10 Things to Do in Amalfi in Winter

Amalfi is renowned for its paradisiacal beaches and summer nights, but in winter it is the perfect place to travel and experience another side of Amalfi.

Carlos Bleda

Carlos Bleda

7 min read

10 Things to Do in Amalfi in Winter

Costa de Amalfi |©Desire Wu

There are many activities and things to see and do in Amalfi in summer, a town located on the southern coast of Italy, in the famous Amalfi Coast region

But in winter, it has a special and unique spirit. From exploring its ancient monuments to enjoying the panoramic views of the region, here are 10 things to see and do in Amalfi. Here are 10 things to see and do in Amalfi in winter.

1. Taste the best wines of the region

Bottles of wine|©Steve Heal
Bottles of wine|©Steve Heal

With a long history of wine production, Amalfi is known for its high quality wines and its cultural and oenological heritage. One of the best ways to taste the wines of Amalfi in winter and learn about its history is to visit a winery that offers guided tours and tastings such as:

Another way to taste Amalfi wines in winter is through local food. Many restaurants and trattorias in Amalfi offer local wines that can be paired with their traditional dishes. This is an excellent way to experience Amalfi wines in a more authentic context.

In addition, you can always learn about the culinary tradition of Amalfi and how local wines are paired by booking a cooking class in Amalfi.

Book a cooking class in Amalfi

2. Visit the Mermaid's Grotto

Rock formation in the sea|©Pablo Monteagudo
Rock formation in the sea|©Pablo Monteagudo

This impressive underwater grotto is one of the most popular tourist attractions in the region. The Mermaid's Grotto is an impressive geological formation which, during the winter, becomes even more amazing due to the interaction of the waves with the rock and the formation of stalactites and stalagmites.

In addition, the illumination of the grotto during winter also adds a magical touch to the experience. So a visit to the Mermaid Grotto is a unique opportunity to admire the beauty of nature and learn about the geology of the region.

You can walk along the viewing platforms to get a panoramic view of the grotto and its formations, or even book a boat trip along the Amalfi coast for a closer experience by choosing from all the Amalfi boat trips available.

Book a boat trip in Amalfi

3. Taste the local food

Food in Amalfi|©Anna Koskela
Food in Amalfi|©Anna Koskela

Food in Amalfi is an important part of the local culture and is an experience not to be missed during your visit. During the winter, Amalfi's restaurants offer a wide variety of dishes typical of the region, combining fresh ingredients and traditional flavours.

From first courses such as pasta with tomato sauce and meatballs to main courses of fresh fish and grilled meat, Amalfi food is a unique culinary experience.

I invite you to get to know some of the best restaurants in Amalfi, as well as discover more about its local gastronomy by booking a cooking class in Amalfi.

Book a cooking class in Amalfi

4. Visit the Amalfi Cathedral and take shelter from the cold

Front of the Amalfi's cathedral|©jcamachob
Front of the Amalfi's cathedral|©jcamachob

Amalfi Cathedral is one of the most important tourist attractions in the city. With its impressive façade and interior decorated with frescoes and mosaics, it is a place you should definitely visit.

In the Amalfi Cathedral, during the winter, you can enjoy a quieter and more relaxed atmosphere, without the crowds of tourists that visit during the high season. A great way to visit the cathedral is to take one of the Amalfi tours that include it in their itinerary.

One of the things to do in Amalfi Cathedral is to explore its interior to see its impressive interior decoration, with sculptures representing the rich history of the church and the region. You can also admire its stunning Gothic architecture, with its high arches and imposing façade.

5. Visit the Convent of San Francesco

San Francesco Church Cloisters Sorrento|©Paul Clarke
San Francesco Church Cloisters Sorrento|©Paul Clarke

This 13th century convent is another place worth a visit. With its impressive architecture and terraced gardens, it is an ideal place to relax and escape the hustle and bustle of the city.

The Convent of San Francesco offers a variety of activities and experiences for those visiting during the winter. This former convent is located in a privileged position in the centre of the city, offering panoramic views over the coast and the sea.

One of the things to do in the Convent of San Francesco during the winter is to admire its architecture and Gothic style, with high arches and an imposing façade that will leave you in awe. You can also explore the interior (on your own or with a guided tour), admiring the frescoes and sculptures that depict the rich history and culture of the region.

6. Learn the history of Amalfi with The Epic Musical

AMALFI 839AD|©Giffoni_Experience
AMALFI 839AD|©Giffoni_Experience

If your visit to Amalfi in winter is particularly cold, you can choose to learn about the history of Amalfi while sitting in a comfortable theatre seat. How is this possible?

Thanks to the musical "Amalfi 839AD", a play about the history of the Duchess of Amalfi, which tells the story of the birth of the First Republic of Amalfi in the 9th century.

. Enjoying this musical in winter is therefore one of the best plans for this time of year. If you are interested, I leave you the link to the official website of the musical where you can find more information.

Useful information

  • Where: Museo Arsenale Amalfi, Largo Cesareo Console, 3, 84011 Amalfi SA, Italy.
  • Hours: every Wednesday and Saturday at 21:00

7. Enjoy the village of Ravello

Ravello Village|©anila amataj
Ravello Village|©anila amataj

This charming village, nestled in the hills of Amalfi, is one of the most popular destinations in the region. With its stunning panoramic views and tranquil atmosphere, it is an ideal place to escape the hustle and bustle of the city.

Ravello village is a popular tourist destination all year round and is one of the best things to do from Amalfi. During the winter, the town becomes quieter and more relaxed, offering a more authentic atmosphere. Some of the things to do in Ravello during the winter are:

  • Explore its ancient history and architecture: the town is known for its ancient villas and buildings, built in medieval times, which offer panoramic views over the coast and the sea.
  • Take part in a hike through the beautiful natural landscape of the region: from Ravello you can walk along the mountain trails and enjoy breathtaking views over the sea and the coast.
  • Visit the gardens of Villa Rufolo: known for their beauty and tranquility, they are an ideal place for a moment of reflection and meditation during the winter.
  • Enjoy the delicious local gastronomy: with traditional dishes such as pasta with clams and homemade limoncello, which are a unique culinary experience for the palate.

8. Stroll through the gardens of Villa Rufolo

Ravello Garten Villa Rufolo|©Norbert Liese
Ravello Garten Villa Rufolo|©Norbert Liese

These beautiful gardens in Ravello are known for their exotic flowers and breathtaking panoramic views. They are a perfect place to spend a relaxing afternoon during the winter.

The Villa Rufolo Gardens are a spectacular place to visit at any time of the year, but especially in winter. During this time of year, the gardens are covered in a blanket of dry leaves and shrubs that create a magical and dreamy atmosphere.

The views from the gardens are breathtaking, with panoramic views of the Tyrrhenian Sea and the Amalfi coast. And the combination of gardens and architecture, together with the history and natural beauty of the region, make the Villa Rufolo Gardens a unique tourist destination in Amalfi.

Ana's Traveller Tip

In addition to the natural beauty of the gardens, you can also enjoy some of the cultural events that take place at the Villa during the winter. There are concerts, exhibitions and other events that attract tourists and local residents.

9. Tour the Museo della Carta

Museo della Carta|©Marche Tourism
Museo della Carta|©Marche Tourism

This museum located in Amalfi's old paper mill is an ideal place to learn a little about Amalfi's history and to visit in winter as it is a warm and cosy shelter from the cold outside.

The Museo della Carta, located in the heart of Amalfi, is dedicated to the history of paper making in Amalfi and offers a fascinating insight into the region's tradition.

You can see antique paper-making machines and other artefacts related to paper production. There is also a wide selection of old books and documents showing how paper was used in the past.

10. Take a shopping tour of the local shops

Amalfi market square approach.|©Jas Mann
Amalfi market square approach.|©Jas Mann

Although the nightlife in Amalfi is at its liveliest in summer, there are plenty of local shops worth a visit in winter too. From souvenir shops to fashion boutiques, there is something for everyone! The commercial centre of Amalfi, where most of the shops are concentrated, is the Ruga Nova Mercatorum street.

Taking a tour of Amalfi's local shops in winter is a unique and exciting experience. This beautiful Italian seaside town is full of craft shops, fashion boutiques and gourmet food shops, all of which have a special charm in winter.

Local artisans are known for their skill and creativity, and their products are a reflection of Amalfi's rich tradition of craftsmanship. It is an ideal place to find unique and special gifts for your loved ones.

Temperatures in Amalfi in winter

Amalfi Coast, Italy|©zi zio
Amalfi Coast, Italy|©zi zio

While Amalfi is known for its beautiful scenery and mild climate all year round, during the winter the weather can be a little cooler and wetter. But although winter in Amalfi is not as warm as summer, it is still a pleasant time to visit the coastal town.

Temperatures hover around 10°C to 15°C during the day and can drop as low as 5°C at night. Although the nights are cool, the sun often shines during the day, making it a perfect time to stroll along the coast and enjoy the breathtaking views of the sea.

Despite the coolness of winter, it is a popular destination during this time of year for its relaxed and less crowded atmosphere compared to the high season. However, Amalfi in December tends to be more crowded for Christmas as the Christmas markets are set up.

Book a boat trip in Amalfi