The Amalfi Coast, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, offers one of Europe’s most spectacular coastal roads: a winding cliffside corniche between terraced lemon groves and villages perched above the Tyrrhenian Sea.
An unbroken cliffside road
From Sorrento, the road hugs the coast in an unbroken succession of bends and undulations, with no real technical difficulty but a steady cumulative climb: expect around 33 km and 650 m of elevation gain to Amalfi. Positano, a vertical village of colourful houses cascading down to the sea, marks a must-see photo stop at the halfway point.
The route crosses several short tunnels cut into the rock, alternating open sea views with shaded stretches.
Getting the ride right
Tourist traffic, heavy during the day from May to September, makes an early-morning or off-season ride far preferable. Front and rear lights remain useful for the coastal tunnels, dark even in broad daylight. The road, with no dedicated cycle lane, demands constant awareness of the buses and scooters sharing it.
When to go
April to June and September to October, when the road is less congested than in high summer and temperatures are milder for riding a road so exposed to the sun. July-August remains rideable early morning only, with traffic building up by midday.
Good to know
Sorrento, well connected by train from Naples, offers a wide choice of accommodation and a convenient car-free starting point, with direct access to Positano and Amalfi to combine the ride with sightseeing along the coast.