Or, you could plan an Amalfi Coast itinerary of 3 days or less, if you plan ahead and choose where to stay and what to do carefully. Let's be honest - seven days is far too short to truly enjoy all that the Italian coastline has to offer. Tonight, you deserve all the calories in the world after that monster hike. Amalfi has a fascinating history as a maritime republic, whose importance was equal to coastal Pisa, Venice and Genoa. So pack up your things, check out of the hotel, and bundle into your rental car. 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. And while we're talking food, spend some time checking out the culinary scene in Ischia, which is slightly different from the cuisine in mainland Italy. Would definitely recommend ", " We had a wonderful time on our Italian vacation and we would like to thank Andrea for all his help to organize this trip. Once you're in Naples, drop your bags at your hotel, freshen up, and head out to see the sights. Most of the road consists of sweeping corners rather than tight ones. 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. The bus picks up directly in front of the train station, while the ferry is a 10-15 minute walk away. The party here doesn't get going till around midnight, so get ready to dance well into the night. The historic centre - especially the area around Piazza Bellini and Decumano - is home to lots of vibrant dining spots with outdoor seating that's perfect for people-watching while sipping on a beer, a glass of wine or an Aperol Spritz. Head back to your hotel after a leisurely afternoon on the beach. If you've read any of Elena Ferrante's novels, you'll be familiar with the bougainvillea-covered walls and white-washed villages that make Ischia so magical. We share the top England road trip routes to help you see the very best of this amazing country. From there, it's a quick drive to scenic towns and medieval villages like Ravello, Positano and Praiano. But that shouldn't stop you from getting out of your car to walk around! Naples is the capital of the Campania region and the third largest city in Italy after Rome and Milan. You've had quite the journey so far, and we haven't even reached the real Amalfi Coast yet! Classy restaurants abound here, and it's the perfect place to round out your Amalfi Coast road trip. Very responsive and always willing to help. 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. Ancient Roman aristocrats once bathed in these hot springs, so you know you're in good company. Whether you're a hiking enthusiast or not, trekking Il Sentieri Delgi Dei (the Path of the Gods) will be something to remember forever. Why not treat yourself to a hearty meal of grilled calamari and seafood pasta, followed by dessert and limoncello? amalfi Hi there! Travel tip: The ticket office doesn't take credit cards, so be sure to bring along enough cash for the excursion (10 entrance fee plus 2.50 for parking). Sorrento is the unofficial starting point of any Amalfi Coast road trip itinerary. The best way to get there is probably to hail a taxi or take the L1 metro line from Museo to the Materdei station. Finally, enjoy a walk around the town square after dinner and try to get a relatively early night. coast amalfi naples travel road southwest lighthouses trippers highway sur driving sand pacific ireland famous usa beach Take a stroll into the townand head for the pretty Piazza Vescovado, where you will find the elegant eleventh century Duomo. 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. There are trains from Sorrento to Pompeii around every 20 minutes, with the journey taking about 30 minutes. 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. 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). Avoid weekends and peak hours where at all possible. The top site in Ravello is Villa Rufolo, a historic palazzo with breathtaking cascading gardens overlooking the sea. The Amalfi Coast is also a gorgeous winter destination, with warm temperatures and emptier roads and towns a perfect destination to get away from the crowds. If you're feeling adventurous on your way back to Naples, you can stop at Mount Vesuvius, about 9km east of the city. Travel tip: In the future if you decide to travel from Naples to Sorrento without a car, you can also hop on the Circumvesuviana train, which departs every half-hour from Naples and takes just over an hour. The church's colourful tiled dome, which gleams in the sunlight, is a sight to behold and one of the iconic symbols of the town. eyewitness ebooksz penguinrandomhouse epub 18th Youll findlots to do in Sorrento. It's filled with tropical plants, palm trees, statues and benches. End your day in one of the many pizzerias and eat like a local! Our top Amalfi Coast driving tip is to drive from Salerno to Sorrento instead so that you hug the cliff rather than the edge. coast amalfi naples map kimkim 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). We are so thankful fo", "Our two weeks spent in Italy were absolutely amazing! This colourful seaside village is one of the top Amalfi Coast towns to visit. But first we need to make one final important stop: Ravello. The castle has passed through many hands over the years, from the Normans to the Parthenopeans and the Romans. 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). This is surely one of the best bucket list driving roads in Europe. From there, it's a ten-minute walk to the Fontanelle Cemetery. The scenic 13km footpath links Bomerano in the town of Agerola with Nocelle, a hillside neighbourhood of Positano. It is a dream place that isn't quite real when you are there and becomes beckoningly real after you have gone.". Today we're packing in a lot of important landmarks, so try to get an early start. 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. On your left you'll pass by Villa Comunale, the most popular park in the city, with a network of winding pathways and child-friendly playgrounds. From the road, its hard to see where people might walk and enjoy the town, such is the intimacy of the buildings. Although the distance is not very far, making the 41 mile (66 km) journey from Naples to the Amalfi Coast requires multiple modes of transport. Hikers can travel it in either direction, but it's recommended to go from east to west to get the best views. tours amalfi lovely coast tripadvisor Duration: 1.5-2 hoursThis is the most economical but least convenient way to travel between these two destinations. Be sure to take plenty of photos, or else your friends back at home won't believe it! Head for Piazza Tasso where youll find pretty shops, restaurants and bars. travelpassionate chrysoula You can also enjoy the views from one of its two scenic cafes. Once you're done there, navigate your way to the Quartieri Spagnoli (the Spanish Quarter) for a well-deserved lunch. There are just a few hotels that have parking, so be sure to do your research. 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. This stretch of shoreline is home to a handful of little laid-back restaurants and beach bars where you can enjoy an afternoon meal while listening to the peaceful sound of waves lapping against the pebbled beach. It won't be hard to find your way to the distinctive Chiesa di Santa Maria Assunta, a Catholic church on Via Marina Grande which was founded in the 10th century AD and is famous for housing a Byzantine Black Madonna icon and a medieval crypt located just below the altar. Stay atSanta Fortunata Village Campingin Sorrento and take a day trip, hire a scooter or take the bus. eyewitness sorrento Take a look around and it should come as no surprise that writer John Steinbeck said of the town: "Positano bites deep. And at the family-run Da Vicenzo, you can expect traditional Neapolitan dishes served up in a lively, welcoming atmosphere. Everything was very well planned and we were in constant communication with Je", "Our trip to Italy was a long time coming! The cemetery is open year round from 10am to 5pm, and entrance is free. amalfi coast excursions naples port honeymoon This simple and largely unadorned church has undergone extensive renovations over the ages, its shining white facade dates back to the last major restoration in 1931. Car rental is easy in Sorrento or Salerno for a day or two, and helps make the most of the area. If youre looking to do something special, why not consider avintage Vespa tourwith a local guide? There are lots of day trips to the Amalfi Coast from Sorrento or Naples to choose from, you can let an experienced driver keep their eyes on the road whilst you revel in the gorgeous scenery and sea views, with a tour guide to take you to all the best places and answer all your questions. Amalfiis a hugely popular holiday resort and the largest of the coastal towns along the road. If driving the Amalfi Coast road is not for you, you dont have to miss out. If you managed to set out on the hike early, you should be back in town around lunch time. From there you can get the train or take a 25-minute taxi ride back to Naples Airport. To make things even creepier, in the 19th century it became popular for locals to "adopt" skulls in the cemetery, pray for their souls, and ask them for favours in a macabre practice called anime pezzentelle (poor souls). As you probably already know, Pompeii was once a thriving Roman city that was buried under volcanic ash from Mount Vesuvius' violent eruption in 79 AD. That being said, it's a good idea to reserve a table ahead of time, especially during the summer months. Those with more time might consider this 15-day Amalfi Coast and Naples itinerary, which includes a stop in Sorrento and a few days in Rome. If you have to travel in peak season, go early in the morning or on a weekday. The Top 35 Warmest Places for Winter Sun. Amid the charming homes and luxury resorts in Positano you'll also see a collection of Moorish-style buildings and Baroque architecture that reflect the town's history. Why not spend a few days exploring Ischia's beaches, natural hot springs and thermal spas for a restorative end to your journey? With iconic Italian cypress trees and umbrella pines, against a backdrop of azure waters and blue skies, the gardens are a highlight and are one of the best photo spots on the Amalfi Coast. travelblahblah The lemons grown here are used for theclassic Italian drink, Limonchello. 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. There is a regular bus service operated bySita,which runs between all the coastal towns on the Amalfi Coast. These days, Vesuvio is the only active volcano on mainland Europe. naples pompeii ruins amalfi coast private trip There are a number of romantic restaurants in Positano to choose from, and since it's such a small town, it's easy to visit them on foot. 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. Home to a handful of superb hotels, Ravello ranks as one of Italysmost luxurious destinations. Stay atPalazzo Surianofor its fragrance filled terraced gardens complete with hot tub, excellent home-made breakfasts and gorgeous decor. 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. Rather than being covered in volcanic ash, Herculaneum was destroyed by a pyroclastic surge that left it more preserved than Pompeii. wanderluststorytellers You will recognise it from the thousands of images online, which show pastel coloured houses stacked higgledy-piggledy down to the sea. naples amalfi bus coast tour Find out about life on the road, destinations, routes and practical motorhome advice on our blog. It was built under the reign of Charles I of Anjou, who converted it from an old Fransican convent. Driving a rental car or taking a private transfer takes approximately 1-1.5 hours, but allows you to move between the two destinations without changing modes of transport. As with driving in any country, safety here comes first. naples amalfi bus coast tour Click here for our complete step-by-step road trip planning guide to help organise your perfect trip. Once you've had your fill of molten rock, head back to your car and get on the A3 towards Naples.