I and my family...wfie, daughter and husband, and 2 kids (7&11)....6 in all... will be spending 4 nights @ Marina del Cantone Nerano (about 10-15 miles south of Sorrento) in late Oct. We will arrive in Sorrento..or Naples..by train from Rome.
It seems that because of its relatively isolated location a car would serve us best for travel and exploration of the area..
However, the hassle and intimidation of parking and driving a 6 passenger vehicle on the Amoalfi coast gives me pause.
Any thoughts....reassurances or warnings
Thanks
Hal
Posted by
Virginia, USA
792 posts
driving Amalfi: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7NkOkAJN98M ...your choice
Posted by
Bay Area
3551 posts
I have driven in italy alot but i would never drive the coastal road espec amalfi coast or central naples.
Perhaps u could pick up a car at naples airport (which i have done easily) then drive on highway south.
Parkng is close to impossible on amalfi coast and Ravello.
U could drive tho toPaestum easily. It is a gem with a car.
Posted by
San Francisco Bay Area (USA)
15165 posts
I find staying on the Amalfi coast without a car to be very annoying due to the limited bus options especially after dinner. Fears about driving that road are wildly exaggerated to the point of having reached mythological status. I have never heard of people being afraid of driving on the Amalfi coast before I moved to America. But I guess some Americans can't handle roads with curves or with fewer than 4 lanes. Whether you feel comfortable driving there or not is up to you. Different people have different levels of skill behind the wheel. There are however some objective facts to consider, which are more important than the terrorizing reports about driving on the Amalfi coast.
1. You have chosen to stay at a location that is not well served by buses like others, like Positano or Amalfi. Therefore having your own wheels would be good. However....
2. Renting a vehicle for 6 people is incredibly expensive. Renting a van is often as expensive as renting three economy cars, therefore consider renting two vehicles.
3. Parking is expensive on the Amalfi coast. About 30 euro a day.
4. Relying on private drivers can get vey expensive very quickly. Expect to pay at least 50-60 euro just to drive you to Sorrento.
Posted by
Minnesota 🎒
15807 posts
I'll add a #5 to Roberto's list, although it may not apply to anyone in your group?
I have such terrible motion sickness that travel around the Amalfi by car OR bus is not really an option for me. Just a shuttle from Sorrento to Naples to catch an early morning flight was enough to send me over the edge. That has meant skipping some locations along the Amalfi/Sorrentine coast that can't be reached via boat or train but preferable to being too miserable to have a good time.
Posted by
Toledo, Ohio, US
11613 posts
The bigger the vehicle, the more difficulty in maneuvering. I agree with Roberto, rent two cars. In the area near Positano, we had to fold in our side view mirrors, and we had a relatively small car (Fiat 500L) by American standards.
Make sure all drivers can drive a stick shift and have International Driving Permits.
Posted by
lexington, il
4105 posts
Since you'll be there in Oct., I don't see any reason to not rent a car. I would rent it at the train station.
This will give you the opportunity to drive wherever you wish. Try some of the roads up in the hills,
fantastic views!
Just make sure your lodging has parking.
Although it will be October, there's a trail that goes down to a cute little bay.
Posted by
US Pacific Northwest
10344 posts
Some travelers here have reported that driving on the coast was worse than they thought it was going to be.
I don't think anyone here has reported in that it was a relaxing drive. Parking and pull-offs are also difficult.
But some have done it, depending on the overall circumstances of their trip regarding the need for a rental car.
Others with a car have had someone else do the driving on the coast road, opting for a tour on that day.
To take a look at the coast road in advance, to help you decide, use Google Earth, go to the coast road, and then position your cursor just above the road and follow it: it will give you a helicopter view of the road.
Posted by
Reading, PA, USA
1589 posts
I drove the Amalfi Coast a year ago May. I would not call it relaxing, but I have driven much worse roads in the American Rockies.
Posted by
Portugal
186 posts
We will be in Sorrento in October. On one day, we will rent a car. We plan to head over to the highway and drive down to see Paestum. Then drive back to Sorrento via the Amalfi coast. I look forward to it. We have rented a car (supposedly Fiat 500L "or similar"). I am used to driving a stick. I have driven many parts of Highway 1 in California and I have noted in videos that a lot of the Amalfi road is 30 kmph speed limit. Easy. Maybe i am crazy, but I am going for it.
Posted by
693 posts
Drive sensibly, take care on blind corners and watch the road. I enjoyed driving on the Amalfi as I gave enjoyed driving elsewhere in Italy.