days Amalfi Coast – Day 1
Start your trip by taking a day to explore the ruins of both Pompeii and Herculaneum before you head down to the Amalfi coast. Carry on south to Sorrento and stay the night near the Bay of Naples.
Pompeii and Herculaneum
Pompeii is jaw-dropping with its sheer size and the different areas of the city still so easy to see, but Herculaneum is incredibly well preserved and you can really get a sense of the people who lived there and their heart-breaking end.
Although you don’t need a guide for the Amalfi coast trip, I highly recommend paying to either join a tour or getting a private guide for both Pompeii and Herculaneum (there are almost always some available in Pompeii; Herculaneum has fewer to choose from.)
The knowledge that these guides have, and the things they will point out that you otherwise wouldn’t have noticed, will lend a much greater depth to your visit and understanding of what you’re seeing.
It’s also worth paying for a fast-track entrance ticket as the queues to get into Pompeii can be huge. Make sure you turn up early too- the best time to visit is definitely first thing in the morning before the huge crowds from tour buses arrive.
Sorrento
After your visits to Pompeii and Herculaneum, head south to Sorrento and stay the night ideally somewhere with a sea view; the views across the Bay of Naples are stunning and you’ll see some of the best sunsets in the world if the weather gods are kind.
Sorrento is famous for its lemons and the colourful houses and hotels built onto the cliffs overlooking the sea. It’s apparently the birthplace of limoncello- be sure to enjoy a glass or two if you stay overnight.
You can also see the island of Capri from here- this is well worth a day trip to see the ruins and villas of the rich and famous. If you get time, add it to your Amalfi Coast itinerary- you won’t be disappointed.
3 Days Amalfi Coast – Day 2*
*Unless you’re extending the trip to a 4 day itinerary and visiting Capri!
Start the day driving around the peninsula along the meandering coastal road to Nerano. After, head on to Positano and if you have time do the hike to the Path of the Gods. Continue onto Amalfi and take a dip in the inviting sea.
Nerano
Start your Amalfi Coast roadtrip ‘proper’ by leaving Sorrento and driving around the peninsula anti-clockwise. If you’ve chosen a small car, motorbike or bicycle, you can take the really small coastal road all the way down to Nerano, where there’s a nice taverna on the small seafront.
Alternatively, if you’re not confident on very small, steep roads, stay on the main SS145 route and head around to Positano.
Positano
Positano is often referred to as ‘the jewel of the Amalfi peninsula’ and I’ll agree that it’s beautiful and very glamorous. However, it’s TINY- much smaller than we anticipated. I think we walked almost every main street within an hour or two.
There’s a famous hike near here called Path of the Gods. We didn’t hike it (can’t think of anything worse than hiking in motorcycle gear) but if you’re more suitably attired the views are supposed to be incredible.
There are several hotels in the area if you’d like to stay the night, but you’ll find more choices if you continue to Amalfi.
Amalfi
Amalfi is a much bigger town (and flatter to walk too!) than Positano, and there are plenty of places to sleep and eat, many with incredible sea views.
In the summer, you’ll find boats in the harbour offering tours out to sea- it’s a wonderful way to relax and enjoy the incredible scenery- some even allow you to swim and snorkel from the boat.
3 Days Amalfi Coast – Day 3
Your road trip continues down to Ravello which is one of the most photogenic towns along the route. Finish your drive at Salerno with a mix of quaint old town and castle views from the clifftop.
Ravello
Continue your trip to Ravello, another stylish town. The gardens here are where the ‘famous’ viewpoint of the Amalfi coast is and I’ll agree, it’s hard to take a bad photo from here.
Ravello is famous for its music festival (the second oldest in Italy); be careful if you’re visiting the area then as prices skyrocket and it can be hard to find availability.
Don’t miss visiting Villa Rufolo and Palazzo Cimbrione- the Arabic influences are clear to see. You can do both of these within a few hours unless you want to really relax and take your time. Also don’t miss one of the best lookout points on the route: the lighthouse Capo d’Orso.
Salerno
Finish off your Amalfi Drive with a visit to Salerno. This was possibly one of my favourite towns on the whole trip. It’s got a little bit of everything. Don’t miss walking up to the Castello di Arechi, the castle built on top of the cliff. The views from up there showcase the entire bay and are some of the best in the area.
Finish your trip with a well-earned dinner on the seafront; it’s a brilliant place for people-watching.
Final Thoughts on the Amalfi Coast Roadtrip
I’m always a little apprehensive about going somewhere which has been on my Italy bucket list for a long time. What if it doesn’t live up to the hype? Turns out, I didn’t have anything to worry about.
The Amalfi coast is A.M.A.Z.I.N.G. It’s hard to describe the breathtaking views or the wonder as you approach every corner (all 1001 of them) and the way the sun sparkles off the ocean.
You keep expecting it to stop, or the best to have already been seen, but it just keeps getting better. And better.
Sure, some of the roads are terrifyingly steep and tiny, and sure, the Italian drivers are a little bit crazy, but if you take your time, drive defensively, and allow them to overtake, you’ll be absolutely fine.
It really is one of the most incredible stretches of coastline we’ve ever explored, and certainly worthy of adding to your Italy bucket list. I can’t wait to go back one day and do it again!
Amalfi Coast Road Trip – FAQs
We’ve gone into a lot of detail about planning your roadtrip of Amalfi Coast as well as what to expect. Here are other useful travel tips and answers to questions about planning your trip.
How Long Does It Take to Drive the Amalfi Coast?
Driving can take approximately 2 to 3 hours, but you can consider dedicating a long weekend at the Amalfi Coast to fully enjoy the scenic route and make stops at the charming Amalfi Coasts Roads.
Is It Worth Driving the Amalfi Coast?
Driving the Amalfi Coast is absolutely worth it. It features stunning coastal views, picturesque towns, and a charming atmosphere making it a memorable experience.
While the narrow roads can be challenging, the flexibility and freedom of driving allow you to fully appreciate the beauty of this iconic Italian coastline.
When Is the Best Time to Drive the Amalfi Coast?
The best time to drive the Amalfi Coast is in springtime. Driving the Amalfi Coast in April is when the weather is mild and the crowds are fewer than in the peak summer months. This allows for a more enjoyable and less congested experience, while still being able to soak in the beauty of the coastline.
When Is the Best Time of Day to Drive the Amalfi Coast?
The best time of day to drive the Amalfi Coast is early morning when the roads are less congested, allowing for a smoother and more enjoyable experience.
The soft morning light enhances the scenic beauty of the coastline, creating a memorable driving journey.
How Many Days Should I Spend on the Amalfi Coast?
It can be tough to work out how many days in Amalfi Coast are ideal. We suggest spending a minimum of a couple of days on the Amalfi Coast to fully enjoy its beauty.
This article provides a three-day itinerary, but if you have more time, consider extending your stay. If you plan to have a longer stay, check out this 5 Day Amalfi Coast Itinerary.
What to Do in Amalfi Coast in 3 Days?
During a three-day visit to the Amalfi Coast, you can relax on beautiful beaches, wander through scenic streets, visit historic sites, enjoy local cuisine, and take in the stunning coastal views from hiking trails or boat tours.
How Hard Is It to Drive the Amalfi Coast?
Driving the Amalfi Coast can be challenging due to narrow and winding roads, steep cliffs, and heavy traffic in peak seasons. It requires good driving skills, patience, and focus.
However, the stunning scenery and flexibility of driving make it a rewarding experience for those comfortable with navigating challenging road conditions.
Can You Do Tuscany and Amalfi Coast Together?
Yes, it is possible to visit both Tuscany and the Amalfi Coast on the same trip. They are located in different regions of Italy but can be easily connected by train or car.
What’s a Good Itinerary for Visiting the Amalfi Coast?
A good itinerary for visiting the Amalfi Coast could include starting in Sorrento, exploring Positano and Amalfi, visiting Ravello, and enjoying the scenic beauty of the coastline.
Planning on Driving the Amalfi Coast, Italy?
Driving the Amalfi Coast, Italy was an outstanding trip and filled with memories to last a lifetime.
Whether you’re planning on 3 days Amalfi Coast road trip, or you have longer to explore more of the region, I guarantee you’re going to love it.
Thank you to Kathryn Bird from Biker Girl Lifefor contributing parts of this article.
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