Driving the Amalfi Coast

lordguinny · Jun 26th, 2008, 10:23 PM

Has anyone rented a car and driven the Amalfi Coast? Hubby and I were thinking of doing this but I'm a bit nervous about all of the reviews on how dangerous, twisty and stressful the drive is.

Hiring a private car or taking the coast by bus is out of the question because hubby and I are terrible backseat drivers. We would rather trust our lives in our own hands. We had a private driver in Rome and were on pins and needles the entire time because the driver, while very adept, insisted on going everywhere at 100 miles per hour.

Hubby is a pretty skilled driver (living in Miami you have to be) but I was wondering if someone who has done this drive could impart some opinion. thanks!

Irishgal · Jun 26th, 2008, 10:33 PM

I did it about 6 years ago. Yes, some people drive fast, but once you get in the groove you will be fine! It is not overwhelming, at least when I was there it was not. There are others who wish to take their time so not everyone is a speed demon.

NY_fashionista · Jun 27th, 2008, 12:04 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by lordguinny

We had a private driver in Rome and were on pins and needles the entire time because the driver, while very adept, insisted on going everywhere at 100 miles per hour.

I've only done it with a local driver or guide behind the wheel, but most of the drivers on the Amalfi coast road won't be driving nearly as fast as your driver in Rome. It's absolutely gorgeous and should not be missed if you're going to be in southern Italy; just take your time and you'll be fine.

lordguinny · Jun 27th, 2008, 05:16 PM

Thanks everyone. :)

Mediana · Jun 28th, 2008, 02:05 PM

My only fear when drivning in Italy is that the roads and streets are very narrow. Same goes for parkingspaces

I recommed renting a small vehicle

lordguinny · Jun 28th, 2008, 05:53 PM

Hi Mediana,

We rented a small cute car when we visited Florence. It was great and was very helpful for parking. When we drove the Tuscan countryside we didn't feel that it was hectic or scary...driving in Rome and Florence was an adjustment at first since we didn't totally understand the signs and the mopeds were drove very close to the cars...but it was all very exciting! I was never once scared for my life.

But the Amalfi drive looks scary as heck! I am hoping that in November there will be less tour buses and tourists hogging the road...

Mediana · Jun 28th, 2008, 10:25 PM

Ok, I'm not gonna lie. I think it's scary as hell too. I really prefer to drive up the coast instead of down but I know you can't choose sometimes. I'm terrified that someone will hit me from behind and push my car off the cliff. Ok, not helping here, but drive slowly and don't care about people honking at you for driving to slow.

I'm off to Italy on Monday for a road trip, along Lake Como. Never been there before but I can imagine the driving being some what like driving at Amalfi again and I'm a bit nervous.

rbaby · Jun 29th, 2008, 09:15 AM

Yes, my husband and I have done this and it was truely amazing! It's the best way to see the coast and stop at all the little stands and restaurants. Just drive at your own pace and don't worry about the people behind you. Locals will know when it's safe to go around you (and they will!) The buses don't drive so fast anyway, so you won't be the only ones. Also, you'll see plenty of people beeping their horn when they come to a curve where there is a blind spot, this is to let people know you are coming. You'll get the hang of it, just follow suit; when in Rome...

Jun 26th, 2008, 10:23 PM	#1
lordguinny Balenciaga Moderator Joined: May 2006 Location: Florida Posts: 3,325	Driving the Amalfi Coast Has anyone rented a car and driven the Amalfi Coast? Hubby and I were thinking of doing this but I'm a bit nervous about all of the reviews on how dangerous, twisty and stressful the drive is. Hiring a private car or taking the coast by bus is out of the question because hubby and I are terrible backseat drivers. We would rather trust our lives in our own hands. We had a private driver in Rome and were on pins and needles the entire time because the driver, while very adept, insisted on going everywhere at 100 miles per hour. Hubby is a pretty skilled driver (living in Miami you have to be) but I was wondering if someone who has done this drive could impart some opinion. thanks! __________________

Jun 26th, 2008, 10:33 PM	#2
Irishgal I run with scissors Joined: Apr 2006 Location: Treasure Island Posts: 6,662	I did it about 6 years ago. Yes, some people drive fast, but once you get in the groove you will be fine! It is not overwhelming, at least when I was there it was not. There are others who wish to take their time so not everyone is a speed demon. __________________ Ten thousand blessings to all of our furry friends who are in need of prayers. May they be comfortable, healthy, and blessed with joy and companionship. May their eyes shine brightly and may they know that they are loved.

Jun 27th, 2008, 05:16 PM	#4
lordguinny Balenciaga Moderator Joined: May 2006 Location: Florida Posts: 3,325	Thanks everyone. :) __________________

Jun 28th, 2008, 02:05 PM	#5
Mediana My next purchase Joined: May 2007 Posts: 1,985	My only fear when drivning in Italy is that the roads and streets are very narrow. Same goes for parkingspaces I recommed renting a small vehicle __________________ ~ Searching for a Orange Karo GM. Please pm me if you see one ~

Jun 28th, 2008, 05:53 PM	#6
lordguinny Balenciaga Moderator Joined: May 2006 Location: Florida Posts: 3,325	Hi Mediana, We rented a small cute car when we visited Florence. It was great and was very helpful for parking. When we drove the Tuscan countryside we didn't feel that it was hectic or scary...driving in Rome and Florence was an adjustment at first since we didn't totally understand the signs and the mopeds were drove very close to the cars...but it was all very exciting! I was never once scared for my life. But the Amalfi drive looks scary as heck! I am hoping that in November there will be less tour buses and tourists hogging the road... __________________

Jun 28th, 2008, 10:25 PM	#7
Mediana My next purchase Joined: May 2007 Posts: 1,985	Ok, I'm not gonna lie. I think it's scary as hell too. I really prefer to drive up the coast instead of down but I know you can't choose sometimes. I'm terrified that someone will hit me from behind and push my car off the cliff. Ok, not helping here, but drive slowly and don't care about people honking at you for driving to slow. I'm off to Italy on Monday for a road trip, along Lake Como. Never been there before but I can imagine the driving being some what like driving at Amalfi again and I'm a bit nervous. __________________ ~ Searching for a Orange Karo GM. Please pm me if you see one ~ Last edited by Mediana; Jun 28th, 2008 at 10:30 PM.

Jun 29th, 2008, 09:15 AM	#8
rbaby Insufficient Funds Joined: Aug 2007 Location: Asking for a credit increase Posts: 717	Yes, my husband and I have done this and it was truely amazing! It's the best way to see the coast and stop at all the little stands and restaurants. Just drive at your own pace and don't worry about the people behind you. Locals will know when it's safe to go around you (and they will!) The buses don't drive so fast anyway, so you won't be the only ones. Also, you'll see plenty of people beeping their horn when they come to a curve where there is a blind spot, this is to let people know you are coming. You'll get the hang of it, just follow suit; when in Rome...