Driving the Amalfi Coast

The SS163 Amalfitana is the most iconic coastal drive in the world — and also the most stressful. Here's how to do it right.

Full Route: Sorrento to Salerno

Iconic
50 kmDistance
2–3 hoursDuration
Apr–Jun, Sep–OctBest season

The complete Amalfi Coast road from Meta/Sorrento to Vietri sul Mare/Salerno. 50 km of hairpins, tunnels, and sheer drops — with views that justify every white-knuckle moment. The eastern direction (Sorrento to Salerno) keeps you on the sea side.

The Highlight Section: Positano to Amalfi

Must-Do
18 kmDistance
40–60 minDuration
Apr–JunBest season

The most dramatic stretch — the road descends into Positano from above (that view), then winds past Praiano, the Fiordo di Furore, and into Amalfi. If you only drive one section, make it this one.

Ravello Detour (SP1)

Must-Do
7 km side tripDistance
20 min each wayDuration
Year-roundBest season

Turn off the SS163 at Atrani and climb 365m to Ravello — the "city of music" perched above the coast. Villa Rufolo's gardens have the most famous view on the entire coast. Worth every hairpin.

Extension: Vietri to Paestum via SP2

Hidden Gem
40 kmDistance
1 hourDuration
Year-roundBest season

Continue past the tourist zone into the Cilento coast — quieter beaches, buffalo mozzarella farms, and the incredible Greek temples at Paestum. This is where the Amalfi Coast tourists don't go.

💡 Pro tip: Park in Amalfi (Luna Rossa garage, €5/hour) or Positano (paid lots on the upper road, €6–8/hour) and walk. Parking in the villages themselves is virtually impossible in summer.
⚠️ Heads up: July–August traffic turns the drive into a 4-hour crawl. Buses and scooters squeeze past on blind corners. Seriously consider taking the SITA bus or a ferry instead during peak season.
⚠️ Heads up: The road is closed to non-resident vehicles on some days in peak summer. Check amalficoast.com for current restrictions.

Our advice

Drive in April, May, or October — the road is quiet, the light is golden, and you can actually enjoy it. In summer, take the boat.

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