Taking a road trip along one of Italy’s most exciting roads is certainly on quite a few bucket lists: The Amalfitana, officially called Strada Statale 163 Amalfitana (SS 163), winds along the Amalfi Coast. It stretches from Sorrento past such famous places as Positano, Minori, Amalfi and Maiori. Only 50 kilometers long, this short route is a real adventure and is absolute breathtaking in so many ways! With a few tips, however, a road trip along the Amalfi Coast with your own car or a rental car will be an unforgettable experience!
The Amalfi coast is an amazing experience and you should definitely plan one or more nights in the area! But be aware that the Amalfi coast is one of the most expensive vacation spots in Italy and especially in summer, a lot of places book out quickly! It’s highly recommended to book early to get the best options.
The Amalfitana is always on the list when it comes to beautiful car routes in Italy. This is no surprise, since it is an absolute masterpiece of modern road construction. The fact it has been even built at all is stunning: At the Amalfi Coast, massive rocks plunge almost vertically into the sea and sometimes tunnels had to be carved into the rock for the highway.
Driving the Amalfi Coast is truly spectacular: For fifty kilometers there is almost not one straight stretch! It’s a challenging drive, but absolutely worth it!
Avoid high season! The Amalfi Coast is one of the most popular vacation regions in Italy. In summer, it gets really crowded! That just causes extra stress and it’s less fun to drive.
Choose the right direction: A drive is only truly fun from Sorrento towards Salerno. That way you’ll always have the sea on the right side and can enjoy the phenomenal view.
Use the parking bays: There are always small parking bays along the Amalfitana, where you can stop briefly for photos or a short break. Stop as soon as you see a free spot. There is not always a free parking space, so it’s a question of good luck. Waiting on the side of the road is not an option, because of the narrow lane and the other traffic.
Hydrate and eat lemon candy. How good, however, that the Amalfi Coast is known for its particularly aromatic lemons and the Amalfitana is peppered with small stalls from local vendors. On the roadside, you can buy lemons and all kinds of products like lemon candies. Just scratch the peel of a lemon and smelled it, or enjoy a lemon candy, and your queasy stomach will be calmed: Lemons are an old household remedy against travel sickness!
As you drive through Positano and the town of Amalfi you will sometimes be a little scared. Many meetings with other cars are made with such a small margin that they require crawling speed with the side mirrors retracted. However, it usually goes well, and you will be able to continue moving forward. Beautiful? Yes. Chaotic? Absolutely.
source: https://thehappyjetlagger.com/en/amalfi-coast-road-trip/
image source: https://www.granturismoevents.com/laguida-ss163-amalfi-drive-a-road-in-campania-italy/
Edited by Olivia