A Drive Down the Amalfi Coast

The Amalfi Coast Road stretches approximately 36km (22 miles) between Vietri sul Mare in the east to the mountains above Positano in the west. At a leisurely pace, the drive takes between two and a half to three hours.

Scenic Stops

While the heart of Positano is located well below SS163, one of the best viewpoints along the Amalfi Coast is just west of the town where you can enjoy the classic picture postcard of the pastel coloured houses that scale the cliff edge at the base of a valley with Praiano in the distance.

After a meandering drive through small villages and hillsides lined with lemon groves, watch for signs for the Emerald Grotto located between Conca dei Marini and Amalfi. Pull over and enjoy the beautiful cove with its sparkling water framed by a promontory with medieval watchtower. Weather permitting you can take the stairs or lift down to visit the Emerald Grotto as you break yor journey.

Continuing along the coast, the road dips down to meet the sea at the port town of Amalfi. Once a medieval maritime powerhouse rivalling Venice, Pisa and Genoa, the small town of Amalfi still shines from its illustrious past. Park the car to stretch your legs as you explore the beach and harbour of Amalfi where you can find charming restaurants if you are in need of some lunch. Don’t miss the stunning Cathedral of Amalfi located just a short walk from the road.

Just past Amalfi watch for the signs to Ravello as you leave the coastal road to make a detour. In case you were wondering the road can and indeed does get narrower, but hang on for the ride as the views from Ravello at the top make the memories of the arduous journey to reach it quickly fade away. Visit the gardens at the Villa Rufolo and Villa Cimbrone for views that will take your breath away.

Once back on SS 163, the road weaves through the charming seaside towns of Minori and Maiori on the way toward Vietri sul Mare. Before leaving the Amalfi Coast, stop off at Vietri sul Mare to discover the wonderful ceramics on display in the many small craft shop windows.

Driving Details
During the summer months, especially weekends and the entire month of August, expect to find the road crowded and the driving slower. You may also find yourself behind one of the many local buses or tourist coaches that regularly travel up and down the road, creating havoc when meeting the hair pin bends or indeed each other as there is not very much room for them to pass each other.
The best time to drive the Amalfi coastal road is in spring when the road bursts to life with vividly coloured bougainvillea and wisteria, or in late September/October when the Autumn colour start to cover the cliff sides.