The Ultimate Spring Road Trip Along the Amalfi Coast: Hidden Gems & Travel Tips
- Susanne Kremer
- Feb 26
- 6 min read
Updated: Mar 1
An Italian Spring Adventure: Road Tripping from Rome to the Amalfi Coast and Beyond
Spring in Italy? Count me in! As a travel photographer, I’m always chasing the perfect light, breathtaking landscapes, and unique stays. And what better way to soak in Italy’s beauty than with a road trip along the Amalfi Coast? Our adventure was a whirlwind of scenic drives, jaw-dropping views, and, of course, incredible food. But it wasn’t all smooth sailing—this trip had its share of unexpected detours (read: traffic jams and a car that refused to start on a busy highway). Buckle up!
Touchdown in Rome & The Drive to Positano Amalfi Coast
We landed at Rome’s Leonardo da Vinci International Airport (FCO) and picked up our rental car from Sixt. Excited to get our adventure started, we hit the road the same day, bound for Positano—our first stop along the Amalfi Coast.
Now, if you’ve ever driven in Italy, you know that the highways are unpredictable. Somewhere between Rome and Naples (A1 highway), we got stuck in a monstrous traffic jam—for over two hours.
Our hybrid car was sitting idle for so long that we turned it off to conserve energy. Good idea? Not quite.
When traffic finally started moving, the car wouldn’t start. I stepped out to ask an Italian truck driver for help, but with a classic Italian shrug, he admitted he had no idea what was wrong. Cue the relentless honking from every direction. Somehow, we managed to get the car back to life and continued our journey—now three hours behind schedule. But hey, it’s all part of the adventure, right?
Hotel Villa Boheme Positano
We finally arrived in Positano, exhausted but thrilled, and checked into Villa Boheme, a charming boutique hotel perched on the cliffs with incredible ocean views. The sight of the sparkling Mediterranean, pastel-colored houses, and twinkling lights of the town instantly washed away the stress of our drive. The warm welcome from our hosts and the sheer beauty of the place made it all worth it.
Mornings in Positano: Cappuccinos with a View
Waking up in Positano is something special, and our first morning set the tone for the trip.
Breakfast on our private balcony was an absolute dream—homemade Italian pastries, scrambled eggs, fresh fruit, local jams, and, of course, endless cappuccinos. The sun bathed the town in golden light, and the only sounds were the gentle waves below. (Trust me, this is the way to start a day in Italy!)
Breakfast at Hotel Villa Boheme, where every Room has its own large Private balcony and breakfast
As a travel photographer, my days start early. Sunrise and sunset are prime time for capturing magical shots, so after a leisurely breakfast, we hit the streets, scouting locations for the best angles.
We spent two nights at Villa Boheme, soaking in every picturesque corner of Positano.
Living the Dream at Le Sirenuse
After two nights, we checked into Le Sirenuse also in Positano, a bucket list hotel that’s synonymous with luxury and stunning views. They claim to have the best breakfast on the Amalfi Coast—and they weren’t kidding.
Think: an extravagant buffet of Italian delicacies, all homemade, served with breathtaking views of the sea.
Breakfast at Hotel Le sirenuse Positano
Le Sirenuse had just reopened for the season, unveiling a brand-new pool design. Every corner of this hotel was a photographer’s paradise, from its iconic red walls to its dreamy terraces. We spent a total of four nights in Positano, capturing the town’s famous sights, wandering its maze-like streets, and indulging in too many plates of fresh pasta and seafood (because how could we not?).
The Magic of Ravello: A Stay at Villa Cimbrone
Next, we hit the road to Ravello, an elegant, cliffside town that feels like it’s straight out of a fairytale.
Our home for the next four nights was the legendary Villa Cimbrone, famous for its stunning gardens and the Infinity Terrace—one of the most breathtaking spots on the Amalfi Coast.
It’s no surprise that this hotel is a favorite for weddings; the coastal views, gentle sea breeze, and romantic gardens make it the perfect setting.
Villa Cimbrone, Ravello
We spent our days exploring Ravello’s picturesque streets, photographing the gardens of Villa Rufolo and Villa Cimbrone, and enjoying delicious homemade Italian dishes at the hotel. It was pure relaxation at its finest.
Off the Beaten Path: Matera, Italy’s Ancient City
From the cliffs of the Amalfi Coast, we ventured inland to Matera, one of Italy’s oldest cities and a filming location for the last James Bond movie, No Time to Die. This ancient city is carved into limestone cliffs, with centuries-old cave dwellings (called “Sassi”) that have been transformed into unique hotels and restaurants.
Matera Italy
Sassi of Matera Italy
To truly experience Matera, we stayed in one of the cave hotels, which made us feel like we had stepped back in time. (Fun fact: Matera is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and people have been living in these caves for over 9,000 years!) Our short two-night stay barely scratched the surface of this fascinating city, but we made the most of it, capturing its dramatic landscapes and rich history.
Tip for Matera: If you’re booking a cave hotel, avoid rooms with a built-in hot tub unless you love constant humidity. Since there are often no separate walls for the tub, the moisture lingers, making the room feel like a sauna. Worse, some of these rooms don’t even have windows, leaving you with no way to air it out!
Trulli Magic in Alberobello
Our next stop? Alberobello, a town that looks like it belongs in a fairytale. This place is famous for its Trulli houses—adorable whitewashed stone huts with cone-shaped roofs. Naturally, we had to stay in a Trulli B&B to experience what it’s like to sleep in one of these quirky homes. Spoiler: I slept like a log!
The air was crisp, the atmosphere was peaceful, and our pizza was next-level amazing.
We spent 24 hours exploring Alberobello, wandering through its charming streets, and soaking in its unique architecture before heading back to Rome.
A favorite Weekendspot for Italian Tourism: Alberobello
Wandering the Streets of Alberobello
The Grand Finale: Four Nights in Rome
No Italian road trip is complete without a proper Roman finale. We spent our last four nights in Rome, diving into the city's rich history and vibrant energy. Our itinerary included all the must-see landmarks:
Vatican City & Vatican Museums
Colosseum & Roman Forum
Trevi Fountain (yes, we tossed a coin!)
Spanish Steps & Via Condotti (a little shopping never hurts!)
One of Rome’s oldest cafés
And, of course, endless scoops of gelato!
Tip: One of our must-visit stops in Rome was St. Peter’s Basilica, and I had booked a private tour, thinking it would allow us to skip the very long lines. However, I quickly learned that everyone must go through security checks, no matter what kind of tour you have. The entrance to the Vatican is actually free—just like most churches in Europe, which don’t charge an entry fee (though small donations are welcomed). That said, if you want to visit St. Peter’s Basilica, it’s best to arrive at least 30 to 60 minutes before it opens to avoid getting stuck in a super long security line. A lesson learned the hard way!
One morning, I set out before sunrise to capture the Spanish Steps adorned with spring flowers, a shot I had always dreamed of getting without crowds. But as luck would have it, a film crew was there, filming a scene. We still managed to get the shot, but it was a close call! The next day, I aimed for an early-morning shot of the Trevi Fountain, only to find that the film crew had moved on there! I barely managed to grab one quick shot before they shut everything down for filming. Talk about timing!
Wrapping Up: The Perfect Italian Spring Road Trip
This trip was everything I dreamed of—breathtaking views, incredible food, and unforgettable experiences. From the sun-kissed Amalfi Coast to the mystical caves of Matera and the fairytale town of Alberobello, every stop had its own charm. As a travel photographer, I couldn’t have asked for a better adventure.
If you’re planning a spring road trip in Italy, buckle up for an unforgettable ride. Just make sure your car starts before the traffic does —lesson learned!
Arrivederci, Italia—until next time! 🇮🇹✨
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