Riding you motorcycle along the Amalfi Coast is a must for anyone touring in Italy. The intense 50km road hugs tight to the coastline, twisting and turning between the towns of Sorrento and Salerno. Originally built by the Romans, the road is cut into the sheer rock face. Look one way to the beautiful blue sea as it crashes beneath, look the other way and feel humbled by the immense rock face you find yourself clinging to. Snaking and winding through endless hairpins, up and over steep hills, the road deserves respect. Take your time and enjoy the views.
Planning your ride on the Amalfi Coast
Motorcycle riders are in for a treat when heading for the Amalfi Coast. The vast majority of the route is smooth tarmac, with very few patchy areas, making this a great ride for any bike. It is not the widest road in the world and at points can become very narrow, so always keep an eye out for oncoming trucks and coaches. With that said though, for the majority of it’s length the road consists of two lanes.
The best time to ride the Amalfi Coast is outside of the main tourist season. In the middle of summer the road is heavily used by locals and tourists alike. Tour buses are frequent on this stretch of road and lumber along at a snail’s pace. The volume of traffic on this road in peak times (June, July & August) can cause it to be dangerous at times. Inexperienced or slow tourists, mixed with frustrated locals can easily lead to accidents. The local driving style is fairly aggressive, with drivers taking huge risks on blind corners. Constant vigilance is vital. For a clearer run, while still enjoying great weather, try riding on weekdays in May, September or October.
Fuel is readily available at either end of the route.
Accommodation and food
There is certainly no shortage of places to stay along the Amalfi Coast. Hotels are a common sight with each town along the route offering several to choose from. These range in price from the fairly affordable, to the expensive, luxury options. Guest houses are also common, both on the coast and inland. It is certainly worth booking in advance in the high season as rooms get taken quickly. Campsites and agri-tourist stays offer a cheaper alternative and again are frequent along the route. Cetara is a nice alternative to the bigger, more popular (and more expensive) towns and makes an excellent base for exploring the area. This small fishing village is set in paradise, by the sea and lush green, rocky hills.
Food is also easy to come by. The hardest part is choosing what to have. Italian seafood from the Amalfi Coast is sublime and has to be tried while in the area. Lunch in one of the many cafes or restaurants in the town of Amalfi breaks the day up nicely. Try the local anchovies for something different.
Weather considerations
During summer blazing sunshine and clear skies are the typical image of the Italian coastline. This is certainly no exaggeration, however the idyllic weather brings crowds with it and crowds raise prices. The weather certainly gets wetter and chillier in winter, with November generally being the wettest month. The road is typically open year round and an out of season trip offers a fantastic, authentic experience. October or April can be good times to visit, just wrap up warmer than normal.
Sights
The big three towns – Sorrento, Amalfi and Praiano – are popular and worth checking out. All are very old towns, rich with history and culture. Smaller villages are worth taking the time to visit as well, such as Cetara. For art enthusiasts and those looking to escape the main trail, the Fjord of Furore is also a must. Huge murals are painted on many of the buildings in this small, quirky village, hidden in a fisherman’s cove.
