TASTE OF AMALFI COAST

HOW TO EXPLORE POSITANO, AMALFI, RAVELLO

​Tips and Transportation Options​

Contrary to popular belief, renting a car is not the best way to explore the stunning Sorrento and Amalfi Coast, widely regarded as one of the world's most beautiful destinations. Car rental and parking costs can be exorbitant, and the region's narrow, winding roads are often congested. If your aim is to fully experience these breathtaking coastlines, capturing remarkable moments through photography, exploring off-the-beaten-path locations, and maximizing your time, there are alternative options available. So, don't worry, there are other options available that will still enable you to fully enjoy and explore the wonders of this remarkable region without the need for a car.

Exploring the Amalfi Coast without renting a car

If you haven't rented a car, you can stay in Sorrento and visit Positano, Amalfi, and Ravello by day ferries or buses that can be infrequent and time-consuming. Sorrento is a bustling town year-round and larger than Positano and Amalfi, offering more accommodation options. Additionally, prices are generally more affordable.
There are three ways to reach Sorrento from Naples: By Road: You can take the buses departing from the airport to Sorrento. The one-way fare is 5 Euros per person, but it operates only at specific times. It's advisable to purchase your tickets in advance, especially during the summer season. (https://www.curreriviaggi.it/en/) Due to heavy traffic and narrow, two-way coastal roads in Sorrento, you should allow for a minimum of 1.5 hours for the journey. If you plan to drive during morning or evening hours in the summer months, you should allow for at least 3 hours. The least congested hours are before 9 AM, during the lunch break (between 2 PM and 4 PM), and after 9 PM. Traffic is usually heavy during other hours. If you have rented a car, the toll fee for the highway passage is 2 Euros.
By Sea: From Naples Port, Molo Beverello, there are ferries operated by various companies departing for Sorrento at different times. Please note that if you choose to walk to your hotel after arriving at Sorrento's harbor, be prepared for an uphill walk. From Naples Airport, there are shuttle services called "Alibus" available to the port. During the summer months, there can be long queues as there are no other public transportation options from the airport to the city.
By Train: You can take the Circumvesuviana train from Naples central station and get off at a station close to Sorrento city center. Please note that the train stops at several stations along the way, including Pompeii, so it may not be a fast and comfortable journey. The travel time can be similar to the road option. The train only goes as far as Sorrento, so to visit Positano and Amalfi, you will need to use a ferry, boat, or bus. You can also stop at Pompeii, store your luggage in the paid lockers at the station, visit Pompeii, and continue your journey.

Shuttle Bus Schedule

Exploring the Amalfi Coast by Renting a Car

SORRENTO
When you depart from Naples by road, you can take the highway exit towards Sorrento from Castellammare. (If you don't take this exit and continue for about 15 minutes and instead take the exit for Vietri del Mare, you will reach the end of the Amalfi Coast. The road from Vietri del Mare village to Amalfi is more challenging and longer. In this regard, it is easier to go from Sorrento to Amalfi.) Traffic usually gets congested before reaching the Castellammare exit and continues all the way to Sorrento. Especially from June to September, it can take hours to drive this road during certain times. The least congested hours are before 9:30 AM, between 2 PM and 4 PM, and after 8 PM. If you want to reach Sorrento faster after the Castellammare exit, you can take a newly opened tunnel that is about 5 km long. Avoid this tunnel if there is heavy traffic. The old road passing through the town of Vico Equense can be more interesting due to its scenic views, even if the traffic is congested. When you arrive in Sorrento, you can park your car in one of the garages listed below. Afterwards, you will need to explore the area on foot. Garage Tasso (Close to the main square) Garage Ulysse (This one is closer to the narrow streets of Sorrento and Marina Grande) If you find a spot, you can park along the blue lines, but you will need to estimate your parking duration in advance, purchase a ticket from the parking meters for approximately 1.5 Euros per hour, and place it on your car's windshield. If you can't find a parking meter, you can purchase a parking ticket from the nearest Tabacchiere (tobacco shop), but don't forget to ask for assistance to fill it out.

Sorrento, Marina Grande

Exploring the Amalfi Coast:
Positano, Praiano, Marina di Praiano, Amalfi, and Ravello

POSITANO
After approximately 40 minutes by car from Sorrento, you will reach Positano via a scenic and winding road. You cannot enter the center of Positano by car. You will need to park your car at the expensive garage at the entrance and walk through Positano's beautiful streets towards the beach.

Positano

PRAIANO
About 20 minutes from Positano, you will find Praiano. Although not as well-known, this village offers a magnificent view of Positano from a distance.

Positano View from Praiano

MARINA DI PRAIANO
​While continuing from Praiano to Amalfi, don't miss the road leading to Marina di Praiano. When you see the sign for Furore after 10 minutes from Praiano, pay attention to the hidden downhill road on the right side of the bus stop. You can park along the road. Here, there is a tiny but beautiful beach and a square with two typical restaurants. From this square, there is a "romantic walk" that goes up into the mountains. Along this path, you will find one of the world's most romantic restaurants, Il Pirata, especially enchanting under the moonlight. In the evenings after 9 PM, live music and dancing begin. At the end of the road, you will find a famous club called Afrikana, which has been renowned since the 1970s. This structure was built by dynamiting the mountains during the Dolce Vita era. The club attracts wealthy guests who arrive by boat throughout the night. It is located just below the watchtowers, which were built to protect against the Ottomans.

Amalfi

AMALFI
About 20 minutes from Marina di Praiano, you will reach Amalfi. To explore Amalfi, you will need to park at one of the large parking lots in the square or along the coastline. At the entrance of Amalfi, you will see a sign that says, "Even after death, Amalfitans won't notice the difference when they reach heaven." Amalfi, which lends its name to these coasts, used to be one of the greatest Maritime Republics.

Infinity Terrace in Ravello

RAVELLO 
Don't miss Ravello Village, which was established on the hills by noble Amalfitans fleeing from barbarian attacks. After parking your car in the center, you will need to walk through narrow streets. Ravello offers some of the most beautiful views after Positano.
After Ravello, to return to Naples, you can go back to Amalfi and take a shortcut to Naples via Valle di Chiunzi. This road passes through the forests and mountains of the Costiera region. If you come down during sunset, you will be treated to a magnificent view of Mount Vesuvius.