Amalfi Coast and driving

Posted by Sarah (Spruce Grove, Alberta, Canada) on 04/03/08 06:07 PM

We have 2 days left in Italy. I was thinking of taking the eurorail from Rome to Salerno renting a car and driving from Salerno through to Sorrento. If we have time go to Capri. Then to Naples to Vernazza (Cirque Terre). Anyone done anything like this??? How long does it take to drive from Salerna to Sorrento with no stops? Am I crazy for wanting to drive? Sarah

Posted by Claire

bergamo

04/04/08 05:37 AM

401 posts

Just driving from Naples to Cinque Terre is a day's journey, at least 8 hours.
Salerno to Sorrento is close, but going to Capri is another day trip, taking the ferry, seeing the island etc.
Do you have to go all the way back to Vernazza?
Otherwise I just don't think it is worth it......

Posted by Linda

Sturgis, MI, USA

04/04/08 07:02 AM

26 posts

The terrain through the Amalfi Coast is tortuous and the traffic is horrendous! Keep in mind that what would normally be 1 hour drive distance-wise often takes 2 or more hours even with a very experienced native driver.

Posted by Silvana

Bayside, New York, USA

04/04/08 10:35 AM

13 posts

Two days is not enough time to see the Amalfi coast. But, if you would like a small taste of it--I would take the train from Rome to Salerno--in Salerno hop on a ferry boat that takes you to Sorrento or Positano. I would stay in Positano. From Positano you can then visit Amalfi and Capri very easily by ferry. DO NOT DRIVE - there is a lot of traffic and it is a difficult drive. The ferry is a pleasure. Going to Vernazza (Cinque Terre) from here can not be done in 2 days.

Posted by Anita

Vancouver, Canada

04/14/08 01:01 PM

58 posts

Do not Drive! You will waste valuable time in long lines of cars and tourist buses. Also when we were there, depending on the time of year, the ferry schedules can be quite limited. We took the bus from Sorrento to Amalfi and then the boat back. There was only three boats back to Sorrento at that time of year and we had very little time in Amalfi. We took a ferry over to Capri and ended up on the wrong boat going to Naples. Luckily we were staying for a few days on Capri. We were not informed we were boarding the wrong ferry when our tickets were checked on boarding the vessel.