Wish I could tell you that this is our cute Italian car that we enjoyed on our Amalfi Coast road trip in Italy. Â
It definitely would have been the perfect car to explore the windy coastal roads to some spectacular Amalfi Coast towns!
But no, this one belongs to one of the local residents, and after driving the Amalfi Coast ourselves on our Amalfi Coast holidays, we completely and totally understand why she chose the smallest, tiniest car possibly!!
As we landed at the Naples airports from our visit to Venice, we decided to hire a Fiat Qubo through Auto Europe car rentals for our drive from Naples to the Amalfi Coast.
Prior to this holiday, I remember watching YouTube videos of people driving around the narrow, zigzagging, cliff-hugging Amalfi Coast coastal roads.
I remember laughing with Jolene about the comments of drivers in the videos, being shocked at how the buses seemed to squeeze through spaces too small for them; seeing drivers fold in their car-mirrors as they narrow-miss each other by mere centimeters; and excitedly imagining myself behind the wheel!!
I couldn’t wait to get on those roads myself.
Typical street parking on the Amalfi Coast. Can you park like this?
Don’t be afraid to go on an Amalfi road trip down this memorable, amazing and oh so dramatic coastline.  See it as an adventure and a bit of a fun challenge.
Get a car, prepare a map, grab our Amalfi Coast road trip itinerary and experience this magical place for yourself.
It is truly incredible driving on these Amalfi Coast roads, looking out your window and being able to stop for a photo at whichever breathtaking view comes up around the various bends and corners.Â
There is something to be said about having the freedom of spending as much or as little time in each of the destinations instead of being ruled by a tour or bus company’s schedule!
Driving the Amalfi Coast |Â The Amalfi Coast Drive MapÂ
This was our planned Amalfi Coast map route for the day!  These are definitely  and we consider these to be the ‘must-see, worth stopping at’ Amalfi Coast towns to visit.
Amalfi Coast Towns to visit on an Amalfi Coast Drive
Plan out your driving Amalfi Coast trip with our list of top places to see in Amalfi Coast! We will share recommendations of the best Amalfi Coast attractions, together with handy hints as to where to stop and eat. Â
This itinerary can be completed in one day if you make an early start. Â You can also grab our detailed and thorough Amalfi Coast road trip itinerary PDFÂ which you can print out and have handy in the car.
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1. Positano
”Amalfi Coast Positano is our choice for a base during your road trip Amalfi Coast trip!”
It is one of the best towns to visit in Southern Italy!
It is absolutely amazing to turn the corner on the winding, hairpin bending Amalfi Coast coastal road and see the magnificent little town of Positano looming in front of you! It is one of our favourite places in the world to date!Â
View from the Positano pebble stone covered Spiaggia Grande.
If you would like to read more about this spectacular town, find, out what the top things to do in Positano are. Â
If you are wondering where to stay in Positano, read about our gorgeous and totally affordable stay at Villa Mary here.  You can check their Booking.com reviews here!
You can also find a lovely and easy guide on the top hotels in Positano that offer beautiful views here.
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Perfect Rental to Stay at in Positano
Villa Mary offers incredible patio views over Positano at only a fraction of the costs of the local hotels! Â Look them up!! Â They are brilliant hosts!
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2. Â Praiano
”Said to have the longest days and the most amazing sunsets.”
Praiano Amalfi Coast is located in between Positano and Amalfi Town, about 10 minutes drive from each other. Â
Alternatively, you can take a Sita bus down the SS163. Be aware that buses can get very crowded, especially in the busier times of the year. (You can buy the bus tickets at the local ‘Tabacchi’ store.)
Here at Praiano, the beach of Marina di Praia is neatly sheltered by high cliffs, carefully tucked away in a unique cove where you can feel a little bit secluded from the hustle and bustle of tourists.
View from the lookout point on the side of the winding Amalfi Coast road. (Photo Source – Eleonora Bellini)
This romantic little town at the open sea is ‘littered' with history, pastel coloured houses, shrines, and churches. Whilst it might not take you very long to explore, every bend and stairway will remind you as to why this specific coastline is so popular and world-known.
(Photo Source – Tom Willett)
Make sure to check out Praiano’s Church of Santa Maria a Castro, Church of San Luca Evangelista and Church of San Gennaro.Â
San Gennaro is known for its golden glow in contrast against the dark blue Mediterranean waters, so make sure you snap a photo here.
You can also find a great guide on the best hotels in Praiano that we recommend here.
(Photo Source – Mariano Mantel)
3. Â Borgo di FuroreÂ
‘The town that isn’t a town.' Furore, Fury in Italian, is a must-see.
Furore is located in between Praiano and Amalfi Town.
As it is pretty small and easy to miss on your Amalfi Coast drive wen you concentrate on the steep cliff edges, it advisable to slow down when you get close.Â
Take a walk down the 200 metre descend to this amazing beach and don’t forget to take the camera!!
You won’t find masses of tourists here, but only a handful of locals, occasional spear fishermen and a few scattered holiday rooms to rent.Â
The climb back up to the top is a little exhausting, but the effort is worth the unique opportunity to step foot on this amazing beach. It is definitely a ‘must-see’ destination on your road trip.
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4.  Amalfi Town
”The center of Amalfi Coast.”
The Amalfi town is located only a few minutes drive from Furore, right in the center of the Amalfi Coast. For those without a car, you can also hop on a Sita bus from Positano.
During the summer months, you can also get here via public water transport. Here the atmosphere surrounding you is totally relaxing and it happens to be one of the few places on this coastline where space opens up.
This town, dating back to the Roman time, is definitely a crowd pleaser. The masses of tourists spread over the beach, boats filled to the brim with new-comers and day-trippers pull in and out of the harbour.
Amalfi Town is clustered with white houses, mazed with alleyways crisscrossed throughout this medieval feeling town and scattered with watch towers overlooking the town squares.
The alleys in Amalfi are congested with tourists and locals are driving closely at your feet, so immerse yourself in the feel of this gorgeous town.
Don’t forget to try the local Limoncello, stop over at many of the local shops to purchase gifts and souvenirs for the family and don’t forget to cool down with an amazing gelato.
Apart from that, the Amalfi Town attractions include the impressive Paper Museum and the magnificent Duomo. Climb the 62 steps to the Cathedral towering over the main piazza, step inside and lose yourself for a moment or two between bronze statues, silver masonry and enjoy the beautiful Italian Baroque art.
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Favourite Amalfi Hotels to Base yourself in!
Hotel Aurora Amalfi - Book Now!
Hotel Residence Amalfi - Book Now!
Hotel Fontana Amalfi - Book Now!
You can also find our full list of Amalfi Town hotels here.
6. Â Atrani
‘The fishing village' Located just a few minutes from Amalfi town, you will find the fishing village of Atrani.
(Photo Source –Â Andrei Pavel)
This smallest town in the whole Southern Italy is yet another gorgeous place to stop and admire. The colourful houses clinging to the sides of the cliff and the steep flights of stairs only add to the beauty of Atrani.
White and pastel villas peacefully look out over the town center.
Balconies filled with flowers and the relaxing atmosphere found here definitely makes it a destination worthy to stop at and enjoy, if only for a while. Atrani is famous for its seafood, so do not hesitate to book a table and enjoy lunch at one of the lovely restaurants in this little town.
They say to try Involtini di Mozzarella in Foglia di Limone, which are simply delicious mozzarella rolls in lemon leaf, yumm!!
6. Â RavelloÂ
”Ravello Amalfi Coast is the Almafi Coast cliff-top town.”
Ravello, Amalfi Coast has picturesque views, amazing gardens, delicious home cooked food, classical music concerts, spectacular villas and many more.
With only a short trip from Atrani;Â 3 kilometers up a hill; you are high up at the top of the cliff looking at the amazing Amalfi Coast from almost a bird's eye view.
In the heart of Ravello, here at this magnificent white marble Duomo, we witnessed the beginning of a wedding, Amalfi Coast style.
What a gorgeous place for a special moment in life for the lucky couple. Â
Definitely, a place to visit on your Amalfi Coast holiday in Italy! Ravello is a slower paced town, where you can breathe a little after a busy day of road-tripping, strolling down the alleys and gardens.
There are many spectacular views and villas to visit here, but Villa Cimbrone has captured our hearts.
The amazing gardens and the enchanting statues at the Terrace of Infinity which is looking out over the Mediterranean waters will be forever engraved in our minds.
(Photo Source – The Well Travelled Man – Also known as Jolene's little brother)–
How to Get to Amalfi Coast by Plane
The main transportation hubs for the Amalfi Coast are Naples, Sorrento, and Salerno.
Unfortunately, there is no direct public transport between Naples and Positano which is why we personally recommend that you hire a car.
1. Catch a Plane to Naples
There are no flights to Amalfi Coast. You will need to catch an internal flight to Naples Airport. The flights are typically pretty frequent and usually affordable. The plane takes around 45 min and you can usually pick up a ticket for around €140.
You can organize your Alitalia domestic flight through Skyscanner.
To get from Naples airport to Amalfi Coast you have the option of either:
- Hire a Rental Car
- Organize a Private Transfer
- Catching a local bus or ferry (time consuming!)
2. Transfer from Naples to Amalfi Coast
Hire a Rental Car
For all our car hire bookings we use and recommend Expedia. We’ve found they offer the most comparable prices, let you search and compare multiple car hire companies and they have a great customer service team who can help if you come into any unexpected troubles.
You can probably grab a car rental for around €50 per day if you can make do with a smaller car.
Book your Direct Private Transfer
We love having our hotel transfers organised ahead of time! It simply means that our trip will run so much smoother!! For a transfer service that is always reliable and that offers exceptional service, we highly recommend Blacklane! Your transfer from Naples airport to Sorrento or the Amalfi Coast will cost you around €120-150.
Reasons why you will LOVE Blacklane:
- They offer complimentary wait time
- There are no hidden charges, their rates are all-inclusive and affordable
- Their drivers are professional
- Free cancellation up to 1 hour before your pickup!
Catch a Local Bus or Ferry
Alternatively if you have lots of time on your hands and you are a patient person, could you also make use of the local transport. There is no direct local transport from Naples to Amalfi Coast.
Therefore you will need to catch the Naples to Amalfi Coast train which will only take you as far as Sorrento. The train takes around 1 hour and a one way ticket will cost you €4.10.
From Sorrento to Amalfi you have a choice of either catching a bus from Sorrento to Amalfi or alternatively catching the local ferry (between April and October only).
Taking a Train from Rome to Amalfi Coast
The main transportation hubs for the Amalfi Coast are Naples, Sorrento, and Salerno.
Unfortunately, there is no direct public transport between Naples and Positano which is why we personally recommend that you hire a car.
1. Rome to Amalfi Coast Train
The cheapest option of getting to Naples is via train! The train takes around 1h 32min and will only cost you around €20-40. The trains run on very regular schedules. You can book your tickets through Rail Europe here.
From the train station you have the option of either:
- Hiring a Rental Car
- Organizing a Private Transfer
- Catching a local bus or ferry (time consuming!)
2. Transfer from Naples to Amalfi Coast
Hire a Rental Car
For all our car hire bookings we use and recommend Expedia. We’ve found they offer the most comparable prices, let you search and compare multiple car hire companies and they have a great customer service team who can help if you come into any unexpected troubles.
Book your Direct Private Transfer
We love having our hotel transfers organised ahead of time! It simply means that our trip will run so much smoother!! For a transfer service that is always reliable and that offers exceptional service, we highly recommend Blacklane! Your transfer from Naples airport to Sorrento or the Amalfi Coast will cost you around €120-150.
Reasons why you will LOVE Blacklane:
- They offer complimentary wait time
- There are no hidden charges, their rates are all-inclusive and affordable
- Their drivers are professional
- Free cancellation up to 1 hour before your pickup!
Catch a Local Bus or Ferry
Alternatively if you have lots of time on your hands and you are a patient person, could you also make use of the local transport. There is no direct local transport from Naples to Amalfi Coast.
Therefore you will need to catch the Naples to Amalfi Coast train which will only take you as far as Sorrento. The train takes around 1 hour and a one way ticket will cost you €4.10.
From Sorrento to Amalfi you have a choice of either catching one of the local buses or alternatively catching the local Sorrento to Amalfi ferry (between April and October only).
The Amalfi Coast drive is arguably the world's most stunning and thrilling road trip. In our opinion you simply can’t go to the Amalfi Coast and not drive on this scenic winding, bending and curving oceanic road!!
- For more information on this gorgeous area of Italy, visit this awesome website.
- For more of our stories about our trip to Italy, visit our page here.
- Four our list of recommended luxurious accommodation options for your trip to Italy, click here.
After more Amalfi Coast Inspiration:
Which Town should you stay in?
Guide to Best Beaches in Positano, Amalfi Coast
Where to next?
Prepare yourself for your trip to Italy by reading up on all the things you should know!
Use our list of popular Italy Accommodation choices to help you plan your trip!
Over to you:
- Which Amalfi Coast town is your favourite?
- Did you grab the printable Amalfi Coast itinerary?
- Do you have an Amalfi Coast holiday written down on your bucket list?
Visit 6 spectacular Amalfi Coast towns on an Amalfi Coast drive. Grab a printable Amalfi Coast Itinerary and plan out your car hire or tour!
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This looks like a beautiful trip! I love the cute little cars. I don’t know how to drive so I couldn’t make the drive myself. But I hope to visit the Amalfi Coast someday and see the adorable little houses and the crystal-clear water!
Well, lucky there are plenty of local buses to take or tours to go on! 🙂
I really HAVE to get back to Italy. Other than Venice I haven’t seen the ocean in Italy and I’ve been twice. I always get a serious case of wanderlust when I look at and read about gorgeous towns like these. I’d love the rent a car and do this drive for sure!
Hi Paige, Italy always calls me too!! Can’t wait to go back and explore more of the beautiful country! We have done a fair bit of road tripping through Italy and really feel like it gave us a different perspective compared to just flying from one point to the other! Hope you get to return one day soon!
Loved the absolutely gorgeous landscape of the Amalfi coast! Not only does the drive seems fun, but the activities and the places make me wanna go there! I would want to try fishing. Good to know that public transport is available!
Yes, the public transport is great! We did use it a bit as well – the buses can get super crowded though! Amazing how many people they can squeeze in their small buses!
Amalfi Coast is absolutely gorgeous! It took you through so many interesting sites and cute little towns like Positano! Great tips on hiring a small car as the roads are quite narrow!
Hi Cat! Yes, I think every curve and bend in the road at Amalfi Coast has some sort of stunning gift for a traveler! Love it 🙂