We are renting a car for the first part of our trip Dec 18-21, staying in Massa Lubrense (not far from Sorento). We intend to drive the Amalfi Coast, since it's not peak season, on one of the days. Is this a stupid idea? I know Rick Steves recommends hiring a driver, but I got the sense that was more for summertime. Will we be able to find any parking while we explore? Any tips for driving from Massa Lubrense down to Salerno?
Posted by
Tel Aviv
15585 posts
Here's my experience. Christmas week may be a bit busier with holiday tourism.
Posted by
Wyckoff, NJ, USA
7321 posts
Nobody can predict post-covid tourism levels. My personal opinion is that the AC is best enjoyed on foot, especially for a driver engaged in road navigation. It is supremely difficult to park (free OR paid) in AC towns, year-round. If you insist on driving yourselves, have at it. I doubt Massa Lubrense has evening street closures like Sorrento does. But every night in Sorrento, we saw dozens of cars lined up for underground parking entry.
I will also mention "The Tragedy of the Commons". When you stop your car in a travel lane to enjoy the view, you are contributing to the problems often warned about here. Your mighty steel steed of independence is not the only vehicle on the SOLE two-lane road along the AC.
Posted by
Vignola, MO, IT
656 posts
I've been in Salerno for the past 4 weeks. Friends tried to drive from Salerno along the Amalfi coast and it was gridlock.
Posted by
Italy
3812 posts
Can you drive a manual? Can you park and go in reverse on a slope without panicking? If you can, you can also drive along the SS163 like many tourists did before you, people who had no idea about who Rick Steves is.
If not, follow the good advice by the reputable Rick Steve's and hire a driver.
Posted by
Seattle, WA
6 posts
@JJ - Looks like we have a similar itinerary. After considering it, we opted not to visit the Amalfi Coast, because it just sounded so crowded, even in winter, and the parking situation is pretty crazy. Instead, we are staying in Naples, then driving to Matera in Basilicata. We return our car to Naples and then head to Rome for Christmas and Venice for New Years.
This first part was so hard to plan. We must have changed our minds about where to go and for how long a dozen times. Someday I will return to Southern Italy to explore Puglia and all of the rest slowly and without kids.
Good luck -- and perhaps we really will cross paths.