Amalfi Coast Road
Italy, europe
50 km
320 m
difficult
April to June, September to October
The SS163 Amalfitana is a 50-kilometer stretch of coastal road carved into the cliffs of the Sorrentine Peninsula in southern Italy, connecting Vietri sul Mare to Positano. Built in the mid-19th century by the Bourbon dynasty, it hugs sheer limestone cliffs hundreds of meters above the Tyrrhenian Sea, passing through a series of tunnels, tight switchbacks, and picturesque villages that cling to the mountainside.
The road connects some of Italy's most celebrated coastal towns including Amalfi, Ravello, Praiano, and Positano, each with its own distinct character. The drive is famously narrow in places, with barely enough room for two vehicles to pass, and local bus drivers navigate the hairpins with remarkable skill. Despite the challenges, the scenery is extraordinary: terraced lemon groves, pastel-colored houses cascading down to the sea, and sweeping Mediterranean views at every turn. The UNESCO-listed Amalfi Coast is one of Europe's most iconic driving destinations.
Where is it?
Amalfi Coast Road is located in Campania, Italy (europe). Coordinates: 40.6333, 14.6029
Driving Tips
Drive east to west (Vietri to Positano) to stay on the cliffside lane with the best views. Avoid July and August when traffic is severe. Early morning is the best time for photos and fewer buses.
Road Surface
Paved asphalt, narrow
Road Details
- Country
- Italy
- Continent
- europe
- Region
- Campania
- Length
- 50 km
- Max Elevation
- 320 m
- Difficulty
- difficult
- Surface
- Paved asphalt, narrow
- Best Season
- April to June, September to October
- Coordinates
- 40.6333, 14.6029
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