Naples round trip visiting Mount Vesuvius Amalfi Coast and Pompeii
This route was brought to you by:
RouteXpert Nick Carthew - (MRA Master)
Last edit: 23-12-2020
Route Summary
A brief visit to Mount Vesuvius then the thrilling zig zag coast road with many hairpin bends, steep drops and beautiful sweeping vistas. All roads can be used by scooters. Locals recommend planning a drive of the Amalfi Coast from mid-September to October and anytime in May, when the road is less crowded and tour buses are fewer. In conclusion, driving along the Amalfi Coast road is one of the most thrilling experiences that you can have while visiting Italy.
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Verdict
Duration
6h 14m
Mode of travel
Car or motorcycle
Distance
182.06 km
Countries
Amalfi
RouteXpert Review
What better way is there to see some of Italy's finest sights than on the back of a Vespa scooter. For this reason, the route starts from a scooter/motorcycle rental shop near the harbour in Naples. I haven't used Gallo Sprint - Rent-a-Scooter myself, but a quick look at their reviews will assure you of their professionalism. They can supply you with all you need for your two wheel adventure, making this route perfect for anyone flying into Naples for a short break, they can even deliver your scooter to your hotel. There’s just something so stereo typically Italian about cruising through the streets on one of these sexy scooters. Stop for a Gelato or just buzz by the sights. With the wind in your hair and the sun in the sky, you’ll really feel like a local. A link to the shop is below. The route starts by joining the waterfront where you will have a great view of Mount Vesuvius across the bay. Traversing the streets of Italy on two wheels can be challenging to start with, but you'll soon get into the flow and within half an hour you will be on the slopes of the sleeping volcano. Vesuvius is the only active volcano in mainland Europe and has produced some of the continent's largest volcanic eruptions. Vesuvius is most famous for the 79 AD eruption which destroyed the Roman cities of Pompeii and Herculaneum. Though the volcano's last eruption was in 1944, it still represents a great danger to the cities that surround it, especially the busy metropolis of Naples. The road to the top is quite enjoyable if it's not too busy, it has two sets of 4 bend hairpin bends. The car park is at 1000m leaving you 281m to walk up the slope to the crater's edge. They charge for everything!
Back down the slope and into the hustle and bustle of Italian life and on towards the Amalfi Coast. Recognised as a World Heritage Site since 1997, the Amalfi Coast is one of Italy’s (and the world’s) most beautiful coastal landscapes. Starting from Sorrento where I have suggested a coffee or lunch break in the old harbour, a favourite with the poet Byron and literary geniuses – including Goethe, Dickens and Tolstoy.
From here, the route leaves the north coast, crosses over the tip of the peninsular and joins the south coast. This thrilling road takes you along a coastline dotted with picturesque Italian villages resting on cliffs that rise out the turquoise sea. And then there is Fiordo di Furore at RP 32, a settlement hidden away within a ' fjord'. It's actually not a fjord but a carved out river valley. The stone bridge that allows this route to cross the cutting is used for a round of the World High Diving Championships and is normally held here in July. The picturesque town of Amalfi is next, this was a popular holiday destination in the 20s and 30s for the British upper class and aristocracy. This text taken from The Lonely Planet:
It is hard to grasp that pretty little Amalfi, with its sun-filled piazzas and small beach, was once a maritime superpower with a population of more than 70,000. For one thing, it’s not a big place – you can easily walk from one end to the other in about 20 minutes. For another, there are very few historical buildings of note. The explanation is chilling: most of the old city, and its inhabitants, simply slid into the sea during an earthquake in 1343.
Just around the headland is neighbouring Atrani, a dense tangle of whitewashed alleys and arches centered on an agreeably lived-in piazza and small scimitar of beach; don’t miss it.
And that is where this route visits next, for a coffee. As you approach, take the small right just after the tunnel to visit the lower level and piazza. The route leaves the coast behind now and heads into the hills back towards Naples, your lasting impression of the Amalfi Coast will be of the great scenic road, lemon trees, bougainvillea, colourful houses and the sparkling sea.
The route climbs as it leaves the coast and follows the deep mountain valley through villages and steeply terraced farmland, this is completely different to what you will have seen before on this route, it is a slice of real rural Italy. There are several viewpoints along the way all giving great views of the surrounding mountains and views towards Vesuvius.
The toll road is the quick and easy way back to Naples and the cost for a Motorcycle in 2019 €2,10. If you have time, you can stay off of the toll road, follow the route and visit Pompeii.
I have awarded 5***** stars for this route. It can be busy but the world class scenery and attractions are worth it.
RP 32 Bridge, tunnel and fishing village - Fiordo di Furore
One of the sights at Pompeii
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Disclaimer
Use of this GPS route is at your own expense and risk. The route has been carefully composed and checked by a MyRoute-app accredited RouteXpert for use on TomTom, Garmin and MyRoute-app Navigation.
Changes may nevertheless have occurred due to changed circumstances, road diversions or seasonal closures. We therefore recommend checking each route before use.
Preferably use the route track in your navigation system. More information about the use of MyRoute-app can be found on the website under 'Community' or 'Academy'.
Changes may nevertheless have occurred due to changed circumstances, road diversions or seasonal closures. We therefore recommend checking each route before use.
Preferably use the route track in your navigation system. More information about the use of MyRoute-app can be found on the website under 'Community' or 'Academy'.
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