Positano - The Strada Statale 163 (A road)

The Strada Statale 163 (A road)

The panoramic A road 163, also known as the ‘blue ribbon’ or ‘Nastro Azzurro’, is the road which links all of the locations along the Amalfi Coast.
An impressive continuation of curves, and the breathtaking beauty of almost 50kms of spectacular scenery to drive along by car or motorbike characterise this unique roadway. Numerous the view points and lay bys on the cliff edge where to admire the panoramas and natural landscapes; and where to purchase local produce, such as lemons or brightly colored hot pepperonico, from the road side stalls.
The time needed to cover the Statale 163 is extremely relative, in fact, in low season the duration of the journey depends exclusively on the drivers skill approaching the curves, whilst in the summer, due to the immense volume of tourist traffic, travellers might well find themselves crawling along the whole distance at walking speed: one of the reasons a number of measures are made in order to limit the volume of traffic. The regulations change from year to year and it is always advisable to contact the local tourist office for the latest information before departing. The circulation of coaches longer than 12 meters in length, of campers longer than 8 meters and vehicles towing caravans is forbidden in both directions between 7,30 and 24,00 hrs.
Departing from Vietri sul Mare, one leaves behind this capital of ceramics with the typical appearance of the towns of the Amalfi Coast: with its Historic center on high and below, at sea level, its beach linked by steep flights of steps and winding lanes.
The next stop is Cetrara, favorite destination of the lovers of sea sports, blessed by a constant breeze which makes the area an ideal place for sailing and wind surfing.
Continuing along the road one arrives at Erchie, which takes its name from the town’s famous tower. Well hidden, the village is hardly visible from the road, making its beaches idyllically peaceful.
Travelling onwards to Maiori, historic base for the arsenals of the Amalfi Marine Republic, one passes the ancient tower of Santa Maria de Olearia.
Beyond Maiori one passes the Mezza Capo tower, the town of Minori, and its beautiful beach.
The next places to be visited are the majestic Ravello, the town which hosts a prestigious music festival, perched high on the cliff tops, and Atrani, with its splendidly conserved medieval historic center.
Amalfi can be found immediately after Atrani. Principal town of the ancient Marine Republic, where Falvio Gioia, legendary inventor of the compass, was born, and seat of numerous paper mills, in some of which, to this very day, the traditional methods are used to produce precious paper.
Beyond Amalfi lies Conca dei Marini and the marvellous Capo Conca view point.
A visit to the Emerald Cave should not be missed.
Travelling onwards one passes Marina di Praia and Praiano, the small picturesque towns resembling those of the traditional Neapolitan nativity scenes.
At this stage one arrives at Positano, the famous town clinging to the rock face, with its small shops hidden in narrow alleyways and along steep lanes selling hand made sandals and tailored clothes, amidst oleanders, geraniums and all the varieties of abundant flora which characterises the beauty of the town.
At Fontanelle, one reaches the 145 A road and the Sorrentine Peninsula. Travellers should turn right so as not to miss Nerano, a tiny village with its Piazzetta which is almost all of the town, and Marina del Cantone, known by the locals for its superb sea and its restaurants which serve only the freshest fish.
Another deviation from the main road leads to Punta Campanella, the far point of the peninsula. Which can be reached only by foot, and looks across the waters towards Capri.
Once at Termini one continues to Massa Lubrense passing by Marina della Lobra, a natural basin with beach and cluster of small fishermen’s houses.
After Massa one arrives at Sorrento.

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