If you love a road trip and are planning a European summer ahead of time, then there’s one trip that has to be on your list: the Amalfi Coast Drive.
This 14-mile route along the gorgeous Italian coast follows a road originally built by the Romans and is a UNESCO World Heritage Site in of itself.
With an average of 14.5 attractions for every 10 miles, it’s jam-packed with culture and is considered one of the most beautiful road trips in the world.
New research from Insure and Go has revealed this drive as one of the most action-packed in the world, according to new research by the company.
Using an online route planner, the study conducted by InsureandGo found which of the world’s most famous road trips have the highest density of attractions along the way and found the Amalfi drive to be thew fourth best in the world.
In first place was the UK’s own Peak District, beating out the beautiful Black Forest High Road in Germany and Hana Highway in Maui, Hawaii, which came in third.
Of the Amalfi Coast, the study said: “Notoriously one of the most scenic road trips in the world, the famous SS 163 road that this route follows was originally built by the Romans. It traverses the glistening Amalfi Coast and is in fact a UNESCO World Heritage site itself.
“With postcard-perfect views and attractions like the Emerald Grotto and the Cathedral of St. Andrew, this Italian journey is perfect for road trippers looking for an action-packed adventure.”
The road itself is narrow and winding, featuring hairpin turns and steep drops. It is sometimes referred to as the “road with 1,001 turns” and each offers another gorgeous view from sweeping cliffs to whitewashed villages and cathedrals.
The gateway to the Amalfi Coast comes in the form of Salerno, a historic port city. Heading out from there, there is immediately one of the most scenic spots on the trip – the Capo d’Orso, a lighthouse carved into the cliffs of Maiori.
Just a short drive from there you’ll come across Palazzo Avino, a 12th-century palace built into a twisting labyrinth. From there, you’ll reach Amalfi itself. This playground of the rich and famous is a stunning spot to take a break and explore.
This is the largest town along the coast, located halfway between Salerno and Sorrento and packed with everything you need for a wonderful Italian break from handmade leather goods to delicious seafood and pasta.
The route doesn’t stop there though – it winds on across the coast before finally finishing in the lively city of Naples.
Famed for its mafia roots and love of football star Maradona Naples offers a different kind of Italy. Its winding streets are packed with culture from fish markets selling everything from anchovy to octopus and its charming trattorias on every corner, Naples is well worth spending a few days.
After the peaceful calm of the Amalfi Coast, Naples is a high energy end to a holiday – and if you fancy a break from the hectic city, you can hop on a train to Pompeii for some culture – just make sure you have enough time to spend at least a day there.