アマルフィ海岸ドライブ：究極の5日間イタリナリー

Driving the SS163 from Sorrento to Salerno • Positano • Amalfi • Ravello • Path of the Gods • Best lemon groves • Where to stay & eat

Overview

The Amalfi Coast is one of Italy's most iconic coastal destinations – a UNESCO World Heritage site where dramatic limestone cliffs plunge into the turquoise Mediterranean, colorful villages cling to the mountainside, and every turn reveals another postcard view. This 5-day driving itinerary covers all the highlights, from the famous pastel-colored cliffs of Positano to the serene hilltop gardens of Ravello, with plenty of stops for swimming, limoncello tasting, and authentic Italian food along the way.

Quick Facts for 2026

• Best time to go: May-June or September-October (perfect weather, fewer crowds than July-August)
• Recommended trip length: 5 days
• Average daily budget: €80–160 per person
• Car required: Yes – driving the coastal road is part of the experience
• Note: The coastal road (SS163) is narrow and winding – drive carefully and go slow to enjoy the views

Why Drive the Amalfi Coast?

• Unforgettable coastal views: Every hairpin turn reveals another breathtaking vista of the Mediterranean
• Iconic villages: Each town has its own unique character – from Positano's glamorous nightlife to Ravello's quiet elegance
• Incredible food: Fresh seafood, homemade pasta, limoncello, and the famous Amalfi lemons
• Hiking opportunities: Spectacular coastal trails like the Path of the Gods
• Perfect for a road trip: Short driving distances between stops means plenty of time for sightseeing, swimming, and relaxing

5-Day Amalfi Coast Itinerary

Day 1: Sorrento → Positano

• Morning: Arrive in Sorrento, pick up your rental car
• Start driving east on the famous SS163 Amalfi Coast road
• Stop at Vico Equense for coffee with a view
• Continue to Positano – check into your accommodation
• Afternoon: Wander the picturesque narrow streets, browse the boutique shops
• Evening: Swim at Spiaggia Grande, dinner at a waterfront restaurant
• Must-try: Fresh pasta with lemon sauce, made with the giant local Amalfi lemons
• Drive distance: ~15 km from Sorrento
• Stay: Positano

Pro tip: Book accommodation in the upper town if you want quiet – lower town is closer to the beach but much busier and noiser at night.

Day 2: Positano → Path of the Gods → Praiano

Iconic Positano with pastel-colored houses

• Morning: Early start for the Path of the Gods (Sentiero degli Dei) hike
• This 5km coastal path offers the most spectacular views on the entire coast
• The hike takes about 2.5–3 hours at a leisurely pace
• You'll see incredible views across the Mediterranean to the island of Capri
• Afternoon: Drive to Praiano – a quieter alternative to Positano
• Swim at Spiaggia di Praiano or one of the smaller coves
• Evening: Enjoy sunset from your hotel terrace, dinner at a local family restaurant
• Drive distance: ~8 km from Positana
• Stay: Praiano

Hike tip: Start from Bomerano – the trail is well-maintained and the views get better every step of the way. Bring plenty of water and sunscreen.

Day 3: Praiano → Amalfi → Ravello

• Morning: Drive east to Amalfi town
• Visit the stunning Duomo di Amalfi with its beautiful striped facade
• Explore the town and do some shopping
• Don't miss a paper-making workshop – Amalfi has been making handmade paper since medieval times
• Afternoon: Continue up the hill to Ravello
• Visit the beautiful gardens of Villa Cimbrone – the "Infinity Terrace" has one of the most famous views in the world
• Wander through the old town and enjoy the quiet elegance of this hilltop village
• Evening: Sunset dinner with views over the coast
• Drive distance: ~25 km from Praiano
• Stay: Ravello

Day 4: Ravello → Atrani → Cetara

• Morning: Explore Ravello's Villa Rufolo another stunning garden with incredible views
• Drive down to Atrani – this is the Amalfi Coast's best-preserved fishing village, less touristy than its neighbors
• Walk through the narrow streets to the main square right by the sea
• Afternoon: Continue to Cetara – famous for its anchovy fishing
• Have lunch at a waterfront restaurant – try the pasta con le alici (pasta with anchovies)
• Swim in the clear water at the small town beach
• Late afternoon: Drive back west and stop at Furore Fjord – a hidden gem beach in a dramatic gorge
• Drive distance: ~15 km from Ravello
• Stay: Cetara or Atrani

Day 5: Cetara → Salerno → Departure

• Morning: Early morning walk around the fishing harbor – watch the fishermen bring in the catch
• Have breakfast with fresh bread and local anchovies
• If you have time, take a boat trip to Emerald Grotto (Grotta dello Smeraldo) – a spectacular sea cave with glowing emerald water

Scenic Amalfi Coast drive with dramatic curves

• Midday: Drive to Salerno to return your rental car
• Or continue your trip north to Naples or Pompeii
• Drive distance: ~30 km from Cetara to Salerno

Driving the Amalfi Coast: Essential Tips

The SS163 is one of the most scenic coastal roads in Europe, but it requires careful driving:

• Road is narrow: The coastal section has many tight hairpin turns – go slow and stay alert
• Traffic: July-August can be extremely congested – start driving early in the morning to avoid the worst queues
• Parking: Parking is expensive and limited in all the main towns – book accommodation with parking if you can
• Height restrictions: Some tunnels have height limits – check if you're renting a large vehicle or camper van
• Alternative: If you don't want to drive, you can take the SITA bus along the coast, but driving gives you flexibility to stop whenever you want

Where to Stay

Budget

• Hostel Positano, Positano – basic accommodation, good for backpackers
• B&B Ravello, Ravello – family-run guesthouse with great views

Mid-Range (Most Popular)

• Hotel Poseidonia, Praiano – quiet location, comfortable rooms, sea views
• Hotel Palazzo Confalone, Ravello – historic palace, beautiful garden
• Hotel Pupetto, Positano – right on Spiaggia Grande, moderate prices

Luxury

• Belmond Hotel Caruso, Ravello – iconic luxury hotel with infinity pool overlooking the coast
• San Pietro di Positano, Positano – cliffside luxury hotel with private beach

Food & Drink You Must Try

1. Pasta al limone – fresh pasta with creamy lemon sauce using giant Amalfi lemons
2. Pasta con le alici – pasta with fresh local anchovies from Cetara
   3 Sfogliatella – flaky pastry filled with ricotta, perfect for breakfast
3. Limoncello – the famous lemon liqueur from the coast – try it homemade
4. Fresh seafood – grilled fish, seafood salad, fresh from the Mediterranean every morning
5. Baba al rum – sweet rum-soaked cake, a Neapolitan specialty popular on the coast

Best Swimming & Beaches

• Spiaggia Grande, Positano – the main beach, lively and convenient
• Furore Fjord – dramatic hidden beach inside a fjord, less crowded
• Atrani Beach – small sandy beach in the fishing village
• Marina Grande, Praiano – calm clear water, fewer crowds than Positano
• Private coves: You can reach many small coves by boat – ask a local fisherman to take you

Fresh lemon grove in Italian countryside

Best Hikes

1. Path of the Gods (Sentiero degli Dei) – 5km, moderate, spectacular coastal views – don't miss this
2. Path of the Gods Extension – continue from Bomerano to Praiano for more great views
3. ** Valle delle Ferriere** – near Amalfi, easy hike through a wooded valley with waterfalls
4. Monte Solaro – Capri (day trip), strenuous hike but incredible views from the top

When to Visit

• May-June: Best overall – perfect temperatures (20–28°C), flowers in bloom, fewer crowds
• July-August: Hot (25–35°C), perfect for swimming, but very crowded – book everything months ahead
• September-October: Still warm enough for swimming (22–30°C), fewer crowds, grape and lemon harvest
• November-March: Many places closed, cool temperatures (10–18°C), good for hiking if you don't mind the cold

Budget Breakdown (Per Person, 5 Days)

Day Trip to Capri

If you have an extra day, take a boat trip from Positano or Sorrento to Capri:

• Visit the Blue Grotto if the sea is calm
• Take the chairlift up to Monte Solaro for incredible views
• Wander through Ana Capri – the quieter part of the island
• Have lunch at a restaurant overlooking the Faraglioni rocks

Common Mistakes to Avoid

1. Trying to drive the whole coast in one day: There's no rush – take 3–5 days to enjoy it properly
2. Driving after 9 AM in July-August: The road gets congested early – start before 8 AM if you're moving between towns
3. Not booking ahead: The best places book out 3–6 months in advance for June-September
4. Missing the inland villages: Ravello and the hilltop towns have some of the best views
5. Forgetting good walking shoes: You'll do a lot of walking up and down stairs – leave the high heels at the hotel

Amalfi Coast crystalline waters and sailboats

6. Eating only in tourist spots: Walk 5 minutes up from the waterfront and you'll find better food at lower prices

Final Tips

• Go slow: The Amalfi Coast isn't about checking off a list of sights – it's about enjoying the views, the food, and the Mediterranean lifestyle
• Get up early: Beat the crowds and get the best light for photos
• Try everything: The local lemons are unlike any you've tasted before – don't leave without trying pasta al limone and homemade limoncello
• Enjoy the journey: The drive is part of the experience – stop at every viewpoint that interests you

The Amalfi Coast deserves its reputation as one of the world's greatest coastal destinations. With this 5-day itinerary, you'll experience all the highlights without rushing, and have plenty of time to relax and enjoy this incredible place.

Have you driven the Amalfi Coast? Share your favorite stop in the comments below!

Cover photo: Colorful cliffs of Positano on the Amalfi Coast, Italy. Photo from Unsplash.

Categories: Road Trip, Mediterranean, Italy, Amalfi Coast
Tags: Amalfi Coast, Italy, Road Trip, Mediterranean, Coastal Driving, Food Travel, Hiking