National Geographic includes Amalfi Coast in World's 50 greatest drives
The September edition of the National Geographic had a special on the world's 50 greatest drives and we were happy to see that the a drive along the Costiera Amalfitana was included in the list.
This comes as no suprise, of course, since the Amalfi Coast is one of the few coast lines to be deemed a UNESCO World Heritage Site as an "outstanding example of a Mediterranean landscape, with exceptional cultural and natural scenic values".
The National Geographic suggest that one begins in Salerno, make your way to Ravello, then follow the Coast to Amalfi itself before heading to the Valle dei Mulini in the hills. Finally move on to Praiano and the world-famous Positano.
The map below shows the entire route.
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Drive the Amalfi Coast on a scooter
I love Sorrento and the Amalfi Coast, hence I have been 9 years in a row for my holiday. My fiance and myself have hired a car and undertaken this trip, we have also gone by the autobus which can be exciting. However we like to hire a scooter, this allows us to stop at every bend admire the views and continue on the journey. The longest we have travelled on the scooter was to Viete Del Mare, with its cobbled streets and square, which was absolutely beautiful.
There is something spectacular about Sorrento and the Amalfi Coast, awe inspiring, twinkly lights over the bays, the hospitality of the Italian people, I could go on, but you have to see the place for yourself to appreciate everything all Italian.
I have infulenced friends who have since visited this area, and know exactly what I am talking about, and what I love about Italy.
Amalfi Coast
The very best way to see the coast is by bus, from Salerno to Sorrento or vice-versa and to get off and stay at least one night in Amalfi (and visit Ravello) and in Positano. Do not drive it. If you drive you won't see anything, you cannot afford to take your eyes off the narrow, twisting road. And if you are a passenger, it's just as scary. Alternative is , Metro del Mare from Napoli, stopping at all the towns along the way. Ideally take the Metro del Mare one way to see the enire coastline from the sea, then take a coach back to look across the bays. C'e spetaccolo!
We rented a car with a driver
We rented a car with a driver from a company recommended by our hotel in Sorrento. It was very cheap split among four people and the driver was very safe and knowledgeable. We were also able to see Paestum with someone who knew the roads and got us there at th opening of the park.
Driving in Italia
I have driven in Italia since our trip in 2001, where we rented apartments as central points and traveled out from those locations. I have driven in Firenze, Roma, through the Gran Sasso and along the Amalfi Coast. I would say my only drive that was a bit trying was leaving Rome during rush hour, Otherwise, all of it has been pleasureable. You have to remember that you aren't in Kansas any more; the rules and etiquette of the road are different. I have to say that the Amalfi Coast was by far one of the most interesting and exciting drives. Yes the road is narrow and winds across the cliffs. A bit aggressiveness goes a long way. I only gave way to one tour bus. Another fine drive is along the A-24 through the Gran Sasso, through Teramo to Giulianova. This is mostly open autostrada and very scenic. For a real treat, before going through the big galleria (9 km), exit off and head upward to the Campo Imperatore. This pastoral region still supports the transhumanance of sheep-herding. This is part of the National Park of the Gran Sasso and is where many of the Clint Eastwood spaghetti westerns were filmed, including High Plains Drifter. Being Abruzzese myself I am partial to here.
A most interesting drive happened when we were staying in Santa Maria di Castelabatta below Agropoli. Coming back from Paestum, the road was closed due to an overturned Benzina truck. We were routed through the countryside. After getting somewhat lost, we arrived at our place more than 2 hours later, but we saw some of the most gorgeous back-country in Campania.
Finally, driving out of Foggia into the Gargano is another drop-dead tour. Try driving from Manfredonia to Vieste through the National Park. Take a side drive to San Giovanni Rotondo to visit the shrine of Padre Pio. The view from the promontory of the plains around Foggia gives one a sense of the earth's curvature that is breathtaking.
I have found some of the best deals in car rental through Auto Europe. There are no hidden fees and they have often upgraded for no cost, and we have never had a bad car experience with them.
I have to say that after I have been driving in Italia for a month or more, driving in America seems almost suicidal at best. Ital;ian driving makes more sense with fewer accidents witnessed.
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