Amalfi City Guide
Parking in Amalfi & Driving Guide: Luna Rossa, ZTL & Rules
With over 5,000 daily vehicles navigating the single-lane cliff road, finding parking in amalfi is widely regarded as one of the most nerve-wracking challenges when driving in Amalfi through our city guide. Steep vertical topography, no roadside parking, active ZTL zones in the pedestrian historic center, and heavy summer demand make parking spaces scarce and premium-priced. This guide provides exact hourly rates for official facilities—including the famous Parcheggio Luna Rossa carved inside the mountain—along with regulations like the alternate license plate law.
Quick answer Top rules for parking in Amalfi in brief
The primary and safest place to park in Amalfi is Parcheggio Luna Rossa, an underground parking facility blasted inside the cliff rock between Amalfi and Atrani. It has a direct pedestrian tunnel into Piazza Duomo. Never drive past the white striped gates on Corso delle Repubbliche Marinare, as automated camera ZTL systems issue instant €110+ fines.
Key takeaways
- Parcheggio Luna Rossa: ~200 spaces inside the cliff, 24/7 automated barrier, 5-minute walk to Piazza Duomo via illuminated pedestrian tunnel.
- Parcheggio Berma (Piazzale dei Protontini): Surface lot directly on the harbour pier, best for ferry departures, but fills up early.
- Alternate License Plate Rule: On peak summer days (10:00–18:00), odd-numbered plates drive on odd calendar dates; even plates on even dates.
- Recommendation: Unless staying at a hotel with guaranteed private parking, leave your rental car in Salerno or Sorrento and take the ferry.
Official Amalfi Parking Garages & The Alternate Plate System
### 1. Parcheggio Luna Rossa (Rock-Carved Garage)
Located on the SS163 highway between Amalfi and Atrani, Luna Rossa is an architectural marvel—a multi-story parking facility blasted directly into the heart of the limestone mountain. It features approximately 180 vehicle spaces with automated ticket barriers and license-plate scanners. Once parked, you do not need to walk along the narrow cliffside road; an elevator and an air-conditioned pedestrian rock tunnel take you straight to the eastern edge of Amalfi town or over to Atrani in under 5 minutes.
### 2. Parcheggio Darsena & Piazzale dei Protontini (Port Lots)
Located on the western breakwater pier (Molo Pennello) directly facing the sea, this surface parking lot is ideal if you are boarding an early morning boat excursion or staying at waterfront hotels. However, it is exposed to sea spray during southern swells and has very limited capacity (approx. 80 spots).
### Understanding the Alternate Plate Law (Targhe Alterne)
To curb catastrophic traffic gridlock along the single-lane SS163 highway, Campania regional authorities enforce an alternate-day driving law between Vietri sul Mare and Positano during summer (typically weekends in June, every day in August, and peak weekends in September and October) from 10:00 to 18:00:
- Odd calendar dates (e.g., August 1, 3, 5): Only vehicles whose license plate ends in an odd number (1, 3, 5, 7, 9) may drive on the SS163. - Even calendar dates (e.g., August 2, 4, 6): Only vehicles whose license plate ends in an even number (0, 2, 4, 6, 8) may drive on the SS163. - Exemptions: Residents, emergency vehicles, licensed taxis, and tourists on the day of checking into or checking out of a registered Amalfi hotel with confirmed reservation proof.
Can I reserve a parking space at Luna Rossa in advance?
Generally, Luna Rossa operates on a first-come, first-served basis for non-residents. However, some boutique hotels in Amalfi maintain pre-reserved corporate spots within Luna Rossa; contact your hotel in advance to see if they can register your arrival.
What happens if I accidentally enter the Amalfi ZTL?
Amalfi's historic center along Via Lorenzo d'Amalfi and Piazza Duomo is a strictly enforced Zona a Traffico Limitato (ZTL) monitored by optical cameras 24/7. Unauthorized entry triggers an automatic municipal citation of approximately $120.00–$160.00 (€110.00–€140.00) plus rental car administrative fees.
Is it difficult to drive along the Amalfi Coast road (SS163)?
Yes. The road is extremely narrow, features hundreds of blind cliff curves, and is shared with large full-sized public SITA buses. If you meet a bus on a bend, you must reverse your vehicle along the cliff edge. Driving is only recommended for confident, patient drivers accustomed to mountain roads.
Are scooters or motorbikes easier to park in Amalfi?
Yes. Scooter parking bays (marked with white painted lines) are located along Piazzale Flavio Gioia and cost €2–€3/hour or €15–€20/day, making two-wheeled rentals far easier to park than full-sized cars.
Can electric cars charge in Amalfi parking garages?
Yes. Parcheggio Luna Rossa has two Type-2 EV charging points operated via Enel X Way and interoperable European EV roaming apps.
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