Amalfi Coast in Winter: What to Expect and How to Plan [2024]

The Amalfi Coast is one of Italy’s most popular destinations, and it’s easy to see why. Anyone who sees photos of Positano and other charming towns adds it to their travel list. While it’s commonly thought of as a summer destination, visiting the Amalfi Coast in the off-season, during winter months, also has its perks—especially if you’re not focused on swimming in the sea. Read on to discover why the Amalfi Coast is worth visiting outside of peak season.

Reasons to Visit the Amalfi Coast in Winter

Fewer Tourists visit on the Amalfi Coast Off-Season

Visiting the Amalfi Coast in winter is a great idea for several reasons. One of the main ones is to avoid the crowds of tourists that come there during peak season. I know this from personal experience. The towns of the Amalfi Coast are charming, but their limited size cannot handle the avalanche of tourists in summer, especially Positano and Amalfi. If you prefer to travel without the hassle, stroll leisurely through the towns, and enjoy the views, you should consider visiting Positano and Amalfi off-season.

You won’t die from the heat

Summer on the Amalfi Coast can get scorching, with temperatures often reaching 40 degrees Celsius! Swimming in the sea at the beautiful Positano beach may be tempting, but you might be limited in terms of other activities. The intense heat can make walking through the steep streets a daunting task. And if you plan to move between towns, you could end up stuck in hours of traffic.

On the other hand, if you decide to visit the Amalfi Coast in winter, you’ll avoid these problems. The worst that could happen is encountering a bit of rain. But you might get lucky and find yourself with sunny days, but a little chilly. This will allow you to enjoy all the activities you want, except swimming in the sea!

No traffic, and buses arrive on time

You’ve probably heard that public transport in Italy is a disaster and that buses never arrive on time. But you’ll be surprised to know that it actually exists and is quite good. Sure, in summer, with so much traffic on the narrow roads of the Coast, you can’t expect buses to be punctual. Literally, at some points, the roads are so narrow that two cars can’t pass each other at the same time.

If you rent a car, the situation doesn’t improve much, as everyone shares the same roads. If you travel the Amalfi Coast in winter, you’ll be amazed at how efficient, punctual, and economical public transport is. And if you decide to rent a car, even better. You can go at your own pace without worrying about traffic and stop at every charming place you find without the stress of finding parking.

Traveling the Amalfi Coast off-season is cheaper

It’s no secret that traveling anywhere off-season is cheaper. Starting with accommodation, flight, or car rental prices. If you’ve heard that the Amalfi Coast is very expensive and think it won’t fit your budget, try going off-season.

What to do on the Amalfi Coast in winter

The Path of Gods

The Path of the Gods is a breathtaking hiking trail that leads to Positano, offering stunning views along the way. This moderate hike takes about 3 hours at a relaxed pace, and while you’ll descend around 1,000 steps to reach Positano, the journey is worth it!

As you hike, you’ll be treated to the mesmerizing blue of the sea and the charm of Positano at the end. Keep an eye out for local wildlife like cats, goats, and even donkeys!

Visiting in the off-season means you can enjoy this amazing hike without the summer heat. Don’t miss this unforgettable experience on the Amalfi Coast!

The Path of Lemons

The Lemon Path, or Il Sentiero dei Limoni, is a charming hiking trail that connects two beautiful villages on the Amalfi Coast: Minori and Maiori. You can start from either village, making it convenient for your plans.

This easy trail is suitable for all fitness levels and takes about an hour to complete. After your hike, unwind on the lovely beaches of either village. Both Minori and Maiori are easily accessible by public transport, so you can check the SITA bus schedules here.

Strolling Through the Narrow Streets of Positano

Positano is a village built into the mountainside, and while walking through its streets can be a bit challenging in the summer heat when all you want is a dip in the sea, visiting off-season offers a refreshing alternative. With cooler temperatures, exploring Positano becomes one of the best experiences.

You can wander through its picturesque alleys, getting lost in the beauty of the colorful buildings and vibrant flowers. Don’t miss the breathtaking views of the Tyrrhenian Sea from above—it’s truly incredible! Enjoy the serene atmosphere as you take in the sights and sounds of this charming coastal gem.

Eating pizza on the beaches of the Amalfi Coast in winter

Who said you can only enjoy the beach when it’s hot? The beaches of the Amalfi Coast are incredible, but during the high season, they are crowded. Instead, in autumn or winter, you can enjoy empty beaches. Instead of swimming, you can savor a delicious pizza. And I assure you there’s no better place to eat pizza than on the Amalfi Coast and in the Campania region, where pizza has its roots! If you choose Salerno as your place to stay, I’ve prepared a guide to the best restaurants and pizzerias in that city.

Taking photos on Positano beach without tourists

I took this photo in mid-October, and as you can see, there are hardly any people in it. If you enjoy capturing photographic memories of your vacations but hate having people behind you ruining the shot, consider traveling outside of the high season. That particular day was a bit cloudy, but not every day in autumn and winter on the Amalfi Coast is like that. Winter, spring, and autumn in Positano can also be very sunny.

Buying ceramics in Vietri sul Mare

Many tourists overlook this village, which is one of the smallest on the Amalfi Coast, but it’s one of my favorites. Why? Because in Vietri sul Mare, you’ll find handcrafted ceramics. If you’re looking for souvenirs from your trip, Vietri is the perfect place. You’ll fall in love with the colorful plates and mugs. Make sure you have plenty of space in your suitcase because it’s impossible to visit Vietri sul Mare and not buy something!

Enjoying the Most Amazing Sunsets

I spent 4 months on the Amalfi Coast, from August to December, and I swear that the most incredible sunsets I saw were in November and December. I’m not sure if it’s always like this, but it could be a good reason to consider traveling to the Amalfi Coast during the cooler months.

Disadvantages of visiting the Amalfi Coast off-season

Some restaurants may be closed in Amalfi Coast in winter

It’s important to mention that there are also disadvantages to traveling along the Amalfi Coast off-season. One of them is that some restaurants or even hotels may be closed. Owners often take advantage of the low season to make renovations or repairs before the high season. But don’t worry, there will always be places open to eat. Especially if you choose Salerno as your base, where you will find some of the best restaurants in the Amalfi Coast region.

Fewer public transport options

Another disadvantage of traveling along the Amalfi Coast off-season is that there are fewer public transport options. You can still reach all the places with the SITA buses, but from November to March, you won’t be able to travel by ferry. Traveling by ferry is my favorite way to get from Salerno to Positano and it’s the quickest; I described it in this article. You can check the exact ferry schedules on the Travelmar website or on Omio. Buses also run less frequently, but at least they are punctual.

Unpredictable weather

If you travel to the Amalfi Coast in summer, it’s very likely that the days will be mostly sunny. However, off-season, you might encounter rainy days or strong winds. Temperatures usually aren’t a problem, but heavy rain could disrupt your plans. However, it’s also possible to have a week of sunshine and good weather even in November or December, which are the rainiest months on the Amalfi Coast. You can see the photo I took in mid-December on the Path of the Gods.

Traveling along the Amalfi Coast off-season

In summary, don’t hesitate to travel along the Amalfi Coast off-season. There’s plenty to do beyond swimming in the sea. The views remain stunning, and you can enjoy them without the crowds ruining your photos. The Amalfi Coast is always a great choice for a trip, regardless of the season or weather. Be sure to read our articles about the region to prepare well for your journey!

• Amalfi Coast in One Day – Itinerary
• Top 9 Places to visit in Naples
• Everything You Need To Know Before Traveling to the Amalfi Coast