Scenic Road Trip
Amalfi Coast Drive
Cliffside Mediterranean Drama
The 65 km separating Sorrento and Salerno hide tunnels blasted through limestone and villages that cling to the cliffside above a sapphire sea. Traffic and switchbacks stretch the drive to about three hours despite the short distance, and while the coast road itself charges nothing, the parallel A3 motorway does.
Quick Facts
| Route | Sorrento to Salerno |
| Country | Italy |
| Distance | 65 km |
| Recommended days | 2 |
| Total drive time | ~3 hours |
| Best months | April–June, September–October |
| Toll cost | None on the coast road; A3 motorway has tolls (~EUR 5 Napoli–Salerno) |
| Est. fuel cost | ~EUR 10 |
| Motorway speed limit | 130 km/h |
| Alcohol limit (BAC) | 0.05 |
| Drives on | Right |
Top 5 Highlights
1. Positano
Pastel houses cascade down a steep ravine to a pebble beach — the iconic Amalfi image
2. Ravello
Hilltop town 350 m above the sea with world-class concert venue at Villa Rufolo
3. Amalfi
Former maritime republic with a striking 9th-century cathedral and paper-making museums
4. Fiordo di Furore
A hidden fjord-like inlet spanned by a dramatic stone bridge
5. Path of the Gods Trailhead
The start of a legendary cliffside hike connecting Agerola to Nocelle
Road Conditions & Terrain
Terrain: Narrow cliffside road cut into steep limestone mountains rising straight from the sea
Road type: Single carriageway (SS163) with tight hairpins, passing places, and bus traffic
Best Time to Drive
Best months: April–June, September–October
Shoulder seasons dodge the gridlock of July–August; spring wildflowers cover the cliffs
Key Driving Rules
ZTL (limited traffic zones) operate in Positano and Amalfi town centers. Fines of EUR 80+ are mailed months later. Watch for scooters overtaking on blind bends. Italy requires a reflective vest and warning triangle in the car.
Speed Limits
| Road Type | Limit |
|---|---|
| Urban | 50 km/h |
| Rural/Open road | 90 km/h |
| Motorway | 130 km/h |
Required Equipment
- Warning triangle
- Reflective vest
- First aid kit
- Fire extinguisher
Estimated Costs
| Item | Cost |
|---|---|
| Fuel (petrol, round trip) | ~EUR 10 |
| Tolls/vignette | None on the coast road; A3 motorway has tolls (~EUR 5 Napoli–Salerno) |
| Petrol price (per litre) | ~$2.02 USD |
| Diesel price (per litre) | ~$1.80 USD |
Practical Tips
- Drive east to west (Salerno to Sorrento) so you’re on the cliff side with the views
- Start before 8 AM to beat tour buses that clog the road from 10 AM onwards
- Large cars and campervans are restricted in summer — check Anas.it for size limits
- Use parking garages in Positano (EUR 8/hr) rather than hunting for street spots
- Honk your horn before blind hairpin bends — locals expect it and do it too
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Frequently Asked Questions
The Amalfi Coast Drive covers 65 km and takes approximately 3 hours of pure driving time. We recommend 2 days to enjoy the highlights and stops along the way.
The best months are April–June, September–October. Shoulder seasons dodge the gridlock of July–August; spring wildflowers cover the cliffs
None on the coast road; A3 motorway has tolls (~EUR 5 Napoli–Salerno)
Italy drives on the right side of the road.
The blood alcohol limit in Italy is 0.05 BAC.
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