It is not the danger as much as the hassle and traffic on the main highway---less in Oct.
The only scary part to me is the road up from the water to Ravello---that gets a bit tight. I have taken all 3 routes at one time or the other---I would go inland via Sambuco.

Yes, as Bob suggested. Inland via Sambuco is the way to go. You come into Ravello from the back and never see the Amalfi Coast. We went the opposite way and I think it took us about an hour to the Naples airport, Ravello to Naples.

For me the heart-stopping drive would be the reason for renting a car, however, I have not driven along the coast myself. But being on a tour bus sitting on the west side of the bus going south was indeed heartstopping. Looking stright down at the emerald green water, I understood why it is also called the Emerald coast. So if you get the opportunity catch the bus going along the coast for a once in a lifetime experience. Have a great vacation.

If you can survive driving in Naples, the Amalfi Coast will be a piece of cake.

Agreed on surviving Naples ... the drive on the coast is tight and has its legendy curves. With no traffic and driving slow not really that bad. When you encounter traffic, especially a bus, then the adventure begins. If you are not comfortable driving in traffic don't take the coast, go the inland route. I personally do not think it is scary as you are creeping along. It gets tight when encountering traffic but you are really moving very, very slowly so it is like parking a car in a tight space. Get full insurance on your car as drivers in Naples are bumper car occupants ... just take it easy, don't let the horns disturb you and remember "traffic lights and stop signs are treated as SUGGESTIONS not rules of the road".

#3 (exit Angri off the A3) should take you past the Valico di Chiunzi, a panoramic viewpoint with a view of Vesuvius. Very dramatic scenery, as the road cuts through the mountains of the Monte Lattari Park. Winding roads but traffic should be light. If I can drive it, you can!


http://www.parcodeimontilattari.it/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=33&Itemid=51

I agree with ekscrunchy on the route via Angri. I did this exact route last year, and it was very doable. You are not taking any of the coast roads, so the "treacherous" parts are avoided, though you certainly do have to pay attention to what you're doing.

A decent road map is a necessity, though. I used a Catania map, published by Global Map. I bought it at a service station on the Autostrada.

To get to Ravello, take the Autostrada from Naples, get off at the Angri exit, and take the road in the direction of Angri. There will occasionally be a sign pointing to Ravello, but these sometimes disappear. About 5km after you exit from the highway, look for the road on the right that goes under the highway -- that's the one that will take you to Ravello.

If you're so apprehensive about the driving, are you sure you want to stay in Ravello? Presumedly you're not going to stay in Ravello and just admire the view of the coast from afar; you will be taking daytrips down to and along the Amalfi coast. Or will you use the buses? I doubt the boats will be running between the AC towns in October. Oh, and you can walk down from Ravello to Amalfi. Probably a pretty stiff climb coming back up.

Good point from Mimar. The most scary road is the one to/from Ravello to the coast.

I agree that that road might be the most daunting. But after you drive it once or twice you get used to it.
I am not a confident driver..I live in Manhattan and get nervous on highways off the island. I was very anxious about driving in that area. Guess what..it turned out to be kind of fun!