EuropeCliffside hairpins, lemon groves, aperitivo on the terrace

Amalfi Coast + Cilento loop

The most beautiful 60 km of tarmac in Europe — driven the smart way

The SS163 Amalfitana is a 60 km ribbon carved into cliffs above the sea. In July/August it's a solid traffic jam. Come in shoulder season, base yourself in Praiano (not Positano — cheaper, better parked), and drive at 7am. Add the Cilento loop south for the empty side of Campania.

Distance
250 km
Suggested time
4–5 days
Best months
May, June, September, early October
Budget / day (2 people)
€200–400 (parking alone is €30–50/day in Positano)
Car type
Smallest car possible (Fiat 500 or Panda) — Amalfi hairpins are unforgiving. NO SUVs.
Best for
Couples · Food lovers · Honeymoons

Day-by-day route

Day 1
55 km
NaplesSorrento

Pompeii en route, then arrive in Sorrento for sunset

Day 2
20 km
SorrentoPositano

Drive SS163 early — coffee in Positano before the crowds

Day 3
25 km
PositanoAmalfi + Ravello

Ravello's Villa Cimbrone terrace — better views than Positano

Day 4
90 km
AmalfiPaestum

Greek temples older than the Parthenon, no crowds

Day 5
90 km
PaestumNaples

Buffalo mozzarella farm tour on the way back

Book these before you fly

Hotels 3+ months out for May/June, restaurant tables in Ravello & Positano, parking garage in advance.

The honest downside

ZTL zones (limited-traffic zones) in every town — fines arrive months later. Park at the edge and walk in.

Other road trips worth planning

Discover Cars, Aviasales, Airalo and EKTA links are affiliate — we may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. Distances and prices reviewed for 2026.