Back on the mainland after its foray to Ischia, the third stage of the 2013 Giro was split into three distinct sections. From the start in Sorrento, the peloton completed two circuits of a loop before making an undulating way along the Amalfi coast to Salerno. Upon reaching Salerno - where the first of two intermediate sprint points was held, along with one at Agropoli - the route remained relatively flat for the next . The day's two categorised climbs came within the final third of the stage; the second-category San Mauro Cilento, averaging 6.7% over , with gradients reaching 16% in the opening metres of the climb, and the third-category Sella di Catona, averaging 6.6% over . From the top of the Sella di Catona, there was a near- descent into the finish town of Ascea.