10 Things to Do in Amalfi in October

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

Nicolas Reffray

Nicolas Reffray

10 min read

10 Things to Do in Amalfi in October

Vista de la playa de Amalfi |©renzo dionigi

Amalfi is one of the most popular tourist destinations in Italy, known for its breathtaking scenery and rich history. October is an ideal month to visit the entire 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, the city offers a wide range of things to do in October. From exploring the beauty of the Amalfi Coast on a boat trip to wandering the streets and enjoying the colorful atmosphere, discover it!

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

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

In October takes place in Amalfi 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 center 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 opportunity to listen to live music and watch traditional dance performances. And if culinary is your thing, I can also recommend you to book some cooking classes in Amalfi, you will learn how to prepare traditional local dishes, Italian appetizers and local recipes where pasta is a must.

Useful information about Amalfi

  • 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 a dip on the Amalfi coast in the middle of autumn

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

Yes, I was not mistaken, the beaches of Amalfi are enjoyable even in the autumn months. The influx of tourists is much lower, temperatures hover around 20 degrees Celsius, and the water is quite warm, so if you are visiting in October, you can also enjoy one of Amalfi's biggest attractions. Beaches like Marina Grande or the popular Amalfi Free Beach, will leave you enchanted.

Discover the best beaches of Amalfi without crowds of people, and, while you float relaxing in those turquoise waters, delight yourself with all the beauty of its colorful houses on the mountainside.

A tip: try to choose the first days of the month, since they tend to be warmer compared to the last ones. This is one of the experiences you cannot miss on your trip to the Amalfi region.

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 steep 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 are 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, when 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 on 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 Valle delle Ferriere... With any of them you will discover why this has become one of the most popular sites in Italy, declared a World Heritage Site in 1997 by Unesco.

Taking one of the best day trips from Amalfi in October guarantees you much more pleasant temperatures than in summer, less crowds of tourists and the possibility of touring attractions without queues. In the warmer months, high temperatures may not let you enjoy the experience to the fullest, that's why visiting Amalfi in October has everything going for it.

Some useful information

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

Book a trekking excursion to Valle delle Ferriere

5. Have a trekking experience in Amalfi

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

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

There are many options for hiking in Amalfi. In addition, you can 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 to adventure that gives rise for example to book a trekking excursion to the Valle delle Ferriere. If you are looking for peace and quiet, dreamlike landscapes and a contact with nature, you can't miss this experience.

Useful information

  • Price: from about 43€.
  • Location: Amalfi
  • When: during the whole month of October.

Book a trekking excursion to Valle delle Ferriere

6. Enjoy the series of concerts at the Sentiero degli Dei

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

If you are one of those who enjoy music, you can't miss the series of open-air concerts taking place on the Sentiero degli Dei (Path of the Gods) trail in Praiano, a 20-minute drive from the center of Amalfi. The backdrop is unparalleled, you will be able to enjoy the best of classical and contemporary music with the Amalfi Coast behind you. This series of concerts are held in various natural settings, including the ruins of the church of Santa Maria a Castro.

While you must take 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.
  • 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

Among the must-sees during your visit to Amalfi, you can't miss 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 Arab-Norman style, which dominates the central square of the city (Piazza del Duomo) and is one of the most popular tourist attractions in the region.

The cathedral was originally built in the ninth century as a basilica dedicated to St. Andrew, the patron saint of Amalfi. Over the centuries, numerous renovations and additions have been made, and the cathedral has evolved into its current 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 days 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 information about Amalfi

  • Price: entrance is free.
  • Location: Amalfi
  • When: during the whole month of October.

8. Experience the night of Amalfi

Amalfi at night|©Hengky Kurniawan
Amalfi at 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 colors of its houses on the rocky mountainside. However, Amalfi is a place with lots of nightlife, and in October you have moderate temperatures hovering around 15 degrees. Depending on what kind of fun you are 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 its charming little streets. For that, there is no better place than Andrea Pansa's gelateria. You can also watch a movie at the Iriso cinemaand enjoy the local gastronomy, with its pasta dishes with seafood (glorious!). Although if you are one of those who can't stop moving, there are different pubs in Praiano and Positano, such as Music on the Rocks.

Useful information

  • Price: it will depend on the restaurants you go to but it is 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, you can't miss a tour of the ruins of Pompeii (Pompeii) and Mount Vesuvius. Signing up for this tour in October will allow you to avoid the oppressive heat of the summer months, so you will enjoy yourself much 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 on 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: it will depend on the restaurants you go to but it 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

Person on a Vespa in Amalfi|©Tang Lee
Person on a Vespa in Amalfi|©Tang Lee

Is there anything better than touring the Amalfi Coast in pleasant weather? Yes, doing it on a traditional Vespa scooter! Feel yourself inside a Fellini's movie, while you cross 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 ride can be done at any time of the year, the pleasant temperatures of October make it the ideal month for this type of adventure.

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

The average temperatures in Amalfi during the month of October are around 20 to 22 degrees Celsius during the day, and between 12 and 15 degrees Celsius at night, which makes it an excellent month to enjoy all that this amazing Italian town has to offer. It is always advisable to check some weather information to be able to organize our trip, especially if we want to go on an outdoor excursion, such as visiting Pompeii or Mount Vesuvius.

The influx of tourists in Amalfi in October

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

The tourist influx in Amalfi during October is much lower than in the summer months, since it is not high season. This makes it a perfect month to tour and enjoy the entire Amalfi coast without having to deal with crowds of tourists on beaches, excursions, restaurants and bars.

Prices in Amalfi in October

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

Since it is low season, prices for accommodations, excursions and attractions are usually much lower than in the summer months. This is another key point to keep in mind if you decide to visit Amalfi in October.

What to pack to visit Amalfi in October

Travel luggage|© Surface
Travel luggage|© Surface

Temperatures during the day are very pleasant, so it is not necessary to fill your suitcase with warm clothes. It is important to bring 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 include your bathing suit. Evenings tend to be a bit cooler, so I recommend bringing a light jacket and maybe a sweater 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 abundant, so you don't have to worry about it. However, in case the weather is not good, you can still visit the museums of Amalfi. Among them it is worth mentioning the Museo Antico Arsenale della Repubblica di Amalfi, which traces the naval history of the city; the Diocesan Museum of Amalfi, with beautiful works of art, located next to the cathedral; the Museo Dalla Carta alla Cartolina; the Choral Museum of Ravello.