Scooters From Sorrento To Amalfi

Death wish? It's scary in a bus.

Sure, if you know how to ride and handle a Vespa. Also you will need an International Driver's Permit along your local driver license with a motorcycle endorsement.

The only problem that you might have is with heavier traffic (start of the tourist season). There are gobs of people on scooters zipping around cars anyway. If you do not have a motorcycle license, you will only be allowed to rent one with a small, rather underpowered motor (49cc or less) so you might have a harder time on the hills. These types of scooters are not really meant for 2 people to ride because they are underpowered, so each person will probably need their own ride. Just don't drive over the edge, and make sure you know how to stop the thing! Would I rent a scooter and drive the Amalfi Coast road? No, I wouldn't, as I have done it in a car, and it was a sweat dripping, white knuckled trip. Save the scooter for safer, more flat terrain in the countryside.

Linda - My simple answer after driving that route many times - DON'T DO IT!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Greg

Can you do it? Yes. Should you do it? No.

If you decide to do it, be sure to take out a big life insurance policy before you leave. And do some research on what to do if you're seriously injured in Italy. You also might want traveler's insurance if you miss your return flight due to injury.

And make sure your affairs are all in order before you leave for Italy.

My opinion is no way! Per recommendations from our hotel, when we were there in 2006 we took the bus from Sorrento to Positano and the boat back. Schedules are really very easy to figure out. We did have a rental car but just decided to leave it parked at our hotel so we didn't have to mess with parking in Positano, etc.

We went in May and it wasn't that busy yet, but it was still busy. even if it wasn't busy, i would NEVER do that. I was SO scared on the bus and I got motion sickness from all the crazy turns and practically haning off of a cliff. it was the ost beautiful bus ride i've ever taken though. i wouldn't even rent a car to do it. the bus drivers know what they are doing. they know when to stop for other buses, ect. i woould trust the people that do it ever day. plus, if you are just a passenger, you can get good pics and video footage which is what we did. the pics and video came out great!!! i was too scared to rent a scooter even in one of the cities without being on the edge of a cliff (the road is really right on the edge). the drivers there are not as they are in the states. they scared me. i got hit by one while walking. apparently, its ok to drive and park anywhere there, even on the sidewalk. and its ok to hit pedestrians. it was as if they had no motor vehicle laws!

molly

If you are an experienced motorcycle driver than this would be a challenging drive. If you are NOT an experienced motorcycle driver... I just would not recommend renting a scooter.

My wife and I have a rule when we "drive the Amalfi." The driver drives and the passenger looks! Then on the return trip we switch places so the other person gets "to see." If you're on a bike, you'll be spending your entire time DRIVING!

We drove the Costiera Amalfitano last July and it was intense on four wheels. I ride a Harley Davidson Heritage Softail Classic and I would never consider renting a bike in any part of Italy, let alone the Amalfi. When we were driving the coast road my girlfriend watched the scenery and I watched the road... intently.

Buon viaggio,

RB

Just added a new post on scooter riding. For some "unique" videos, CLICK HERE . Good Luck!

The best 3 days of our 6 week vacation last year in Italy was sitting on the seat of a 250 Beverley Scooter rented from Valentina at Jolly Service in Sorrento, (www.jollyservizi.it) 50 EUR's a day, motorcycle endorsement required on US license and international driver's license recommended. Our trip started in Sorrento went all the way to Paestum on the Amalfi Coast and back. Wouldn't do it any other way and we are in our 60's. Actually we have done this trip 2 years in a row and intend on doing it again next year. Never had one problem in 6 total days on the road.

Alright, then. Sounds like we are not candidates for the scooter experience on the Amalfi coast. Neither of us has a motorcycle endorsement on our license and we don't intend to get one. The bus ferry combination will give us the thrill of a beautiful landscape. Thanks for being really honest about the folly of the whole thing. We LOVE Italy, but don't necessary want to become splattered on one of it's scenic roads.

Linda, for the best "lo tech" scooter ride in Italy I recommend you go to the Aeolian Islands and rent a scooter on Lipari Island. You can circumvent the island in just a few hours...with a top speed of about 35 mph, and there is NO traffic.

I hadn't riden a bike in over 30 years, but I rented one, the "boss" hopped on the back and off we went.

What a glorius trip! We stopped at several beaches, had a wonderful lunch and arrived back in town as the sun was setting.

If you change your venue you can pursue your dream, without a motocycle endorsement and killer traffic.

Besides, the Aeolians are one of the best places in Itlay/Sicily to visit!