Frankval

Has anyone driven from Naples Port ( from Ischia) to Positano? What kind of a drive is it? I have been looking on a map it doesn't look too easy. One review I read said " SS163 is probably one of the most famous 36k kilometers/22 miles in the world. Known as the ‘road of 1,000 bends’ it was commissioned by King Ferdinand II of Naples and completed in 1852. Covering the towns from Sorrento to Salerno, the route is a UNESCO World Heritage sight. The entire length of the two lane road is full of tight turns, sheer drops and narrow passes."
We have been to Positano 2 times already but always had a driver .BUT my Husband wants to drive this time.....
After reading this and seeing the map and knowing the way Italian drivers are its making me nervous.

Any info from you guys would be helpful..
Thanks Val

bobthenavigator

Anytime after 15 May and before 15 Oct. the answer is no.

Philip

If you are just driving from Naples to your hotel on Amalfi -- just do it (could be nasty during parts). Then park your car and don't think of taking it out of the parking lot. Don't forget you are on vacation.

We have toured Amalfi during the Summer and in October. Second week of October was doable -- but the driving fun was not there. We learned -- as per bobthenavigator -- to hire a driver. We are headed back again next April -- and we will hire a driver and car.

If you have not been before -- one of the most beautiful interesting places on earth.

WWK

I wouldn't do it. Especially not during the dates Bobthenavigator mentions. The road "of 1,00 bends" is also full of impatient drivers who love to tailgate or honk at anyone they think is going too slow, which is just about everybody. Hire a driver!

nytraveler

If you are going in summer the road will likely be so crowded that you will be going at snail pace most of the time. And be prepared to back up (or just sit for 15 or 20 minutes) if two huge tour buses -or one and a trunk - come face to face at a narrow point.

Also, does your hotel have parking. Most don't and if not it may be very difficult to find a place to put the car.

We have stayed in Sorrento with a car to do several day trips - including one down the coast - and it was fun But it was also May. We drove it in both directions (different days), stopping several times each day to visit some of the smaller towns.

But it does require care and confidence. The number of side mirrors broken off and lining the cliffside lane of the road was amazing. I would not be eager to drive it fast - but that simply wasn't possible given the traffic even in May.