Hi -

We'll be staying between Amalfi and Minori, along the Amalfi coast next month. We have a rental car for driving down from Rome, but I was curious how we might best get around for day trips. I've heard about how bad the road is and that the driving is pretty "adventurous", not to mention the parking. We're staying at a Villa, not in a hotel in one of the towns, so bus stops won't be very close. Does anyone know if you can walk along the SS163 highway; if its recommended, or if we should consider renting a couple of scooters and leave the car parked at the villa?? Any suggestions would be welcome!

Thanks!
Steve

Use your rental car for day tripping. If you enjoy driving, the Amalfi coast road will be fun -- and definitely safer in a car than on a scooter or on foot to a bus stop. There's no reason to give up the convenience of a car. Parking should not be too bad in May. Get a detailed map of the area.

Steve. I agree with Zia Martina. Keep the rental car, if you are comfortable with driving. We just returned from our trip to Italy last Sunday. We flew into Rome, picked up our rental car, and then drove down to our villa in Positano where we stayed for 5 days. My husband loved driving the Amalfi Coast!!! I must admit that I would not have been able to do it - I am a much more timid driver.
We were in Positano the last week of March and had no problems with traffic or finding parking spaces anywhere we went. I have heard the summers are bad, but I imagine May is a little early to run into serious problems. We had no problems whatsoever.
One day, we drove from Positano east along the SS163 on the Amalfi Coast to Praiano, Ravello, and Amalfi. Having the rental car was great as we could stop anywhere we wanted for the view. We stopped at the "Green Grotto" which was kind of "cheesey", but fun! Similar to the Blue Grotto on Capri, but without the crowds. Having a car made all the difference in the world. I would not have wanted to do this by bus. We had so much freedom as to where we went and how long we stayed. Definitely do NOT try to walk along the SS163. I really did not see anyone doing it and it certainly would be dangerous, I would think. The scooters are a neat idea, but I was more comfortable in a car. The scooters would be easier to park, I guess.
Another day, we drove into Sorrento, parked, and took the ferry over to Capri. Then we ate dinner in Sorrento upon our return and drove back to Positano that night.
Another day, we drove to Pompeii - a very easy drive from Positano.
The other days, we just drove around the area between Sorrento and Positano. I think my husband is having withdrawal for that 5 speed car and those windy, hilly roads.

ZiaMartina -
Thanks for the quick reply! Its good to know we were thinking along the right lines with the car rental. Cheers!

mom83 -
Thanks for all the info! We caught a ferry to Capri from Naples a few years ago, and I'm really looking forward to going back, and to staying in the area and enjoying it as you seem to have. I appreciate the feedback. Steve

I hope the moderators won't mind -- I've posted this picture once before -- but since this topic keeps coming up, I thought I'd post it again. Driving the Amalfi Coast is an adventure -- not necessarily an adventure to be avoided -- but make sure you are in the right frame of mind!

Yes, that's a steep drop into nothingness on the right side of the bus.

>>I've heard about how bad the road is and that the driving is pretty "adventurous", not to mention the parking<<

For the most part, I would never counsel against driving in Italy (okay, maybe not in Naples), but my last trip to the Amalfi Coast at the end of May 2004 made me reconsider the advice I give to clients about getting around the Sorrentine peninsula.

I was amazed at the traffic and how long it took to drive from place to place...from Ravello to Positano was over an hour and returning from Sorrento to Ravello over the spine of the peninsula was about 90 minutes. And parking--always impossible in Positano, except in a paid lot--in Amalfi and Sorrento was very tight.

So now I recommend that clients who are staying on the Amalfi coast with a car plan on staying put for the most part--enjoying their local surroundings, perhaps making one or two day trips by car but to try to take ferries and hydrofoils when they can.

I agree with some of the comments so far on this thread. I drove the Amalfi coast two years ago in August and loved it. Of course, I like to think I'm also Mario Andretti!
The time it took to get from Ravello back to Positano was exceptionaly long (at least an hour or more) and very slow with traffic snaking it's way from one hairpin corner to the next. I also found that it's a very good idea to have the extra collision insurance the rental agency offers you for just this reason. I found many of the cars parked on the side of the tight roads had their side mirrors damaged (good reason to pull it in after you park) and also minor damage to their bodies. I know the vehicle that I had rented, by the time I returned it had front and read bumper damage from other drivers squeezing into unimaginably tight spaces.

Other than the frustrating slowness of the traffic and the occaisonal car sickness one can achieve from rolling side to side on the windy highway, I have to say it's one of the most thrilling, eye-popping scenic drives you will ever make.

I would get around by boat service along the Amalfi Coast.

There are boats, hydrofoils, etc. that go to all of the major points of interest in Amalfi, Positano, Ravello, Capri, etc.

That is the best way to get around. The road along that coast is one lane each way. If there is an accident, you will be stuck in traffic for hours.

Ditch the car when you're on the Amalfi Coast, and take the boat service. It's a lot better in my opinion.

Larry Aiello
http://www.Italian-Link.com

quote:

Originally posted by Italian-Link.com:

There are boats, hydrofoils, etc. that go to all of the major points of interest in Amalfi, Positano, Ravello, Capri, etc.

That would have to be some kind of hill-climbing boat to get up to Ravello.

Nothing wrong with both boat services and car travel, but if you're not based next to a marina, you're going to want to use your car.

We have had 2 stays on the Amalfi coast, one with a car and one without. We thoroughly enjoyed both, so I would not say that a car is essential.

Our second trip was with the car and it was useful to have seen in advance just how the locals drive. (I had already driven extensively in other parts of Italy).

Driving along the main coast road is not great fun for the driver, as you have to concentrate so hard. Remember that a significant number of Italian drivers just love cutting corners and always be ready to deal with it.

Of course, the car gives you access to a lot more places and on balance I would recommend it. But if the idea bothers you, you can do without, using boats, buses and taxis.

Ricardo

PS On-street parking is phenomenally expensive in Ravello.