7 Days on the Amalfi Coast: A Road Trip Guide + Map 🚗
The Travel Tinker is back with another road trip! If you’re heading to southern Italy, the Amalfi Coast is one of those trips that will leave you wanting to move to Italy. One minute you’re weaving through Naples’ chaotic streets, the next you’re wandering Pompeii like a time traveller, or watching the sea shimmer from a cliff in Sorrento. There’s ferry-hopping to Capri, cliffside lanes in Positano, Amalfi, and Ravello, and a hike up Vesuvius that leaves you smelling the sulphur and grinning like a fool. Over seven days, you get history, views, food, and plenty of “did that just happen?” moments. This guide will take you through the whole loop, how to get around, where to eat, and little tips the guidebooks usually forget.
Amalfi Coast Road Trip
🚗 Quick Trip Facts
- Total Distance: ~125 miles / 201 km round trip
- Driving Style: Coastal bends + A-roads; allow extra time for narrow, scenic stretches.
- Start/End: Naples
- Best Time: May–June or September–October (sunny but not scorching, fewer crowds)
- Suggested Length: 7 days
🚗 Recommended Car Rental: DiscoverCars
🗺️ Itinerary
Day 1 — Naples
Your trip begins in Naples, chaotic and captivating. Between street life, museums, and legendary pizza, you’ll get a strong dose of southern Italian energy.
Drive time: 20–30 mins from Naples Airport (5 miles / 8 km)
📍 Things to do:
- Stroll Spaccanapoli and the old town streets
- Marvel at Castel dell’Ovo on the waterfront
- Visit the National Archaeological Museum
- Sample a classic Margherita at Da Michele or Sorbillo
🔹 Tinker’s Tip: Espresso at the bar costs less and helps you feel like a local while observing the city’s rhythm.
Day 2 — Naples → Pompeii
A short drive to the ancient Roman city where life was frozen in ash in AD 79. Arrive early to beat the heat and the crowds.
Drive time: 30 mins (15 miles / 24 km)
📍 Things to do:
- Walk along Via dell’Abbondanza and the Forum
- Explore the House of the Vettii and the amphitheatre
- See plaster casts at the Garden of the Fugitives
👉 Good to know: Buy tickets online to skip long queues in high season.
Day 3 — Pompeii → Sorrento
Drive down to the coast, where cliff-top Sorrento awaits. A relaxed town with sea views, lemon groves, and easy access to ferries for Capri.
Drive time: 45–60 mins (18 miles / 29 km)
📍 Things to do:
- Stroll Piazza Tasso and old town lanes
- Visit Villa Comunale for panoramic Bay of Naples views
- Sample limoncello and shop for local crafts
🔹 Tinker’s Tip: Sorrento makes a perfect hub, you could base here for multiple days without changing hotels.
Day 4 — Sorrento → Capri (day trip)
Swap wheels for water and ferry to Capri. Dramatic cliffs, grottos, and chic piazzas make this island unforgettable.
Ferry time: 20–30 mins (15 miles / 24 km by sea)
📍 Things to do:•
- Explore Capri Town and the Piazzetta
- Chairlift to Monte Solaro in Anacapri
- Boat to the Blue Grotto (weather permitting)
- Visit Villa San Michele for historic views
💡 Fact: Capri was a playground for Roman emperors; Tiberius had twelve villas on the island.
🗺️ Must-Read: Tuscany’s Countryside Charm: Day Trips from Florence to Rolling Hills
Recommended Tours and Tickets From Get Your Guide
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Day 5 — Sorrento → Positano → Amalfi
Back to the coast for the postcard-perfect villages of Positano and Amalfi. Colourful houses, winding lanes, and cliff-top views dominate the day.
Drive time: Sorrento → Positano 35 mins (10 miles / 16 km); Positano → Amalfi 40 mins (10 miles / 16 km)
📍 Things to do:
- Positano stairs and Spiaggia Grande beach
- Amalfi Cathedral and Piazza del Duomo
- Try Amalfi’s lemon gelato or handmade paper
- Optional boat ride along the coast
🔹 Tinker’s Tip: Early morning in Positano avoids crowds and gives the best light for photos.
Day 6 — Amalfi → Ravello → Minori → Maiori
A slower, scenic day among cliff-top gardens and coastal villages. Ravello’s serene gardens and panoramic terraces are a highlight.
Drive times: Amalfi → Ravello 15 mins (4 miles / 6 km); Ravello → Minori 10 mins (3 miles / 5 km); Minori → Maiori 5 mins (1 mile / 1.5 km)
📍 Things to do:
- Villa Cimbrone and
- Villa Rufolo in Ravello
- Minori pastries: Delizia al Limone and sfogliatella
- Maiori promenade and sandy beach
👉 Good to know: Ravello often hosts summer music festivals; check dates if you’re a music fan.
Day 7 — Maiori → Mount Vesuvius → Herculaneum → Naples
Finish with fire and history: hike Mount Vesuvius for crater views, then explore Herculaneum’s smaller, better-preserved ruins before heading back to Naples.
Drive times: Maiori → Vesuvius 1–1.5 hrs (35 miles / 56 km); Vesuvius → Herculaneum 20–30 mins (6 miles / 10 km); Herculaneum → Naples 30 mins (10 miles / 16 km)
📍 Things to do:
- Hike to Vesuvius crater rim
- Panoramic Bay of Naples views
- Explore Herculaneum villas, mosaics, and preserved wood
🔹 Tinker’s Tip: Herculaneum is smaller and shaded, easier to explore than Pompeii in the summer heat.
Access to the map
No sign up required and totally FREE. Literally just using Google Maps to plot your route! Saves you messing! We don't gatekeep here! Enjoy.
Map will be located under "YOU" and then under "MAPS".
ℹ️ Add the map to your Google Maps app.
After opening Google maps, click YOU and then scroll down to MAPS. It should be located there. Any issues, just get it touch, it’s no problem!
🛑 Pit Stops & Side Detours
- Vietri sul Mare – ceramics village near Salerno
- Furore – hidden fjord with daring cliff divers
- Paestum – Greek temples south of the coast
- Path of the Gods hike – spectacular cliffs above Positano
🍽️ Local Eats Worth Chasing
- Naples: Pizza Margherita and sfogliatella
- Sorrento: Gnocchi alla Sorrentina and limoncello
- Positano & Amalfi: Seafood pasta, lemon gelato
- Ravello & Minori: Delizia al Limone and sfogliatella riccia
- Capri: Caprese salad with fresh mozzarella
🎶 Road Trip Playlist
- Dean Martin – Volare
- Louis Prima – That’s Amore
- Pino Daniele – Napule È
- Jimmy Fontana – Il Mondo
- The Beatles – Here Comes the Sun
🔹 Tinker’s Tip: Download offline – signal can drop out.
🎙️ Podcasts to Queue Up
- The History of Rome – Pompeii & Vesuvius context
- Coffee Break Italian – practise ordering espresso
- Atlas Obscura Podcast – quirky travel stories
- Radiolab – thoughtful listening between towns
🎒 Road Trip Essentials
- Documents: Driving license, International Driving Permit (if required for non-EU licenses), car rental papers, and passport.
- Navigation: A GPS is helpful, but also download offline maps for areas with poor signal.
- Footwear: Comfortable walking shoes are non-negotiable. You’ll be walking extensively on cobblestones.
- Layers: Even in warmer months, a light jacket or scarf is useful for cool evenings or for covering shoulders when entering churches.
- Daypack: Essential for carrying water, snacks, a camera, and a portable power bank.
- Cash: Have some Euros on hand, especially smaller coins for parking meters and city tourist taxes.
- Extras: Sunglasses, a sun hat, a reusable water bottle, and a chic scarf for that touch of Italian style.
🔹 Tinker’s Tip: Keep a reusable shopping bag in the car for impromptu stops at local markets for wine, cheese, and fresh produce.
Rent a Car
Access to the map
No sign up required and totally FREE. Literally just using Google Maps to plot your route! Saves you messing! We don't gatekeep here! Enjoy.
What to know How to Plan or Save for a Trip? Here are our best:
FAQs
How many days do I need for the Amalfi Coast road trip?
Seven days is ideal to see Naples, Pompeii, Sorrento, Capri, Positano, Amalfi, Ravello, Minori, Maiori, Vesuvius, and Herculaneum at a relaxed pace. Less time and you’ll be rushing; more time lets you linger for extra gelato.
Do I need a car for this itinerary?
Yes, a car is best for reaching Amalfi Coast villages and inland sites like Vesuvius and Pompeii. Be prepared for narrow, winding roads and limited parking in peak season.
How do I get the FREE map?
The free map is available via Google Maps with no signup required. After clicking the “View Map” link, go to “Your Places” > “Maps” in the Google Maps app to find the route. Save it for offline use, especially in areas with spotty signal.
When is the best time to visit?
Late spring (May–June) or early autumn (September) gives you sunny weather, fewer crowds, and calmer ferry schedules. July–August is busiest and hottest.
Can I do Capri as a day trip?
Absolutely! Ferries run from Sorrento and Naples, taking 20–50 minutes. It’s busy in summer, so book tickets in advance and start early for the Blue Grotto.
Travel Planning Resources
Ready to book your next trip? These trusted resources have been personally vetted to ensure a smooth travel experience.
Book Your Flights: Kick off your travel planning by finding the best flight deals on Trip.com. Our years of experience with them confirm they offer the most competitive prices.
Book Your Hotel: For the best hotel rates, use Booking.com . For the best and safest hostels, HostelWorld.com is your go-to resource. Best for overall Hotel ratings and bargains, use TripAdvisor.com!
Find Apartment Rentals: For affordable apartment rentals, check out VRBO. They consistently offer the best prices.
Car Rentals: For affordable car rentals, check out RentalCars.com. They offer the best cars, mostly brand new.
Travel Insurance: Never travel without insurance. Here are our top recommendations:
- EKTA for Travel Insurance for all areas!
- Use AirHelp for compensation claims against flight delays etc.
Book Your Activities: Discover walking tours, skip-the-line tickets, private guides, and more on Get Your Guide. They have a vast selection of activities to enhance your trip. There is also Tiqets.com for instant mobile tickets.
Book The Best Trains: Use Trainline to find the most affordable trains or Rail Europe for rail passes!
Travel E-SIMS: Airalo Worldwide! Use your mobile phone anywhere!
Need More Help Planning Your Trip? Visit our Resources Page to see all the companies we trust and use for our travels.
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Author
Claire Taylor
I am a storyteller, podcaster, and global explorer deeply intrigued by the nuances of unconventional living. I transitioned from conforming to conventional norms to embracing a life that defies the ordinary
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