Hello, I was wondering if anyone had advice about renting a car in July and doing the Amalfi coast for a couple of days. Based on my read of the Rick Steves Italy book, it sounds like doing the Amalfi Coast drive in early July would a headache because of traffic. I know this is supposed to be a beautiful drive, but I do not want to do it if we will just be stuck in traffic the whole time. Thanks for any advice you can provide!!
Posted by
San Francisco Bay Area (USA)
16231 posts
Are you staying in the area or are you driving from somewhere else? You can drive in if you want but weekends are really busy and parking is not plentiful. But if you go there just for a drive by on a weekday you should be ok. There are a few pay parking lots and some restaurants have their own parking, if you stop for lunch. If you are staying in the area though (for example in Positano or Praiano), make sure your hotel has parking (or can recommend one).
Posted by
Adelaide, SA, Australia
977 posts
Katie, driving the Amalfi Coast road at any time of the year would be a headache. It is a truly beautiful drive - only when someone else is doing the driving. You can catch the SITA bus in Sorrrento which will take you down the coast to Salerno. Alternatively, splash the cash and hire a local driver/guide to show you the amazing sights of this spectacular part of the world.
Posted by
Portland, OR
282 posts
Katie, you DO NOT want to drive the Amalfi Coast in July. Traffic is terrible and parking scarce and expensive. I found it much easier and more picturesque to travel via ferry.
Posted by
Tilburg, Netherlands
2829 posts
As long as you have a place to park your car at the end of the day, ignore the fearmongering, rent a car and enjoy your ride. Consider making some small detours from the main route to places up in the mountains or east of Sorrento as well. You can always enjoy an early ride to get the sun rising against the cliffs.
Posted by
Vernon, Canada
32402 posts
Katie, The traffic can be fairly "thick" along the Amalfi coast at that time of year, with lots of large Buses and very narrow and winding roads in some places. Note that each driver will require the compulsory International Driver's Permit for driving in Italy, which is used in conjunction with your home D.L. (easily obtained at any AAA office). You'll also need to be careful to avoid the dreaded Zona Traffico Limitato areas, which exist even in the south (I've seen them). Passing through one of those will result in expensive fines! An allternative to renting a Car would be to hire a Driver (if your budget will allow). Details in the Italy Guidebook. That way you'd be able to enjoy the view and leave the stress to someone else. Cheers!