Positano to Savona Road Trip Guide: Coastal to Alpine

Leaving Positano (40.6273° N, 14.4837° E), you'll climb the SS163 Amalfi Drive, a ribbon of asphalt carved into cliffs, before merging onto the A30 near Salerno. This 670 km journey to Savona (44.3090° N, 8.4771° E) takes 7-8 hours of pure driving, without stops. The route crosses three regions: Campania, Lazio, and Liguria, with a slice of Tuscany if you take the A12 variant. The historical Via Aurelia (modern SS1) shadows the coast for much of the way, a road once trod by Roman legions. A local quirk: on the A10 west of Genoa, tunnels alternate with viaducts so frequently that you'll experience 20 seconds of darkness then 15 seconds of sea view—a rhythm unique to the Italian Riviera.

For those wondering is it worth driving Positano to Savona, the answer lies in the contrasts: the Baroque exuberance of the South against the sober elegance of the North. The how to find the best stops and hidden gems between cities approach is essential here; the A1 motorway is efficient but skips the heart of both regions.

The A1 (Autostrada del Sole) is Italy's main north-south artery, with tolls averaging €0.10 per km. Expect a total toll cost of €55-65 for the entire journey. Fuel stations are abundant every 20-30 km along the A1, but sparse on the SS163 and SS1. Topography matters: the Apennine passes between Florence and Bologna consume 10-15% more fuel due to constant climbing. Below is a cost breakdown for a mid-size car (50L tank, 1.8L diesel).

• Positano to Salerno: €4 toll on SS163 (if using the upgraded section), plus €0 fuel as it's short.
• Salerno to Rome: €12 toll, €25 fuel (A1 constant speed 130 km/h).
• Rome to Genoa via A12: €30 toll, €40 fuel (coastal route with tunnels).
• Genoa to Savona: €4 toll, €5 fuel (A10, short but twisty).
• Total estimated fuel: 70-80 liters, €100-120 at current prices (€1.50/L diesel).

If driving an EV, note that fast-charging stations (150 kW+) are available at most Autogrill plazas but are less common on the SS1. Plan a 30-min charge every 200 km. The best stops Positano to Savona for charging include the Tevere Est service area (km 590 A1) and the Nervi charging hub (Genoa).

The A1 is well-maintained with barriers and lighting, but the SS163 (Amalfi Drive) has sharp curves, narrow lanes, and heavy tourist traffic in summer. Night driving is discouraged due to limited guardrails. On the A10, tunnels are illuminated but subject to sudden traffic jams near Genoa. Safety tip: use headlights always, even in tunnels, as Italian law requires. Toll gates are frequent; keep cash or a credit card handy.

• Family stops: Acquario di Genova (Europe's largest aquarium) is 5 minutes from A10 Genova Ovest exit. Città della Scienza (Naples) is near the start, but a better option mid-route is Explora (Rome) for kids under 12.
• Pet-friendly: Autogrill Fiorenzuola (A1 km 450) has a dedicated dog area. Parco del Beigua (near Savona) offers hiking with leashed dogs.

Fatigue management: Area di Servizio Chianti (A1 km 330) has a quiet room (sala relax) and reclining chairs. For a nap, Parcheggio Pisa Ovest (A12 km 20) is safe, well-lit, and free for 2 hours. The things to do between Positano and Savona for a break include walking the Via dell'Amore in Riomaggiore (Cinque Terre) – a 20-minute flat trail with ocean views.

The geographical shift is dramatic: from the limestone cliffs and turquoise coves of the Amalfi Coast (a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1997) to the terraced olive groves of the Ligurian Riviera. The route passes near two other UNESCO sites: the Historic Centre of Rome (detour 20 km) and the Portovenere, Cinque Terre, and the Islands (Palmaria, Tino, and Tinetto) – accessible from the A12 at La Spezia. The Cinque Terre villages are a 30-minute detour via the SS370.

• Campania: Lush citrus groves, vertical vineyards on Positano's hillsides.
• Lazio: The Roman Campagna – flat, cultivated plains with scattered ruins.
• Tuscany (if taking A12): The Maremma coast with pine forests.
• Liguria: Rugged cliffs, terraced hills, and the Mediterranean scrub (macchia).

For authentic products, stop at Agriturismo La Selva (km 230 A1 near Orvieto) for pecorino cheese and olive oil. Near Finale Ligure (SS1), roadside stalls sell basil pesto and trofie pasta. The how long to drive Positano to Savona question is best answered with a full day if you include stops for shopping and views.

Small Villages and Abandoned Structures

• Campiglia Marittima (Tuscany): A medieval hilltop village 5 km from A12 Ventimiglia exit.
• Bussana Vecchia (Liguria): An abandoned artists' community rebuilt after the 1887 earthquake, 3 km from A10 Arma di Taggia exit.