Amalfi Coast cycling vacations
Set on the Sorrentine Peninsula, between the Bay of Naples and Cilento National Park, the Amalfi Coast has long prospered as southwest Italy's most attractive coastline. The 40km stretch from Positano to Vietri sul Mare has gained near mythical status and not just for the wonderfully warm climate and unimpeded cliff top views.
This coastline features startlingly steep slopes bedecked in low hanging lemon trees and terraced vineyards. Narrow, winding roads transport three-wheeled Piaggios down to fishing villages like Cetara, famed for its anchovies, and larger seaside towns, such as Minori and Maiori.
This coastline features startlingly steep slopes bedecked in low hanging lemon trees and terraced vineyards. Narrow, winding roads transport three-wheeled Piaggios down to fishing villages like Cetara, famed for its anchovies, and larger seaside towns, such as Minori and Maiori.
The Strada Statale 163 follows the Amalfi Coast to link Salerno in the east with Sorrento in the west and has become known as one of the world's most scenic roads, but also one of its most terrifying. Hairpin bends, switchbacks and tiny tunnels carved out of the rock face have helped to turn many a tourists' sightseeing tour into an absolute nightmare, with passengers placing hands over their eyes rather than sitting back and soaking up the scenery. Cycling sections of the Strada Statale is far more enjoyable than being trapped on a coach. Its long, winding descents combine with sea breeze, sunshine and lemon zest and promise unforgettable moments, for all the right reasons.
Although the Strada Amalfitana, as it’s also known, is an undeniable highlight of a cycling tour of the Amalfi Coast, it is just a small part of the overall experience. All along the southwest coast of Italy there are spectacular cycling routes with gentle climbs to hilltop towns, such as Ascea and the village of San Giovanni a Piro, as well as circular inland routes showcasing the natural wilds of Monte Bulgheria and the Mingardo Canyon in Cilento National Park.
RECOMMENDED AMALFI COAST CYCLING ROUTE
This cycling route along the Amalfi Coast is every (fairly fit) cyclists' dream ticket. From the Greek ruins around Velia and Paestum to the hairpins and switchbacks of La Strada Amalfitana, there's so much to get excited about against a backdrop of fishing villages, lemon groves and the twinkling blue hues of the Tyrrhenian Sea. The route that we recommend is best undertaken as part of a small, guided group (max 16 cyclists) with expert assistance, luggage transfers and back up vehicle. Starting to the east of the Amalfi Coast, in Cilento National Park, you'll cycle daily distances of up to 60km on 100 percent tarmac roads. From the wild and untamed natural surroundings of Cilento National Park you'll head westwards by bike before taking a train - from Paestum to Salerno - and then continuing to cycle to where the actual Amalfi Coast and the legendary Strada Amalfitana begins. Accommodation in Palinuro, Agropoli and Minori lets you experience this famed coastline from lesser known points of view. Prepare for: undulations aplenty with max ascents and descents of around 1,100m. Point to point pedalling for 300kms over seven days.
WHAT TO EXPECT WHEN CYCLING THE AMALFI COAST
‘Unforgettable’ best describes some of the gravity-defying roads along the Amalfi and Cilento National Park coastline. Although some sections of road might have a few issues with potholes, in the main, these Tarmac surfaces are smooth and steady with some long, steep ascents providing moderate challenges for experienced recreational cyclists. Inland roads around Cilento are quiet and relatively free from traffic, but the closer you get to towns such as Amalfi, Positano and Ravello, the busier conditions become, especially in summer.
Although cycling on the busier Strada Amalfitana is a real highlight, it’s only a small section of a cycling vacation and it’s certainly not the norm when it comes to what you will experience throughout the week. Daily distances average around 50km, which gives you plenty of time for lunch and to explore and relax off the bike in the afternoon.
BEST TIME TO CYCLE THE AMALFI COAST
The peak season for tourists here is July and August, when a cavalcade of coaches winds its way up and down coastal roads. Summertime is also pretty hot (expect high 20°Cs and low 30°Cs), so cyclists will need to take care. Early starts are the best policy if cycling in summer, with lunchtime breaks in the shade definitely advisable, especially when accompanied by a dip in the sea. April, May, September and October are the best times to go cycling on the Amalfi Coast. The Strada Amalfitana isn't quite as busy and temperatures are a lot more comfortable. Sea temperatures are also still warm in the autumn, so its ideal for a swim after working up a sweat in the saddle.
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AMALFI COAST CYCLING HIGHLIGHTS
Greco-Roman ruins
Greco-Roman ruins
Cycle through the seaside towns of Acciaroli, Santa Maria di Castellabate and Agropoli, and you’ll find yourself close to Paestum, home to three of the world’s best preserved ancient Greek temples. Relatively intact paved roads, amphitheatres and council chambers make Paestum a must see for history-loving cyclists. Velia is another UNESCO-listed Greek settlement that’s well worth exploring – especially after the easy going climb up to the hill top town of Ascea.
Cilento National Park
Cilento National Park
Although not officially on the Amalfi Coast, Cilento National Park offers ample incentives for cyclists to discover a lesser visited, wilder vision of Italy’s southwestern shores. Incredible views over the Gulf of Policastro from the rocky Capo Palinuro contrast with inland undulations around Monte Bulgheria and the Mingardo Canyon.
Coastal villages
Coastal villages
There are untold tiny towns and villages dotted along the length of the Amalfi and Cilento coastline. Not only do these make for the perfect place for a pedalling pit-stop but they also provide a fascinating human story to the region’s stunning natural beauty. Pisciotta (famed for its olive oil), Acciaroli (allegedly where Hemingway met his real ‘Old Man’), and the fishing village of Cetara (Amalfi's anchovy capital), are just a few of Amalfi’s heavenly haunts.
More about Italy cycling
The best time to go on a cycling vacation in Italy is May or September although the further south you cycle the longer the season extends.
Cycling and Italy have been linked long before Signore Wiggo took to his trike and if you’re looking to find out more then read our Italy cycling vacations travel guide and really put your pedals through their paces.
If you’ve always fancied a cycling vacation in Italy but didn’t know where to start then don’t panic! Our Italy cycling vacations map and highlights page has destination and bike route information from the lagoons of Venice to the glittering Amalfi Coast.
Cycling in Puglia has a lot to recommend it: the heel of Italy’s boot is flat, as well as dry and sunny.
Cycling in Sardinia lets you explore the island’s magnificent natural beauty while avoiding overcrowded beaches and resorts.
Read our top 10 cycling vacations in Italy and find out where you could be pedalling off to in the not too distant future.
Find out what our Italian cycling experts have to say about where to ride, what to pack and why preparation is the key to successful cycling vacations, in our Italy cycling advice.
