Amalfi Coast Road Trip Guide: Where to Stop & Stay: A Complete Guide
From someone who has gone through it, succeeded and now imagines doing it again
If you’re reading this, you are likely under the spell of the Amalfi Coast — perhaps because of that photo or a TikTok of someone enjoying a drink on the coast.
In any case, you’re doing the right thing. The Amalfi Coast is as amazing as they say and seeing it by car adds even more excitement.
My journey began right after a smooth meet and greet at Manchester, where the trip truly kicked off stress-free.
I’d like to share with you my experience, the lessons I picked up, where I stayed and the locations I suggest you visit.
The first thing you need to know about is the drive.
There’s no point in hiding it: driving on the Amalfi Coast is stunning but also a little scary. You will find that many roads are tight, curvy and occasionally have to share space with large tour buses.
If you are a sure driver (or have someone confident on the road with you), you should definitely choose this route. In Naples, I drove a Fiat 500 because it was ideal for handling the many tight corners and finding parking in small spaces.
A small car is best and you should make sure you have full insurance. I promise you’ll be happy you did it later.
1. Sorrento is the entrance to the Amalfi Coast.
I began in Sorrento which is not part of the Amalfi Coast, but is a great place to start. It’s not as crowded as Naples and offers plenty to enjoy. I found myself at Casa Evelina which was a quick five-minute walk from Piazza Tasso. What is the sight from the terrace? Unreal.
In the evening, I roamed the streets with a lemon scent, ate gnocchi alla sorrentina and saw the sun go down behind Mount Vesuvius. That was the peaceful time before the coastal disorder.
2. Positano – A Perfect Postcard Village
The road from Sorrento to Positano gave us a real glimpse of the Amalfi Coast, with cliffs on one side and sparkling water on the other. I had to pause my hike a few times just to look around.
Positano looks exactly as beautiful as you see it on Instagram. I spent one night at Hotel Marincanto (yes, it was pricey, but the view and pool made it worth it).
I would start my days with coffee on the balcony and finish them with drinks at Franco’s Bar. There’s quite a bit of walking and climbing up stairs, but that’s something special about the city.
If you plan to spend the night, make your reservation in advance. The price of things in Positano goes up fast and the best places are often booked in advance.
Note: Don’t forget to check airport parking deals at Manchester and book accordingly.
3. Praiano – Few Know About It and It’s Tranquil
Having been to Positano, I was craving a more peaceful place and that’s exactly what I found in Praiano.
Must Read: Airport Travel on a Budget: My No-Fuss Money-Saving Tips.
Between Positano and Amalfi lies this little town and it seemed like a hidden gem. Hotel Margherita was where I stayed and it had a rooftop jacuzzi and some of the nicest people I’ve come across.
I found so many things to love about Praiano. The serenity. There were hardly any crowds, only local people and a few random tourists who couldn’t believe they’d found paradise. In addition, Africana Famous Club, a nightclub found in a cave, is there if you want to party while the waves crash outside.
4. Amalfi Town – A Center of History
It was busier than I imagined, yet Amalfi still had a great deal of character. I toured the Duomo di Amalfi, walked along the marina and tried the region’s famous dessert, a lemon delight.
I chose Hotel Luna Convento which is a former monastery located on a hill above the sea. At night, the walls of the castle made the sound of waves seem spooky yet beautiful.