10 Things to Do in Amalfi in October

If you are planning to visit the Italian town of Amalfi, October is an excellent idea, here's why.

Nicolas Reffray

Nicolas Reffray

9 min read

10 Things to Do in Amalfi in October

Vista de la playa de Amalfi |©renzo dionigi

Amalfi is one of **Italy'**s most popular tourist destinations, known for its stunning scenery and rich history. October is an ideal month to visit the whole region, as the weather is mild and there are fewer tourists than in the summer months.

There are truly many things to see and do in Amalfi. With temperatures hovering around 20 degrees Celsius, there is plenty on offer in October. From exploring the beauty of the Amalfi coast on a boat trip to wandering the streets and enjoying the colourful atmosphere, find out what's on offer!

1. Experience the Amalfi Chestnut Festival and learn about Italian cuisine

Chestnuts on the table|© Emre
Chestnuts on the table|© Emre

In October, Amalfi hosts one of the most awaited autumn festivals by the locals. The Chestnut Festival takes place in the small town of Scala and celebrates the region's chestnut harvest. Scala is just 25 minutes from the centre of Amalfi. During the festival, you can sample a wide variety of chestnut dishes and products, from ice cream and cakes to wine and liqueurs.

You'll also have the chance to listen to live music and watch traditional dance performances. And if cooking is your thing, I can also recommend you to book a cooking class in Amalfi, where you will learn how to prepare traditional local dishes, Italian snacks and local recipes where pasta is a must.

Some useful information

  • Price: this is a free festival.
  • Location: in the Amalfi town of Scala.
  • When: mid to late October.

Book a cooking class in Amalfi

2. Take an autumn dip in the Amalfi coastline

Marina Grande, Sorrento, Italy|©Pat Evans
Marina Grande, Sorrento, Italy|©Pat Evans

Yes, I'm not mistaken, the beaches of Amalfi are enjoyable even in the autumn months. The crowds are much smaller, the temperatures are around 20 degrees Celsius, and the water is quite warm, so if you're visiting in October, you too can enjoy one of Amalfi's greatest attractions. Beaches such as Marina Grande or the popular Amalfi Free Beach will enchant you.

Discover Amalfi' s best uncrowded beaches and, while you float in the turquoise waters, enjoy the beauty of the colourful hillside cottages.

A tip: try to choose the first days of the month, as they tend to be warmer than the last days of the month. This is one of the must-do experiences on your trip to the Amalfi region.

Some useful information

  • Price: the beaches are free of charge.
  • Location: Amalfi Coast.
  • When: early October.

Book a kayak tour

3. Take a boat trip along the Amalfi coast

Boat on the Amalfi Coast|©David Curry
Boat on the Amalfi Coast|©David Curry

Amalfi is known for its rugged cliffs, pristine beaches and Mediterranean-style architecture, which is why taking a boat trip along the coast is the best way to appreciate all that the region has to offer. Cruise the Tyrrhenian Sea and feel like you're in paradise and book a boat trip along the Amalfi Coast. The pleasant October weather is ideal for this excursion, even more so than in summer where the heat can be stifling.

Whichever option you choose, most tours include visits to the region's main tourist attractions, such as the Grotta dello Smeraldo caves, the Furore Fjord and the Isle of Capri. You will have a unique view of the Amalfi Coast, which is dotted with picturesque fishing villages and hidden beaches.

Useful information

  • Price: l148 approx.
  • Location: Amalfi Coast.
  • When: early October.

Book a boat trip along the Amalfi Coast

4. Take a tour of other towns in the Amalfi region

High view of Ravello|©gherardo simone
High view of Ravello|©gherardo simone

Amalfi is the heart of the region, but if you want you can also visit some of the nearby towns. You will see all the charm of places like Positano, Ravello, Scala, Vientre Sul Mare, you can also book an excursion to Capri, one of the most famous islands of the area, book a trekking excursion to the Valle delle Ferriere... With any of these you will discover why this has become one of Italy's most popular sites, declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1997.

Taking one of the best day trips from Amalfi in October guarantees you much more pleasant temperatures than in summer, fewer crowds of tourists and the chance to visit attractions without queues. In the warmer months, high temperatures may prevent you from enjoying the experience to the full, which is why visiting Amalfi in October has everything going for it.

Some useful information

  • Price: approximately €200.
  • Location: Amalfi Coast.
  • When: During the whole month of October.

Book a trekking tour to Valle delle Ferriere

5. Take a trekking experience in Amalfi

Path of the Gods|©Paco
Path of the Gods|©Paco

If you are a lover of hiking and nature, October is an ideal month to do this activity in Amalfi. With the friendly temperatures of autumn, you can hike the entire Amalfi Coast along its trails, while enjoying one of the most beautiful views in the world. It is always better to do this kind of circuit without the scorching summer sun.

There are many options for hiking in Amalfi. You can also visit other villages on the Amalfi Coast, such as Positano or Ravello, and discover the richness of the region, one of the most visited in Italy and Europe.

The trails are in perfect condition and invite you to take an adventure, for example by booking a trekking excursion to the Valle delle Ferriere. If you are looking for peace and quiet, dreamlike landscapes and contact with nature, this is an experience not to be missed.

Useful information

  • Price: from around £43.
  • Location: Amalfi
  • When: during the whole month of October.

Book a trekking tour to the Ferriere Valley

6. Enjoy the concert series in the Sentiero degli Dei

people at a concert|©anith_121
people at a concert|©anith_121

If you're a music lover, you can't miss the series of open-air concer ts taking place on the Sentiero degli Dei (Path of the Gods) trail in Praiano, a 20-minute drive from the centre of Amalfi. The backdrop is unparalleled, as you can enjoy the best of classical and contemporary music with the Amalfi coastline behind you. This series of concerts takes place in various natural settings, including the ruins of the church of Santa Maria a Castro.

While it's a long walk along the Path of the Gods to attend these concerts, believe me the reward is worth it. A word of advice: wear comfortable shoes. It is a unique experience not to be missed.

Useful information

  • Price: free of charge.
  • Location: along the coast, at various points to be defined.
  • When: every Wednesday in October.

7. Visit the beautiful Cathedral of Amalfi

Amalfi Cathedral|©Kate Stovell
Amalfi Cathedral|©Kate Stovell

One of the must-sees on your visit to Amalfi is the cathedral. It is one of the most impressive and symbolic places in the city. The cathedral, also known as the Cathedral of St. Andrew, is an imposing building in the Arab-Norman style, which dominates the city's central square (Piazza del Duomo) and is one of the most popular tourist attractions in the region.

The cathedral was originally built in the 9th century as a basilica dedicated to St. Andrew, the patron saint of Amalfi. Over the centuries, numerous alterations and additions have been made and the cathedral has evolved into its present form, a mixture of architectural styles including Romanesque, Baroque and Byzantine.

Always included in the best Amalfi tours, the cathedral retains all the charm of times gone by. By visiting in October you are guaranteed zero crowds of other tourists and more time to enjoy it at your own pace.

Useful info

  • Price: Admission is free.
  • Location: Amalfi
  • When: During the whole month of October.

8. Experience the Amalfi night

Amalfi by night|©Hengky Kurniawan
Amalfi by night|©Hengky Kurniawan

Normally when we think of the Amalfi Coast we imagine it by day, under a bright sun, the turquoise sea contrasting with the infinite colours of its houses on the rocky mountainside. However, Amalfi is a place with plenty of nightlife, and in October temperatures are moderate at around 15 degrees Celsius. Depending on what kind of fun you're looking for, the best things to do in Amalfi at night are many.

You can enjoy the lights of the coast, while sipping a delicious Italian gelato and strolling through the charming little streets. There is no better place to do this than Andrea Pansa's gelateria. You can also watch a film at the Iriso cinemaand enjoy the local gastronomy, with its pasta dishes with seafood (glorious!). If you're the kind of person who can't stop moving, there are several pubs in Praiano and Positano, such as Music on the Rocks.

Useful info

  • Price: will depend on the restaurants you go to but usually between 30 and 50 € dinner/person.
  • Location: Amalfi
  • When: During the whole month of October.

9. Visit Pompeii and Mount Vesuvius

POMPEII|©Ene Rok
POMPEII|©Ene Rok

If you're visiting Amalfi in October and want to get a taste of Italy's history and natural wonders, a tour of the ruins of Pompeii (Pompeii) and Mount Vesuvius is a must. Signing up for this tour in October means you won't feel the oppressive heat of the summer months, so you'll enjoy yourself all the more.

Today, Pompeii is an impressive archaeological site that attracts visitors from all over the world. Walking through the ancient streets, you can explore the daily life of the city's inhabitants more than 2,000 years ago.

After visiting Pompeii, you can continue to Mount Vesuvius. The volcano is a geological wonder and one of the most popular tourist attractions in the region. The road leading to the top of the volcano is steep and challenging, but the view from the top is sublime. From there, you can see the cities of Pompeii and Naples.

Useful information

  • Price: will depend on the restaurants you go to but is usually between €30 and €50 dinner/person.
  • Location: Amalfi
  • When: During the whole month of October.

10. Ride along the Amalfi coast on a traditional Italian Vespa

Vespa person in Amalfi|©Tang Lee
Vespa person in Amalfi|©Tang Lee

Is there anything better than touring the Amalfi Coast in pleasant weather? Yes, on a traditional Vespa scooter! Feel like you're in a Fellini film, as you ride along the zigzagging roads of Amalfi, Positano, Ravello, and enjoy incomparable views.

There are many companies that rent Vespas, you can opt for a guided tour in small groups or, if you prefer, a free ride. I can assure you that there is no other feeling of freedom like it. Although this tour can be done at any time of the year, the pleasant temperatures of October make it the ideal month for this type of adventure.

Some useful information

  • Price: for a full day the price is around 50-100€.
  • Location: Amalfi
  • When: During the whole month of October.

Temperatures in Amalfi in October

Cetara, Amalfi Coast -|©Michael Jones
Cetara, Amalfi Coast -|©Michael Jones

Average temperatures in Amalfi during the month of October are around 20-22 degrees Celsius during the day and 12-15 degrees Celsius at night, making it an excellent month to enjoy all that this amazing Italian town has to offer. It is always advisable to check some weather information in order to organise your trip, especially if you want to go on an outdoor excursion, such as visiting Pompeii or Mount Vesuvius.

Amalfi's October tourist numbers

People in the streets of Amalfi|©Vlad Podvorny
People in the streets of Amalfi|©Vlad Podvorny

The number of tourists in Amalfi during October is much lower than in the summer months, as it is not the high season. This makes it a perfect month to explore and enjoy the entire Amalfi Coast without having to deal with crowds of tourists at beaches, excursions, restaurants and bars.

Prices in Amalfi in October

Lunch and the market.|©John J Young
Lunch and the market.|©John J Young

As this is the low season, prices for accommodation, excursions and attractions tend to be much lower than in the summer months. This is another key point to bear in mind if you decide to visit Amalfi in October.

What to pack for a visit to Amalfi in October

Travel Luggage|© Surface
Travel Luggage|© Surface

Daytime temperatures are very pleasant, so there is no need to pack warm clothes in your suitcase. It's important to pack comfortable clothes as there is a lot of walking in Amalfi, and if you plan to take a dip in the Tyrrhenian Sea be sure to pack your swimming costume. Evenings tend to be a little cooler, so bring a light jacket and perhaps a jumper or two.

Alternative plans for protection from the cold/heat/rain in Amalfi in October

Diocesan Museum of Amalfi|©MikePScott
Diocesan Museum of Amalfi|©MikePScott

Rainfall at this time of year is not usually heavy, so don't worry about it. However, in case the weather is not good, you can still visit the museums of Amalfi. Among them are the Museo Antico Arsenale della Repubblica di Amalfi, which traces the naval history of the city; the Museo Diocesano di Amalfi, with beautiful works of art, located next to the cathedral; the Museo Dalla Carta alla Cartolina; the Museo Coral, in Ravello.