Driving and parking in villages along the Amalfi coast deserves special consideration.
Parking is very limited in Positano, Praiano and Amalfi since these small villages grow exponentially each year from the spring to the fall with the influx of tourists. Consequently, street parking is available for residents only and for example, four designated parking garages in Positano for everyone else. Praiano and smaller villages have less or none at all. The garages charge approximately $4.00 an hour but technically it depends on the size of your vehicle. This does not mean, however, that you cannot find street parking somewhere, but it will undoubtedly be quite a distance from your destination.
One alternative is to make your flight arangements into Naples and have a transfer company like Positano Car Service pick you up and take you to your vacation home. Thereby avoiding all aspects of the parking problem.
Public transportation along the Amalfitana, once you have arrived, is frequent, reliable and a good alternative to having a car. While staying along the coast, you can use the SITA bus service to travel up and down the coast or the ferry service from Positano to Capri.
I agree that parking and driving in Positano and along the coast to Amalfi is hectic and at times frustrating. Having returned recently from a motoring holiday in France and Italy, including staying a few days in Positano, I saw first hand the chaos on weekends and holidays.
However, do not be disuaded from visiting.
Get there early in the morning and the use the offstreet parking garages. There are many along the lower coast one way street in Positano and they have daily rates that are better than in other cities in Italy. They are run by families and are very pleasant to deal with.
Amalfi has a large carpark at the marina but one does have to be early.
The Sita bus service along the coast is a great ride for those who enjoy a bit of excitement and wonderful views.
There are also motorboat services offering day trips to Capri from Positano. Friendly drivers.
enjoy