GeoffHamer is correct. To take a "quick flight" from Messina you have to get to Catania airport or Palermo. Then you have to fly to Naples and then get to the AC. If the ferry leaves that at night you have that whole day in Sicily, get on the ferry to sleep. When you wake up you're right there. And you lose the enjoyment of the ferry.

In other words, apart from the somewhat late departure time of the ferry from Messina (which some people may not mind), this maritime transportation option represents the most geographically efficient method of getting to the Amalfi Coast (Salerno to Positano) from northwest Sicily. The other geographically efficient method would be the daylight or overnight train, but as between the overnight ferry and the overnight train, the ferry is most clearly preferable. Further, as as between DRIVING from Sicily to Salerno and transporting the car on the ferry, the latter is also clearly much preferable.

I meant to say "from northeast Sicily", NOT "from northwest Sicily". How could I have made such a mistake?

Hey, pretty soon this thread will go viral! hahaha! Let me clear up a few things here. I actually do not want to fly to Naples. Good idea, but this doesn`t fit into what we are trying to do. I am avoiding cities to do as little driving in those type of situations as possible. The ferry ride also saves a night in a hotel.

Driving the Amalfi Coast is not the real goal here. Drifting towards Positano, but stopping along the way, anywhere any time, is what makes renting a car worth it for me. Also following up on recommended restaurants in Altrani, Amalfi, and other towns without any time schedule is another reason. I drive for a living, but I am still cautious in Europe. I am minimizing the drive times, but still like having the freedom to explore. Its only for a few days.

Although the actual address for the Villa Scarpariello [i spelled it incorrectly in earlier post] does indeed say it`s in Ravello, it`s on the border with Amalfi I think. I know they have a shortcut to Ravello right out their door, but you must take many, many steps to get there. We will make this attempt, and report back. It is built into the cliffside.

Driving for a living doesn't change the fact that the AC is not a pleasant wandering ride. You will see that stopping along the way is not easy and in most cases impossible. There isn't much exploring between towns. You can't just pull over and stop where you want so you, as the driver, will miss a lot of scenery. Above posters have been there many times. They understand what I'm saying.

One more thing.....don't think for a minute that the Italian drivers will let you "Drifting towards Positano". If you're not going the speed they want to go....they will let you know :-) and not politely.

Bookmarking for bus info above