Amalfi Coast Road
A road carved into the cliffs of the Amalfi Coast, the SS163 links the UNESCO-listed villages of Positano, Amalfi and Ravello.
The Amalfi Coast Road, known locally as the SS163 “Amalfitana,” was built in the mid-19th century under the Bourbon Kingdom. It runs about 50 km along the cliffs on the south side of the Sorrento Peninsula, from near Positano to Vietri sul Mare beside Salerno, and nearly every bend hangs above the sea. Crossing the peninsula from Sorrento, you first reach Positano with its tiers of pastel houses, then continue through Praiano, the Furore Fjord in its deep gorge, and on to Amalfi. From Amalfi you can climb to Ravello, with its villas and gardens, before passing through Minori and Maiori to Vietri sul Mare, famous for its painted ceramics. The road is considered one of Europe's most spectacular and most challenging coastal drives. The lanes are narrow, buses must cross into the opposite lane on hairpin bends, scooters weave through traffic, and parking is scarce and expensive. During peak season (roughly April to October, plus holidays), non-local registered vehicles face measures such as odd-even plate restrictions, and the rules change from year to year. Many travelers park in Sorrento or Salerno and take SITA buses or ferries instead, or drive early in the morning in the off-season. It is recommended to stay 2–3 nights in Positano or Amalfi and combine the drive with a hike along the Path of the Gods.