A year ago my wife and I rented a car in Pisa and drove all over Tuscany, to Venice, Lake Garda, and Cinque Terre. We are thinking of touring a more southern area this time. I have heard driving in the Amalfi Coast area is very difficult. I would like to hear from those who could compare that area to where we drove before. We had no problems on the previos trip.

A beautiful area. Road not too wide and very winding. Let the passenger watch the view while the driver watches the road. There are places to stop and look at the view. Enjoy.

I drove it a few years ago and loved it. It makes a difference when you go. I was there in the fall when the crowds were less. I've heard it's impossible in the summer - primarily because it's a 2 lane road and whem the buses take over it's very difficult to pass. <BR> <BR>If it's not the height of summer, I would certainly give it a try. It's beautiful! <BR>

We drove through the Amalfi coast last September and then on to the Tuscany area. I would say that there was quite a difference driving the coast. The views are breathtaking but the road is extremely narrow and curvy. Make sure to stop at the Hotel Positano, absolutely incredible. I would campare driving the coast to driving through the Big Sur in California, if you are afraid of heights and adventurous drivers beware.

The Amalfi coast, from Vietre su Mare to just past Positano is one of the most incredible driving experiences I have ever had. It is a narrow twisting road built into the side of a rock wall. In many places it is straight up on one side and straight down on the other. But there is a concrete retaining wall all along, very comforting. Many of the curves have mirrors mounted on posts so you can see around the corner. One of the big problems is the tour buses on a few of the more hairpin turns. They can't get all the way around, so they have to start the turn, then back up a little. Be sure to rent one of the mid size or smaller cars, and check to see if the side mirrors collapse against the car. They usually do, and on a couple of turns you may have to have your passenger collapse the wall side mirror. <BR> <BR>It is a little frustrating for the driver, cause you will want to look at the incredible views, but. . . . There are several turn-outs, and places to let the crazies and motor scooters go by. And plenty of places to stop for a looksee and a rest. <BR> <BR>I don't want this to sound too intimidating. If the buses can make it, so can any car. Just allow enough time, and be patient. I enjoyed driving it immensely. In fact, we ended up driving it more than once, as my wife had to return to Vietre su Mare for the incredible Italian ceramics made in that town. Truthfully, I enjoyed the drive. It was exciting and beautiful. good Luck.

My husband and I just got back from a trip to the Amalfi coast. We spent just 4 days there and my advice would be to do it.... the views are totally worth it. The stressful part to us, aside from the crazy roads, is where to park the darn car! We successfully found hotels in Amalfi and in Sorrento that included parking. Finding them was difficult, as we didn't do our homework beforehand! But once we found a home for our car, we were completely relaxed and fell in love with the coast and the "slow towns". Tuscany was cake compared to driving in Amalfi.

OK, Lynne. Out with it--which hotels had parking? <BR> <BR>Thanks!

One obvious piece of advice: don't take the Amalfi Drive at night unless you have no choice. Come back before dark. (There's a highway from Salerno to Sorrento, if that helps.)

We drove this summer from Rome to Positano. We were pleasantly surprised because everyone told us not to drive. The toughest part was returning the car in Rome- otherwise no problems at all. Any questions, email

The very first time I drove the Amalfi Coast into Positano was at night with very little to see except the road ahead. Thank goodness!!! They say that ignorance is bliss. In this case it certainly was. I had never been on the Coast before and had no idea how treacherous things could appear. Especially when you are descending into Positano, rather than leaving when at least you are next to the side of the mountain as opposed to hanging over the side of a cliff. In addition I was driving a gear shift for the first time in over twenty years. I was not very comfortable. If I had known how scary things looked, I probably would have been a nervous wreck. When I saw the road I had come down in the daylight the next morning, I was truly amazed. Murray Brown.

Do not miss a drive down the Amalfi Coast. It's not difficult to drive at all. If you'd loke to see some photos of the area, visit my travel photo website: www.jimtardio.com/amalfi-coast.html

Jim, I really enjoyed your photos. They brought back fond memories of my previous trip to Italy and I am even more excited about returning. Thanks to everyone for the info and I welcome more comments re: Driving the Amalfi Coast.

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