By joining our email list, you give LazyTrips permission to use your email for sending you newsletters, emails and updates including for marketing purposes. The Amalfi Coast road itself is maintained in good condition and is wide enough for cars to pass comfortably. This is a popular club venue with a standout setting in a cave on the beach, located on Via Grotte dell'Incanto. Just be sure to bring a friend to hold your hand if you spook easily. North Coast 500 Route Planner + Highlights, Map & Tips, Road Trip England 10 of the Best Routes, Iceland Road Trip 26 Epic Things to See & Do. Try grabbing a table at Antica Pizzeria Prigiobbo for tasty Neapolitan pies served in a simple, homey setting. Why not try one of the local delicacies for dinner tonight: tomato bruschetta, boiled octopus salad and meatballs with polenta are some of our favourites! Click here for our complete step-by-step road trip planning guide to help organise your perfect trip. From the rolling fields of Tuscany and the soaring mountains of the Sierra Nevada to the beaches of the South of France and the mighty Alps, you can find a European road trip route to suit your taste and travel style. The stunning moss-covered structures are like something from a post-apocalyptic world. Classy restaurants abound here, and it's the perfect place to round out your Amalfi Coast road trip. Follow this winding road in the direction of Sorrento. If you're planning an Amalfi Coast road trip in this iconic region of Italy, you can set off from either Rome or Naples, which have the nearest airports (and they're both international) and easy car hire options. There are also water taxis that travel between the main beach in Positano to Fornillo Beach if you'd rather take to the open seas than walk. That being said, it's a good idea to reserve a table ahead of time, especially during the summer months. Vietris narrow streets spread out from the main landmark, the Renaissance Church of Saint John the Baptist with its colourful bell tower and ceramic-covered dome. To begin your scenic Italian holiday, first fly into Naples International Airport. Heaven! To get to the start of the trail, hire a taxi or take a bus to the Bomerano stop. The entire process from start to finish was so easy for us - all thanks t", Traveled to Italy as a couple in June, 2022, "Sonia and Barbera were amazing and made my trip with my wife for our anniversary wonderful. After taking the train to Salerno as outlined above, the villages of the Amalfi Coast can be reached by either bus or ferry (30-90 minutes). The entire journey should take about an hour - and it will definitely be worth it once you reach this charming seaside town. and and super-friendly service. Then, if you venture just behind the square, you'll be treated to a unique and surprising feast for the eyes: Il Vallone dei Mulini (Valley of the Mills). (It's also bright pink, so that helps it stand out!). You can also get a bus or train fromNaples to the Amalfi Coastin around thee hours. Sorrento is not technically part of the Amalfi Coast, but it's still a popular stop along the route - and rightly so. After an hour or so of rest in your room, and perhaps a relaxing nap, it's time for some more sensational Italian food. Break for gelato or coffee in Piazza Tasso, the central square and the hub of life and activity in Sorrento. All that being said, it's a beautiful coastal drive that will leave you with memories for life! The Top 35 Warmest Places for Winter Sun. This elegant boutique hotel is in a quiet and peaceful part of the city, just steps from the waterfront, and the room rates are amazing (we're talking under 100 a night even in peak season). Find out about life on the road, destinations, routes and practical motorhome advice on our blog. Without a doubt, a self drive tour is the best way to experience the Amalfi coastline, since you'll enjoy the freedom of your own car and won't have to stick to someone else's schedule. The terrain is steep and a little uneven in some places, but you don't have to be super fit to conquer it. If you have time, we recommend taking one of the funicular rides from the city centre up to the elegant Vomero district. If you fancy something a bit more laid-back, head west on foot to Spiaggia del Fornillo (one ofPositanos top ten beaches), a long stretch of soft sandy beach backed by a few cool bars, where you can while away an hour or so, or spend a slightly more energetic evening bar hopping. For nearly 200 years, the Secret Cabinet was closed to the public because Francis I deemed it too racy (although he did allow gentlemen of good moral standing to take a peek). The beautiful coastal town is perched on a steep cliff in the Sorrentine Peninsula overlooking the Bay of Naples, with points of interest that include the Piazza Tasso, the Museo Correale and the Marinas Piccoa and Grande. Look on the map and you will see that it is twisty, and there are a few hair-pin bends on the main route, may more if you head into the hills. This service is provided for locals, but in the summer months each bus is full of tourists wanting a glimpse of the famous views and a budget friendly way to experience the road. The Amalfi Drive has a reputation for being somewhat nerve-racking, shall we say. This vast open space is home to some of the most important landmarks in Naples including the Basilica Royal and Palazzo Reale, aka the Royal Palace. Stay at theHotel Villa Mariafor its dining terrace where you could spend days in awe of the view, old-world Italian charm and fabulous breakfasts. Naples is super walkable but also quite hilly, so be sure to wear comfortable shoes. It would be easy to plan an Amalfi Coast itinerary of 7 days and spend a few days in each key place to see the best of the Amalfi Coast, taking day trips, spending time on the beach and generally relaxingif you really wanted to chill this could easily stretch to an Amalfi Coast itinerary of 10 days! If you love motorhomes, road trips and a bit of adventure, dive right in! Once you've rolled out of bed, it's time to bid Naples farewell and continue on with your Amalfi Coast road trip. You can set off on foot to explore the small art galleries in town and do some shopping at the many chic boutiques touting handmade sandals. This is a cheaper option than hiring a car and means you can park quickly and easily wherever the fancy takes you, and it will take you often. Duration: 1-1.5 hoursThis is the most convenient (and in the case of private transfer, most expensive) way to travel from Naples to the Amalfi Coast. It was a trade bridge between the Byzantine and western worlds for centuries and the town is packed with graceful historical buildings. If you're in the mood for live music or theatre, there are plenty of venues in Naples. So park up your car in a car park (expect to pay up around 20 for a whole day) and get ready to see the sights. Lungomare, which is Italian for "seafront boardwalk", is positively choc-a-bloc with pretty viewpoints and charming bars and restaurants. You may have to back up and let coaches pass if there isn't enough room on the road. If youre looking for somewhere special, Il San Pietro di Positanois legendary for its glamour, faultless five star service and stunning position and is widely recognised as the best Amalfi Coast hotel. The world is your oyster! It may be worth hiring a guide who can give you more information about this important moment in history. You can also enjoy the views from one of its two scenic cafes. Note that driving yourself has its challenges. Although the views along the way are spectacular, note that the road is narrow and winding. It is also known for impossibly pretty villages, hedgerow lined country lanes and a wonderfully diverse landscape and coastline, all of which make England a must for travelers. We recommend trying one of the ristorantes near Piazza Tasso, Corso Italia and the Old Town. The cemetery is open year round from 10am to 5pm, and entrance is free. Then head to the Napoli Piazza Garibandi train station, and get the train to Pozzuoli, which is about an hour away. Conveniently located in the stunning old Mergellina train station, with easy and quick access to all of the top sights in Naples, Metro 900 Hotel is our absolute favourite place to call home when we travel to Naples. The Naples Alibus shuttles leave from the airport about every 20 minutes between 6am and midnight, and take around 30 minutes to get to the city centre. Avoid weekends and peak hours where at all possible. Take a stroll into the townand head for the pretty Piazza Vescovado, where you will find the elegant eleventh century Duomo. After taking a few pictures of Vallone dei Mulini, why not descend the ancient steps leading from the historic Sorrento town centre to Marina Grande, the fishing harbour below. But behind this magazine cover lies the everyday reality of faded Italian grandeur, crumbling plasterwork and tourists. Travel tip: You should purchase a combined ticket that gives you access to both Pompeii and Herculaneum for a reduced fee (20). Ask your hotel concierge for recommendations or try checking out Teatro Bellini, located in the city centre, which regularly puts on dance, operatic and Divine Comedy performances. If youre looking to do something special, why not consider avintage Vespa tourwith a local guide? Take in a show, try a local dish, or sample the offerings at one of the city's popular wine bars. Up here in this leafy and glamorous district, the views of Naples and Mount Vesuvius are incredible and the streets are wide and clean, providing a welcome break from the nitty-gritty of central Naples. After you're finished sightseeing, treat yourself to a decadent lunch at one of the restaurants near Piazza del Duomo. From there, it's a quick drive to scenic towns and medieval villages like Ravello, Positano and Praiano. The Amalfi Coast road is closed to large motorhomes. Amalfi is a great place to stop overnight if youre spending two days in the Amalfi Coast area. But, parking can be a challenge and the cave receives mixed reviews. Once you've settled into your hotel, it's time to explore. But if your knees aren't quite up to all that downhill trekking (almost an hour), worry not: there is a bus service that goes from Nocelle to Positano. Capri may be the best known of the Phlegraean Islands in the Gulf of Naples, but we prefer the less touristy, less expensive and much more interesting Ischia. Your email will not be provided to third parties. This leg of your journey will take between 30 and 40 minutes. Our Sicily road trip route and itinerary with interactive map is a coastal trip around the island, hitting all the top spots on the way to ensure you discover the very best of Sicily. If youre planning a trip to the Amalfi Coast, whether you take a coach trip, drive the road in a car or enjoy it on two wheels, it will undoubtedly be very busy in the summer. Ischia is split into six "comune" (towns): Ischia Port and Ischia Ponte, Forio, Casamicciola, Lacco Ameno, Serrara Fontana and Barano. So pack up your bags, check out of your hotel and hop into your car to start your one-hour journey along the Amalfi Drive to the lush garden town of Ravello. The colourful houses, mild Mediterranean climate and scenic streets of Sorrento are its main draw, but there are plenty of other things to do here, from shopping and sightseeing to hiking and boat tours. Rest your weary feet at a restaurant near Piazza Tasso or rent a sunlounger on Fornillo Beach and take a nap in the shade. Sadly, all good things come to an end, and that includes epic road trips. This secret room of the museum houses erotic paintings and sculptures that were discovered at the Pompeii excavation site. From the Chiesa di Santa Maria Assunta, take the scenic 12-minute walk west along the Via Positanesi D'America to Spiaggia Fornillo (Fornillo Beach). It's true that Italian drivers and motorcyclists are known to weave in and out of lanes in a haphazard way, so you'll need to be on your guard as you navigate the Amalfi Coast road's twists and turns. Icelands volcanic and glacial terrain that has shaped its nature and geography over millennia, as well as heavily influencing the countrys culture, is easy to visit as you travel the islands ring road. Your first stop is Lungomare. Hi there! Just be sure to check the cost regularly on the meter to avoid getting overcharged. Freshen up in your hotel room and head out to Marina Grande to enjoy a dinner of seafood pasta on the seaside. Taking in the glorious Scottish Highlands, breathtaking coastlines, lochs and historic towns along the route, this really is one of the worlds epic road trips. If not, there's always next time! After you reach the east end of Villa Comunale, head northeast towards Piazza del Plebiscito, Naples' main city square. This post may contain affiliate links, from which we earn an income. If you're up for it, round out the day by venturing underground to the spooky Cimitero delle Fontanelle (Fontanelle Cemetery), a massive catacombs outside the city centre that houses thousands of human skulls and bones in neatly arranged rows and stacks. Sadly, our time in Positano is coming to an end, and it's time to head back to Naples. Tonight, you deserve all the calories in the world after that monster hike. Each of these is made up of a number of smaller hamlets or villages called "frazione". Read more. Our top Amalfi Coast driving tip is to drive from Salerno to Sorrento instead so that you hug the cliff rather than the edge. Inside is the hidden Cloister of Paradise, dating back to 1266, with a army of columns, Arabesque arches and an amazing fresco. You can check with the Sorrento tourist office for a schedule of events. So grateful KimKim connect us to him as our trip to Italy was a thousand times more fun, interesting, reward", "We are so glad that we chose Kimkim to arrange our Italy vacation this summer. It was finally reopened in 2000. Sorrento is a good home base for your Amalfi Coast travels, as it also offers great options for day trips to Naples,Pompeii and Vesuvius,and boat tours to the beautiful island of Capri, due to its position on the peninsula. The Gap Decaders are participants in a number of affiliate programmes. Hikers can travel it in either direction, but it's recommended to go from east to west to get the best views. If you fancy an after-dinner drink, chase your meal with a cold shot of Limoncello, a popular local digestif made with lemon peels and alcohol that originated in this area. The bus picks up directly in front of the train station, while the ferry is a 10-15 minute walk away. I have to say, I was a bit nervous planning and", Traveled to Italy as a family in July, 2022, "Everyone was incredibly friendly, punctual and helpful! Youll find colourful pottery on every corner, made locally since ancient Roman times. The most heartbreaking section of Pompeii is the Garden of the Fugitives, where plaster replicas show the last moments of the men, women and children who were stopped in their tracks, asphyxiated by gases from the eruption and then slowly buried in ash. Stay atSanta Fortunata Village Campingin Sorrento and take a day trip, hire a scooter or take the bus. We've taken you to ancient ruins and underground burial sights, on sky-high hiking trails and rocky shorelines. Hotel Antiche Mura is an exquisite mix of classic and modern, with elegant decor and super light and airy rooms. If thats not possible, accept that you will spend time in non-moving traffic and in the summer months it will get very hot. Head for Piazza del Duomo, in front of the striking cathedral and enjoy a coffee or gelato before taking the steps up to the church. Tickets to the Royal Palace are 10, and well worth it. Take your time on the road (especially around sharp bends) and keep an eye out for speedy motorcyclists and monster coaches transporting tourists around the area. Our local travel specialists have been recommended by, "Words can't describe just how excellent Jessica and the kimkim team were in making our trip to Italy unforgettable. The tiny country of England is famous for its long history, the Royal family and quaint traditions. This is a relatively easy trip of about 1.5 hours altogether, not including stops along the way. Signage is not ideal here, so you may have to ask fellow hikers which walking route takes you back towards Positano. To get there from Piazza Tasso, walk north on Via Luigi de Maio and continue onto Via S. Francesco. It is a dream place that isn't quite real when you are there and becomes beckoningly real after you have gone.". Once you're off, you'll be absolutely enchanted by the walk. Plus, you'll be able to roll down the windows and feel the wind in your hair while you experience the famously thrilling drive along the Amalfi Coast. So beautiful is this UNESCO World Heritage Site stretch of road that people come from all over the world to travel along it, and many say it is the most beautiful places in Italy because of the rugged scenery, lush landscapes and turquoise blue seas. The Chiaia neighbourhood also comes to life in the evening with lots of hopping bars, if that's what you're after. Greece is a wonderful country for a road trip if you like the road less travelled. We are Phil and Izzy. This over-looked Amalfi town does not have the visual appeal of its more famous neighbours but its authentic and down to earth, a great antidote to the glitz and glamour of the rest of the coast. Ferries run several times a day to the major Amalfi Coast villages from Salerno, taking anywhere from 30-70 minutes depending on the destination village. Why not treat yourself to a hearty meal of grilled calamari and seafood pasta, followed by dessert and limoncello? Buses run every day on a frequent timetable but due to traffic volume are often very late. Ciao, bella! Rather than being covered in volcanic ash, Herculaneum was destroyed by a pyroclastic surge that left it more preserved than Pompeii. Car rental is easy in Sorrento or Salerno for a day or two, and helps make the most of the area. Once you've checked out of your hotel, head to a cafe for a typical Positano breakfast of a cappuccino and a sfogliatelle (a shell-shaped pastry with a rich ricotta and orange peel filling). Very responsive and always willing to help. Bus and ferry options from Salerno are also available, though these are less efficient and less comfortable.The easiest but most expensive option is making the whole trip via private transfer. It's hard to walk more than a couple of steps in this town before stumbling upon a lovely restaurant. There are a couple of ferry services that provide trips from Naples (Pozzuoli) to Ischia several times a day, and the one-way journey takes about an hour. If you're having issues using the site, please enable JavaScript and refresh your browser. - we're going to start Italian holiday in Naples, which is known as the gateway to the Amalfi Coast. You'll want to get out at the Pompeii Scavi station and walk a few yards up the road past souvenir stalls to reach the entrance to Pompeii. Villa Comunale is a popular public park perched on the cliffside just behind the Chiostro di San Francesco, and it happens to have the best views in town. In the late 18th century, it was established as a museum by King Charles II. This was finally halted in the 1960s, when Cardinal Corrado Ursi closed down the ossuary, claiming that the ritual was bordering on fetishism. Allow two hours to roam around this UNESCO World Heritage-listed site, where you'll see the remains of ancient streets, residential dwellings, shops and sculptures. Today we're packing in a lot of important landmarks, so try to get an early start. The perfect place to stop for lunch on a one day itinerary of the Amalfi Coast, Ravello has no shortage of good restaurants serving delicious local food with an incredible view. Youll find fabulous tuna and the local speciality, colatura di alici, a delicious extract of fermented anchovies, referred to locally as liquid gold. After you've spent a few hours at Pompeii, head back to the train station. Head back to your hotel after a leisurely afternoon on the beach. These days, it hosts regular art exhibitions and concerts as well as walking tours. For something different, you can also try one of the cooking classes or pizza-making courses that are available in Ravello. It's time to treat yourself to one last Italian coffee (and gelato) before packing up your things and driving back to the Naples International Airport, leaving with plenty of time to return the rental car. Kim Kim and our guide Eleni handled all the details big and small from transportation, tours, and hotel", Traveled to Italy as a group in June, 2022, "We could not have been more pleased with Andrea. It's also smaller in size and therefore more manageable to explore in depth.