Making the Most of the Amalfi Coast at Christmas

If you want to do something a little different this Christmas, then the Amalfi Coast might just be the place to do it. The great thing about being able to get away for a few days during the festive time of year is that you get to experience how other people celebrate Christmas — and nowhere does it quite like the Amalfi Coast.

To give you and the family plenty of festive ideas, we’ve put together a few of the most popular things people like to get up to. From feasts to festive lights, and good food to outdoor concerts, the Amalfi Coast at Christmas is a place that you’re going to fall in love with the moment you arrive.

Lots of the big hotels open for a few weeks over Christmas and New Years

The big hotels tend to shut between November and February, but they do open up for a few weeks over Christmas and New Year. This is because the Amalfi Coast is fast becoming a hotspot for festive activity that people from all over the world want to come and enjoy.

Book yourself in nice and early, and you’ll be able to find a bargain and secure your place in one of the most stunning parts of Italy. Perfect for making your next Christmas one you’ll remember for a lifetime.

Check our updated guide on: What to do in the Amalfi Coast

Atrani and Cetara put their lights up in style

If you want to see lights on a far smaller scale, and get a real taste for how the locals live, then the villages of Atrani and Cetara are great places to head to. They’re fishing villages at heart, and have retained their own unique culture and identity for centuries. Not only are they largely untouched by tourists, they’re still home to hundreds of locals who wouldn’t want to be anywhere else in the world.

The lights go up as early November and tend to stay there until well into the New Year. This gives you plenty of time to take a look at how the villagers celebrate the most special time of year.

The Emerald Grotto has an underwater nativity scene

If you’re looking for something truly special that you won’t find anywhere else, then the Emerald Grotto is the place to be. By erecting a stunning underwater nativity scene, the locals have really gone above and beyond to try and show you something different. When you factor in the unique green light that gives the Grotto its name, then you can only imagine how magical the scene looks when you first see it in all its glory.

Enjoy the Festival of Lights in Salerno

AFP PHOTO/ MARIO LAPORTAMARIO LAPORTA/AFP/Getty Images

Salerno is the heart and sole of the Amalfi Coast at Christmas, and with good reason. Local artists adorn the city with a stunning array of festive lights, and to keep you coming back for more they create a new festive theme from scratch, every single year. This means that you’re seeing something brand new the moment you arrive, as are the locals. These little touches are what really add to the festive atmosphere and make Salerno a place you have to visit at least during your stay on the Coast.

Live concerts happen most evenings

The Amalfi Coast is a place full of musicians wanting to play, and music lovers who are only too happy to sit and list to their tunes. At Christmas it’s normal to see large bands playing in the squares of Sorrento, Amalfi, and Salerno, and it’s something of a local tradition to spend an hour listening to them in the evenings with a hot drink.

The Villa Cimbrone Gardens come to life in the festive period

The final thing you’re going to want to fit into your festive getaway is a visit to the breathtaking Villa Cimbrone Gardens in the town of Ravello. Perched on a stunning cliff-top and offering some of the finest views anywhere on the Coast, the Gardens really do come to life in the winter.

Whilst many of the gardens down on the shoreline will lie dormant in the winter months, the expert gardeners at Villa Cimbrone have ensured there are new flowers and plants blossoming right the way through the year.

Best time to visit Amalfi Coast: JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec

Everything You Need to Know About the Amalfi Coast in December

Amalfi Coast Weather in December

Avg. temperature: 13°C / 55°F

Rain: 65 mm per month

Sun: 9 Hrs per day

Avg. Humidity: 76%

The Amalfi Coast in December comes to life in more ways than you could imagine, until you’ve been there and seen it for yourself. With winding streets, boutique shops, happy locals, and centuries of culinary tradition, all you need to do is decide on your itinerary and the rest will take care of itself.

Perhaps the best thing about it is that, apart from the occasional passing shower, it’s quite warm and cosy. Ideal if you want to leave the freezing white Christmas of last year behind, and enjoy something a little more Mediterranean for a change.

There’s no snow so you can enjoy the mild temperatures as you get out and about

Temperatures fluctuate on average between 15 and 10 degrees Celsius over 24 hours, which is ideal if you want to be warm and cosy after the sun goes down. Because you’ll be staying by the ocean, you can expect a little bit of a stiff sea breeze from time to time, but that’s all part of the charm of the place. Just take a nice thick winter coat, and you’ll be able to wrap up warm as you make your way from A to B, taking in the sights as you go. If you are considering another time to visit, you can check the best time to visit the Amalfi Coast.

New Year’s eve brings Positano’s Spiaggia Grande beach to life

If you want to holiday near the end of the month, then why not extend and take in New Year’s eve itself? There’s no better way to throw yourself into the thick of the local action than by seeing the clock strike midnight on Spiaggia Grande beach in Positano. One of the real pluses of the bulk of the nightlife outside of Sorrento being shut at this time of year is that it brings everyone together and guarantees a full house wherever you go. Ideal if you want a stunning atmosphere as you see the fireworks reflected in the waves that border the Amalfi Coast.

Try the zeppole and struffoli in Sorrento before they’re all gone

Sorrento is still a hive of activity in December because it’s where the locals go when they feel like treating themselves to something nice. What they love more than anything are the festive treats they can only get during this special time of year.

If you make your way to the main square you’ll see all manner of quaint little side streets winding their way off into the city, so why not pick a few and go exploring? You’ll find loads of boutique shops and artisan bakeries, each with something unique to offer that you won’t find in any of the huge chainstores back home. Ideal if you want to treat your tastebuds to something that will live long in the memory. If only you could find pastries that good so easily back home!

Check our updated guide: How to Travel to the Amalfi Coast

Sorrento takes Christmas decorations to new heights  

The beauty of Sorrento is that it offers you a real chance to see how the locals celebrate the special time of year. You can expect to see religious figurines in most windows, and all of the little boulevards and side streets lined wall to wall with fairy lights in every colour you can imagine.

But best of all, you need to head on over to the famous square and see the towering tree that brings the whole population out as they switch on the lights. It’s one of those things that you have to see to believe, and the photos online simply don’t do it justice.

Choppy seas mean you’ll be confined to dry land, so why not take in the views?

The ferries will be tied to the shores at this time of year, and the seas are so choppy that you wouldn’t want to go out even if you could. If you want to get a view that beats everything you’ll see in the guidebooks, then head on up to the Villa Cimbrone gardens in the town of Ravello. You’ll be able to see right across the Coast, and there’ll be plenty of time to check out the stunning winter foliage that the gardens have to offer too.

Best time to visit Amalfi Coast: JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec

Why Visiting the Amalfi Coast in November is a Great Idea

Amalfi Coast Weather in November

Avg. temperature: 17°C / 63°F

Rain: 49 mm per month

Sun: 9 Hrs per day

Avg. Humidity: 75%

Getting away from it all is about taking a break from things when you feel like you need it. If you miss the summer and are stuck in limbo waiting for the Christmas holidays, why not book a few days away on the Amalfi Coast in November? Most people will think of skiing in the Alps or a visit to Lapland at this time of year, but what if you want to still enjoy some sun and warmth?

The Amalfi Coast is a destination that allows you to experience centuries of culture and tradition in just a few short miles of coastline. The beauty is that it doesn’t get all that cold at any point in the year, so you can get away from home for a few days and take yourself to a sunnier climate. Not only that, but there’s so much to see and do there that you’ll probably get a lot more out of your holiday than if you sat in the sun for a week.

Average lows of 13 degrees Celsius make this an autumnal destination unlike any other  

High temperatures average about 20, and it rarely drops out of the mid double figures at night. The great thing about this is that it offers you plenty of opportunity to stretch your legs at night and explore some of the beaches now that the tourists have been and gone for another year. If you want to enjoy the best sunset the Coast has to offer, then head on over to Praiano an hour or so before the sun goes down. All you need is a nice jumper and you’ll be all warm and snug on the cliff tops as you see something you can’t experience anywhere else in the world.

Sorrento is the place to stay in November

Many people are a little surprised at how quiet some of the more touristy places like Positano are during November, but it makes sense really. The big hotels and beach clubs would be largely dormant if they were open, so they decide to shut for the season and the locals get the chance to put their feet up.

If you book yourself into a hotel in Sorrento then you’ll still have the entire city at your disposal — very little shuts here. That’s because this is where the locals go to eat, drink, and shop, and it’s a great place to base yourself if you want to be immersed in the local culture. See how can you get from Naples to Sorrento.

Light traffic makes heading to Amalfi Town and Ravello so much easier

The beauty of the off-season is that the roads are so much quieter. If you decide to get around by car or bus then you can do it so much easier than in those hectic peak summer months, especially since the new number plate system isn’t in effect. Going to Amalfi Town to gaze in wonder at the cathedral or heading up to the cliff top gardens in Ravello are two great ways to get out and about for an afternoon. Perfect if you want to work up an appetite so you can fill up at the restaurants close to Sorrento’s famous square.

Head to Naples on a rainy day

Naples is the home of Neapolitan pizza, and it’s a city unlike any other. You can get there in little over an hour if you catch the train from Sorrento — another reason you might want to base yourself there — and the tickets are always reasonably priced. It rarely rains, but when it does why not get away from the Coast and see the cathedrals that make Naples famous? Check how can you get from Naples to Positano

There’s more to do in Amalfi Town than you might think

Amalfi Town is the place that gives the Coast its name, and when you visit it you’ll see that it’s full to bursting with exciting things to do. It’s known for its fresh pastries and energising espressos, and it also has a stunning cathedral that you can’t go home without having seen. There’s also a local paper museum, and the noteworthy Pasticceria Pansa eatery. All you need to do now is decide which one you want to see first, and then head on over for a great day out.

Best time to visit Amalfi Coast: JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec

Everything you Need to Know About the Amalfi Coast in October

Amalfi Coast Weather in October

Avg. temperature: 23°C / 73°F

Rain: 37 mm per month

Sun: 11 Hrs per day

Avg. Humidity: 73%

There’s a lot to be said for holiday in October as it gives you a chance to go to some great summer destinations for a fraction of the price. If you want to be able to dodge the vast majority of the crowds, enjoy the sun but with a calming breeze, and have plenty of money left over for day trips, then visiting the Amalfi Coast in October would be your time to go.

It is one of those destinations that offers something new and exciting right throughout the year, and because it’s constantly changing you can be sure of a warm welcome regardless of when you come. Many can argue that October is among the best months to visit the Amalfi Coast. If you want to be able to make the most of the last few weeks of warm weather before you get into winter mode back home. Take a look at the rest of this article and you’ll find a whole host of exciting things you might want to think about doing on your holiday. Enjoy!

The 15th October is when beach clubs start to close for the year

It’s important to know that you can’t come later and later in the year and expect the same level of activity. The locals will always put on a great welcome, but eventually they’d be keeping huge hotels open, and ferries running, for just a handful of people. For this reason they tend to start closing down some of the more seasonal activities from the middle of the month onwards.

Boats become a little more scarce, and most of the beachside clubs and bars will shut until the spring. If you have your heart set on these, then make sure you come early enough to get the most out of them. (Check the list of best beaches on the Amalfi Coast)

Temperatures are mild, but a light shower could halt your tanning session

The thing that most October visitors to the Amalfi Coast say is how surprisingly good the weather still is. Average midday temperatures in excess of 30 are long gone, but with an average daily high of 23 degrees Celsius you’ll still be able to lie back in shorts and t-shirt on the beach and recharge your batteries. The only thing you might want to do is pack a couple of light jumpers if you plan on sitting out in the evening or heading over to Sorrento for some late night shopping.

It’s cool enough to finally hike up the Lattari Mountains  

Most guides will tell you that that Amalfi Coast is very much built around the Path of the Gods when it comes to walking routes. Whilst this historic route is certainly one that everyone should walk at least once in their lifetime, the Lattari Mountains offer views so stunning that it’s a wonder they’re not better known.

If you want to experience something that you can’t do anywhere else, then make sure you get up early and set off into the mountains. Just be sure to let your hotel know where you’re going, charge your phone the night before, and pack a raincoat. That way you won’t risk being caught short.

Check the updated guide on: How to Travel to the Amalfi Coast

Day trips to Herculaneum are a great way to get out and about

Pompeii is famous around the world, but its in Herculaneum that you get a real feel for what life in Roman times was really like. The town itself was destroyed by an eruption from Mt. Vesuvius is 79 AD, and hundreds of artefacts have been preserved there ever since. Taking a day trip is easy if you book a train from Sorrento, and it’s a great way to get out and about and give yourself a little bit of a break from the beaches if you feel like it.

Stop off for a drink aboard El Pirata before it closes for the summer

No holiday would be complete without a cold drink or a few glasses of limoncello aboard El Pirata — the only pirate ship on the Amalfi Coast that’s open for business. It’s normally one of the first to close until the spring when the middle of the month rolls around, so you’d be a fool to miss the chance to go aboard. Take a few photos to show your friends back home, and see if they believe you were relaxing on a pirate ship!

Best time to visit Amalfi Coast: JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec

Why the Amalfi Coast Comes to Life in September

Amalfi Coast Weather in September

Avg. temperature: 27°C / 81°F

Rain: 44 mm per month

Sun: 12 Hrs per day

Avg. Humidity: 68%

The great thing about holidaying in September is that if you time it just right, you get to beat the crowds and still enjoy the tail end of the summer sun. If you want to get away and enjoy the perfect blend of sun, sea, and sand, then the Amalfi Coast is a destination unlike any other. It offers a rich mix of culture and history, with plenty of the classic tourist activities thrown in for good measure.

Whether you want to relax on the beach, walk in the hills, or venture into the cities, the Amalfi Coast is one of those rare places that has something to offer everyone. September is among the best months to visit the Amalfi Coast. No matter what it is you have in mind, head to this little corner of Italy and you’ll be sure to find experiences that will stay with you for a lifetime. Ideal for making your holiday there one you will never forget.

September is a little less hot and busy than August

In August it’s unheard of for the midday sun to dip below 30, but averages of 27 degrees Celsius are common throughout September. This is great for both sun seekers, and those looking to be a little more active on their vacation.

There’s plenty of opportunities to top up your tan and feel re-energised, and there’s also a calming sea breeze that comes off the Mediterranean when you want to walk to places like the Villa Cimbrone gardens on the clifftops in Ravello. Pack some sunscreen and flip flops for the beach, and some comfortable shoes and shorts for the hills. That way you’ll be prepared for whatever takes your fancy when you roll out of bed in the morning.

Read our guide on: How to Travel to the Amalfi Coast

Boat prices to the Emerald Grotto are significantly cheaper in late September   

Places like the Emerald Grotto can be tricky to get to throughout July and August, but that’s not the case once September rolls around again. If you want to be able to enjoy the sun without so many of the crowds, then the second half of the month is the time to go. By the middle of the month the Italian kids are back at school, and the crowds do die away noticeably.

The great thing for you is the locals have known this would happen all year, and want to make as much money as they can before the tourist season is over for another year. To tempt as many of the remaining holiday makers aboard as they can, they drop their prices by up to 50% almost overnight. With a little bit of planning you can queue less and pay less. Sounds pretty appealing doesn’t it?

Fornillo beach in the heart of Positano is an experience not to be missed

For those who haven’t heard of it, la Festa del Pesce in Positano is the place to be in late September. It goes on for several days, and the dates change slightly from year to year so it’s worth checking before you book so that you don’t miss out on the chance to attend.

It’s basically one big party thrown by the locals to celebrate the end of the tourist season, and they’re more than happy to invite you to join in. Fresh seafood is served right on the beach, and you’ll get the chance to really immerse yourself in the local culture. Don’t worry through, it’ll be well into October before any of the hotels and restaurants start to think about closing up for the year. (Check our list of best beaches on the Amalfi Coast)

Praino and Cetara are often overlooked and make for a great trip out

Praino often comes recommended as having the best sea views and sunsets on the Amalfi Coast, and you won’t hear any arguments from us in that respect. But it also has plenty of other things to offer you. The pastel colours of the houses are so distinct and make for great photos, and the small square is a real hub of local activity.

If you want to carry on your local experience, then spending an afternoon in the small fishing village of Cetara would be a great idea. The locals have plied their trade on the ocean for centuries, and they’ll be more than happy to pose for a quick photo and tell you all about the catch of the day when they get back to shore.

Best time to visit Amalfi Coast: JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec

What Makes the Amalfi Coast so Amazing in August

Amalfi Coast Weather in August

Avg. temperature: 33°C / 91°F

Rain: 37 mm per month

Sun: 13 Hrs per day

Avg. Humidity: 64%

With the summer at its zenith, there’s perhaps no better time to head on over to the Amalfi Coast for some well deserved sun worshipping. It’s a little corner of the old Italy that has managed to stay true to its roots and traditions no matter what has gone on in the rest of the world. If that sounds like just the sort of place you want to visit so you can recharge your batteries, then read on.

The great thing about the Amalfi Coast is that it offers you something different every time you visit. The people, the food, the wine, the scenery, the list could go on and on forever and a day. If you want to experience something that will stay with you for the rest of your life, and fill up on some amazing fresh food, then August might just be the prime time to go and experience it all.

August is the peak month for the sun if you want to top up your tan

The sun seekers descend on the Amalfi Coast in their droves in August as temperatures rarely dip below 30 degrees Celsius in the afternoon. The skies are flawlessly blue, the humidity is fine, and the calming sea breeze ensures you can feel your skin glow without overheating. That said, you might want to think about planning ahead so that you’re not queuing up all the time.

Booking your hotel in advance should be the first step. If you book in the off-season then you should have the pick of the hotels, so aim to have everything finalised before the end of January. Other than that, it can be really beneficial to your stay if you book a restaurant for your first night once you’ve checked in, and buy some boat tickets a few days in advance. That way you won’t be standing in line in the baking hot midday sun.

A number plate system has been introduced, which limits rental car access. Now, only rental cars with even plates can drive to the Amalfi Coast on even dates, and odd numbered plates on odd dates. This means in August you can only stay for an even number of days if you rent a car, and public transport options are even more crowded!

The crowds will flock to the Marina Grande and the Vietri sul Mare   

The beaches really come into their own in August, and none more so than the Marina Grande. It’s the biggest and most popular stretch of sandy coast on the Amalfi Coast, and its central location means you’re never more than two minutes away from something cold to drink, or tasty to eat. Don’t forget the Vietri sul Mare either. With its fine sand and calm shore break it is ideal for young families who want to keep the kids entertained for a few hours.

If you fancy a bit of a quiet one however, then you might head on over to Minori. It’s only accessible by some rather steep steps down the cliff face, which puts off a lot of people and ensures you can get some well deserved rest and relaxation. There’s also Nerano too if you feel like varying things up. (You can also check our list of best beaches on the Amalfi Coast)

The gozzos are a great alternative to the packed out ferries going to Capri

The ferries over to Capri are always reasonably priced, but in August you might find that they are full to bursting with your fellow tourists and holidaymakers. If you want to be able to relax on your way across to Capri without feeling like you’re surrounded by the crowd, then you might think about finding a gozzo to hire for the trip.

The locals have been using them for centuries, and the wooden covers provide plenty of shade from the midday sun. Their size is also a real plus point for those of you looking for a more sedate trip across the sea. They come in sizes anywhere from 6 to 30 seats, which means you get a much more personal experience than on some of the giant ferries.

Check the guide on: How to Get to the Amalfo Coast

Head to Positano on the 15th August and you won’t be disappointed

This is the feast day of the famous Santa Maria Assunta — the patron saint of Positano. If you want to get to know the locals and see how their culture has shaped their daily lives, then this is a must-see event.

Aside from that, there are plenty of kids clubs run on the beach and in the large chain hotels if you feel like dropping the little ones off for an hour or two.

Best time to visit Amalfi Coast: JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec

Everything you Need to Know About the Amalfi Coast in July

Amalfi Coast Weather in July

Avg. temperature: 33°C / 91°F

Rain: 24 mm per month

Sun: 14 Hrs per day

Avg. Humidity: 66%

If you want to get away from it all back home in the height of summer, then it’s often a choice between July and August isn’t it? The beauty of the Amalfi Coast is that it really comes alive at this time of year, with tourists coming from all over to enjoy one of the last bits of the old Italy that still stand proud along the coast.

The beaches, clifftop gardens, fresh food, and mouth watering wine all need to be enjoyed and tasted, so we’ve put together a seasonal guide on how to do exactly that. Take a read, give it some thought, and then decide for yourself whether July will be the month you visit the Amalfi Coast this year.

July is busy enough to warrant reserving a sun bed, so be prepared

July is one of the peak months for tourists as the weather is good and the kids are done with school for another year. The great thing about this is that it makes the whole region feel energised, and there’s constantly stuff going on night and day.

If however you’re someone who likes to stroll down to the beach and have your pick of the sun loungers, then you may be in for a bit of a shock. It’s perfectly normal to reserve a lounger for the day with a towel, so feel free to do so if you have your heart set on a particular spot in the sun.

Nerano offers a break from the crowds if you still want to relax on the beach  

This is one of the places you won’t find in all that many guide books, which is actually a good thing. As with the similarly quiet beach in Minori, Nerano’s main beach is sheltered and not so easily accessible as the very busy Marina Grande or Vietri sul Mare.

If you want to be able to get away from the crowds until you head out for a bite to eat in the evening, this is one of the places to go. Ideal for recharging your batteries as you top up your tan.

Hire a gozzo if you want to get out on the water like the locals do

Hiring one of the locals to skipper your gozzo for the day is a great way to see the coast. These small vessels have plenty of shade thanks to the clever wooden sunshades, and they allow you to enjoy something a little more authentic than the huge ferries and sightseeing boats that will be full to bursting with tourists at this time of year. All you need to do is find someone who is properly licensed and insured, and you’ll be able to relax on the water for the day whilst also beating the crowds. What could be better than that?

Check our guide on: Where to Stay on the Amalfi Coast

Sorrento offers plenty of shops and eateries when you need a break from the beach  

You might never think that you’ll want to leave the Marina Grande, but eventually the urge will come to stretch your legs and you’ll want to know where to head to. Sorrento is very much the beating heart of the Amalfi Coast, and it’s where the locals go to shop, eat, and drink. Three things that make any afternoon in the sun one to truly remember when you look back on your holiday.

Walk along the winding side streets, sit and sip a cold drink in the famous square, and then treat yourself to something special in any number of the small historical boutiques that the place is known for.

Temperatures of 30 degrees or more make El Pirata an ideal destination

The heat at this time of year can leave you feeling a little thirsty from time to time, so where better to go than a real pirate ship? El Pirata is moored right on the shoreline, and makes for a great venue at any time of the day or night. Just make sure you have your phone ready so you can snap plenty of photos of the views out to sea to send to your friends and family back home. It’s what holidays are all about isn’t it?

Best time to visit Amalfi Coast: JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec

Is the Amalfi Coast a Good Destination in June?

Amalfi Coast Weather in June

Avg. temperature: 30°C / 86°F

Rain: 32 mm per month

Sun: 15 Hrs per day

Avg. Humidity: 70%

Now that summer is finally here, June seems like the perfect time for a holiday doesn’t it folks? The sun is beaming, and nowhere is it brighter, and the skies bluer, than the Amalfi Coast in Italy. This is a region steeped in history that has now opened its doors to tourists from all around the world. There is so much to see and do that it’s a wonder more people don’t holiday there. Architecture, culture, amazing food, great wine; this a region that has everything to offer that you could ever wish for.

To give you plenty of food for thought, we’ve put together a few bits of seasonal advice that you might want to mull over when you’re trying to decide when to the visit the Amalfi Coast. That way you’ll be prepared and will know exactly what to expect before your plane even touches down in nearby Napoli.  

The crowds can get rather large on the weekends if you’re looking for a quiet break

If it’s a quiet break with just the two of you then the Amalfi coast is the place to be, but you might have to be a little selective about where you stay. It’s such a popular part of Italy that it gets very busy at this time of year, particularly on weekends.

Positano is great for families with young kids as there is plenty on offer there to keep the little people entertained. If you want to be in the thick of the action then Amalfi Town, Salerno, and Sorrento are all wise choices. And if it’s a break from the hustle and bustle you want, then why not enjoy places that are a little more out of the way such as Cetara and Praino? As you can see, this is a region that has something for everyone.

Average highs of 30 degrees Celsius make June perfect for sun seekers

In June the weather is as predictable as it comes, with sun, sun, and plenty more sun. There will hardly ever be a cloud in the sky, and if there’s even a hint of a light shower or some passing drizzle then it will be the talk of the Amalfi Coast it’ll be that unusual.

The great thing about this is that you can really make a home for the day on beaches like Marina Grande and Vietri sul Mare. Perfect for topping up your tan as you forget about all the goings on at the office and back home. (Check our list of best beaches in the Amalfi Coast)

Praino is the place to be to enjoy a sunset in the old Italy  

This is a region that needs no introduction in terms of the beauty of its surroundings. If you want to really get to know the local area, then head over to Praino a few hours before the sun sets around 9pm. Pick a table at your favourite eatery, and then sit back and sip some wine whilst the sun goes down.

Head to the disco if you fancy a dance long after the sun sets around 9pm

There are two main discos on the Amalfi Coast, each of which offers you an experience that will make your night out one to truly remember. First there is the Music on the Rocks disco in Positano on the sandy Spiaggia Grande beach — a great place to go if you want to be stone’s throw from your hotel. Alternatively there’s Africana in Praiano, which is hosted inside a sea cave right by the water.

The early mornings in Cetara are a great way to start the day  

For those of you that want to get up early and have that all-important time to reflect, there’s no better way to do it than by beating the sun and heading on over to Cetara.

It might not be a destination that features all that prominently on tourist sites and in guidebooks, but Cetara is one of the best kept secrets on the Amalfi Coach. It’s been a fishing village for generations, and if you get up on time you’ll see the sun come up as the boats head out to get their next catch.

Best time to visit Amalfi Coast: JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec

What’s the Amalfi Coast like to visit in May?

Amalfi Coast Weather in May

Avg. temperature: 25°C / 77°F

Rain: 29 mm per month

Sun: 14 Hrs per day

Avg. Humidity: 73%

Summer is officially just getting started, which means that May is the month many of you will start to think about getting away again for another year. Many of you will dream of freshly cooked food, cold drinks in the sun, and stunning beaches to rest and relax on. Those of you that are already familiar with the Amalfi Coast will just cast your minds back to Capri, Cetara, and Positano to name just a few.

For that’s the beauty of the Amalfi Coast; there are so many hidden gems that you can go back over and over again, seeing something new and exciting every time you arrive. Picture yourself relaxing on the beach and then heading out in the evening to eat outside by the shore as the sun sets. These are the sorts of things that the Amalfi Coast was made for, and it might just be your next destination if you like the sound of what follows.

It’s warm enough for a dip in the ocean if the mood takes you

Finally, after all these months it’s warm enough to go back in the water without a wetsuit in sight. You can take a stroll down to the shoreline, dip your toe, and if the water is to your liking, you can have a paddle and a splash in the afternoon sun. What could be better than that?

Beaches like the Marina Grande and Vietri sul Mare are ideal for families as they offer plenty of kids activities on the beach and in the water. If you want something a little less hectic, then you might make your way over to the secluded beach of Minori for the afternoon.

Day trippers and coaches will make Capri and Positano much busier at lunchtime  

One thing to bear in mind is that May is one of the most popular months for day trippers and coach holidays. There’s plenty of sun, but it’s not so hot that you’re going to break a sweat just sitting on a coach. Because of the timing, and the beauty of the Amalfi Coast itself, there will be quite a few coach trips pulling into places like Sorrento, Positano, and even via the ferry to the island of Capri.

Whilst this all adds to the atmosphere of the Amalfi Coast, it might mean that you don’t always get the quiet lunch you were hoping for. Most coach trips pull into their chosen town or city by midday, and leave before the early evening. Book a table at your favourite restaurant the night before and you shouldn’t have to wait for your lunch in the sun.

Walk the Path of the Gods in the week to beat the weekend walkers

Walking is at is best in May because you have the perfect balance of uninterrupted sunlight and a gentle sea breeze that keeps the average highs of 24 degrees Celsius at bay.

The region is perhaps most famous for the Path of the Gods, and as a visitor to the Amalfi Coast you can’t afford to miss out on it. Set off in the morning so that you can stop somewhere for lunch and take an hour or so of rest during the peak temperatures. That way you’ll get home to your hotel with plenty of energy for the evening ahead.

Day trips to Pompeii are popular throughout May  

Italy is well known for Pompeii, and did you know that you’re only a few hours away from it by car? Hiring a car for the day and heading off for some sightseeing is a great way to breakup your holiday. Do it right in the middle of your stay and you’ll have plenty more time to enjoy the Coast in the second half of the holiday.

Booking ahead with boat tours will save you waiting at the shore

The boat tours are one of the most popular ways to see the Coast from a completely different angle, and with good reason. Day trippers and coach trips will often swell the numbers, so if you have your eye on a trip on the water, you’d be well advised to book ahead so you save yourself from queuing up on the shore.

Best time to visit Amalfi Coast: JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec

What’s the Amalfi Coast like to visit in April?

Amalfi Coast Weather in April

Avg. temperature: 19°C / 66°F

Rain: 38 mm per month

Sun: 13 Hrs per day

Avg. Humidity: 74%

When you start thinking about the summer, there’s nothing better than getting away a little bit early and spending some time on holiday in April is there? The Amalfi Coast is one of Italy’s start attractions in this respect, and with good reason.

People come from all around to enjoy everything from the fresh food and stunning landmarks, to the breathtaking scenery and sandy beaches. If this sounds like just the thing you need to get your summer off to the best possible start, why not see out spring how only the Amalfi Coast knows how? Take a look at a few of the hints and tips that follow, then decide for yourself if you’ll make April the month you holiday in the Amalfi Coast this year.

April is when everything officially reopens for the summer

The winter months have been and gone, the locals have returned from their own well deserved vacations, and the whole area has been transformed with exciting new menus and accommodation. Yes, it can only be April. The great thing about holidaying in April is that you get the best of both worlds in many respects. The huge throngs of sun seekers are waiting until summer to come, but everything is open and ready to be enjoyed by you and your family. Ideal if you want to enjoy the Amalfi Coast without feeling like you’re constantly surrounded by other travellers and tourists.

Remember the two bank holidays will be there before you know it

There’s a couple of key dates that you should know about when holiday in April: 25th April and the 1st May. These are the Italian bank holidays, and it’s not unusual for the natives to spend a few days on the Amalfi Coast during this time. For this reason you might want to think about booking your holiday a few months in advance so that you have plenty of choice on where to stay. Alternatively, if you want to dodge the biggest crowds, you might shift the dates of your holiday to fit. The choice is yours.

Mild temperatures with the occasional light shower

April isn’t quite summer in full swing, nor is it anything like the windier and slightly wetter months of January and February. The great thing about it is that it offers plenty of sunshine, very little in the way of light showers, and does it all without the beating heat that comes later in the year.

Average high temperatures in April are 19-20 degrees Celsius, and the average low is still a warm and cosy 14 C. The great thing about this is that you can walk the beach in shorts and t-shirt in the afternoon, and then only have to pop on a thin jumper if you want to do the same thing again after sunset.

Sorrento throws an Easter celebration unlike any other  

The Thursday and Friday of Easter really bring the whole population of Sorrento out in force. If you want to be able to really get to grips with the local culture and understand what makes the people tick, then you need to check out the parades that go right through the heart of the city.

Hundreds of volunteers get dressed up in hooded costumes and traditional clothing, and carry a wide selection of religious figurines through the streets. It’s a sight you probably won’t have seen before, and one that will certainly stay with you for the rest of your life.

Check the updated guide on: Where to stay in the Amalfi Coast

The Villa Cimbrone gardens really come into their own

If there’s one place that really comes into its own in spring, it has to be the Villa Cimbrone gardens on the clifftops of Ravello. The mansion may be a sight right throughout the year, but it’s completely overshadowed by the colours and scents of the gardens when spring is in full swing.

A great place for a photo or two, the gardens also offer unrestricted views out over the clifftops and across the beaches below. Ideal if you want capture some shots that you’ll love to show off to your family and friends back at home.

Best time to visit Amalfi Coast: JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec