13 Things to Do in Amalfi in September
Amalfi is known for its stunning scenery, rich history and delicious cuisine. Discover the best activities to enjoy in September.
Are you planning to visit the Amalfi Coast during September and wondering what specific activities you can enjoy? In late summer and early autumn, this region, located on the southwest coast of Italy, will allow you to discover cultural treasures, enjoy the most beautiful beaches and taste the typical dishes of the local gastronomy in traditional festivals.
If you are planning your trip for September and want to discover the best that Amalfi has to offer, don't miss this guide.
1. Enjoy the quiet beaches and a boat trip along the coast
If you like peace and quiet, this is a spot that will interest you a lot. In Italy, schools reopen in the second week of September, which means that the beaches and towns along the coast are quieter than in the central summer months, especially in the second half of the month, allowing you to enjoy more peace and quiet.
The big advantage is that on the Amalfi coast, all the beaches face south, which ensures that the warm temperatures are maintained well into the autumn. However, the beaches are shaded in the afternoon, so the best time to sunbathe is in the morning and enjoy the best beaches in Amalfi if you visit in September.
Also, September is the perfect time to book a boat trip along the Amalfi Coast or book a kayak tour of Amalfi. You have plenty of choice among the best boat trips in Amalfi. After the high season months of July and August, the number of boats and yachts is much lower, which means you'll have the caves and coves to yourself. In September you can also take advantage of the much lower prices.
2. Take in the breathtaking scenery of the Valle delle Ferriere from Amalfi
Booking a trekking excursion to the Valle delle Ferriere is a plan that will captivate you, especially in the month of September when the temperatures are very pleasant.
In this four-hour experience, you will be accompanied by a professional guide who will show you some of the most beautiful landscapes of Amalfi and tell you all the details about the flora and fauna of this dream place with waterfalls, streams, historical ruins and many surprises that you will discover along the way.
This route, which will immerse you in the heart of nature, is approximately six and a half kilometres long and is considered to be of medium-low difficulty. Are you up for it?
3. Relax in a spa
Without a doubt, I'm a sucker for spas, hammams, Arabian baths and similar activities. I don't know if this is the case for you, but regardless, September is the best time of the year to book a spa experience in Amalfi, as tourism has slowed down considerably but it is still a month with a very pleasant temperature.
At this spa you will have the opportunity to enjoy two hours of various facilities such as a whirlpool bath, footbath with regenerating salts, emotional showers with water games, Mediterranean bath and an argillarium experience. It also includes a two-hour couple's massage. Don't hesitate and book an afternoon of your holiday to relax after an exhausting day of sightseeing.
4. Take a trip to Capri
One of the most popular plans in Amalfi is to book an excursion to Capri, and September is ideal for this due to its excellent weather and the lower tourist influx at this time of year.
On this activity, which lasts approximately 7 to 8 hours, you will board a boat bound for Capri with an expert crew. During the trip you will have the opportunity to swim and snorkel, as well as marvelling at some of the most characteristic places such as Faraglioni or Punta Campanella. A plus: along the way you'll enjoy snacks and drinks at your disposal.
And when you arrive in Capri, you can stroll through the streets of the historic centre, climb Monte Solario or explore the Blue Grotto. Are you up for it?
5. Visit local producers
The Italian region of Amalfi is known for its production of high quality food and drink. Citrus fruits, particularly lemons, are a speciality of the region. Fresh seafood and fish are another of its strengths, as well as olive oil and artisanal cheeses. Beverage production is not far behind, and Amalfi is also famous for its wine production, and of course, the iconic limoncello, a sweet and refreshing lemon liqueur.
If you are interested in the behind the scenes of all these gastronomic delights, September is the ideal month. During this season, with less tourism, producers have more time to tell the story of their products and share details about their trade during visits to their establishments. You can learn about everything from the harvesting of ingredients to the production of the final product.
There are many options for you to visit the workshops of local producers of limoncello, cheese and wine, and in many cases, even take some of Amalfi's best cooking classes. What's more, these sites are off the beaten track, making them an authentic and unforgettable experience to get to know the heart of the region.
6. Enjoy the best tours in small groups
Exploring the coast through guided tours of villages, historical sites, art and culture is an enriching experience that will allow you to immerse yourself in the rich and fascinating history of this region. And here, another great advantage of September in Amalfi, is the smaller crowds of tourists on these guided tours and walks.
Enjoying the smaller group activities of the best Amalfi tours allows for a more personalised experience. The guides can devote more time and attention to each participant. You will be able to delve into the details of the stories behind each place and gain a better understanding of the culture and traditions of the area. You can also enjoy activities such as a kayak tour in a more comfortable way.
Another advantage of doing these tours in the off-season is that you can enjoy the sights and details up close. Monuments, landscapes and architecture can be admired more easily, allowing you to appreciate every detail of the experience. And as at all times of the year, these guided tours are perfect for those who want to explore the coast without worrying about planning or logistics, as everything is organised in advance.
7. Take part in the Festa del Pesce
Visiting a town is an ideal opportunity to find out what traditional festivals are taking place on the date of your trip. If you're in Amalfi in September, you can experience La Festa del Pesce, an annual fish festival held in the neighbouring seaside town of Positano. Specifically, this festival takes place on the coast of Fornillo, a small and picturesque beach. It is held annually in September, although the exact date may vary from year to year.
During the festival, local fishermen and producers prepare and serve various fresh fish dishes such as fish soup, seafood pasta and grilled fish. In addition, local wines of excellent quality are also offered to accompany these maritime delicacies.
La Festa del Pesce is a popular event among tourists and the local community and has been held for many years as a way of promoting and celebrating the local culture and gastronomy of Positano. The festival is a must-attend opportunity to sample the best of the delicious local food and enjoy the music and festive atmosphere on the beach.
8. Sign up for the New Byzantine Year or Capodanno Byzantino
Another interesting festival to take part in during September in the Amalfi region. The Byzantine New Year is a unique celebration that takes place in the coastal town of Sorrento every year. This traditional event marks the beginning of the new year according to the Byzantine calendar which is governed by the lunar cycle and is commemorated between the last day of August and the first day of September.
During the Byzantine New Year, the streets of Sorrento are filled with music, dancing and typical food. Participants can enjoy a variety of live performances, including folk music and dances typical of the region. There are also many gastronomic options available, with typical Byzantine and local dishes.
One of the most distinctive activities is the procession of the Tarantella, a typical southern Italian dance. For this performance, participants wear traditional costumes and dance through the streets of the city to the sound of music. It is a vibrant and exciting celebration. If you are in Amalfi in September, I recommend you don't miss this fascinating festivity.
9. Don't miss the Festa di Piedigrotta in Pompeii.
The Festa di Piedigrotta is a famous festival celebrated in the city of Pompeii every year. The festival is in honour of the Madonna of Piedigrotta, the patron saint of Naples and its surroundings. As for the date, it takes place in September and usually lasts for several days.
During the Festa di Piedigrotta, the streets of Pompeii are filled with music, dance and celebrations. Participants wear traditional costumes and dance to Neapolitan music. In addition, there are parades, fireworks and a procession in honour of the Madonna di Piedigrotta.
This event is not all about religious festivities, the Festa di Piedigrotta also includes food and drink fairs , rides and games. You can enjoy a wide variety of typical dishes, including pizzas, seafood and all kinds of desserts. It is one of the most popular and lively festivals in the region and attracts thousands of visitors every year.
10. Attend the Feast of San Gennaro in Naples
The Feast of San Gennaro in Naples on 19 September is a religious celebration that takes place every year during the month of September. This festivity is one of the most important and emblematic of the city and is attended by tourists from all over the world. San Gennaro is the patron saint of Naples. The festivities in his honour begin several days before and last for about a week. During this time, the streets of Naples are filled with colour, music, food and activities for all ages.
One of the most anticipated moments of the feast of San Gennaro is the ceremony of the liquefaction of blood. During this, a vial containing the blood of San Gennaro is displayed and is expected to liquefy as a sign of protection and blessing for the city.
So, if you are in Amalfi in September it is a good option to plan a visit to Naples to experience the feast of San Gennaro. There are several transport options, including trains and buses, that will get you from Amalfi to Naples in no time. This is definitely one of the best day trips you can take from Amalfi.
11. Climbing Mount Vesuvius
If you are looking for an adventure in nature and want to enjoy breathtaking panoramic views, then climbing Vesuvius is the perfect experience for you. However, choosing the right time to climb is crucial to ensure an optimal experience.
One of the best times of the year to climb Vesuvius is in September, when weather conditions are more favourable. With cooler temperatures and less fog, this time of year makes the climb less strenuous and more enjoyable.
As you climb one of the nine trails leading to the summit, you will have the opportunity to explore this beautiful UNESCO Biosphere Reserve, which is home to a wide variety of flora and fauna. To crown the experience, once you reach the top, you will be rewarded with a breathtaking view of Naples and its surroundings. From Amalfi you can reach this site in a very short time, and you'll see that it's totally worth it.
12. Experience the Amalfi night
Nightlife is very interesting in this Italian coastal region and there are many options for the best things to do at night in Amalfi.
During September, temperatures are warm enough to dine out doors and the terraces of the restaurants are still open for your enjoyment. It is worth noting at this point that clubs and bars are only open at weekends in the area around the Spiaggia Grande beach in Positano.
There are also a number of fine dining establishments and Michelin-starred restaurants on the Amalfi coast. In high season, booking a table may require months in advance, so in September you can enjoy greater flexibility and spontaneity, avoiding the wait for the best spots at iconic sites such as the famous La Sponda balcony or the private beach platform of Al Mare.
13. Drive along the road of a thousand curves
As you can see Amalfi has a lot of things to see and do. Finally, I'll recommend Amalfi's Path of a Thousand Curves, a road that winds between sheer cliffs, offering majestic views of the villages spread out below. This winding road is dotted with a myriad of colours and offers a privileged perspective of the coastline.
During the high season, this road can get crowded, slowing traffic, especially in the narrower sections that allow only one vehicle at a time. In September, the road is clearer and offers the perfect opportunity to enjoy this route at your own pace. You can choose to drive a car or perhaps a classic Vespa, which will allow you to stop at any time to take pictures or simply admire the breathtaking views.
Along the way you will find several viewpoints, where you can enjoy the most breathtaking panoramas of the surrounding landscape. The towns and villages spread out below you, while the serene water glistens in the sun's rays. Importantly, the road is dotted with restaurants and shops, so you'll have the opportunity to indulge in the local cuisine and purchase handicrafts and souvenirs to take back with you.
Weather in September
In this section I will tell you what the Amalfi weather is like in September. During the ninth month of the year, the Amalfi Coast has a pleasant climate with gradually decreasing temperatures, but still warm enough to enjoy a dip in the sea.
The average high temperature in September is around 27 °C and the average low is around 20 °C. During September there is a 25% chance of rain and a 30% chance of cloudy days. The average sea temperature in September is around 25 °C and the average daylight hours during the day are about 12 hours in total.