Italy is a country where every road reveals new wonders, and traveling by car offers a unique opportunity to explore not only famous cities, but also small hidden gems. One of these routes starts in Rome and leads through the incredible sites of Southern Italy, from the historic ruins of Pompeii to the picturesque towns of the Amalfi Coast. This journey allows you to experience the spirit of Italy at full speed, stopping at the most stunning locations.
Rome – Beginning of the journey
Start your journey in Rome, where you can spend a day or two exploring its famous sights such as the Colosseum, the Vatican and the Pantheon. After that, head south. The drive from Rome to Ravello, one of the most beautiful towns on the Amalfi Coast, will take about 3-4 hours. The journey is about 280 kilometers long, but it will be so scenic that time will fly by.
Ravello – the city on top of the hill
Ravello is an amazing city located 350 meters above sea level, overlooking the blue Mediterranean Sea and verdant hills. The town is known for its stunning villas, such as Villa Ruffolo and Villa Cimbrone, which are surrounded by magnificent gardens and offer spectacular views of the coast. Stroll through the narrow streets, enjoy the atmosphere of this tranquil and majestic town and sample local specialties in one of the cafes overlooking the sea. Ravello is a great place to relax before your onward journey.
Pompeii – a return to antiquity
Next, head to Pompeii, a place that will take you back to ancient Rome. The drive from Ravello to Pompeii will take about 1.5 hours. Here is one of the most famous archaeological complexes in the world, destroyed in 79 AD during the eruption of the volcano Vesuvius. A walk through the ruins of Pompeii allows you to see ancient houses, temples, theaters, baths and other structures that have been preserved thanks to the ash. Be sure to visit the House of Dionysus, the Great Theater and the Museum of Pompeii to immerse yourself in the atmosphere of the ancient city.
Vesuvius – the volcano that changed history
The next stop on the journey is the famous Vesuvius volcano, located near Pompeii. It is one of the most famous volcanoes in the world and is still active. Famous for destroying Pompeii, Herculaneum and other cities in 79 AD, the volcano is now one of the region’s top tourist attractions. To climb Vesuvius, you’ll need to park at the foot and walk to the crater. From the top, you’ll have a breathtaking view of Naples, Salerno and of course the volcano itself. The scenery here is an amazing contrast – lava fields, green slopes and blue skies.
Salerno – the final point of the route
The final leg of your journey is Salerno, a town located on the coast overlooking the Tyrrhenian Sea. Salerno is a less touristy place compared to its more famous neighbors, but it is no less enchanting. The city is full of historical monuments, such as Salerno Cathedral, as well as cozy cafes and restaurants overlooking the sea. A stroll along the promenade and through the old town will give you plenty of pleasure, and an evening at one of the restaurants serving fresh seafood will be the perfect end to your trip.
Conclusion
This itinerary from Rome by car will allow you to see Southern Italy in all its glory – from the historic ruins of Pompeii to the majestic views from Vesuvius and picturesque towns on the Amalfi Coast. Your trip will be full of vivid impressions and inexpressible atmosphere that will stay with you for a long time. No matter which route you choose, Southern Italy will give you unforgettable moments and unique memories.
