Curator’s statement
The Amalfi Coast and the surrounding area is what so many think of when they think “European Summer”- probably because the entire summer it seems as though everyone on your social media feed is vacationing there! This area of Italy is one of Europe’s most popular and sought out travel destinations for great reason- from its breathtaking coastal beauty, dramatic cliffside villages and amazing cuisine. However, it is also well known for being massively over-crowded in the summer months. If you’re looking to experience this wonderful corner of Italy without having to deal with the masses in the sweltering summer heat, I am going to tell you exactly how to do that. Visiting in the springtime may not offer you a total beach-bum experience, but the balmy weather typically ranging from mid 50s to low 70s still allows you to be outside and experience the beauty, culture and cuisine. In this guide, I’ll tell you things to do so you can fully embrace the “off-season” and have a perfect springtime visit in one of the most beautiful destinations- including pleasant weather, sans thousands of other people.
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Things to do in Amalfi Coast
Explore the town of Sorrento
A popular spot year round- the town of Sorrento is a beautiful, bustling place to explore in any weather. Perched up on a hill overlooking the water, you can explore the streets of authentic locally sourced shopping that remains open in the off season. The Villa Comunale gardens in town offer a beautiful look out onto the Bay of Naples and a great place to watch the sunset.
Take an Italian Cooking Class
There are many opportunities to take an authentic Italian cooking class in the area at varying price points and experience style, with many offering venues of stunning views over the sea. This is a great activity year round as it is not weather dependent and you get to hands-on embrace one of Italy’s most notable qualities- the food!
Go for a Hike
The Amalfi Coast area is home to many breathtaking hikes that are often more enjoyable in the off season because you don’t have to worry about dealing with the excessive heat and crowds. One of the most notable is the Path of the Gods- running 5.8 miles point to point from Bomerano up to Positano with breathtaking views over the Mediterranean.
Take a Lemon Tour
This area in Italy is covered with an abundance of trees and groves of lemons- famous for their large size, tapered shape and notable sweetness. There are many opportunities to explore these beautiful lemon groves in a self guided fashion or by guided tour to learn more about the production of Limoncello and other lemon products that come from the Amalfi Coast.
Explore Capri by Boat
No matter the time of year, the island of Capri is worth seeing and it is easily accessible by ferry from Sorrento or Positano. In the Spring, many companies offer scenic boat tours around the island, and going by boat is one of the most beautiful ways to see the limestone and sandstone cliffs and many grottos off the island. Just make sure to pack a sweater in case it is a particularly windy day.
Enter the Blue Grotto
While touring around the island, make a stop at the iconic Blue Grotto- a mesmerizing sea cave, known for its electric blue and glowing waters. To enter the grotto, you can pay a small fee to ride in row boats that bring you inside, and the rowers often sing to you once you’re in the cave, causing the music to echo throughout the walls- a cannot-miss experience!
Take the Chair Lift Anacapri to the top of Monte Solaro
While on Capri, an absolute must-do is riding the chair lift in Anacapri to the top of Monte Solaro- the highest point of of the island. On the ascent of the chairlift, you can take in the views of the Gulf of Naples with Vesuvius in the background, the Gulf of Salerno, Anacapri, the Isle of Ischia and the incomparable beauty of the sea. At the top of Monte Solaro, you get a 360 degree view- showcasing the entire Amalfi Coast and beyond. It is easily the most beautiful view I have ever seen in real life- I highly recommend it.
Explore Positano
While a few stores and restaurants do close in Positano until the unofficial start of season around Easter weekend, it is well worth seeing this iconic colorful cliff-side village before the crowds arrive for the summer. Many businesses remain open so you will have plenty of amazing choices in picking where to eat and shop in the town. Also, on a warm spring day Grande Beach of Positano is still nearly empty, so take advantage of the space and enjoy taking in these spectacular views.
Places to eat & drink in Amalfi Coast
Mimmo Jodice at Bellevue Syrene: An upscale, yet affordable restaurant in the beautiful Bellevue Syrene hotel. The restaurant boasts stunning views over the Bay of Naples, fresh local cuisine, an extensive wine list and most importantly- amazing service.
Ristorante Ruccio: Located right on the sea and a few steps from Sorrento’s port, this is a great spot to grab a bite after exploring the docks or hopping on a ferry to Capri.
O’Parrucchiano La Favorita: A beautiful spot in the town of Sorrento where you get to dine in a garden filled with lemon trees. The atmosphere is absolutely enchanting and all of the dishes are fresh and delicious.
Ristorante Il Mirage: Perched high on the cliffs of Positano, this restaurant is known for its seafood dishes and offers dining on a terrace that overlooks the iconic views of the Amalfi Coast.
Antonino Esposito: If you love Neapolitan style pizza, this is a must-visit in Sorrento. With a wide selection of pizzas (including gluten free options), this restaurant is run by the master pizza chef Antonino Esposito himself and it is some of the greatest pizza I have ever tasted.
Pinseria tre Farine: A nice, casual lunch spot in the town of Capri offering stunning views over the cliffs into the port.
L’Abate: A cozy restaurant in the town of Sorrento right at the top of the descent to the port, offering a lovely menu and plentiful wine selection.
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Katie Kirchgasser
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For more travel tips, check out Fora Advisor Jonah Muyano’s guide, Things to Do in Amalfi, Italy.
This guide is part of our ongoing series on travel to Italy.