We are staying in Naples in mid-July and are thinking about renting a car and driving to Amalfi. Has anyone made this trek leaving from the Naples airport?
OR would we be better off hiring a driver for the day and if so, could someone recommend a friendly face and a good price? :)
Posted by
The Hague, NL (AMS)
2207 posts
No doubt I would recommend a car & driver.
Driving the Amalfi can be a challenge, and parking may be even more difficult. You'll have a far better experience when you have time to look out the window... instead of avoiding traffic!
Posted by
San Francisco Bay Area (USA)
16240 posts
I think driving in Naples is a lot of fun. It's like being at the carnival driving bumper cars but with real cars.
You shouldn't miss the opportunity to drive a rental car in a place with no traffic rules.
No lights, no lanes, no right of way, no pedestrian crossings, etc..
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_aKLwYgUj4A
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=baoxCzDRtzk
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=s_FopOcbjpY
Posted by
Bromley, Kent,, UK
1829 posts
If driving in Naples be aware of the ZTLs (limited traffic zones), non-residents will be heavily fined for driving in these areas. The link is in Italian but does have maps.
http://www.comune.napoli.it/flex/cm/pages/ServeBLOB.php/L/IT/IDPagina/13519
Posted by
Rick Steves' Europe
16895 posts
I have driven from Salerno to Sorrento to Pompei and Herculaneum and survived, but I don't recommend it. You can take a combination of train, bus, and boat, or try www.monettitaxi17.it, the most popular driver recommended in Rick's Italy book.
Posted by
OP
39 posts
Thank you so much! I will email them to get prices. Anyone used them recently? I am looking for a full day trip to Ravello and then back to Naples.
Posted by
Monterey County, CA (formerly Verbania Italy-Lago Maggiore)
1658 posts
We hired Monetti taxi from Sorrento to the Almalfi coast than Paestum about a year ago. Money well spent. You aren't just getting a ride in taxi, but an English speaking driver (we had Rafael) that is also a great tour guide with a lot of knowledge about the region. It was more like spending a day with a friend! My husband get's car sick, and despite the curves and turns, Rafael's driving was smooth and my husband did just fine.
Posted by
7 posts
4 years ago we took this trip and we SO glad we got a driver. Used the Monettis service Rick recommended & loved it . Carmelo was getting up in years but what a sweetie. Lorenzo was a great driver.