Positano, Amalfi Coast

Amalfi Coast Road Trip: From Salerno to Positano

Dear travelers,

The Amalfi Coast is one of those places that pops up in countless travel photos, so much so that it’s probably already on your bucket list. And with good reason—it’s a destination that many say you have to visit at least once in your life. Most travelers start their Amalfi adventure in Naples (as I did the first time) or Sorrento (check out the guest post about exploring from Sorrento), but this time, I took a different route, starting in Salerno after a trip that started in Ischia. This was my second time here, and, surprisingly, I wasn’t swept off my feet, just like I wasn’t the first time.  Curious why? Join me as I share how to spend a day exploring the Amalfi Coast, highlighting four picturesque towns: Salerno, Maiori, Amalfi, and Positano.

Salerno: The Perfect Starting Point

After our trip to Ischia, we made our way to Salerno. However, since there isn’t a direct ferry to Salerno, we first returned to Naples. From there, it was just a short 10-minute walk from the port to catch a direct bus to Salerno, allowing us to skip a trip to the main bus station.

Salerno is located close to the Amalfi Coast, making it an ideal base for exploring nearby towns such as Amalfi, Positano, and Ravello. Although we didn’t spend much time exploring Salerno itself, we found it to be a charming coastal town with a lovely promenade lined with restaurants and bars. The promenade offers stunning views of the sea and mountains.

We stayed for two nights in Salerno, choosing accommodations in the old city center (check out my recommendations for places to stay). Arriving in the afternoon, we were eager to eat after our journey from Ischia, so we headed to Lo Spaghetto for some fantastic carbonara. Later that evening, we wandered through the old city center and visited Salerno’s Duomo, a stunning cathedral that beautifully blends Romanesque and Baroque architecture. Having only indulged in gelato once during my three trips to Italy this summer, I was determined to rectify that. The internet was buzzing about a place called Giallo Limone, and for good reason!

 

The next morning, we planned a day trip to the Amalfi Coast. We rented a scooter in Salerno from Turi Rent for €50 per day, which included full insurance coverage and helmets. The staff was friendly, and since they handle many rentals, I recommend making a reservation in advance—there’s no deposit required. If you decide to rent a scooter, be sure that the driver is experienced, as the roads can be quite challenging.

Alternatively, taking the local Sita buses or a ferry from Salerno is a more straightforward option, as they serve as regular transportation rather than guided tours. Though we considered renting a car, it’s not the best option for the Amalfi Coast due to heavy traffic, limited parking, and regulations that restrict driving based on license plate numbers. So, we opted for the scooter instead. Our goal was to reach Positano, located 42 km from Salerno, making stops along the way whenever we spotted something interesting.

Maiori: Coastal Beauty

Our first stop was Maiori which is 20 km from Salerno, so we were halfway to Positano. Maiori is known for its long, sandy beach – one of the largest on the Amalfi Coast. It has more relaxed and less touristic atmosphere compared to Positano and Amalfi. After parking your car (or scooter!), take a stroll along the town’s main promenade or go for a swim. For a bit of adventure, don’t miss the chance to hike the scenic Sentiero dei Limoni (Lemon Path), where you’ll be rewarded with stunning views of the coast as you pass through fragrant lemon groves. Once refreshed, we continued on to Amalfi, ready to explore the next gem of the coast.

Amalfi: The Heart of the Coast

Many people mistakenly think that Amalfi is the same as the Amalfi Coast, but in reality, the Amalfi Coast refers to the entire stretch of breathtaking coastline, which includes several towns and villages, with Amalfi being just one of them.

In Amalfi itself, finding parking can be a bit tricky, especially for a scooter. Paid parking is available but limited, and free spots are almost impossible to find. I used the EasyPark app, which was a lifesaver—it allowed me to pay for parking easily and even adjust the time if I needed to leave earlier or stay longer. Parking in Amalfi costs around €4 per hour, so plan accordingly. Start by visiting the iconic Amalfi Cathedral (Duomo di Amalfi), a striking masterpiece that will leave you speechless.

Amalfi Cathedral

While in Amalfi, don’t miss trying the locally made limoncello, crafted from the region’s famously large lemons. Many artisan shops offer tastings, so you can sample the best and even pick up a bottle to bring home. To truly savor the Amalfi experience, grab a gelato—Andrea Pansa is a local favorite—or try a refreshing lemon sorbet served right in the lemon itself. Then, lose yourself in the town’s narrow alleyways, lined with shops offering hand-painted ceramics and local delicacies.

Amalfi gelato

The first time I visited Amalfi, I had my “Il dolce far niente” moment—”the sweetness of doing nothing”—right in front of the Duomo. Picture this: cold white wine, perfectly cooked beef tagliata, delizia al limone for dessert, and a shot of limoncello to finish. Italians really know how to enjoy life, taking time to appreciate the small things in life.

After exploring the Duomo, we headed to the beach, where we swam with the stunning cliffs of the Amalfi Coast as our backdrop.

Amalfi town beach

Positano: The Iconic Town

And our last stop was Positano, arguably the most famous (and most photographed) town along the Amalfi Coast. It’s a town that seems almost too perfect to be real, with its pastel-colored houses, narrow streets filled with boutiques, and jaw-dropping sea views at every turn.

After parking at the top of town (note that parking is limited, so be prepared for a bit of a walk), we made our way down the winding streets toward Spiaggia Grande, Positano’s main beach. The walk itself is an experience—along the way, you’ll pass charming shops selling handmade leather sandals, colorful clothes, and local artwork. But keep in mind, the uphill trek on the way back can be tough, especially in 30-degree heat.

Once you reach the beach, take a moment to soak in the incredible view. The deep blue waters of the Tyrrhenian Sea set against the dramatic cliffs and vibrant buildings make Positano one of the most Instagrammable spots in Italy.

If you’re not in the mood to go down to the beach, you can always enjoy a drink or lunch at one of the cafés at the top of town. We stopped at Li Galli Bistrot, which offers a spectacular view of Positano. Do note, however, that Positano is pricier than Amalfi and Maiori—our Aperol Spritz was €15.

Positano

Wrapping Up: Ride back to Salerno

I really wanted to stay in Positano and catch the sunset, but with a 1.5-hour drive back to Salerno ahead of us, we made the sensible choice to leave early to avoid driving after dark. On the way back, we made a quick stop between Positano and Amalfi at the famous roadside fruit stand. We sipped on freshly squeezed orange juice while soaking in the stunning coastal views—one last moment of relaxation before heading back.

lemonade stand Amalfi Coast

Once in Salerno, we finished the day with dinner at a cozy, homey restaurant Trattoria aRoma that served delicious food at great prices. It was the perfect way to relax after a long day of exploration.

Salerno restaurant

These towns have become incredibly popular on social media, drawing large crowds and pushing up prices. Add in the extreme summer heat, and the experience can feel overwhelming. That’s why I’d recommend visiting in autumn or spring, when the crowds thin out, and the weather is more comfortable. I’m not saying you shouldn’t go—it’s definitely a place worth visiting at least once in your life.

Each town—Salerno, Maiori, Amalfi, and Positano—has its own unique charm, whether it’s history, relaxation, adventure, or breathtaking views.  The Amalfi Coast is more than just a place; it’s an experience.

Truly yours,

The Creation of Us

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