The Amalfi Coast: self-drive guide
The Amalfi Coast drive follows the SS163 Amalfitana, a narrow cliff road between Sorrento, Positano, Amalfi and Ravello high above the Tyrrhenian Sea - one of Europe’s most dramatic coastal routes, about 50 km but slow going. Collect an all-inclusive car near Naples; with zero excess, a tight squeeze or mirror scrape never becomes a bill.
The Amalfitana (SS163) threads along the cliffs of the Sorrentine peninsula, linking Sorrento, Positano, Amalfi and the hill town of Ravello above a sparkling sea. It is short in kilometres but big on hairpins, tunnels and jaw-dropping views - one of the world’s classic coastal drives.
It is also narrow, busy and tightly parked, so a compact car, an early start and patience pay off. An all-inclusive Cardamar rental with zero excess removes the stress of mirror scrapes and tight passing places, so you can enjoy the view instead of the insurance small print.
Good to know
| Route | SS163 Amalfitana, Sorrento-Positano-Amalfi-Ravello |
|---|---|
| Distance | ~50 km one way (slow - allow a day) |
| Pick-up | Naples (city or airport area) |
| Road type | Narrow, winding, paved - go compact |
| Best season | May-June or September (avoid August) |
Driving the Amalfitana
The road is two-way but feels narrower, with buses, scooters and tight bends. Start early to beat the traffic, use the horn lightly on blind corners as locals do, and let the buses have the line - they know it better. Parking is scarce and pricey, so use paid garages in Sorrento, Positano and Amalfi rather than hunting for a space.
A smaller car is a genuine advantage here. In peak summer some sections run an alternating number-plate system, so check local signs and consider basing yourself in one town and using the ferry for the busiest legs.
Where to start and what to see
Most drivers base near Sorrento and head east: Positano’s cascade of pastel houses, the cathedral town of Amalfi, and a climb up to Ravello’s gardens with their famous sea views. Further on lie Minori, Maiori and the quieter Cilento coast.
A car is most rewarding for reaching the area and exploring the hill villages and Cilento beyond; for the busiest coastal hops between Positano and Amalfi, the seasonal ferries are often quicker and far less stressful.
Where to rent and why zero excess matters
The natural pick-up point is Naples - the city or the airport (NAP) area - from where you drive down via Sorrento. An all-inclusive Cardamar booking, handled by Sunny Cars, includes full insurance and zero excess, which on a road this tight and this scraped-mirror-prone is worth real money.
With zero excess, a clipped mirror in a passing place or a scuff in a packed garage costs you nothing - exactly the kind of minor damage that is common here and expensive on a basic rate.
All-inclusive vs. a cheap basic rate plus counter insurance
Two cars on the same lot in The Amalfi Coast can advertise very different prices. The gap is almost always insurance: an all-inclusive rate settles it up front, while a "basic" rate leaves you to buy excess cover at the desk. Here is what each really means.
| All-inclusive (Cardamar) | Basic rate + counter insurance | |
|---|---|---|
| Damage & theft excess | €0 – fully covered | High excess (often €800–2,000) blocked on your card |
| When you insure | Before you travel, at a fixed price | At the desk, under time pressure, price varies |
| Tyres, glass & undercarriage | Included | Usually excluded or charged extra |
| Deposit / card hold | None or low at most stations | Large hold blocked for the whole trip |
| Cancellation | Free cancellation | Often non-refundable |
| What you pay in total | Known the moment you book | Can climb sharply at the counter |
A basic rate can look cheaper online, but once you add proper excess cover at the desk it usually costs more than an all-inclusive booking - with none of the certainty.
Rent your car for the The Amalfi Coast
The Amalfi Coast self-drive - FAQ
Is it worth driving the Amalfi Coast yourself?
Yes, if you want freedom to explore Ravello, the hill villages and the Cilento beyond - the drive is spectacular. For the busiest Positano-Amalfi hops in summer, many people park the car and use the ferry, which is faster and less stressful.
Is the Amalfi Coast road hard to drive?
It is narrow, winding and busy rather than technically difficult. A compact car, an early start and patience make it manageable. Let the local buses take the line on blind bends and use paid garages rather than searching for parking.
Where should I pick up a car for the Amalfi Coast?
Naples - the city or the airport (NAP) area - is the usual pick-up, then you drive down via Sorrento. An all-inclusive Cardamar booking with zero excess covers the mirror scrapes that are common on this tight road.
When is the best time to drive the Amalfi Coast?
May-June and September offer good weather with lighter traffic. Avoid August, when the road is at its busiest and some sections use an alternating number-plate system.