The Amalfi Coast is a stunning stretch of coastline in southern Italy that is renowned for its dramatic cliffs, sparkling seas, and colorful villages perched on hillsides. Located in the Campania region, the Amalfi Coast is a popular tourist destination that attracts visitors from all over the world. The coastline extends for about 50 kilometers and is dotted with picturesque towns such as Amalfi, Positano, and Ravello. The area is known for its beautiful beaches, quaint fishing villages, and delicious seafood. The Amalfi Coast is also famous for its scenic drives, with winding roads that offer breathtaking views of the sea and the mountains. Here is what to expect when driving Amalfi coast in summer.
Driving Amalfi coast in summer: Our Experience
Driving Amalfi coast was on my list long before we started planning our Italy trip. So, knowing that this road can be heavily congested during touristy summer months, I still decided to drive it in August 2017. And quite frankly I regretted it.
We started our drive in Sorento around 10am and we got to Positano by 1.30pm with just two stops for pictures and fresh orange juice. It took us 3 hours to drive 15.6 kilometers!!! The road was packed with cars and tour busses. The cars parked along two way road almost made it one way. We had to stop many time to allow incoming traffic to pass.
We decided to stop in Positano to dip in the refreshing water and have lunch. Sure enough, there was no parking, not at all, no single spot. As we drove passed Spiaggia beach sign, we saw restaurant valet parking. We were lucky enough to get the last spot, which, by the way cost us 40 euros for 4 hours. After spending some time on the beach, we had lunch, and got back on the road expecting to spend another 3 hours to get to Amalfi town which is 16.5 miles away from Positano.
The traffic got unexpectedly much better and in about 1.5 hours we arrived to Amalfi where we spent about 3 hours exploring the town. Drive from Amalfi to Maiori was even better. We spent the night in Maiori and finished the drive next day early morning.
So, if you still decide to drive Amalfi coast in summer, it’s good to know what to expect so that you can make the right decision. Here is what to expect when driving Amalfi coast in summer.
What to expect when driving Amalfi coast in summer.
Driving along the Amalfi Coast in the summer months is both both breathtaking and at the same time very frustrating experience. The winding road is carved into the rocky cliffs that plunge down to the crystal-clear waters of the Tyrrhenian Sea. The views are breathtaking, but the drive itself is not for the faint of heart. Expect heavy traffic and narrow roads with sharp turns that can be challenging for even the most skilled drivers.
During the peak summer months, the Amalfi Coast can become heavily congested, especially on weekends and holidays. Tour buses, scooters, and cars all vie for space on the narrow road, causing frequent backups and delays. Expect to spend much of your time sitting in traffic, especially during peak hours. It’s important to remain patient and alert at all times, as the roads are steep and winding, and unexpected obstacles like fallen rocks can appear suddenly.
Parking on Amalfi Coast
Parking can also be a significant issue along the Amalfi Coast. The towns are built into the cliffs, and parking spaces are often limited and expensive. Plan your route ahead of time and be prepared to walk a fair distance to reach your destination.
Alternate number plate
In an effort to reduce traffic and congestion on the Amalfi Coast, the local authorities have implemented an alternate number plate system for cars during the peak summer months in June 2022. The system is in place from June 1st to September 30th and operates on weekends and public holidays from 9am to 5pm.
Essentially, if you are driving a car with a license plate ending in an even number, you are only allowed to drive on the Amalfi Coast on even-numbered days of the month. If your license plate ends in an odd number, you are only allowed to drive on odd-numbered days of the month.
This system is designed to reduce the number of cars on the road on any given day and prevent traffic jams and congestion. It is important to note that the system is strictly enforced, and if you are caught driving on the Amalfi Coast on the wrong day, you can face a hefty fine.
This system only applies to private cars and rental cars. Buses, taxis, and emergency vehicles are exempt from the alternate number plate system. If you are driving a rental car, it is important to check with the rental company to ensure that they have registered the car for the alternate number plate system. So, if you are planning to drive the Amalfi Coast during the summer months, be prepared for potential delays due to the alternate number plate system. Plan your route accordingly and be sure to check the calendar to ensure you are driving on the correct day.
So, should I drive Amalfi coast in summer?
My very honest answer is “No, don’t do it!” If driving Amalfi Coast is on your list, plan to do it during off-season month, late September to early April. You can also take public transportation or hire a private driver as an alternative to driving Amalfi Coast yourself.
In conclusion, driving the Amalfi Coast in the summer was a challenging experience for us. We hit heavy traffic and had parking issues. So, I strongly suggest hiring a private driver or using public transportation to explore Amalfi coast during summer.
