Melindalou7

My husband and I will be spending 3 weeks in Italy, 8 days of which we will have a rental car. For 3 days, we'll be in the Amalfi Coast area, staying in Ravello and exploring the coast, Pompeii, Paestum and Naples. Our initial plan was this:

Day 1: Pompeii/Paestum
Day 2: Explore the coast
Day 3: Explore Naples than travel on to our accommodations in Chiusi

However, we know we don't want to drive in Naples and have no idea what to do with the rental car while we explore the city if we stick with this plan. We've considered rearranging our plans and taking a train from Salerno into Naples on day 2, even though it means we'll be adding travel time to Day 3 and leaving for Chiusi from father south than we would if we left from Naples. Ideally, though, we'd rather explore Naples than drive onto Chiusi on the 3rd day because it makes more sense from a time and gas stand point.

So, does anyone have any suggestions on what to do with the car if we drive to Naples? Any safe parking lots or nearby places to park the car and take a bus in? Is it just foolish to take a car near Naples at all? My husband is fairly paranoid about vandalism if we take the car near the city. Any help would be very much appreciated. Thank you!

greg

Is he paranoid about vandalism but not driving in Napoli? The former can be usually dealt with a theft protection insurance option (CDW does not cover vandalism.)

bvlenci

Where are you starting from before going to Ravello? It would seem to me that a car isn't necessary for this part of you trip at all. I don't see anything on the itinerary that would require a car. Why don't you pick the car up when you get to Chiusi? There's a rental agency at the train station there. The only place that's a little difficult to get to from Ravello by public transportation is Pompeii. You could, however, visit Pompeii easily from Naples, or even stop there on your way to Naples; they will hold luggage for you at the entrance.

WWK

I totally agree with the post above. Ditch the car. Visit Pompeii from Naples. You can arrange for a taxi to take you there. It's very easy.

ekc

You absolutely do not want a car for that porion of the trip. Traffic is (mostly) terrible and parking is very scarce and expensive. You can use ferries (depending on time of year you are traveling), buses and trains to accomplish all of your plan.

But given your itinerary, I am curious why you are staying in Ravello, as it is remote from all of the places you want to see.

kybourbon

It wouldn't be easy to do Paestum and Pompeii in a day (even with a car). You also can't explore much of Naples in a partial day. I don't think you are allowing enough time places.

What's your itinerary and at what point (and where) are you picking up the car?

>>>Is it just foolish to take a car near Naples at all?<<<

Pretty much. Naples drivers make Rome drivers look tame.

Melindalou7

We're staying in Ravello because, for the most part, we don't have much interest in exploring the Amalfi area itself, we wanted something quiet and out of the way and because it's central enough to everything that we wanted to see in the area.

The car is already booked, so I don't need advice on why I shouldn't have car while I'm there. We're going to be there the first week of April and while I'm sure boats and ferries will be running we won't be there during the heavy beach season and have no plans to go anywhere near a beach.

We're picking the car up at FCO in Rome, the heading to Ravello.

janisj

>>The car is already booked, so I don't need advice on why I shouldn't have car while I'm there. <<

You can 'unbook' a car. Why have a car if it doesn't make sense???

Melindalou7

I can unbook a car...for a fee I'd rather not incur. And it does make sense to us to have a car. Just looking for advice on what to do with it while we visit Naples. Sorry if that's too much to ask.

jamikins

Park it at the airport and take a taxi into the city. We were there last Easter and thought it was the scariest traffic we had ever seen! I wouldn't want to get anywhere near the city with a car!

Waldo

Don't know where you're staying in Naples, however, here's something very few people know about. If you rent from Hertz, and are staying near the train station, Hertz has unlimited free indoor garage parking for all its car rentals. I guess they don't want them stolen. I go to Naples frequently, and I always rent from Hertz, not only for the parking, but when I rent here in the US and pick up at Leonardo Da Vinci (I drive from Rome to Naples), I get the lowest rate compared to all the rental companies.

Waldo

Besides, as crazy as you all might think, I love driving in Naples. It's such a wierd experience, it's amazing!

cmndesign

Melinda Lou,
I have driven all over the Amalfi Coast, and most recently rented a car for almost 4 weeks and drove around the heel and toe of Italy, by myself. It is completely doable. Just a little advice, become familiar with parking options in the city you will be driving. I just googled this before I left. Some towns have different ways of marking public parking, but usually, if you see white lines, that is parking for anyone. Blue for residents, yellow is no parking. or limited parking. Follow these rules! I had a friend get their car stolen outside of Pompeii. They accidentally parked in a yellow tow-away zone. Everyone else in our group parked in guarded "safe" paid parking lots and had no problem.

When I have been in Naples with my car, I park at the train station. There is monitored parking lots. I park there, and then cab it, or take public trans where I need to go.

I always have my GPS. I drove everywhere alone with it and had no problems, even in the most remote, non-touristy areas of Calabria.

Personally, I love driving the Amalfi Coast, You get a chance to stop when you want, and explore places that are harder to get to by public trans. The valley on the other side of the coast is really enchanting, and there are great places to stop and pick up fresh cheese, local veggie, etc.

Also, Amalfi, Ravello, Sorrento, and all, have easily accessible parking areas. Just purchase your parking ticket and put it in the window of the car. If I ever have a question of what to do, I look in other cars, or put on a bright smile and ask a local.

oh, and one more thing, not to be missed outside Paestum, check out Tenuta Vannulo.
http://www.vannulo.it/eng/storia.html

It is an organic buffalo mozzarella farm that has a wonderful Yoghurteria. The gelato is to die for!!! The best in Italy. The Lemon gelato takes your breath away!