Avoid A Common Transportation Mistake Too Many Tourists Make While In The Amalfi Coast

Many have fantasized about driving along Italy's Amalfi Coast — maybe wearing a scarf in a sporty Alfa Romeo Spider like in "Under the Tuscan Sun," or perhaps in one of those vintage Fiat 500s often seen on romantic postcards. This drive might seem like the quintessential Italian adventure, but it's often a decision tourists regret. Italy's famous coastal road, Strada Statale 163, is nerve-racking, with sharp curves, narrow lanes, and backed-up traffic. This can quickly ruin the ultimate bucket list coastal drive for anyone unfamiliar with Italian roads.

Italians are known for having a pretty, ahem, intense driving style, which can be intimidating for out-of-towners. If you rent a car, you'll spend more time concentrating on driving than soaking in the gorgeous views, so it could take away from the experience rather than making it more memorable (at least in a good way, that is). Let's not forget the nightmare of parking — spaces are hard to find, expensive, and often a long walk from town.

Tourists driving in Italy need to be extra alert because they can get slapped with steep fines if they accidentally drive into a ZTL (restricted traffic zone) without a permit. Add to that the expensive car rental prices and fuel, and renting a car might also push you past your budget. So, if you're looking for a stress-free, scenic Amalfi getaway, steering clear of the rental car counter might be the smartest move.

There are less stressful ways of getting around the Amalfi Coast that leave you free to take in the views. Buses, ferries, and private drivers can get you from A to B without the headache of navigating a new terrain. SITA buses are cheap and run between popular towns like Amalfi, Positano, and Ravello. They can get crowded, but they run often and have windows for ogling the coastal views. To avoid the crowds, hop on a ferry instead, which offers a unique view of the coastline from the water.

You could hire a private driver (Rick Steves says to avoid taking the bus on the Amalfi Coast if you can afford it) — they'll be familiar with the roads and free you up to enjoy the ride, but traffic and parking challenges still apply. Taxis are also great option for shorter trips. If you can't let go of that postcard fantasy, Ciao Vintage offers guided drives for all the vibes (and pictures!) without the headache.

Scooters are a fun way to explore, but the winding coastal road can still be stressful. Your best bet is to limit Vespa drives to smaller towns (like this hidden gem without huge crowds on the Amalfi Coast) and stick to public transportation between cities. Overall, ditching the rental car can definitely make your trip more peaceful. However, if you really want to drive yourself, we recommend doing it during the low season from October through April.