Amalfi Coast

Self-drive route · best May, June, September, October · free to read, day by day

days
7
km
149
stops
16
drive / day
26m

Experience the quintessential Italian summer along the dramatic cliffs of the Sorrentine Peninsula. This journey blends glamorous coastal towns, ancient Roman history, and breathtaking hiking trails overlooking the turquoise Tyrrhenian Sea.

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Curated by Lance · drove it, filmed it

updated Oct 2026

Highlights

tap a card to see that day

The route

Tap a day or a town

You sleep in Sorrento 2 nights · Positano / Praiano 2 nights · Amalfi / Atrani 2 nights — start in Naples, end in Anacapri.

What the in-car version adds

  • Tap-to-navigate, every stop

    Opens Google Maps or Apple Maps, in order.

  • Works with no signal

    Download the PDF once: every day, stop and drive time.

  • Your own trip to change

    Shorten it, swap stops or ask AI to adjust it.

  • Cost estimate

    Fuel, rental car and stays for this route.

  • What to book, and when

    Tours, ferries and stays that sell out.

Day by day

all free to read
DAY01

Gateway to the Peninsula and Sorrento

32 km · 20m driving · overnight in Sorrento

The journey begins with a short drive to Sorrento, a town perched on cliffs overlooking the Bay of Naples. Spend the afternoon exploring the historic center and the waterfront at a relaxed pace.

  1. 1Naples
  2. 2Sorrento
DAY02

Ancient Ruins and Volcanic Vistas

31 km · 22m driving · overnight in Ottaviano

This day focuses on the history of Mount Vesuvius, visiting both the ruins of Pompeii and the volcano itself. Start early at the archaeological site to avoid the midday sun and crowds.

  1. 1Pompeii Archaeological Park
  2. 2Mount Vesuvius
DAY03

The Vertical Village of Positano

26 km · 26m driving · overnight in Positano

Drive along the winding coastal road to Positano, where the buildings are stacked vertically on the hillside. The pace is slow, allowing time for the beach and the narrow pedestrian alleys.

  1. 1Positano
  2. 2Spiaggia Grande
DAY04

Hiking the Path of the Gods

5 km · 20m driving · overnight in Praiano

The morning is dedicated to the Path of the Gods hike, which requires several hours of steady walking. Afterward, settle into the quieter atmosphere of Praiano for the evening.

  1. 1Sentiero degli Dei
  2. 2Praiano
DAY05

Maritime History and Hidden Fjords

8 km · 30m driving · overnight in Amalfi

Continue to Amalfi, passing the dramatic fjord at Furore along the way. Explore the maritime history of the town and visit the central cathedral before the evening sets in.

  1. 1Fiordo di Furore
  2. 2Amalfi
  3. 3Duomo di Amalfi
DAY06

Cliffside Gardens and Musical Ravello

4 km · 30m driving · overnight in Atrani

Head up to the quiet hilltop town of Ravello for its villas and gardens. End the day in Atrani, a small fishing village a short walk from Amalfi.

  1. 1Ravello
  2. 2Villa Cimbrone Gardens
  3. 3Atrani
DAY07

Island Glamour and Blue Waters

43 km · 34m driving · end of trip

The final day involves a boat trip to the island of Capri to see its famous grottoes and rugged coastline. Check ferry schedules in advance as sea conditions can affect the crossing.

  1. 1Capri
  2. 2Blue Grotto

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Included

  • Tap-to-navigate for all 16 stops
  • Offline PDF for no-signal stretches
  • Your own copy: change the days or swap stops with AI
  • Cost estimate: fuel, car and stays
  • Booking timeline with deadlines

Not included

  • Rental car
  • Accommodation
  • Fuel
  • Entry tickets and paid activities

Know before you go

  • Season

    Best in May, June, September and October. July and August bring heat, crowds and slow traffic on the coast road; in winter ferries run less often and many hotels and restaurants close.

  • Local rules

    In peak months the SS163 coast road has used an odd/even number-plate scheme for visiting cars, so ask your rental company whether it applies to your dates. Town centres are ZTL limited-traffic zones with camera fines.

  • Activity level

    Moderate physical demand. Expect many steep stairs in coastal towns and uneven terrain on the Path of the Gods hike.

  • Currency

    Euro (EUR). Credit cards are widely accepted in hotels and restaurants, but small shops may require cash.

  • Power plugs

    Types C, F, and L. The standard voltage is 230V.

  • Time zone

    Central European Time (UTC+1). Daylight saving (UTC+2) applies from March to October.

  • Language

    Italian. English is commonly spoken in tourist areas and major establishments.

Heads up

  • The SS163 coastal road is extremely narrow; consider using ferries or private drivers instead of renting a car.
  • Book ferry tickets and popular restaurants in advance, especially during the peak summer months.
  • Comfortable walking shoes are essential for the steep stairs and the Path of the Gods hike.
  • Access to the Blue Grotto is weather-dependent and may close due to high tides or rough seas.

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