The Amalfi Coast is 50 kilometres of the most dramatic coastline in Europe. Cliffside villages painted in pastels, turquoise water hundreds of metres below, and a coastal road — the SS163 — that has no right to be as narrow as it is. Getting there and getting around requires some planning. Here's everything you need.
How to Get to the Amalfi Coast
The nearest major airports are Naples (NAP) and Rome Fiumicino (FCO). From Naples airport, a private transfer to the Amalfi Coast takes around 1.5–2 hours depending on your destination village. From Rome, it's approximately 3–3.5 hours.
By train, the nearest stations are Salerno and Vietri sul Mare (for the eastern end) or Sorrento (for the western approach via the Sorrentine Peninsula). From Sorrento, the SITA bus service runs along the SS163.
A private chauffeur transfer is the most practical option for families, couples, and anyone with luggage. The SS163 is not suitable for self-driving if you haven't experienced it — it is genuinely one of the most challenging roads in Italy.
The Main Villages
Positano is the most photographed and most expensive. Its vertical layout — houses stacked above each other down the cliffside — means a lot of stairs. It's spectacular but not wheelchair-friendly and not great if you dislike hills.
Amalfi town is the main hub — ferry connections, a cathedral, and a central piazza. It's more accessible and has the most services. Ravello is perched 350 metres above the coast — quieter, more refined, and home to the famous Villa Rufolo and Villa Cimbrone.
Further east, Minori and Maiori are where Italian families holiday — less touristy, genuine local restaurants, and much better value.
Getting Around the Coast
The SITA bus service connects all villages along the SS163 and is cheap but extremely crowded in summer. Ferries run between all the main villages and are a pleasant way to move between Positano, Amalfi, and Salerno.
Renting a car is possible but not recommended for nervous drivers. The SS163 is genuinely narrow, with buses, scooters, and tour coaches sharing the same road. Parking is extremely limited. A private driver who knows the road is a far more relaxing option.
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