When people hear the name “Amalfi,” their minds tend to immediately go to the Amalfi Coast. And it’s no wonder why; the Amalfi Coast is one of the most picturesque and well-known coastlines in the entire world. Typically, visitors to this part of the world tend to stay in the town of Positano, which is known for its beautiful multicolored houses that sprawl up the cliff. However, did you know that there’s actually a town called Amalfi? Well, there is. And, somehow, it’s a hidden gem along the Amalfi Coast that has a whole lot to offer.
Amalfi is a quaint town built on the side of a cliff that rises up from a gorgeous beach. It’s more laid-back and authentic than more popular tourist destinations like Sorrento or Positano. During the 9th to 11th century, Amalfi played an important role in maritime trade and was an extremely prosperous republic until it was conquered by the Normans in 1073. From then on, it rapidly declined in importance as a place of commerce, a decline which culminated in the port and parts of the town being destroyed by a tsunami in 1343. From then on, Amalfi has only really held local significance. However, that’s the charm of this small town. You can get all of the authentic culture and stunning views of the Mediterranean Sea without dealing with as many tourists. And, what better way to experience those views than by cruising down Amalfi Drive on a rental scooter.
Here is everything you need to know about scooter hire in Amalfi. Most things here can also be applied if you are renting a motorcycle as well. This guide includes:
- Whether you need an international driving permit to hire a motor scooter in Italy
- The best places around Amalfi to find scooter rental
- The normal price of scooter hire in Amalfi
- Whether it’s safe to hire a motor scooter on the Amalfi Coast
- The best scooter trips around the Amalfi Coast
Do You Need an International Driving Permit to Rent a Motor Scooter in Italy?
If you’d like to hire a motor scooter in Italy, you’ll have to obtain an international driving permit to do so legally, unless you’re from another country within the European Union. A driver’s license from any country within the EU is all you need to legally drive within Italy. However, if you’re from any non-EU country, you’ll need to carry an IDP, your passport, and a copy of your national driver’s license with you at all times while driving in Italy.
If you want to apply for your international driving permit, you can do so online here. The application fee costs $20 and your permit will take about two weeks to come in the mail. Thus, you should make sure to send in your application at least two weeks before departing for your trip to Italy. Once you have your IDP, it will be valid for up to 12 months.
Where Are the Best Places to Find Motor Scooter Rental Around Amalfi?
If you plan on flying to Naples International Airport, the closest international airport to the Amalfi Coast, you may not be able to find scooter rentals right at the airport. However, there are several rental services located quite close to the airport so you can drive directly from Naples to Amalfi. The journey from Naples to Amalfi by scooter will probably take you around an hour and 30 minutes. However, if you want to wait until you get to the town of Amalfi to find scooter hire, there are several places around town where it’s available.
If you drive along Amalfi Drive, the coastal road that goes all along the Amalfi Coast, you’ll find scooter hire all along the way, including in the area around the town of Amalfi. There are also many scooter hire services in the nearby towns Maiori and San Pietro.
What Is the Average Cost of Scooter Rental in Amalfi?
If you’re traveling to the Amalfi Coast, you should be aware that pretty much everything that you buy there is going to be high-priced. However, motor scooter rental is not quite as expensive as you might expect based on everything else. If you want to rent a basic scooter, such as a Kymco Agility 50, for as little as €20 per day, if you find the right rental shop. By European standards, that is exceptionally cheap. However, if you’re looking for a scooter with some more power, such as a Vespa GTS 300, you’ll probably be looking at paying more like €55 per day.
Whatever kind of vehicle you decide to hire, you should make sure that your rental service includes the price of helmet rental and insurance in the stated rental price. Driving a rental scooter without a helmet is both illegal and stupid. The same can be said about driving without insurance. You should also inquire with your rental company about whether they have reduced rates for weekly or monthly rentals if you plan on staying in Amalfi for a long time.
Is Driving a Scooter Along the Amalfi Coast Dangerous?
While driving a rental scooter along the Amalfi Coast and in the town of Amalfi will probably be one of the most amazing experiences of your life, it can also be rather dangerous to drive in this area. Amalfi Drive is notorious for winding along steep cliffs, having no guard rails, and having many hairpin turns that can be fatal if you aren’t careful. On top of that, this road is full of tourist buses that take up most of the road and usually aren’t willing to get out of your way.
With all that being said, if you wear your helmet, drive slowly and carefully, and stay consciously aware of your surroundings you should have no trouble while driving along Amalfi Coast. It’s also probably worth any potential risk considering that Amalfi Drive is one of the most breathtaking scenic drives on the planet.
What Are the Best Scooter Trips on the Amalfi Coast?
Now that you’re informed on everything you need for hiring a motor scooter in Amalfi and its surrounding areas, here are some of the best places you can visit along the Amalfi Coast with your rented vehicle:
Positano
A 40-minute drive west along Amalfi Drive from the town of Amalfi will bring you to the beautiful town of Positano, the place that most people picture in their minds when they think of the Amalfi Coast. The town is made up of colored houses built right into the side of a cliff and it’s totally worth taking a boat tour to see this cliffside from afar.
You should also stop by Chiesa di Santa Maria Assunta, an amazingly ornate church that features a massive tiled dome and a 13th-century statue of the Virgin Mary. if you want to hop off of your motorscooter for a little bit and do some walking, you should check out the unforgettable views from the Sentiero Degli Dei hiking trail that runs right along the coast. Positano is also a great place to stop for a bite of some authentic Italian food.
Sorrento
Continue another 20 minutes to the west from Positano and make your way over to the larger town of Sorrento, one of the most gorgeous towns in all of southern Italy. Sorrento has a bit more of a city vibe than Amalfi or Positano as its population is much larger and it has a bustling Old Town district that’s great for shopping, partying, or people-watching.
The entire town of Sorrento is full of wonderful vistas offering incomparable views of the Mediterranean Sea. There are also a ton of wonderful restaurants with waterfront seating. So, if you’re looking for a bit of a romance, drive your significant other over to Sorrento and dine while looking at views of the city and the water beyond it.
Minori
If you don’t want to travel too far on your rental scooter, you can still make your way over to the beautiful town of Minori, which is only a 10-minute drive away from the town of Amalfi. Once you get there, you should get off your scooter and just do a bit of walking around. The narrow streets of Minori are filled with the smell of orange blossoms and lined with amazing cafes, restaurants, and bars.
In terms of other things to do in Minori, there’s a bit of everything. You can check out the Basilica of Santa Trofimena, a stunning example of religious architecture that’s definitely worth at least stopping into. There’s an ancient Roman villa that has been very well preserved. And, of course, there’s a stunning beach that’s a perfect place to lounge out and enjoy the sounds of the ocean.
You’ll Never Forget a Riding Around the Amalfi Coast
There’s a reason that the Amalfi Coast is lauded as one of the best vacation spots in the world: it’s exceptionally beautiful both naturally and culturally. And, if you want to see many different parts of the Amalfi Coast without having to pay a fortune for a tour guide, renting a motor scooter and driving by yourself is the way to go.
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