driving the amalfi
 

Has anyone ever rented a car to tour the Amalfi coast down to Paestum? We once rented in Sicily and I can imagine it being much different. We are debating whether to rent a car or use public transportation and I see the reviews are mixed. thanks joan

My husband prides himself on being able to drive anywhere...so of course he insisted on driving the Amalfi Coast...well, after he was nearly side-swiped by one of those Big Blue Buses, and run off the road by a few big vehicles, he realized the error of his ways. We left the car at the hotel and took public transportation (fun, easy to use, and lets you really enjoy that beautiful stretch of coastline. Have fun on the Big Blue Bus. (he wholeheartedly agrees with this assessment, by the way.)

Joan,<BR>after having seen the way the Italians drive, how narrow the roads are, the sheer drop into the sea on one side and the fact that often there are parked cars all over the place, and the cars have to all back up the road to let the bus through, there is NO WAY we would drive that stretch of road. Buses are frequent and cheap and you can (safely) close your eyes when you can see what appears to be an accident about to happen!!<BR>Kay

Joanie--do text search on "Rules for Driving the Amalfi Coast" for many more observations--and some humor--on driving the A. Coast.

Take the bus! Much cheaper and much more sane! Those people are nuts! Couldn't believe it when our bus cut off the cops!

Joanie--<BR><BR>just got back--rent a car if you want to, but don't if you have reservations.<BR><BR>Paestum was nice but took a long time to get to...about 2 hours from Amalfi on the coast road and then the road from Salerno to Paestum... and this section of the coast isn't as scenic as the section from Amalfi to Positano<BR><BR>We took the autostrade back from Paestum to Castellamare and then the road from Meta to Positano and it took only 2 hours total

Regarding the Amalfi coast drive, i would suggest you use public transportation. A friend and I rented a car and drove from Rome to Positano a few years back. It was pretty terrifying because the road is no narrow on the A. coast and the busses barrel around unseen turns. Plus, it is so scenic and you won't really be able to enjoy the views if you are worried about driving. If you happen to stop in Positano - which is breathtaking - a good place to stay overnight is the Hotel Miramare and Chez Black down the beach has delicious pizza. Enjoy your trip!

We drove from Rome to Positano, then up to Florence and had no problems. It was fun and exciting and offers you more freedom. It took a little getting used to, particularly on the narrow, windy roads, but we did fine. You do need to scope out places to park. We were lucky to have free parking at our hotel in Positano.

We drove the Amalfi with no problems. Be totally alert and remember that Italians dont follow driving rules. Vespas will pass between vehicles at lightning speeds.

This won't help you decide, but: after living in Italy for 5 years long ago, and returning many times (Tuscany, the Alps, etc.), driving the Amalfi coast almost killed me--as a passenger. I thought I was going to die. My husband, the driver, loved it. Maybe I'm just getting old and cranky...