Why this road
There is only one road along this coast, so the question is not which road but how to drive it well. Every few hundred metres the view changes: pastel villages stacked on the rock, lemon terraces, watchtowers and the sea straight below the wall. The finish in Ravello, on a terrace high above Amalfi, gives you the calm the coast road does not.
The route
- ASorrento
Leave town towards Positano. The road climbs over the ridge of the peninsula and the Gulf of Salerno appears on the other side.
- 1Positano
The road loops around the town high above the beach. Parking is scarce and expensive, so decide early whether you stop here or at Amalfi.
- 2Praiano
Quieter than its neighbours, with the road running through the village. Good views back to Positano.
- 3Fiordo di Furore
The road crosses a narrow gorge on a bridge, with a tiny beach and fishermen's houses far below. Easy to miss, slow down.
- 4Amalfi
The old maritime republic. The cathedral steps rise straight from the piazza, a few minutes' walk from the harbour car parks.
- BRavello
A short climb on hairpins above Atrani. Park at the entrance and walk to the gardens of Villa Rufolo and Villa Cimbrone.
Stops worth it
Walk down to the beach and back up through the alleys. Plan at least 45 minutes, more if you want a swim.
Cathedral, piazza and a lemon granita. If you start early, you get a parking space before the day trippers arrive.
The Terrace of Infinity at Villa Cimbrone looks straight down the coast. The gardens charge entry, check opening times.
Light and the best time
The coast faces south and you drive east, so the sea is on your right all the way. In the morning the sun is low in front of you: the water sparkles, but the villages ahead are partly backlit. Positano looks best in the afternoon, when the western sun lights the houses, so if you can, look back at it on the return trip. Start early anyway: traffic beats light here.
April to June and September to October are best: warm, green and far less traffic than in summer. In July and August the road is often jammed from late morning to evening, and parking is close to impossible. The road is open all year, but in winter many hotels and restaurants close.
By vehicle
The classic way to do it: easy to park and you slip past the queues. Ride carefully, buses take up the whole road in the bends.
Fantastic bends, but the traffic decides your pace. Early morning on a weekday is the only time you can really ride it.
Roof down and the sea below you, it is the dream. Small cars are much easier here, and you will want sun protection.
Choose the smallest car you can. The road is narrow, buses honk before blind bends, and sometimes you have to reverse to let them by.
Good to know
No toll. In recent summers the SS163 has had periods with an odd/even number plate rule for non-resident cars, check the current rules before you go. Large campers and caravans are not a good idea on this road. Parking in Positano, Amalfi and Ravello is limited and pricey. Fuel up in Sorrento or Amalfi. Many people leave the car and take the bus or ferry between towns.
Route checked against OpenStreetMap on 2 November 2026. Roads, closures and rules change: always check before you go and follow local signs.
Questions
How long does the drive from Sorrento to Ravello take?
About 1 hour of driving without stops, but in summer traffic it can easily take twice as long. With stops in Positano, Amalfi and Ravello, plan a full day.
Is the Amalfi Coast road dangerous?
It is narrow and busy rather than dangerous. Drive slowly, use your horn before blind bends like the locals do, and let buses pass.
Can I drive the Amalfi Coast in summer?
You can, but expect queues and very little parking. If you go in July or August, start at sunrise or use buses and ferries.
Are there driving restrictions on the Amalfi Coast?
In recent summers there was an alternate number plate rule for non-resident cars on busy days and limits for large vehicles. Check the current rules before you travel.