Amalfi Coast 
The Amalfi Coast represents one of the most beautiful stretches of road in the world: 60 kilometers of pure magic winding from Positano to Vietri sul Mare.
However, what appears to be a dream on paper could turn into a real nightmare for those not accustomed to driving on narrow roads with hairpin turns overlooking the sea.
If you decide to rent a car at Naples airport or train station, choosing the right vehicle is crucial. The Amalfi Coast roads are particularly narrow in some spots, so it’s essential to ensure the rental company provides a car suitable for the journey.
There are three ideal options: Fiat 500, Fiat Panda, or Smart, compact vehicles that will not only allow you to move around with agility but also guarantee easier parking and lower fees in paid parking areas.
DRIVING GUIDE
A fundamental aspect to consider is the driving approach: local residents don’t appreciate tourists’ typical bad habit of accelerating on straight stretches only to brake sharply at curves. The secret is to maintain a steady pace and, when possible, facilitate overtaking on straight sections. When it comes to handling curves, the advice is to delay steering as much as possible to stay completely within your lane.
Throughout the Amalfi Coast route, you’ll also need to share the road with SITA public buses or local town bus and numerous tourist vans transporting visitors in both directions.
These large vehicles can be intimidating for those not used to traveling on narrow roads: our advice is to stop just before entering curves, giving them the necessary space to maneuver easily and wait for them to pass before continuing safely, without fear of collisions due to lane invasion.
The final choice will largely depend on your driving experience and ability to handle potentially stressful situations. If you’re an experienced driver and love the idea of having total control over your movements, renting a car might prove to be the ideal choice for exploring the wonders of the Amalfi Coast.
ALTERNATIVES FOR LESS EXPERIENCED DRIVERS
If the thought of driving in these conditions makes you anxious, there are excellent alternatives such as public transportation (more here: Getting around the Amalfi Coast) or private transfer services that will allow you to enjoy the scenery without the stress of driving.
For a true “dolce vita” experience, many local companies rent classic vintage cars with or without a driver, making you feel like you’re starring in a 1950s movie and guaranteeing some incredible photo opportunities!
Remember that the Amalfi Coast is a place to be savored slowly, and your choice of transportation can make the difference between a relaxing holiday and a stressful experience.
USEFUL TIPS
Limited Traffic Zones (ZTL)
Many towns along the Coast have established Limited Traffic Zones in particularly narrow sections of their streets, especially during peak season and at specific times of day, or for vehicles of certain sizes. ZTL zones are always marked with vertical signs, so pay close attention to avoid unwanted fines.
Speed Limits
The speed limit in urban areas is 50 km/h, on secondary roads 90 km/h, and on Highways 130 km/h. In some urban areas or due to minor roadworks, the limit may drop to 30 km/h, just keep an eye on the road signs along your route.
Parking
If you need to park on the street, pay attention to the color of the lines marking the parking spaces: white lines indicate free parking, yellow lines indicate resident-only parking (also shown on vertical signs), and blue lines indicate paid parking areas (shown on vertical signs along with rates) with meters that accept cash or card. Remember to display your parking ticket clearly in your car!
