Polignano a Mare to Positano: Ultimate Road Trip Guide

The journey from Polignano a Mare to Positano covers approximately 350 kilometers along the A14 and A3 highways, passing through the Apulia, Basilicata, and Campania regions. A little-known fact: the route crosses the ancient Roman road Via Traiana near Bari, and the final stretch along the Amalfi Coast was once a mule track. Plan for 4–5 hours of driving without stops, but expect detours for coastal views.

This guide answers key questions: best stops Polignano a Mare to Positano, how long to drive Polignano a Mare to Positano, is it worth driving Polignano a Mare to Positano, and things to do between Polignano a Mare and Positano. For tips on finding hidden gems, see how to find the best stops and hidden gems between cities.

Road quality is excellent on A14/A3, but SS163 is narrow with hairpin turns, low guardrails, and potential landslides after rain. Night driving is discouraged on the coast due to poor lighting and oncoming traffic. Use headlights at all times.

• Weather: Summers hot (35°C) on highways; coastal microclimate with sea breezes. Winters mild but rainy (40% chance).
• Scenic sunsets: Stop at Ravello's Villa Cimbrone (detour 10 min from SS163) for a panoramic view.

Family stops: Safari Zoo in Pisticci along A3, and the Museum of the Sea in Salerno. Pet-friendly: Dog beaches at Marina di Pisticci; cafes in Matera allow dogs on leashes. Fatigue management: Rest area at A3's Polla (bar, restrooms, shaded parking) or the SS163 panoramic pullout at 'Praiano viewpoint'.

Hidden off-route spots: The abandoned village of Craco (5-min detour at exit Pisticci) and the hermitage of Sant'Angelo (near Vietri).

The drive transitions from the flat Adriatic coast to the rugged Apennine foothills, then to the dramatic Amalfi Coast. Near Potenza, you'll see the Lucanian Dolomites. The Amalfi Coast's winding roads offer views of terraced lemon groves and turquoise coves. UNESCO World Heritage Sites include the Trulli of Alberobello (detour 15 min from Polignano) and the Amalfi Coast itself (World Heritage Site since 1997).

• Matera: Sassi (UNESCO) is a 40-min detour from A3 at exit Palombaio.
• Vietri sul Mare: Ceramics workshops visible from SS163.
• See the Grotta di Polignano before departure: a sea cave at Via Porto 5.

Local commerce includes: olive oil from Polignano, pecorino cheese from Murgia, and limoncello from Amalfi. Look for roadside stalls near Castellaneta selling handmade ceramics and fresh mandarins.

The route uses A14 (toll) from Polignano a Mare to the A3 junction near Pisticci, then A3 (toll) to Salerno. From Salerno, take SS163 (free, winding) to Positano. Toll costs approximately €25 for a car. Fuel stations are frequent along highways but scarce on SS163; fill up in Salerno.

• Fuel type: Diesel recommended for torque on climbs. Petrol cars may need more frequent stops.
• Average consumption: 7.5 L/100km for a compact car; total fuel ~26 liters, cost ~€40.
• Fuel stations: Autogrill at A14's Bari Nord and A3's Sicignano degli Alburni. Avoid small-town stations after dark.