The Amalfi Coast is famous for its beauty but visiting its pretty towns can be challenging due to the notorious traffic on the narrow, winding coastal road. I’ve been to Italy several times during my world travels. During my stay in Sorrento, I discovered the most efficient way to see the Amalfi Coast in one day is to rent a moped for a self-drive day trip. I’ve put together this guide to share my experience visiting Positano, Amalfi Town and Ravello by Vespa, which was easily the highlight of my entire trip.
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Quick overview of how to see the Amalfi Coast in one day
- You can visit Positano, Amalfi Town, and Ravello in a single day using Sorrento as your base
- The iconic SS163 coastal road is famous for its hairpin turns and dramatic views
- There are several transport options: renting a car or moped, taking the ferry or bus, or joining an organised tour
- Renting a moped gives you the freedom to navigate around traffic and stop for photos whenever you want
- Starting early is essential to avoid the crowds and tour buses that dominate the road from 10am onwards
- Mopeds are typically exempt from the area’s alternate license plate restrictions that limit car traffic on specific days
How to get from Sorrento to Amalfi Coast in one day
There are several ways to go from Sorrento to the Amalfi Coast in a day. Each option has pros and cons – the best choice depends on your budget, confidence level and travel style.
Renting a car
While renting a car seems like an obvious choice, the narrow SS163 coastal road quickly gets blocked with cars and buses, creating overwhelming traffic congestion. Add to that the stress of navigating hairpin turns on cliff edges, plus extremely limited and expensive parking in Positano and Amalfi, and it’s not a fun day out.
To tackle these traffic jams, local authorities implemented an alternate license plate system that restricts car traffic based on whether license plates end in odd or even numbers. On certain dates, only odd-numbered plates can drive the route, while on others, only even-numbered plates are allowed. You might rent a car only to discover you’re completely banned from the coastal road on your chosen travel day.
Renting a moped
My boyfriend and I chose to rent a moped because it was my birthday and I love Vespas. It turned out to be the perfect choice, as mopeds aren’t impacted by the car problems outlined above.
Mopeds and scooters are normally exempt from the Alternate License Plate restrictions, meaning you can ride the coastal road any day of the week. On a moped you can navigate around stopped traffic and keep moving while cars sit gridlocked. You can pull over when you spot a stunning viewpoint, the cost is reasonable and there’s something romantic about feeling the warm Mediterranean breeze as you wind along one of the world’s most beautiful coastal roads.
The catch is that you need confidence on two wheels – it’s not for nervous riders. The coastal road demands your full attention with its narrow passages, cliff edges and tunnels to navigate.
Public bus
The SITA bus is the most budget-friendly option, costing just a few euros per journey. Buses run regularly along the coastal road and the ride itself is incredibly scenic.
The problem is that buses get extremely crowded and you’ll probably need to stand for much of the journey if you don’t board at the start of the route. During peak traffic times, a bus journey that should take 40 minutes can stretch to two hours. The fixed bus schedules mean you’ll have less flexibility with timings. If you want to linger longer in Positano or cut your Amalfi visit short, you’re stuck waiting for the next bus. Still, if budget is your primary concern and you don’t mind the crowds, this absolutely works.
Ferry and boat trips
Taking a ferry or boat trip along the coast gives you a different perspective of the picturesque coastline.
Several companies run day tours from Sorrento that stop at Positano and Amalfi, allowing you to see the dramatic cliffs from the water and swim in hidden coves. This is magical during summer months when the Mediterranean is calm and sparkling.
The downside is that you miss Ravello entirely, as it’s up in the hills rather than on the coast. Some people solve this by combining a morning boat trip with an afternoon bus ride up to Ravello. Ferry schedules can also be affected by weather and sea conditions.
Organised tours
Organised tours are a stress-free alternative where someone else handles all the driving and logistics. A guide will usually provide you with historical context and local insights that you wouldn’t get on a self-drive itinerary or using public transport. The limitation is that you’re on the tour’s fixed schedule. Most tours departing from Sorrento stop at Positano, Amalfi town and Ravello.
Private driver or taxi
With a private driver or taxi, you’ll get door-to-door service, air conditioning and flexibility over timing and stops. Your driver navigates the challenging road while you relax and enjoy the views. While it’s the most expensive option, for a group of four the cost per person becomes more reasonable. The downside is you’ll still be stuck in the same traffic jam as everyone else.
Itinerary for visiting the Amalfi Coast in one day by Vespa
Here’s how my day unfolded, with timings that worked beautifully to see Positano, Amalfi town and Ravello in one day from Sorrento and return before dark.
9am: Moped rental pickup in Sorrento
I arrived at the rental shop right when they opened at 9am. After showing my license and IDP, signing the paperwork, and getting a quick orientation on the scooter, I was on the road by 9:30am. The early timing meant I had my pick of the available Vespas and could choose the one in best condition.
9.30am to 12pm: Positano
The 30-40 minute ride to Positano was spectacular in the morning light. I arrived around 10am and found parking relatively easily since the tour buses hadn’t fully descended yet.
Positano is the poster child of this coastline, and those iconic pastel-coloured buildings really do cascade down the cliffside to the sparkling Mediterranean below. Seeing it in person is even more magical than the photos suggest.
I spent my morning wandering the steep, winding streets lined with boutiques selling handmade leather sandals, flowing linen clothing, and gorgeous local ceramics. The town is essentially one long descent to the sea, so be prepared for lots of stairs. I visited the Chiesa di Santa Maria Assunta with its distinctive colourful dome, then rewarded myself with a coffee and a cornetto at a terrace café with stunning coastal views.
The main beach, Spiaggia Grande, was already filling up with sunbathers by mid-morning, but I was content just appreciating the atmosphere and taking photos from various vantage points.
12.30pm to 3pm: Amalfi Town
Another 40 minutes of stunning coastal riding brought me to Amalfi town around 12:30pm. This place once rivalled Venice as a maritime republic, and you can absolutely feel that history in its impressive architecture and dignified atmosphere.
The Amalfi Cathedral dominates the main square with its striking black and white striped facade and beautiful interior filled with baroque decorations and relics. I spent about 20 minutes exploring inside before venturing into the narrow streets that branch off from the waterfront. These lanes are filled with shops selling the region’s famous handmade paper, a tradition dating back centuries.
By this point I was properly hungry, so I stopped for lunch at Marina Grande, one of the waterfront restaurants with gorgeous harbour views. The spaghetti alle vongole was exceptional, and I sat watching boats bobbing in the crystal water while I ate. This is the kind of moment that makes this coastline so special. I took my time over lunch, enjoying a glass of local white wine and the unhurried Italian pace.
3.30pm to 5pm: Ravello
The final leg took me up a winding mountain road from Amalfi to Ravello, perched high in the hills above the coast. This 30-minute ride was probably the most dramatic of the entire day, with each hairpin turn revealing more spectacular views.
Ravello feels completely different from the bustling coastal towns below. It’s quieter, more refined, and the air is noticeably cooler. This sophisticated retreat has been a favourite of artists, writers and musicians for centuries, and it’s easy to understand why.
I visited the gardens of Villa Cimbrone, which were absolutely worth the entrance fee. The gardens wind through terraced pathways filled with statues, fountains and flowering plants, eventually leading to the famous Terrace of Infinity. Standing at this belvedere, looking out over the coastline far below with the Mediterranean stretching to the horizon, I understood why people call it one of the most beautiful views in the world.
If you have time and energy, Villa Rufolo is another excellent garden option with its own spectacular viewpoints and medieval architecture. I chose just one to keep things manageable, but if gardens are your passion, you could potentially squeeze in both.
5pm to 6.30pm: Return to Sorrento
The ride back to Sorrento in the late afternoon was glorious, with softer light painting the cliffs and sea in golden tones. The 1.5 hour journey from Ravello gave me plenty of time to appreciate the views one last time. I felt completely exhilarated and accomplished, having seen the coast’s three crown jewels in a single perfectly structured day.
I returned the moped around 6:30pm and headed straight to La Pergola bar à champagne for a well-deserved glass of prosecco on their beautiful terrace, watching the sunset over the Bay of Naples. It was the perfect way to end an unforgettable day.
My moped experience and essential tips
After weighing all the options, I chose to rent a Vespa, and it ended up being the best decision of my trip. From the moment I collected my scooter in the early morning to the sunset ride back to Sorrento, it felt like pure freedom and adventure.
License requirements and age limits
Before you get excited about renting a moped, make sure you meet the requirements. If you don’t have an EU driving license, you’ll need an International Driving Permit along with your regular license. This is essential and you must get it before leaving your home country, as you cannot obtain one in Italy. Most rental shops also require you to be at least 18 years old for a 50cc scooter and 21+ for anything larger.
Choosing your vehicle: 50cc vs 125cc
Most rental shops have two main options. A 50cc scooter is the classic Vespa experience, maxing out around 45-50 km/h. This is perfectly adequate for the coastal road and gives you that iconic Italian feeling. A 125cc scooter is faster and more powerful, better for two riders or if you’re carrying luggage, but it requires a motorcycle license in most countries.
I went with the classic 50cc Vespa and loved it. The slower speed actually felt safer on the narrow SS163, and it was powerful enough to handle the hills up to Ravello without struggling.
Starting early makes all the difference
My biggest practical tip is to arrive at the rental shop when they open, usually around 8am. This gives you the best choice of vehicles and means you can hit the road before the tour buses start their routes. I left Sorrento around 9am and the difference between that timing and leaving at 11am is enormous in terms of traffic and crowds at each destination. By the time the masses arrive in Positano around noon, you’re already on your way to Amalfi.
What to expect when navigating the coastal road
The SS163 is stunningly beautiful but it demands your full attention every single moment. The road is narrow and winding, hugging cliff edges with dramatic drops to the sea below. There are very few guardrails in places, and the drops are genuinely dramatic. If you’re uncomfortable with heights, this might not be the ideal option for you.
You’ll encounter large tour buses squeezing past you, impatient local drivers who know every curve, and hairpin turns that require real focus. Some tunnels are barely wide enough for a bus and a scooter side by side. I personally found it thrilling rather than scary, but only attempt this if you’re genuinely comfortable handling a scooter in challenging conditions.
Don’t underestimate how much concentration it requires. I was genuinely tired by the time I returned to Sorrento, not from the distance but from the mental focus needed to navigate safely. It’s worth it, but it’s real work.
Practical riding tips
Bring a small backpack for your essentials rather than trying to manage a handbag on the scooter. I carried water, sunscreen, my camera, and a light cardigan for Ravello where it’s cooler. Most mopeds have a small storage compartment under the seat, but it’s not large enough for everything you’ll need.
Wear closed-toe shoes with good grip. I know sandals are tempting in the Italian heat, but you need proper footwear for riding safely on the SS163. I wore comfortable sneakers and was grateful for them.
Fill up with petrol before you leave Sorrento. There are petrol stations along the route, but stopping unnecessarily eats into your precious time. A full tank will easily get you through the entire day trip and back.
Parking in each town
While moped parking is much easier than car parking, you still need to look for designated “blue line” scooter zones in each town. In Positano, I found a paid parking area near the top of town for around €3-5 for a few hours. Amalfi has more options with several lots near the waterfront for about €3. Ravello is the easiest with parking near the main square. Get there early for the best chance of finding a spot.
Here’s me posing by a colourful fruit stand on the Amalfi Coast
The best time to visit the Amalfi Coast
The best times of year to visit are April-May and September-October. At these times, there should be pleasant weather and, importantly, fewer people around. The roads are narrow and get easily blocked by the crowds of tourists in the summer.
We went in late April and the roads were almost clear. It was warm, though there were occasional rain showers on some days.
If weather looks questionable, check forecasts before committing to a moped rental. The coastal road becomes significantly more dangerous in wet conditions, especially on a moped.
Getting to Sorrento and the Amalfi Coast
The closest major airport to Sorrento is Naples International Airport, located approximately 50km away. From here, you have several options. A private transfer takes you directly to your hotel in about an hour for €80-100, which is the most convenient if you have luggage. The Curreri Viaggi shuttle offers good value at €10 per person, taking about 75 minutes with regular departures. For budget travelers, you can combine the Alibus shuttle from the airport to Naples Central Station with the Circumvesuviana train to Sorrento for €10-15 total, though this takes about 2 hours and can be crowded.
Here’s something new for 2026 that wasn’t relevant when I visited. The Salerno-Costa d’Amalfi Airport has fully ramped up its international flight schedule, with airlines like Jet2 and easyJet offering direct routes. Salerno is actually closer to the Amalfi Coast than Naples, making it a smoother gateway if flights work with your schedule and budget. It’s worth checking both airports when booking.
If you’re traveling from outside the EU, you’ll need to arrange your ETIAS travel authorization before you fly. This new requirement started rolling out in 2025 for travelers from the USA, UK, Canada, Australia and most other non-EU countries. It’s a simple online application that costs around €7 and takes just minutes, but you must do it before departure. Don’t skip this or you won’t be allowed to enter Italy.
Where to stay in Sorrento
First, we’ll look at the best place to stay in Sorrento. If you’re a first-time visitor, staying in its historic centre is most convenient. This is what I did and I liked being able to easily walk to the restaurants, bars and shops. Alternatively, for a more local experience, try the nearby Sant’Agnello area.
The best hotels in Sorrento
A great affordable option is the Ulisse Deluxe Hostel which, despite the name, is a clean, modern hotel. Its excellent facilities include access to a spa and wellness centre.
The recently renovated Hotel Villa di Sorrento is a fabulous family-run hotel in the heart of town with a lovely rooftop terrace. Alternatively, the Hotel Antiche Mura is a superb four-star hotel set in a restored antique building. Its stunning courtyard and pool area is surrounded by lemon and orange trees.
The wonderful Boutique Hotel Regina has some of the best views in Sorrento from its rooftop pool, terrace and sea-view rooms with balconies. Finally, the excellent Hotel Plaza is a sleek, modern option with a gorgeous rooftop pool and cocktail bar overlooking the Bay of Naples.
Explore the map below to find the best Sorrento hotel deals for your dates:
Things to do in Sorrento
While you’re in Sorrento, why not take time to relax and enjoy the Mediterranean way of life.
There are gorgeous backstreets to explore in Sorrento, with atmospheric lanes away from tourist hotspots. If you like shopping, there are plenty of shops selling artisan souvenirs to take home, from handcrafted wood to leather goods and ceramics.
Why not take a cooking workshop to master the art of making pasta or fresh pizza. Alternatively, you could consider a limoncello making class to learn the secrets behind the region’s famous lemon liqueur. Or enjoy tastings in real lemon groves with a tour of a family-run farm growing Sorrento’s famous citrus.
Active visitors may want to hike the Path of the Gods or take a guided tour of the famous trail from where you can enjoy spectacular Amalfi Coast views.
Book a sunset boat tour and cruise along the coast as the sun sets over the Bay of Naples.
The best restaurants in Sorrento
Sorrento’s culinary scene ranges from humble family-run trattorias to refined Michelin-starred establishments.
Before dinner, why not stop for a glass of prosecco at one of the scenic terrace bars. I loved La Pergola, which has a beautiful garden (see my photo below) and views over the Bay of Naples.
There are several great places to eat in Sorrento. Tucked away in a former wine cellar, Il Buco is a Michelin-starred restaurant serving refined local cuisine with innovative touches. I enjoyed their tasting menu which showcases the best Campanian ingredients.
A social media favourite is O’Parrucchiano La Favorita. Famous for inventing cannelloni, this historic restaurant has seating in a stunning lemon garden setting. The citrus-scented air enhances the dining experience.
For exceptional seafood with tables right at the water’s edge in Marina Grande, try Ristorante Bagni Delfino. Their linguine with clams is legendary.
If you’re on a budget, check out the wood-fired pizzas made with slow-fermented dough and San Marzano tomatoes at Pizzeria Da Franco.
Local specialities in Sorrento
Don’t leave without trying these regional specialties. For a starter, try a Caprese salad, the classic tomato and mozzarella salad which originates from the nearby island of Capri. For your main course, gnocchi alla Sorrentina is an absolute classic and so hearty – it’s potato gnocchi baked with tomato sauce, basil and melted mozzarella. Dessert must be delizia al limone, a sponge cake filled with lemon cream, using local Sorrento lemons. At the end, why not treat yourself to a shot of limoncello, the famous lemon liqueur produced using the region’s fragrant citrus.
The best bars in Sorrento
Sorrento has a lively evening scene. I enjoyed Shot Bar Sorrento, which has creative shots and a fun vibe. Chaplin’s is an Irish pub which is loads of fun, with singalongs and, of course, plenty of Guinness.
For something a bit more classy and with a wonderful view, try La Pergola bar à champagne, where you can enjoy a glass of bubbly surrounded by the beautiful gardens on their terrace.
Frequently asked questions about the Amalfi Coast
Can you do the Amalfi Coast in a day?
Yes, I visited Positano, Amalfi Town and Ravello in a day from Sorrento by renting a moped. While you won’t have time to explore every village along the coast, you’ll see the three most iconic destinations and get a real sense of what makes this coastline so special. If you have more time, two or three days would let you enjoy the beaches properly, take a boat trip and explore smaller villages like Praiano or Atrani.
What is the prettiest part of the Amalfi Coast?
Each town has its own distinct beauty. Positano is the most photogenic with its pastel buildings cascading to the sea, while Ravello has the most spectacular elevated views from its clifftop gardens and Amalfi Town has impressive historical architecture. There are also gorgeous spots along the way like the Fiordo di Furore between Positano and Amalfi.
Can I do this itinerary without a car?
Yes, it’s actually better not to drive. Cars face traffic restrictions, limited parking and congestion. You can rent a Vespa like I did, take the local SITA bus network, join an organised tour, or combine a morning ferry with an afternoon bus to Ravello. Each option works, but mopeds give you the most freedom while buses are the most budget-friendly.
What is the odd even rule in Amalfi?
The Alternate License Plate system, called ‘targhe alterne’ in Italian, restricts car traffic on the SS163 coastal road based on whether license plates end in odd or even numbers. On certain dates, only odd-numbered plates can drive the route, while on others, only even-numbered plates are permitted. Mopeds are normally exempt from these restrictions.
Are there beaches on the Amalfi Coast?
Yes, though this coastline is more about dramatic cliffs than expansive beaches. At Positano, you’ll find Spiaggia Grande (the main beach with colourful umbrellas) and the smaller Fornillo Beach. Amalfi town has Marina Grande and the tiny pebbled Atrani Beach. Most beaches have fees for umbrellas and loungers.
Final thoughts on seeing the Amalfi Coast in one day
The Amalfi Coast well and truly lives up to its reputation as one of the world’s most beautiful destinations. Using Sorrento as your base means you can explore the coast’s dramatic beauty while returning each evening to this charming and well-connected town.
Seeing Positano, Amalfi and Ravello by Vespa was the best day of my stay in Sorrento. The drama of the coastal scenery and the romance of riding a Vespa along one of the world’s most beautiful coastlines was so special.
