Sorrento and Amalfi are among the world’s best-loved and best-known tourist destinations. Beyond their unmistakable beauty, Amalfi and Sorrento Coast can count on their geographical position that makes them even more attractive.
The “Divina” and the “Land of the Sirens” are two earthly paradises that can be visited by travelling just a few kilometres. Below, we will provide you with suggestions for organising a breathtaking excursion between the two coasts.
In particular, we will try to supply precise and detailed information to those who are on holiday in one of the two Coasts and are planning to devote a day to discovering the other. Below, all the information for getting around and enjoying a beautiful and unforgettable day.
For the sake of simplicity and length of the article, we will take the town of Sorrento as our starting point, reminding you that the route can also be taken in the opposite direction.
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A day on the Amalfi Coast starting from Sorrento with children
We have already provided in another article all the information you need to organise a trip to the Amalfi Coast with children.
In this case, the fundamental premise to be made is about the road from Sorrento to Amalfi and vice versa: it is one of the most beautiful roads in the World, offering wonderful views at every turn.
However, it is not an easily travelled road: bends and hairpins make it difficult to drive, especially if it is the first time you have travelled it. In addition to this, remember that during the summer months both coasts are crowded with tourists. Consequently, the road is also busier and queues and waiting in traffic are not uncommon.
It is not at all pleasant to wait in the car, perhaps in the heat: if we adults become impatient and intolerant, imagine how stressful it can be for a child who can’t wait to take a dip in the sea!
Moreover, between one bend and the next, little kids can be particularly prone to feel nauseous and dizzy, typical symptoms of those who suffer from motion sickness and are tackling this winding road for the first time.
Our advice: travel by sea in preference!
Our advice is to prefer travelling by sea, which not only makes the journey shorter and more pleasant, but also eliminates the stress of any sickness or discomfort.
The hydrofoils that leave from Sorrento stop either in Positano or Amalfi. The journey from Sorrento to Amalfi takes about an hour and a half, while from Sorrento to Positano takes between 30 and 50 minutes, depending on the time of departure.
If you really want to optimise time and make two stops, you could decide to make an initial stop in Amalfi, and then later take a ferry to Positano.
From Positano, finally, you can decide to return to Sorrento either by bus or by sea.
Buses from Positano to Sorrento run every 40/60 minutes: the frequency of trips depends on the time of year.
The only drawback: in high season the buses fill up with tourists along the way, arriving full at the stops in Positano. For this reason, we advise you to evaluate this option, depending on the time of year and the age of the children you are travelling with.
The alternative is to return to your destination by sea, depending on the hydrofoil timetable, which unfortunately offers fewer trips during the day.
The more convenient choice might be to make one stop to enjoy a full day in Amalfi, returning to your destination by bus or hydrofoil. In this case, the likelihood of travelling by foot is greatly reduced, since there is a Sita terminus in Amalfi: the advice is to travel 10-15 minutes in advance, so as to secure a comfortable seat on the bus.
From Sorrento to Amalfi on two wheels
Have we already said that the road from Sorrento to Amalfi offers wonderful views?
Yes, we have!
That is why, in our opinion, it would be ideal to tackle this stretch of road on two wheels.
It is about 15 km of pure pleasure for the eyes: a unique opportunity to breathe in a unique sense of freedom, contemplating the breathtaking beauty of the Coast, on the SS163.
Arriving on the Coast from Sorrento (or vice versa) on two wheels offers the unique advantage of making stops along the way, either to enjoy the scenery and take a few photos, or to divide the day into several stages, with the chance to visit several towns on the Coast in a single day.
For example, a highly recommended stop is to consume an excellent lemon granita or a refreshing lemonade at the colourful van that you will find on your right as you arrive in Positano.
Second obligatory stop is definitely the town of Positano.
Here you can park at the car parks at the bottom of the descent into the town, which are excellent for starting your visit in the best spot.
We advise against parking along the road: often non-natives, seeing mopeds parked along the road, think that it is allowed.
In reality, those spots are generally reserved for residents and you might get a penalty fine!
Stops in Praiano and Amalfi
In Praiano, you can park at the guarded ‘Castellano Parking’ car park: it is located at the end of the street near the beach.
Third stop: Amalfi!
In this case, you will find two open-air car parks: Marinella, which runs alongside Lungomare dei Cavalieri, and Piazzale dei Protontini, which is on the same road continuing towards the port. Total capacity is for about 200 vehicles.
Payment is by parking meter.
In this case, since your means of transport allows you more freedom, you may decide, if time permits, to make an additional stop in the small village of Atrani, which is less than 500 metres from Amalfi.
Useful and general advice for enjoying the day to the fullest
Before concluding this article, we leave you with some tips and advice from real insiders, to enjoy your day to the fullest!
If you decide to visit Amalfi and invest most of your day in sightseeing, you should read our article dedicated to Amalfi’s sights to visit in a day: it will certainly be useful to create your own itinerary.
If you decide to buy some souvenirs in Amalfi, instead of buying the usual magnets, opt for the typical Amalfi paper: a precious paper handmade according to an ancient method that the Amalfi people keep alive with passion.
If, on the other hand, you are looking for something to satisfy your sweet tooth, we recommend a lemon delight or a sfogliatella Santa Rosa, at the historical Pasticceria Pansa in Amalfi: it is located right next to the Duomo di Sant’Andrea, in a suitable position for a sweet break after visiting the Cathedral.
Alternatively, if you are a coffee lover, ask for a coffee with zest: they will serve you a coffee (hot or cold) with a piece of zest of our beloved sfusato amalfitano: a small detail that makes all the difference.
Something you absolutely must try during a day on the Amalfi Coast? Obviously the lemon granita!
