Winter in Amalfi Coast: our tips!

In the collective imagination, the Amalfi Coast is synonymous with summer living, associated with seaside pleasures and glamorous warm evenings… but trust us, it holds just as much magic in winter, revealing a whole new side waiting to be discovered.

As the summer season winds down, typically between late October and early November, the coast bids farewell to mass tourism, welcoming those seeking a slower-paced holiday. This is when visitors can truly discover the authentic flavor of each village through local stories, historical attractions, and culinary adventures.

What to do? Here are some tips to help you organize your stay in the best possible way!

WHAT TO DO

First, treat yourself to a leisurely stroll through the narrow streets, especially during the Christmas season. The villages come alive with thousands of decorations and lights, while the sweet aroma of traditional Christmas pastries guides you step by step, leading to stunning nativity scenes that transport you to a beautifully preserved past.

Many historical and artistic sites remain open year-round, including the MAR Positano – Roman Archaeological Museum: A journey through time starting with two medieval crypts and leading to the fascinating rediscovered Roman Villa of Positano, with its frescoes and numerous excavated artifacts.

In Amalfi, the coastal capital, visitors can explore the magnificent Cathedral of Saint Andrew, a masterpiece blending different epochs and artistic styles, along with its Cloister. The town is also home to the historic Paper Mill Museum, one of the few still producing the prestigious Amalfi paper, mainly used for parchments and official documents.

Ravello is an essential stop, preserving its medieval charm intact. A walk through its characteristic streets leads to the enchanting Villa Cimbrone and Villa Rufolo, with their lush gardens, statues, and panoramic terraces overlooking infinity.

Keep in mind that even in the coldest months, the coast maintains a mild climate with plenty of sunny days perfect for hiking the region’s numerous trails, including: the Path of the Gods (connecting Bomerano to Nocelle), the Valle delle Ferriere (in Amalfi), the Punta Campanella and Baia di Ieranto trails in the Sorrento Peninsula. You can also visit the archaeological sites of Pompeii and Herculaneum, walking through the remains of these ancient cities.

BAD WEATHER ALTERNATIVES

The lack of traffic makes it easy to reach other nearby destinations, perfect for rainy days.

The closest destination is certainly Sorrento, a true miniature city of the peninsula, with its main street ideal for shopping, bars, restaurants, cinemas, and nightclubs for nightlife. It also features numerous sites of artistic interest including Palazzo Veniero, Palazzo Correale, and the Church of Carmine.

We also recommend visiting Caserta to explore this little Versailles – a palace built by Charles of Bourbon in Baroque-Rococo style featuring luxurious interior halls and a theater. Outside, a magnificent garden extends along a 3-kilometer waterway punctuated by waterfalls and statues. During bad weather, you can tour the gardens using convenient shuttle services.

GETTING AROUND

Traveling during the off-season gives you the advantage of moving freely by car without facing hours of traffic, allowing you to travel according to your own schedule, interests, and needs. In any case, there are numerous local companies offering various types of tours, ranging from artistic and cultural to gastronomic experiences.

For those who prefer using public transportation, it’s important to note that sea routes are suspended during the winter months, from November to March (except for the Sorrento-Naples route and connections to Capri and Ischia islands from these ports). It’s essential to check official websites even in the preceding months to stay updated about possible weather-related suspensions.

As for the Sita bus service, while the number of trips significantly decreases, all routes remain operational (from Sorrento to Amalfi and the lines departing from Amalfi to the rest of the coast and Salerno). Best of all, you won’t have any trouble boarding or finding a seat, allowing you to comfortably enjoy the breathtaking views along the SS163.

Check the updated timetables on the website www.positanomap.it

ACCOMMODATION AND DINING

Most luxury hotels on the coast close at the end of the summer season, between late October and early November, then reopen between March and April. Some properties delay their closure to welcome guests during the Christmas holidays, but in any case, the main towns ensure services throughout the year.

Regarding restaurants, you might find very limited choices only in January and February, but some restaurants remain open where you can savor local cuisine. Our advice is to check the updated lists on the Town Official websites and contact the establishments or your chosen restaurant directly, especially avoiding relying blindly on Google Business listings, which often aren’t updated regarding opening hours and closures.

RECAP