The Amalfi Coast is one of the world’s top travel destinations, and it’s not hard to understand why. This gorgeous section of coastline in southern Italy offers amazing views of the Mediterranean Sea, lovely towns, tasty food, and rich history. Whether you want to chill on the beach, walk along the cliffs, discover ancient ruins, or try local delicacies, the Amalfi Coast has something for everyone.
The question is: “Should you visit in September and October”? Read on to find out why that is indeed a good idea. These are some of the reasons why the Amalfi Coast is such a favorite travel destination even at the tail end of summer.
The scenery.
The Amalfi Coast is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, a masterpiece of nature, with dramatic cliffs, turquoise waters, colorful flowers, and lemon groves. You can admire the scenery from the road, from a boat, or from a hiking trail. Some of the most scenic spots include Positano, Ravello, Amalfi, and Capri.
The culture.
The area has a rich and diverse culture, influenced by its history as a maritime republic and a crossroads of civilizations. You can find traces of Roman, Byzantine, Arab, Norman, and Spanish cultures in the architecture, art, music, and festivals of the region. You can also visit museums, churches, villas, and castles that showcase the heritage of the Amalfi Coast.
The food.
The Amalfi Coast is a paradise for food lovers, as it offers a variety of dishes made with fresh and local ingredients. The cuisine is based on seafood, vegetables, cheese, pasta, and of course, lemons. Some of the specialties include spaghetti alle vongole (clams), mozzarella di bufala (buffalo mozzarella), pizza napoletana (Neapolitan pizza), limoncello (lemon liqueur), and sfogliatelle (pastry shells filled with ricotta).
The activities.
The Amalfi Coast is not only a place to admire, but also to enjoy. You can find plenty of activities to suit your preferences and budget. You can sunbathe on the beach, swim in the sea, rent a kayak or a paddle board, take a boat tour or a ferry ride, go fishing or snorkeling, hike or bike along the trails, shop at the markets or boutiques, or join a cooking class or a wine tasting.
The people.
Known for its fun-loving, friendly and hospitable people, they will make you feel welcome and at home. You can chat with the locals, learn about their traditions and stories, get tips and recommendations, or join them in their celebrations.
When to Go:
We may be at the tail end of summer, but this is still a great time to go. In September and October, you can still enjoy the sunny weather, the stunning views, and the delicious food–and without the enormous crowds of tourists as a bonus! The temperatures are still warm enough to swim in the sea, but not too hot to hike along the scenic trails. The prices are also lower than in the peak season, so you can save some money on accommodation and transportation. Plus, you can experience some of the local festivals and events that celebrate the harvest season, such as the Lemon Festival in Amalfi or the Chestnut Festival in Scala.
But the Amalfi Coast is quieter and more relaxed in September and October, so if you’re a party animal looking for all-night excitement, or a beach bunny looking for guaranteed sunshine every single day, then maybe not.
But if you ask me, I think September and October are wonderful months to visit the Amalfi Coast and enjoy its beauty and charm without the crowds. But a word of caution, if you’re looking for specific activities, then you should check with the hotel before you book to make sure they are still offered in those months.
Where to Stay:
According to the list published by Travel + Leisure, here are the favorite resorts for 2023:
Hotel Santa Caterina: Amalfi, Italy
Lemon trees and bougainvilleas hanging over the blue Bay of Salerno, Hotel Santa Caterina’s painted ceramic tiles and arched doorways snap guests into an Amalfi state of mind in an instant.
The hotel, a local treasure owned by the same family for four generations, has its own beach club and saltwater poo.
The two on site restaurants are renowned for, serving Mediterranean fare and accommodations ranging from double rooms and garden- or sea-view suites to three- and five-bedroom villas.
Reader score: 97.88
Il San Pietro di Positano: Positano, Italy
The only hotel in cliffside Positano with direct private beach access, Il San Pietro di Positano’s guests can hop into the lobby elevator and straight out onto an orange lounge chair in the sun (with drink service, of course).
Or, they can take a more active approach: an outdoor fitness center shrouded in citrus trees, free yoga on the seafront lawn, and a freshwater pool make it easy to keep moving — and half the property is covered in organic gardens growing fresh, healthy ingredients for its restaurants.
Reader score: 97.07
Le Sirenuse’s “classic historic beauty” and “excellent location” is routinely praised by its guests. Its 58 rooms are deliberately kept sparkling white — from the walls and ceilings to the curtains and bedspreads — to reflect the “luminous shimmer of the Mediterranean.”
Guests are invited to rent a 1972 Riva Aquarama speedboat (with a captain) and get out onto those luminous waters daily. “I love this place,” gushed one reader, and they’re not alone; this has been the Positano pick for many a celebrity over the years.
Reader score: 94.55
Grand Hotel Excelsior Vittoria: Sorrento, Italy
The venerated old dame of the Coast, the Grand Hotel Excelsior Vittoria is celebrating its 189th anniversary this year in an ideal location overlooking the Bay of Naples and Mount Vesuvius.
“Our favorite hotel in the world,” said one T+L reader. Its 81 rooms and suites deliver old Italian charm with modern upgrades; ongoing renovations keep the old favorite fresh.
Ten unique suites are dedicated to famous guests who have stayed in them, including ones dedicated to Luciano Pavarotti.
Reader score: 94.34
