2 Days in Positano: Itinerary for a Perfect Amalfi Getaway [2024]

Positano is quite possibly the most famous town on the iconic Amalfi Coast, located just to the south of Naples.

The dramatic coastline the region is celebrated for is dotted with picturesque little villages made of colorful houses stacked on top of each other on tall cliffs.

No other Amalfi Coast town is more emblematic of the region than Positano, with its iconic beach and serpentine streets offering glimpses of the coastline.

Planning your trip to Positano at the last minute?

Here are my quick picks on what to do & where to stay!

 Top Positano Experiences:
1. Small Group Boat Cruise of Amalfi Coast (#1 activity!)
2. Wine Tasting Tour with Sommelier (paired with snacks & cheese)
3. Small Group Trip to Capri Island (prettiest island in Amalfi region)

🏨 Best Positano Hotels:
1. Hotel Villa Franca (luxury hotel with rooftop pool, hammam, fine dining)
2. Hotel Conca d’Oro (mid-range charmer with lovely terraces)
3. Relais Il Sogno de Positano (budget with sea views)

✈️ Flying in and don’t want to rent a car? Book an airport transfer with Welcome Pickups — they’ll greet you at the airport, help with bags, & bring you into the city, all pre-booked!

Prefer the comfort of your own set of wheels? Compare prices at Discover Cars here to find the best price for your Italy car rental.

I traveled throughout the Amalfi Coast twice while living in Italy, in early autumn and in winter, and Positano was positively delightful on both occasions.

I recommend spending a full two days in Positano to get the full experience.

You’ll have time to wander around the narrow alleys, relax on the beach, try the delicious cuisine at gorgeous restaurants overlooking the sea, and go for a short hike for even more sweeping coastal views. 

This Positano itinerary will cover the places and activities you shouldn’t miss on a short trip to this picturesque Amalfi coast town.

How to Get to Positano

By Rental Car

Scenic Road on Rocky Cliffs and Mountain Landscape by the Tyrrhenian Sea of the Amalfi coast, with the town of Positano in the background, on an overcast day in the spring or fall

Renting a car in Italy is the easiest way to get to Positano, especially if you’re flying into the Naples Airport.

Generally, renting a car in Naples is fairly inexpensive, and it can be very convenient for getting around the Amalfi Coast area, such as visiting its beaches.

That said, it can also present some challenges, like the difficulty of parking in Positano and dealing with traffic along the coastal road.

That said, I think the benefits of renting a car for Positano outweigh the drawbacks.

Generally speaking, you can get the best price on your car rental at the Naples airport.

I recommend using Discover Cars to compare prices as they search 500+ rental agencies (including small, local Italian companies) to get you the best deal, finding companies many other search engines miss.

By Bus and/or Train

bus along the amalfi coast roads driving on the curvy mountainside road above the towns

If you won’t be renting a car for your Amalfi coast itinerary, you can reach Positano by bus from Sorrento or Salerno.

In Sorrento, Bus Number 5070 departs from in front of the Circumvesuviana station, the train line connecting the city to Naples. The ride only takes about 45 minutes.

If you’ll be coming to Positano from Salerno, the journey is a bit longer. You have to take bus 5120 to Amalfi (approximately 75 minutes) before catching the same bus 5070 to Positano, so your total travel time will be almost two hours. 

If you prefer not to deal with buses or trains, you can skip all that with an airport transfer from Welcome Pickups, where you pre-book an airport taxi and the driver will greet you and help with your luggage.

By Boat

boat on the amalfi coast with people heading towards the coast line from capri

Of course, if you prefer the scenic and more adventurous route, since Positano is a coastal town, there’s always the nautical option: from Naples, Salerno, and Sorrento, you can catch a boat to Positano (or other Amalfi towns).

While the coastal journey offers gorgeous views, it can be a bit of a challenge for those suffering from motion sickness.

The entire coast is one big curve after the other, so be prepared, and maybe choose the shorter option.

There are also ferries that run directly from Capri to Positano, so you can spend a day in Capri before your Positano itinerary.

Positano Itinerary: Day 1

Explore Positano by foot.

Cafe tables and chairs outside in old cozy street in the Positano town, with brick wall, flower pots with pink flowers, juliet balcony, windows

What better way to start your first day in Positano than with a coffee by the beach? At Positano Paradise Lounge Bar, you can find exactly that. 

After enjoying the delicious coffee and beautiful scenery, it’s time to explore the town.

The best thing to do in Positano is also the simplest: just walk around and find gorgeous points to enjoy scenic views overlooking the coast.

You can find some of the best views of Positano from Via Cristoforo Colombo, nearly any point along Viale Pasitea, and the main road Amalfi Drive.

For precise directions, just search Google Maps for Fotopoint Positano for a beautiful viewpoint on Amalfi Drive.

Positano is also filled with the most charming shops selling all kinds of souvenirs, from local food to clothing and, most notably, gorgeous ceramics. 

You simply can’t go to Positano and not take the chance to admire the ceramics.

Colorful traditional ceramics vases and souvenirs at street market stores and shops in Positano town of Amalfi Coast in Italy

While the core of ceramics production on the Amalfi Coast is in Vietri sul Mare, you’ll find shops in every village along the coast.

Some of Positano’s most renowned ceramics shops are Ceramica Assunta, Emporio della Ceramica, and The Art of Ceramics.

Whether you just want to admire the beautiful vases and crockery or buy some souvenirs to take home, it’s worth checking out some (or, if you’re ambitious, all!) of these shops.

Keen-eyed observers may notice how nearly all objects are decorated with lemons.

That’s not by coincidence, as the lemon is a prominent local symbol, given their presence all over the coast. 

Amalfi Coast lemons are of a specific variety called Sfusato d’Amalfi, known for their sweet taste, unlike other lemon varieties. 

While shopping around Positano, don’t forget to buy some limoncello and lemon candy to take home!

The bright, fresh citrus flavor is sure to bring back happy memories of this perfect Positano vacation.

Visit the Church of Santa Maria Assunta.

Cityscape and landscape with Santa Maria Assunta Church in Positano town on Amalfi Coast, church has a ceramic tiled dome and sky is blue and cliffs are in the background

In the lower part of Positano, visit the Church of Santa Maria Assunta.

This is the most important church in town, and it was once part of the Benedictine monastery of St. Mary.

The church is best known for its iconic ceramic dome and for housing a Byzantine icon of the Holy Virgin.

According to local legend, the icon arrived in Positano through nothing short of a miracle. 

The Byzantine icon was on a ship of Benedictine monks sailing by Positano. The ship suddenly came to a stop offshore from Positano, and the sailors could not keep sailing.

Supposedly, they heard a voice saying “Posa Posa,” which translates to “put me down,” and is the inspiration for the name of Positano.

The ship’s captain decided to listen to the voice and head for shore, intending to leave the icon in town. As the story goes, it was at that exact moment that the ship began sailing again.

Subsequently, the icon was given as a gift to the inhabitants of Positano, who decided to build a church in honor of the Virgin.

As you see it nowadays, this church is the product of a restoration in the late 18th century, which used to be a 10th-century monastery.

Few relics of this previous life of the church remain, but above the bell tower door, you can see a bas-relief that depicts a creature with a dragon-like form.

Discover Roman ruins at MAR Museo Archeologico Romano.

interior of a preserved villa from the roman times, with yellow red and blue painted fresco work
Photo Credit: MaR Positano, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons

Next to the church, you can visit the Roman Archaeological Museum, or “MAR”.

Drop in to join a guided tour with an archaeologist who will tell you everything there is to know about the Roman Villa dating back to the 1st century BCE that lies just below the church.

The Roman Villa d’Ozio was covered by the ash and pumice of the Vesuvius eruption of 79 AD.

In fact, the fact that the famous eruption that destroyed Pompeii reached the Amalfi Coast is a relatively recent discovery! 

The first excavation to bring the ancient Roman villa to light took place between 2004 and 2006.

A second campaign from 2015 to 2016 uncovered additional areas but, for the most part, the luxurious villa remains buried.

Although the eruption didn’t cause the same level of damage, pyroclastic materials did reach the coast and preserved the villa under two meters of what turned into a type of rock known as “tuff”.

In the guided tour, you’ll get the chance to admire the incredibly well-preserved mural paintings of the 4th Pompeian style in vivid colors.

In addition to the murals, you can also examine several objects uncovered in the excavations. 

Have a lunch break.

Italian delicious dish seafood risotto, rice with various of mussels in Positano, Italy

Positano offers numerous opportunities to enjoy lunch with a gorgeous view.

However, be prepared for these restaurants to be quite expensive by Italian standards. After all, you are also paying for the view.

If you want a nice meal at a decent price, try the delightful fresh pasta and pizza at Saraceno d’Oro. For delicious seafood, head to Il Grottino Azzurro.

If you just want to have a quick bite and save your time for more sightseeing, try the flavorful sandwiches at Simone’s Sandwiches, though note that this place is usually just open seasonally, from late spring to early fall.

The next activity will be a bit season and weather dependent — you can either go for a stunning hike or spend some time relaxing at the beach.

Option One: Go hiking at Le Tese di Positano 

Active woman at summit cross near Santa Maria del Castello. Scenic view on coastal town Positano, Praiano

If you want to go hiking, Le Tese di Positano is a short and easy trail.

The path starts in Via Corvo, northeast of Positano, and ends at Belvedere Santa Maria Del Castello.

At first, you’ll have to climb several steps, then continue along a path until you reach the scenic overlook point with a stunning view.

While it may be hard to believe today, this narrow and rough trail used to be the only road connecting Positano to the villages of the Lattari Mountains. 

The hike up takes at least an hour, but it can take longer if you stop frequently for breaks.

Be sure to bring enough water and a few snacks, and avoid it if it’s too hot.

At the end of the trail, all of your hard efforts will be rewarded when you reach the scenic overlook at Santa Maria del Castello and admire in the breathtaking view of the dramatic coastline.

From this viewpoint, descend back to Positano and treat yourself to a refreshing granita (similar to a lemon sorbet) or gelato.

Try the granita inside a lemon at Collina Positano Bakery for a delightfully citrusy twist on the classic dessert.

Relax at the beach.

positano beach with orange and blue umbrellas on a sandy shore

If going on a hike sounds like a bit more work than you’d like on a relaxing vacation, you can spend a few hours just kicking back at the beach.

You’ll have your choice between the main beach, Spiaggia di Positano Marina Grande, or walking for about ten minutes to check out Fornillo Beach.

The main beach tends to be more crowded, especially in the peak summer months.

Although Fornillo Beach may not have the same picturesque background, it’s a delightful little beach.

As a bonus, the road connecting Fornillo to Spiaggia Grande is also very picturesque!

Watch the sunset from Nocelle.

nocelle sunset view in amalfi coast

If you have time left and are up for a challenge, walk to Nocelle to watch the sunset.

You’ll need to climb a long stairway starting on Amalfi Drive just outside Positano, near Arienzo Beach.

I won’t lie to you, the climb is challenging, but once again, the view from the top is worth it.

When you reach Nocelle, you can stop at Lemon Point for a refreshing lemonade to drink while taking in the view.

Remember, what comes up must go down… and those same steps will be awaiting you on the return.

If you do a sunset hike, be sure to bring a headlamp for the walk down — you don’t want to stumble!

You can also time this for a late afternoon hike if you don’t want to walk back down in the dark.

Also, be aware that while the walk up is about 30 minutes, the walk back will take around an hour, since you also have to backtrack to Positano town itself.

Have dinner in Positano.

evening in positano with the lights coming on over the town

Back in Positano, it’s time for dinner at one of the many restaurants with terraces overlooking the sea.

Luna is a charming option if you are looking for a more refined location.

Alternatively, head to the historic Da Vincenzo Positano 1958.

Although it doesn’t have a view, it serves some of the best pasta dishes in town. This restaurant is open only from April to early November, however.

Positano Itinerary: Day 2

Go on a day cruise of the Amalfi Coast.

view of a cruise ship on the water with a view of the amalfi coastline

One of the best ways to experience the Amalfi Coast is on a cruise. You’ll find many day cruise options from Positano, online and on-site.

If you travel in summer or even late spring, I recommend booking online in advance to secure your spot.

This Small-Group Amalfi Coast Day Cruise is one of the best options from Positano. The small group size allows you to really enjoy the trip and get a more personal experience.

An expert skipper will guide you along the coast, passing by stunning sea caves and charming villages. The cruise sets sail in the morning from the main beach of Positano, Spiaggia Grande. 

You’ll be passing by the picturesque village of Praiano and the stunning Furore fjord before arriving in Conca dei Marini.

the 'fjord' of furore italy on the amalfi coast, a town without a center

You can join an optional tour of the Emerald Grotto in Conca dei Marini, but there is an extra charge to do so, so factor that in. 

A fisherman discovered the sea cave by accident in 1932, and it soon became a popular attraction.

Sun rays enter the cave through an opening creating beautiful reflections on the surface of the crystalline waters.

After Conca dei Marini, you’ll reach Amalfi, the town that gives the name to the coastline.

Here, you get a few hours to explore on your own and have lunch. You can stay in Amalfi or catch a bus to Ravello.

If you explore Amalfi…

the town of amalfi italy seen with a bridge, clear water, and colorful buildings

Start by visiting the beautiful 10th-century Amalfi Cathedral with its ornate Moorish façade. 

You can enter the cathedral for free during mass.

However, for a small €3 fee, you can visit the cathedral, the crypt, and the gorgeous 12th-century Moorish cloister, Chiostro del Paradiso.

You can stop for lunch at one of the many restaurants near the cathedral. Try delicious seafood pasta at Ristorante La Piazzetta or Taverna degli Apostoli

Spend the rest of the time exploring Amalfi’s lovely alleys and climbing the narrow stairways for gorgeous panoramic views.

The street leading to the hilltop Amalfi Cemetery has some of the best coastal views, especially from the Belvedere Cimitero Monumentale.

If you explore Ravello…

a view from the one of the villas of ravello italy a beautiful mountainous amalfi coast town

If you’d rather skip Amalfi and visit Ravello instead, you can catch a bus right by the Amalfi port that will take you to the hilltop village in less than half an hour.

Ravello is best known for its stunning gardens offering sweeping coastline views.

Visit Villa Cimbrone Gardens to experience the dramatic views from the iconic Terrazza dell’Infinito

Another garden worth visiting is Villa Rufolo, boasting delightful, landscaped gardens and a beautiful Moorish palace.  

If you want to stay for lunch in Ravello, try Osteria Ravello or Ristorante Vittoria, both offering tasty local dishes paired with beautiful views.

After the Amalfi or Ravello visit, your guide may lead you to Maiori and another beautiful sea cave where you can go for a swim.

the town of maiori with stunning coastal views

The last part of the tour that includes Maiori and the nearby sea cave is not always guaraneed, as it depends on how much time you have left.

Either way, you’ll be back in Positano by the late afternoon, with enough time for another sweet sunset and fantastic meal.

Taking a guided tour with a boat cruise is a great way to experience the Amalfi coast and some of its villages on a 2 day Positano, where you don’t have much time. 

🛥️ Suggested Tour: Small Group Amalfi Boat Cruise from Positano
(5 stars, 270+ reviews)

Strictly limited to 12 people per boat, this 7-hour boat cruise and Amalfi Coast tour is an excellent way to see as much of the coast as possible without the hassle of working out transportation.

It’s also nice because it’s customizable: you can choose between independently exploring either Amalfi or Ravello, so you won’t feel like a cattle being herded from site to site like you might on other tours.

Plus, the coastal views of Positano, Amalfi, the fjord of Furore, and more are unbeatable from the water!

Check availability, details, and prices of this Amalfi boat cruise here!

If you prefer exploring the coast on your own, you can also catch a boat ride from Positano to Amalfi and visit both Amalfi and Ravello.

Of course, you’ll miss out on the sea caves this way, but you’ll still get the gorgeous coastal views.

Walk around Positano and have dinner.

view of the town of positano at sunset on the amalfi coast with lots of boats in the water and colorful views

Once you’re back in Positano, spend the rest of the afternoon checking out other lovely viewpoints and getting lost through the narrow alleyways.

For your last dinner in town, treat yourself to a delicious meal with a view at Orama Restaurant or La Sponda.

If you’re visiting Positano and can afford to extend your trip, visit some of these other charming villages on the Amalfi Coast.

You may also want to read this 5-day Amalfi Coast itinerary if you are planning on visiting multiple villages.

Where to Stay in Positano

Scenic views of Positano Italian colorful architecture and landscapes on Amalfi Coast in Italy.

Budget

The Relais Il Sogno de Positano provides a relatively cheaper option for accommodation in Positano, although the term “budget” can be subjective in this town!

You can indulge in spacious and colorful rooms that offer scenic views of the sea, although the location is a bit further away from the main town area.

Nonetheless, considering the considerable difference in pricing with other options in Positano, the distance is a reasonable trade-off, especially with the picturesque environment to walk around in.

Check prices, availability, and reviews here!

Mid-Range

Looking for a sweet spot to stay in Positano without breaking the bank? Look no further than Hotel Conca d’Oro!

This mid-range gem is located right in the heart of town and features chic minimalist rooms with a few elegant Amalfi touches.

Most of the rooms feature stunning views of the sea, though if you don’t have your own balcony, the terrace is the perfect spot to catch a sunset. You’ll be living the high life without spending all your dough!

Check prices, availability, and reviews here!

Luxury

Hotel Villa Franca is the real deal when it comes to luxury on the Amalfi Coast. But buckle up, because the price tag might make you shed a tear or two.

That being said, you’re in for a treat with two fine dining restaurants and a jaw-dropping rooftop pool with views that will leave you speechless. There’s also swanky O’Spa Wellness Center that features a Turkish-style hammam.

Oh, and let’s not forget about the stunningly designed rooms that offer mind-blowing views of the sea!

Check prices, availability, and reviews here!

Best Time to Visit the Amalfi Coast

the beaches of positano with the town in the background

Having explored Positano in both February and October, I can safely say that any time of year is great to discover the Amalfi coast.

In wintertime, you’ll likely find Positano nearly empty, which I loved. 

In summer, on the other hand, expect the town to be packed with travelers on vacation.

Positano attracts a mixed crowd of visitors, from day trippers to influencers and celebrities stopping by on their yacht trips.

If you want to find a spot to settle in on the beach, you’ll have to get there early. 

Summer travel to Positano isn’t all bad, though!

The town is livelier in summer, and you’ll find more restaurants and bars open since some of them close for the season during winter.

If you want to strike a balance between gorgeous weather and smaller crowds, try to schedule your trip around April or October.

If you get lucky with the weather, you may even get some beach time!

FAQ About Visiting Positano

How long should I stay in Positano?

view of the town of positano at sunset on the amalfi coast with lots of boats in the water and colorful views

While this itinerary is for 2 days in Positano, that’s my opinion of what the proper bare minimum for a visit is.

It takes about a day of dedicated exploring to see the most of the town of Positano, and then you’ll also want to factor in some beach time.

But Positano also makes an excellent base for further Amalfi Coast explorations.

If you stay for more like 3 to 5 days, you’ll have enough time to also visit other places on or near the Amalfi coast, like the charming islands of Capri, Procida, or Ischia, as well as other Amalfi towns like Ravello.

For more relaxed pace, allow yourself some extra time for leisurely beach days on both Positano’s beach and other Amalfi beaches in the area.

Is Positano expensive?

The town of Positano as seen from the water's edge, view of boats and the terraced houses going up the hill

In a word? Yes, Positano is a lot more expensive than other places in Italy. For truly budget-friendly places, look for

The Amalfi Coast, along with the Cinque Terre and the Lake Como region, is one of the most coveted places to visit in Italy.

Plus, Positano in particular is currently extra popular amongst influencers and jet-setters, making already-high prices soar higher.

Prices depend on the season, with costs especially high in July and August in particular.

As an average rule of thumb, mid-range hotels go for about 150-250 Euro per night and luxury hotels start around 350 Euro per night and go up from there.

Some budget accommodations can be available for under 100 Euro per night, but they’re few and far between and tend to sell out quickly.

In terms of food, prices here are definitely higher than other places in Italy. You can get small grab-and-go style meals for about 15 Euro per person, but a sit-down meal with wine, appetizers, and an entree will cost about 50-100 Euro per person… which is quite high for Italy!

Luckily, there’s a range of activities you can do depending on your budget, including lots of free hikes or just taking the SITA bus (10 Euro for a day pass) to other Amalfi Coast towns to explore on foot.

Your Perfect Amalfi Coast Itinerary: 5 Days on the Italian Riviera [2024]

detail of the amalfi coast town of positano with mosaic roof and beach and hillside houses

Coastal breezes, fragrant lemon trees, and candy-colored houses perched on cliffsides overlooking cerulean seas… is there anything more Italian than that?

This is exactly what you’ll find when you visit Italy’s stunning Amalfi Coast, so of course, it’s really no wonder this cluster of seaside towns features highly on many traveler’s bucket lists!

Just a short jaunt from the city of Naples, the Amalfi Coast is a gorgeous destination on the southwestern coast of Italy — it’s the perfect summer destination if there ever was one.

view of the town of positano in amalfi coast, with an old-fashioned doorway with an arch and pots on the walls

It’s a place to explore at your own pace, taking the time to soak in the landscapes, indulge in the unbeatable cuisine, and truly enjoy life to the fullest.

If you’re planning to spend a few days around the beloved Costiera Amalfitana, as it’s called in Italian, then go for a slow-paced Amalfi Coast itinerary: there’s a lot to see and even more to do in this part of Italy!

This post was written by Gabi Ancarola, a full-time travel blogger and writer who currently lives in Crete (and blogs about it here), but spent over a decade living in Italy and traveling all around the country.

She’s here to share with you her expert advice for a flexible plan for how to spend 5 days in the Amalfi Coast itinerary — with unique, in-the-know hidden gems and alternative ideas to make the most of your trip.

It was last edited on December 29, 2023 to update the post for the 2024 travel season.

But First, Where is the Amalfi Coast?

beautiful seaside town of positano with colorful houses on the hillsides and brilliant blue water

Located in the Campania region, the stretch of coastline known as the Amalfi Coast is the part of Italy that overlooks the Tyrrhenian Sea on the Gulf of Salerno.

It is located on the steep southern end of the Sorrento Peninsula, of which the town of Sorrento is the main hub. 

The Amalfi Coast runs for about 25 miles (40 kilometers) starting in the famous town of Positano and ending in the small village of Vietri sul Mare. 

Along the coast, there are 13 different picturesque villages that you can discover!

From west to east, these charming Amalfi Coast towns are: Positano, Praiano, Furore, Conca de’ Marini, Amalfi, Atrani, Ravello, Scala, Tramonti, Minori, Maiori, Cetara, and Vietri sul Mare.

How to Plan Your Amalfi Coast Itinerary

a red and blue fishing boat in the water near the town of amalfi in the central part of the amalfi coast in italy

No matter where in Italy you start your itinerary, you will first need to reach Naples (Napoli in Italian) in order to start your Amalfi Coast tour. 

You can then decide whether to begin in the westernmost area (Sorrento/Positano) and make your way east.

Alternatively, if you are starting your Amalfi Coast itinerary from a Southern Italian destination, such as Salerno, it may make more sense for you to begin the trip in Vietri sul Mare and then move from east to west.

Personally, I think the best way to travel along the coast is to start in Sorrento which, although is not officially part of Costiera Amalfitana, is a picturesque coastal town worth seeing.

the charming town of sorrento located on cliffsides above the water

Following this route, you will end the tour in Salerno. From there, you either drive back or board a train back to Naples.

From Naples, you can even add an optional last stop in Pompeii (or the lesser-known hidden gem of Herculaneum – for a comparative guide, read this).

Of course, this itinerary also works the other way round: that is, from Salerno to Sorrento, and then back to Naples.

For the purposes of making this Amalfi Coast itinerary easy-to-follow, we’ll start in Sorrento.

However, as it is a day by day travel itinerary, you can easily start at the end, in Salerno, and just reverse things!

5 Day Amalfi Coast Itinerary: Day by Day Guide

Day 1: Sorrento and Positano

people walking around in the town of sorrento, italy north of the amalfi coast

Start your first day early in order to spend the morning discovering Sorrento!

This is the largest town in the area and there is plenty to do, however, we will limit our visit to a few of the most iconic landmarks.

After that, we will then move to the real Amalfi Coast after lunch, when we head to Positano.

Morning: Sorrento

yellow buildings in the main plaza in sorrento italy

Start by heading to the historic district of Sorrento’s Old Town. This is better seen early in the morning, as it is often overcrowded later in the day when tour groups arrive.

Take yourself on a little self-guided walking tour of Sorrento. Check out the beautiful, colorful houses dotting the winding alleys and then reach Piazza Tasso for a taste of the local culture.

Here, local residents like to gather to talk and spend time, so it’s a great place for people-watching from a charming café.

Right after, pay a visit to the adorable Villa Communale to admire the views over the Sorrento coast and Mount Vesuvius.

You can then walk to the Marina Grande, a historic fishing village with picture-perfect scenery everywhere you look.

Local tip: As an alternative to Villa Communale, you can check Bellevue Syrene, one of the most exclusive hotels in Sorrento — with a panoramic terrace open to everyone, although few people know this! The views from here are out of this world.

Lunch in Sorrento can be an unforgettable experience if you know what and where to eat!

The best place for lunch is around the Marina Grande. Choose one of the many family-run trattorias in the area and try the famous gnocchi alla Sorrentina or a selection of seafood-focused antipasti (starters). 

Not hungry yet? Worry not, you’ll be able to taste great food also in Positano!

Afternoon: Positano

town of Positano italy as seen from the water

You will probably arrive in Positano at the time of siesta!

Although this is a touristic town and most shops will still be open (especially in summer), the afternoon nap is still a thing in southern Italy.

Don’t fret — that means it’s the perfect time for casual sightseeing along the old, colorful alleys surrounded by a more quiet atmosphere.

If you feel like shopping, you can explore the town’s charming art galleries, artisan shops, and upscale boutiques.

If you prefer a more cultural experience, pay a visit to the Church of the Holy Virgin.

The town of Positano is quite small when compared to Sorrento, which means that you can move around easily and see the key sights in about an hour.

If you are a beach fan, instead, head directly to Spiaggia Grande located right at the foot of the village. You can spend some time relaxing and even sunbathe or go for a swim. 

In the evening, you can enjoy a pizza in one of the many restaurants on the waterfront. Don’t forget to have a limoncello after dinner, you won’t regret it! It’s a great digestive and is local to the region.

Day 2: Amalfi, Atrani, and Ravello

the small town of atrani italy with some cars on the road and a small beach and blue waters

Amalfi is a small and delightful town to visit, and it makes a good base for further exploration of the Amalfi Coast due to its central location!

Today we will devote the day to exploring Amalfi, as well as two other small villages on the Costiera.

Morning: Amalfi & Atrani

the town of amalfi in the amalfi coast itinerary

Wherever you’re based, you’ll want to make your way to the town of Amalfi as the first stop on your second day’s itinerary.

Walking around the old alleys of the settlement is the best way to start your day after a cappuccino and a cornetto (brioche) at any local bar.

Reach Amalfi’s Main Square to see Saint Andrew’s Cathedral, a fantastic church dating back to built in 987, with its imposing steps and mosaic facade.

Right after, check Amalfi’s Paper Museum — a unique can’t-miss attraction in Amalfi.

The local bambagina paper is an iconic local product given the long history of Amalfi as a national center of paper mills and top-quality handcrafted paper.

If you want, you can reach the nearby Atrani on foot! It will only take you about 10 minutes from the center of Amalfi. 

the umbrellas on the beach at atrani with the town in the background on the amalfi coast

Atrani is a tiny coastal town, which holds the record of being Italy’s smallest town!

It stands tucked away between two steep cliffs facing the sea. Since the town is so small, it’s not hard to visit, although the hundreds of steep flights of stairs can be a challenge.

If you feel that you’ll be better avoiding the hundreds of steps, then head to the coast!

Atrani’s shore is a magnificent place for photos, with the picturesque tiny homes clinging to the cliffs and the arches under the coastal road that plummet into the sand behind the beach.

You can check Atrani’s picturesque bay, or, alternatively, take a bus (or drive) up the mountains to discover Ravello.

Alternative: Morning or Afternoon Boat Tour from Amalfi

a boat going towards a natural arch off of the coast of capri

You can also take a boat tour and snorkeling tour from Amalfi, which is a great way to see the Amalfi Coast from a different perspective!

This tour brings you to several beaches and sea caves only accessible by boat, giving you the chance to explore sea grottos. The tour also makes two snorkeling stops where you can swim in beautiful waters without any crowds.

A few sights you’ll see along the way include the stunning Saint Andrew’s Grotto, Duoglio and Santa Croce beaches, Lovers Arch, the Furore ‘fjord’, the Runghietiello Grotto and beach, the Africana Grotto, and so much more!

There are two tours daily: one leaving at 9:30 AM and one leaving at 2:30 PM — so you can choose whatever works best for your day to customize this Amalfi itinerary to your liking.

Check details of this Amalfi boat tour itinerary here!

Afternoon: Ravello

terraces around ravello in italy's amalfi coast, a must stop on your amalfi itinerary

Dubbed the City of Music, Ravello is home to an important Auditorium and serves as the annual host of different prestigious music festivals.

The town is also known for its two imposing villas with medieval gardens, stunning views over the sea, and stunning architecture: Villa Rufolo and Villa Cimbrione

This exquisite mountaintop settlement is filled with manicured gardens, medieval streets, and ancient paths.

It boasts a lush green landscape as it is also home to a vineyard that stretches up and down the slopes of the hills.

When in Ravello, do not hesitate to visit a winery to taste some of the local varietals of grape that grow beautifully along the Amalfi Coast! 

Day 3: Furore and Vietri sul Mare

Today we will discover these two lesser known towns in the area, equally beautiful and representative of the Amalfi Coast as their more famous siblings like Positano.

Here’s your chance to get a bit off the beaten path and explore a more local side of Italian coastal life!

Morning: Furore

stairs leading to fjord of furore and the small beach and the water

Start the day early and head to Furore, home to a unique sight: the Fjord of Furore!

Not a true fjord, this sight is nevertheless fantastic: a hidden beach with magnificent scenery and a fantastic bridge offering breathtaking views of the Mediterranean.

You can access the beach cove by a designated trail or simply by heading to the arched bridge on the Amalfi Coast.

The imposing bridge stands at about 100 feet (30 meters) over the sea and creates one of the most spectacular landscapes that you can imagine!

Afternoon: Vietri sul Mare

the charming town of vietri sul mare with its famous church with the mosaic ceramic tower

You can now head to the end of the coastal highway and visit Vietri sul Mare, which is thought to be the oldest town along the Amalfi Coast and is absolutely worth visiting on any Amalfi itinerary.

Vietri is an important crafts center dedicated to the production of artistic ceramics, with its characteristically lively bright colors and original designs.

In Vietri, be sure to visit the Museum of Ceramics located in Villa Guariglia, featuring ceramics and pottery for everyday use, as well as typical Salerno ceramic arts and religious ceramic objects.

Another place to explore in Vietri is the imposing late Renaissance Church of Saint John the Baptist, with its unique dome and bell tower which are made of typical painted ceramics as well as ceramic and majolica interiors!

If you have extra time, you can also head to the gorgeous village of Conca de’ Marini where you can board a boat trip to visit the spectacular Emerald Grotto!

Day 4: Capri

gardens in upper capri with view of flowers, statue, and sea stacks below

One of the most magnificent destinations facing the Amalfi Coast is the small island of Capri!

While Capri is an island and thus not technically the Amalfi Coast, it is often combined with small towns on the coast on Amalfi itineraries.

While Capri is a place known for being a preferred summer destination for the international jet set, Capri has a lot more to offer than just luxury.

You can follow this itinerary or read my one day guide to Capri for more detail.

Morning: Arrive in Capri

colorful buildings and boats on capri harbor, an island off the amalfi coast

There are ferry boats several times a day connecting the mainland of Italy to Capri.

You can reach Capri from Amalfi, Sorrento, Positano, and even Naples and the ride is about €40 for a return ticket. Admire the stunning sea views as you make your way to the island.

Once on the island, get on a cable car to head up to Capri Town, the main city area.

Head to the Main Square for a walk and then visit the Gardens of Augustus, this is the perfect place to get amazing views of the Faraglioni.

Faraglione is the Italian word for sea stacks, a typical steep triangular rock near the coast, usually formed by erosion.

Capri’s Faraglioni, Scopolo, Mezza and Stella, are among the most famous sights of the Costiera!

You could also head up to Anacapri, another town on the island of Capri, for even better views over the Bay of Naples!

Alternative: Guided Tour of Capri

the green grotto of capri - not quite as famous as the blue grotto but worth a visit!

Alternately, if you want to leave the sightseeing and planning in someone else’s hands, you can opt for a guided tour of Capri from Sorrento!

This affordable day trip includes exploration of the Grotta Bianca and the Grotta Verde (White and Green Grottos — but not the Blue Grotto, although you can do that at your own expense!), as well as the Natural Arch of Capri, all by boat.

You’ll also get to see the Faraglioni and enjoy a swimming stop at Marina Piccola, as well as about 4-5 hours to explore the Capri at your own pace.

Book your tickets for a day in Capri from Sorrento here!

This tour is also quite similar, but it departs from Amalfi Coast towns such as Positano, Amalfi, and Praiano.

It also visits the Green and White Grottos (with an optional addition of the Blue Grotto on your own personal time) as well as swimming time at Marina Piccola and time to check out the sea stacks and town of Capri at your own speed (3-4 hours of exploration).

Book your tickets for Capri from Positano or Amalfi here!

Afternoon: The Blue Grotto

the intense color of the blue water in the blue grotto with a man in a small boat leaving the cave

Once you’ve checked out the gardens and faraglioni, and the nearby Via Krupp, go back to the Marina.

Here is where you can experience what might probably be the highlight of your trip, a boat tour to the incredible Blue Grotto!

These impressive sea caves feature dazzling light effects created by the blue waters and the interplay of light coming into the cave.

Depending on your budget, you can book a group tour (€15-25) per person, or pay a higher fee for a private tour on a gozzo boat (about €100 for a private boat, convenient if you are traveling with more people and not solo). These typical Capri boats will provide an authentic experience!

You can book your tour of the Blue Grotto online here, but note that you’ll also need to pay an additional €14 fee for entrance to the Blue Grotto — this cost only covers transportation to the grotto, not to enter it.

Day 5: Choose Your Own Adventure!

a town on the amalfi coast

On your last full day on the Amalfi Coast, you have many different options.

You can go back to the towns that have impressed you the most — perhaps you want to spend more time in Positano and use this day to walk the Path of the Gods before indulging in some more limoncello and tasty seafood.

Alternately, you can explore other coastal towns of the Amalfi Coast such as the gorgeous Maiori and Minori.

Finally, you can start making your way back to Naples with a day trip to Pompeii. Let’s see these possibilities!

Option One: Hike the Path of the Gods

Especially if you’re traveling in summer, it is a good idea to do this hike early in the morning, so it is a good idea to get an early start to avoid the worst of the summer sun.

Known in Italian as il Sentiero degli Dei, the path is an 8-mile (13-kilometer) roundtrip hiking trail that connects the villages of Bomerano and Nocelle.

It’s a rather intense hike. Although it’s rated moderate on AllTrails, expect nearly 2,500 feet of elevation change along the 8-mile out-and-back route.

I suggest reading this excellent guide to the Path of the Gods to help you plan your day if you choose this option!

You can also go with a guided tour like this one if you prefer company while you hike and to make sure you’re staying safe.

The whole hike usually takes about 5 hours if you go back the same way you came, but you can also just go one-way.

Remember that in order to get the best views, it is better to start from Bomerano and make your way to Nocelle — that way, you’ll get that stunning view of Positano at the end of the hike when you descend!

Don’t forget to carry enough water (I suggest a backpack with a hydration bladder inside it, so you can be sipping from it as you hike), wear appropriate hiking clothes, apply adequate sunscreen and sun protection, and of course — wear proper hiking boots.

Option Two: Maiori and Minori

the charming seaside town of maiori in italy with a sunflare

Maiori is a quiet historic town known for hosting the biggest beaches in the Amalfi Coast, including the gorgeous Erchie Beach with its magnificent tower overlooking the sea!.

Located between Amalfi and Ravello, Maiori is better known for its history as a seaside Roman baths and summer resort.

When in Maiori, don’t overlook the Norman Tower located over the main beach that dates back to 1563 and which was once known as the Torre dell’Angolo

Another place to visit in Maiori is the Saint Nicholas Castle, a mysterious fortress from the eleventh century, on top of a hill with gorgeous views over the bay

Next, make your way to Maiori’s sister village, Minori.

The best way to get there is via The Lemon Path (Sentiero dei Limoni)! This ancient footpath runs between Maiori and Minori, offering breathtaking views of the Amalfi Coast.

The path is a fairly easy hike, it is about 1.2 miles (2.5 kilometers) long each way and takes about an hour to hike, though there is a decent amount of elevation change.

Minori is an unpretentious little town with a beautiful beach and a history stretching back millennia, likely back to Etruscan times.

The colorful village has a relaxing and calm atmosphere and it is a perfect place to spend a half-day enjoying a lesser-known side of the Amalfi Coast.

This unassuming fishing town hosts a splendid ancient Roman villa from the first century AD, Villa Marittima Romana, one of the most important ancient sites on the whole Amalfi Coast.

The villa, which was probably the seaside residence of an influential Roman senator, features a beautiful open-air atrium with a central pool and dozens of mosaics and frescoes.

Option Three: Day Trip to Pompeii

the pathway through the ruins of pompeii in italy

If you feel you’ve seen enough of this stunning coastal area and want to start making your way back to Naples, you can devote the last day of your itinerary to visiting the important ruins of Pompeii, locally known as Pompeii Scavi.

Note that Pompeii is closed on Mondays, so don’t take this option if it’s Monday!

You can reach Pompeii by car or, even faster and easier, by train. However, I strongly recommend taking a day tour so you can have the important historical context that you need to make your trip to Pompei even more impactful.

To get to Pompeii, take the Campania Express train. It will take you about half an hour from Naples to Pompeii (or about 20 minutes from Sorrento).

The Campania Express is a special train along the Circumvesuviana train line with stops only at tourist sites. These trains run from March to October and the tickets are about €6 (from Naples train station) or €4 (from Sorrento train station). 

You can book a fantastic 3-hour tour via Take Walks or a shorter 2-hour tour via Get Your Guide, both of which include skip-the-line tickets and a knowledgeable, licensed tour guide.

Alternately, you can self-guide when you arrive, or you can also buy an entry ticket with an audioguide if you like to go at your own pace.

detail of some of the ruins of pompeii including vases and stone walls

Covering a surface of about 440,000 square meters, Pompeii was an actual entire city before its devastation, complete with streets, temples, squares, villas, theaters, baths, and shops.

Honestly, it would take a few days to explore the entire site of Pompeii completely, but you can get a pretty good idea of it on a day trip.

To get a general glimpse of the former buried city, you can follow a short itinerary that features the most important sites and that will easily give you a general picture of how life was in this ancient Roman settlement.

The best way to visit Pompeii is by relying on an organized tour that has already figured out the best sights, as they can provide you the most context which will bring the ruins of Pompeii to life.

If you just want to self-guide your own Pompeii tour, be sure not to miss the following sites (all tours will cover these in-depth, as well):

  • The Large Theater and the Odeon: two theaters in the same area, the first probably devoted to the performance of plays and the second one boasting incredible acoustics.
  • The Garden of the Fugitives (Orto dei Fuggiaschi): an old quarter named after bodies of 13 victims that died as they were trying to escape from the volcano eruption.
  • The Lupanar: the city’s brothel was with small cells and erotic frescoes, the building is easy to find by following the phallic symbols on facades of nearby buildings.
  • The Villa of Mysteries: a captivating and mysterious villa that probably belonged to a powerful family, located outside the city walls overlooking the sea.
  • The House of the Faun: one of the largest residences in Pompeii (around 3,000 square meters) with special areas for the servants.
  • The Forum: a large square with triumphal arches, public buildings, the basilica, the market, temples and other buildings. This area hosted the main civic, religious, and commercial activities.
view of pompeii with mt vesuvius in the background with ruins

Other options for this final day include full-day guided tours that also include a trip to Mt. Vesuvius — the volcano which caused all the destruction that lays before your eyes at Pompeii.

If you want to also visit Mt. Vesuvius, it’s best to do so on a guided tour that combines both sites to make transportation markedly easier. I recommend either this tour of Pompeii and Mt. Vesuvius leaving from Naples, or this one that departs from either Naples or Sorrento.

Book your full-day trip of Pompeii and Vesuvius from Naples or Sorrento here!

How to Get to the Amalfi Coast

rooftops and church dome with mosaic tiling in the fishing villages of the amalfi coast at sunset

The easiest and smartest way to get to the Amalfi Coast is to first reach Naples.

You can swiftly get to Naples by train from virtually any other Italian city. There are also frequent buses from Rome to Naples, which takes about 2.5 hours.

If you’re traveling from another European city, keep in mind that many low-cost airlines fly directly to Naples!

Once in Naples, you can either rent a car (recommended if you want the most flexibility with this Amalfi Coast itinerary) or take public transportation to get you around the Amalfi Coast (recommended if you’re uncomfortable with driving narrow coastal roads or are on a strict budget).

If you choose to rent a car, I recommend renting a car only once you arrive in Naples.

Even if you’re visiting other Italian cities beforehand, you likely won’t want a car in most Italian cities, but it’s a great option once you arrive in Naples and plan to hit the Amalfi Coast.

Not sure where to get the best price on your rental? Whenever I’m traveling Europe, I always use Discover Cars to find the best deal — they search over 500 car rental agencies (including little-known, destination-specific ones) to find the best price for your rental.

Check rental prices and availability from Naples Airport here!

If you’re not planning to drive, you’ll be relying on a combination of trains, buses, and potentially private cars in order to get around during your Amalfi Coast trip.

If you’re going west to east, I suggest taking the train from Naples to Sorrento, and then taking the bus or a private car to Positano to start your Amalfi Coast itinerary.

Alternately, if you’re going east to west, take the train from Naples to Salerno and then take a bus or a private car to Vietri Sul Mare.

How to Get Around the Amalfi Coast: Travel Tips & Key Things to Know

bridge on the amalfi coast going over water below and sea in the distance

The only land route along the Amalfi Coast is the State Road 163 (Strada Statale), from Positano to Vietri sul Mare.

You can rent a car and drive along the coast, taking the opportunity to make stops whenever you want.

This is what I strongly recommend, as long as you’re a confident driver! Taking an Amalfi Coast road trip offers you the most flexibility and ease.

Note for Americans (and other places where automatic cars are standard): Many rental car companies in Italy have fewer automatic cars in their inventory and many more manual cars. If you don’t know how to drive manual, or you just prefer automatic, you’ll want to book an automatic car as early as possible, so you can be sure to get one!

Another note about driving in Italy: If you’re not from the EU, there is a chance you will have to show your International Driving Permit. I didn’t have to the last time I rented a car in Italy, but there’s always a chance you will, so err on the side of caution and have yours ready.

It only costs $20 and will save you a hassle — especially if you’re pulled over and are asked to show your IDP. Fines can be costly — several hundred euros costly — if you don’t have one and are caught driving without it. Lesson one of Italy travel: tickets are expensive, so avoid them at all costs!

You can also travel along the Amalfi coast by bus. There are tickets valid for a 45-minute ride or a 90-minute ride (€2.40 or €3.60).

There are also one-day tickets and three-day tickets (€7.20 or €18). These last two are the best options for an extended Amalfi Coast itinerary like this one!

Tickets are normally purchased at the tabbachino (tobacco shop), bars, and at the giornalaio (newsstand).

Always ask for directions the bus stop when you purchase the ticket as there are no official bus stops (public transit can be confusing in Italy, hence my exhortations to rent a car!)

the amalfi coast town of amalfi town as seen from the water with white and colorful buildings on a sunny day with some clouds

Finally, you can travel by ferry. There are a few perks to traveling by ferry: it is a convenient way to move around from one town to the other, there are fewer crowds, and of course, the views are spectacular!

Ferries, however, stop in just a few of the coastal towns, including Sorrento, Positano, Amalfi, Minori, Maiori, Cetara, and Salerno.

Prices range from €9 to about €20 per ride, so this can get more costly than taking the bus, but it is less crowded and more scenic.

Tickets can be purchased at the ticket booths in town or near the ports.

One final note about getting around: If you’re prone to motion sickness at all, you’ll want to bring Dramamine for your travels around the Amalfi Coast!

Whether you travel by car or bus (winding roads with steep curves) or ferry (choppy waters), there’s a high chance of motion sickness if you are at all prone to it.

A little Dramamine will do you huge favors if you have strong motion sickness. If you prefer a more natural option, the non-drowsy ginger Dramamine is a great alternative.

When to Visit the Amalfi Coast

the beautiful beach in positano with its telltale umbrellas and blue sea and lots of small boats

The southern area of Italy is an ideal destination for summer!

During the hottest months of the year, you are more likely to enjoy this itinerary for the Amalfi Coast if you’re doing it by ferry.

The weather is often hot, but the seas are calm and it is also easier to visit extra places such as Capri. Take into account that in summer (high season) prices are higher and places overcrowded.

Autumn, spring, and winter will be better for those who prefer to drive or travel by bus along the coast.

If you had to pick one time, I’d say spring is the ideal time to visit: the temperatures are not extreme, making it easier and more pleasant to move around, and it is less crowded in spring than in fall.

However, the water will be colder than in fall, since it won’t have had the chance to heat up all summer long, so it’s not the best for swimming.

In general, the Amalfi Coast has a Mediterranean climate, with long and hot summers, while winters tend to be short and not so long — although there is always a slight chance of snow in the winter, so it’s definitely not beach weather!

Which City to Base Yourself in for an Amalfi Coast Itinerary

minori beach on the amalfi coast

The first answer would be that you should pick either Positano or Amalfi as your home base, since it is relatively easy to move west or east from there.

However, let’s explore these and other options in detail — and if you want even more detail, I have a full guide to where to stay on the Amalfi Coast, including accommodation suggestions for the 13 best Amalfi Coast towns!

Positano

Many consider Positano the prettiest of all the towns in the Amalfi Coast, plus it has the most guided tour options and accommodations.

However, prices tend to be high all year round in Positano… and not only when it comes to accommodations, but also food, restaurants, and entertainment.

If you can afford to splurge, then definitely book a hotel here as it’s the best option if price isn’t a concern!

LUXURY | Hotel Villa Franca is one of the most luxurious hotels along the entire Amalfi Coast — and staying here comes with an eye-watering price tag. However, you do really get the best of the best: two fine dining restaurants, a rooftop pool with mouth-dropping views, the ultra-luxurious O’Spa Wellness Center with a hammam, and spacious rooms with incredible views.

Check prices, availability, and reviews here!

MID-RANGE | Hotel Conca d’Oro is a great choice for a luxurious but not outrageous hotel in Positano. Right in the center of town, the room has spacious and beautifully-designed rooms with a minimalist eye for elegant detail. Most rooms have balconies with sweeping beautiful views and the terrace is a to-die-for place to watch the sunset.

Check prices, availability, and reviews here!

BUDGET | Relais Il Sogno de Positano is one of the more affordable options in Positano, although I would hesitate to call it truly ‘budget’. The rooms are vibrant, colorful, and spacious, with great views of the sea in the distance. It is a bit far from the main town area, which isn’t a bad trade-off considering the huge difference in price tag between this and other options in Positano.

Check prices, availability, and reviews here!

Sorrento

the red rooftops of the buildings in sorrento italy and the harbor and blue sea and cliffs in the distance

Personally, Sorento is my favorite town in the area, and it really doesn’t matter if it is not technically part of the Amalfi Coast.

Regardless of whether it’s part of the Amalfi Coast or not, you should absolutely see Sorrento during your trip!

Besides, staying in Sorrento will allow you to visit extra places at the end of your Amalfi Coast tour, including a day trip to Pompeii, Naples, and even the small islands of Capri, Procida, or Ischia.

As another pro in favor of staying in Sorrento, consider that Sorrento is bigger than the other villages, offering more accommodation options and better services, and yet the town remains small and charming.

However, keep in mind that if you choose Sorrento as your base, it will be necessary to wake up very early every day in order to move around and take advantage of the day.

In fact, Sorrento is quite far from most of the eastern towns on the coast, so that is something to keep in mind.

If you choose Sorrento, it may make more sense to spend a portion of the itinerary in Sorrento, and a portion elsewhere like Amalfi.

LUXURY | Grand Hotel Royal is the most elegant option in Sorrento, with a private beach with free parasols and sunbeds for its guests. The hotel also features its own private gardens filled with palm trees and other lush plant life. There are several on-site fine-dining restaurants as well as a stunning pool with sweeping views of the Gulf of Naples and Mt. Vesuvius.

Check prices, availability, and reviews here!

MID-RANGE | Accademia 39 is a charming boutique guesthouse is a lovely property right in the heart of Sorrento, just over 500 feet from Leonelli Beach. The design of the hotel is very whimsical and unique, with fun vintage details in the rooms. Its outdoor areas evoke the Amalfi Coast with lemon trees, yellow detailing, and stunning terraces with views over Sorrento.

Check prices, availability, and reviews here!

BUDGET | Il Palazzetto is a fantastic option with a rather affordable price tag. It has charming rooms set in 16th-century building right in the middle for Sorrento, just 350 feet from Piazza Tasso. The rooms are basic but clean, and a daily breakfast is included.

Check prices, availability, and reviews here!

Amalfi

the charming town of Amalfi, Italy with beach, mountains in the distance and charming cityscape

This might sound like the best idea, since it is located more or less in a central position, letting you reach every village with a relatively short ride.

This is the best option also when you are not driving and plan to move around with buses or ferries.

However, when it comes to accommodation, prices are also high since it is a very touristic area — but it also does have some of the best luxury options, too!

If you are trying to save some money during your trip, it can be a good idea to stay in smaller towns or to change accommodation, at least once during your five days in the Amalfi Coast as you move along the coast.

LUXURY | Borgo Sant’Andrea is technically located in Conca dei Marini, but it’s just a short walk away from Amalfi. This is one of the most luxurious hotels of the whole of the Amalfi Coast. It boasts many impressive amenities, plus one of the best infinity pools on the entire coastline. The rooms have sea views that will drop your jaw.

Check prices, availability, and reviews here!

MID-RANGE | Hotel Aurora is a lovely mid-range option just a short walk from the town of Amalfi, about a 7-minute walk away from the town’s beach. The hotel has its own private beach, as well as a lovely garden area with blooming bougainvillea plants. Some rooms have stunning sea views either from windows or balconies, and there is a breakfast terrace with great views of the Bay of Naples.

Check prices, availability, and reviews here!

BUDGET | Villa Maria Luigia is a great pick for an affordable place to stay near the town of Amalfi, about a 20-minute walk from town and a 2-minute walk from the nearest beach. The rooms are clean but basic, but guests rave about the hospitality and the view from the terrace!

Check prices, availability, and reviews here!

Alternative small towns for you to stay include:

the charming seascape of ravello on the amalfi coast with red flowers, an old church, terraced landscape, and tree with water with boats below
  • Ravello: This popular town along the Amalfi Coast has a ton to offer, and it is also home to one of the nicest luxury hotels in all of the Amalfi Coast! For a stunning luxury stay, consider Villa Cimbrone, which quite literally looks like a castle!
  • Praiano: This is a small village with a nice beach and quite good places to stay, perfect if you are driving. Tramanto d’Oro has rooms and amenities that would be double or even triple the price in Positano or Amalfi, so if you want luxury digs without the price tag, this is a great choice.
  • Minori: Another gorgeous seaside village with a large and very pretty beach, also great for driving. It has affordable and charming guesthouse options like Antica Rheginna which has gorgeous rooms for a reasonable price.

More Than 5 Days on the Amalfi Coast?

If you have more time — or if one of the days on this Amalfi itinerary didn’t quite sound like your cup of tea — you can add on or swap out one of these destinations.

Ischia 

the charming island of ischia in italy

This volcanic island located off the coast of Amalfi can be a cheaper and less-crowded alternative to Capri!

The island is certainly bigger and offers plenty to see, such as the Castello Aragonese, dramatically located on a rocky island linked to Ischia Ponte by a narrow bridge. 

Next up are the Hot Springs of Ischia, the volcanic island has over a hundred thermal springs with therapeutic waters.

You can choose to check these thermal baths in local water parks or luxurious spas. There are also thermal springs in Sorgeto Beach that you can enjoy for free! 

And if you’re in the mood for a quaint little town, then check Ischia Porto, a popular place to explore, starting with the charming Corso Vittoria Colonna, ideal for some shopping and grabbing either an espresso or some authentic and delicious gelato!

Salerno

the large town of salerno italy with churches harbor and more

If you prefer the lifestyle of a bigger town rather than the quaint villages with a tranquil atmosphere, then Salerno is a good place to visit. 

You can discover the Duomo of Salerno, a Romanesque church built back in the eleventh century.

Another place to visit in town is Villa Comunale di Salerno with its terrific landscaped garden, sculptures, exotic trees, and a small pond.

Finally, towering above the city, the Medieval Castle of Arechi stands 300 meters above the sea dominating the Gulf of Salerno.

Naples

famous galleries and buildings in the main downtown area of naples (napoli) italy - a good place to stop at the beginning or the end of your amalfi coast itinerary

The biggest and most important town in the Campania region is Naples, and it can be an excellent additional destination to add to your Amalfi itinerary if you can spend more time in the area!

Here, you can explore Piazza del Plebiscito, with the Royal Palace and the Basilica.

You can also visit the National Archaeological Museum or the fantastic, sixth century Castel dellOvo, the oldest remaining fortification in town.

And when it’s dinner time, nothing better than a slice of Neapolitan pizza (Naples is famous for its many delicious pizzerias) or a delicious portion of sweet and creamy pastiera napoletana.

7 Things to Do in Varenna, Lake Como’s Pastel Charmer

view of the facade of villa monastero and some gardens in the varenna area of lake como

A scenic former fishing village, Varenna is one of the most charming spots along the eastern shore of Lake Como.

With its colorful houses, lakeside promenade, and gorgeous villas, Varenna is the perfect place to spend a couple of incredible days on the lake.

During one of my many trips around Northern Italy, I traveled to Varenna and spent three days exploring the small village and its surroundings.

Like many towns on Lake Como, it’s a popular tourist destination, especially in the summer, and it’s easy to see why!

White flowers in flower boxes on the edge of a passageway through Lake Como's lakeside walkways with a view to the colorful red, orange and yellow houses

Although it’s a small village, Varenna offers a wide variety of activities and places to visit.

You can explore the charming town, enjoy good food, visit delightful gardens and villas, or even just kick back to relax at the beach. 

Keep reading to find the best things to do in Varenna!

Tips for Visiting Varenna

Colorful town and houses in red and yellow colors with green and blue shutters surrounded by foliage and trees

Varenna is one of the absolutely must-see places on any road trip around Lake Como.

At the same time, the village is easy to reach by train from Milan, so it can also provide a perfect escape from the busy city.

One thing to think about when planning your trip is that Lake Como is a popular tourist destination virtually year-round.

Locals from nearby big cities, especially Milan, often head to the lake for a weekend getaway. 

Of course, the village is even more popular in summer when many people want to escape from the city and enjoy the nature surrounding the lake.

If you’re hoping to visit Varenna in the summer, be prepared to pay higher prices for your accommodations, and expect big crowds. You may also want to book your accommodation in advance, so you have more choices. 

Villa Monastero gardens in Italy with pink flowers and pillar and view fo the town in the distance as well as the lake

Bottom line, while Varenna is an incredible summer destination, if you can avoid the peak months, I’d recommend it.

Spring and fall are generally better seasons for visiting most of the highly popular tourist destinations around Italy, and Varenna is no exception.

With that said, given Varenna’s location in the north of Italy, you should also consider that temperatures in winter, early spring, and late fall will be considerably colder. 

Although you could just stop for a day in Varenna and check out most of the main sights, I strongly suggest spending at least a night there.

There’s plenty of things to see and do, and one day may not be enough. 

One last tip: given the cobblestone alleys and many stairways around the village, I recommend packing comfortable shoes.

Things to Do in Varenna

view onto lake como from the pillared archway open-air window style viewpoint at villa monastero

Now that you’ve figured out your travel arrangements, it’s time to ask the real question: what should you actually do in Varenna?

From strolling around and enjoying beautiful lake views to visiting a gorgeous villa or hiking in the nearby mountains, Varenna certainly doesn’t lack options! 

Here are my favorite ways to spend one or two days in this wonderful village.

Explore the town.

an archway in the central town of varenna with view down to the lake from a viewpoint up on a hill

First of all, you’ll want to get familiar with Varenna by wandering around and exploring the narrow cobblestone alleys, stairways, and little squares.

The village is spread out over the side of a hill, offering scenic views over the lake and delightful little alleyways lined with colorful houses.

Be sure to check out the main square, Piazza San Giorgio, pay a visit to the lovely Church of San Giorgio, and stroll along the charming Via XX Settembre.

From there, you’ll find several alleys and stairways leading to the lakeside street Riva dei Marmisti.

the church in the main town area of varenna with a belltower with a clock on it

To immerse yourself in the local culture, you can explore small art galleries, souvenir shops, and cafés.

Stop for a drink at the renowned Bar Il Molo or enjoy a coffee at Al Barilott for an even more local feel.

Lastly, you can spend a few hours relaxing on one of the beaches in Varenna, like the small one at Contrada del Molo di Sotto, near Villa Cipressi, or the one just north of the ferry station.

As an alternative, you can get a lounger at Olivedo Lido and soak in the sun while sipping a cocktail.

Visit Castello di Vezio.

castle vezio with its distinctive ghost sculptures

The lovely Castello di Vezio is an imposing 12th-century castle standing on a promontory overlooking Lake Como.

While getting there requires a moderately challenging uphill hike, this castle is the best spot in Varenna to enjoy a gorgeous panoramic view of the lake.

The incredible medieval castle is surrounded by lush greenery, providing a peaceful setting to enjoy the view.

This gorgeous scenery alone is a good reason to visit, but there’s still so much more to discover — including its unique sculpture ghost installations.

You can also visit the castle’s dungeons, the tower, and the botanical garden.

Depending when you time your visit, you can often find temporary art exhibitions.

The castle is open daily from March 1st to November 1st, but during the winter, it’s only open on weekends when the weather is good.

Admission is pretty affordable — only a 5€ entry fee.

Stroll around the gardens of Villa Monastero.

view of the facade of villa monastero and some gardens in the varenna area of lake como

If you have time to visit just one place in Varenna, make it the gardens of Villa Monastero.

The villa is among the most important historical landmarks in the area, looking out over the lake and offering beautiful views.

Villa Monastero has a long history, dating all the way back to the 12th century when a monastery was in its place – hence the name.

During the 17th century, the monastery was transformed into a gorgeous residence. 

The current villa was renovated in the 19th century but thankfully this preserved the layout of the earlier residence.

You can access the interior and check out the 19th-century decorations and furniture.

The gardens of the villa monastero with purple flowers and small miniature palm trees with pillars and looking out onto the lake

While the villa’s interior is nice, if you ask me, the best part is the garden!

With beautiful statues, fountains, and manicured flower beds, the gardens are a perfectly peaceful setting for a leisurely walk.

The villa is open to visitors from the beginning of March to early November.

You can choose between just visiting the botanical garden or getting a combo ticket for the garden and museum. 

Walk the Passeggiata degli Innamorati.

lakeside street with red tunnel with foliage growing on the tunnel and boats in the harbor and candy colored buildings

Varenna has a lovely lakeside promenade extending all along the village known as Passeggiata degli Innamorati, or Lovers’ Promenade.

This charming pedestrian path starts at the pier of Varenna and ends in the town center.

The path is short, but packed with many scenic spots to enjoy the view and take beautiful pictures.

You can admire the colorful buildings facing Molo Riva Grande and the mountains on the opposite lakeshore.

Go on a hike.

small pedestrian archway bridge and stream and stone architecture and beautiful green forest everywhere surrounding the hiking pathway

If you’re up for a bit of physical activity, Varenna has convenient access to one of the most popular hiking trails in the area, Sentiero del Viandante.

The trail covers roughly 45 kilometers (28 miles), starting in Abbadia Lariana and ending in Piantedo.

From Varenna, you can walk the shortest trail north to Bellano, which takes two to three hours one-way, or opt for a longer hike south to Lierna.

You can hike out and back or catch the train on your way back to Varenna.  

Join a cooking class or dining experience.

Person in a Sicily cooking class creating tiramisu with whipped mascarpone, lady finger cookies and espresso or cocoa powder

If you have a bit of extra time to spend in Varenna and want to have a local experience, you can join a fun activity like a cooking class or a dining experience.

During the three hours of this pasta and tiramisu cooking class, you can learn to make two pasta types and the iconic tiramisu, then eat everything in good company.

If you don’t want to get your hands dirty, you can attend a cooking demonstration and just focus on eating during this dining experience at a local’s house.

This is the perfect opportunity to connect with locals while enjoying a delicious, home-cooked lunch or dinner.

Hop on a ferry to other villages.

The lakefront view of the Menaggio, with a large belltower, pastel colored houses in yellow and green tones, and a boat in front of the town promenade

Last but not least, if you want to spend several days on the lake, Varenna has convenient ferry connections to other villages, including direct ferry rides to Bellagio, Griante, and Menaggio.

Hopping on a ferry is the perfect opportunity to enjoy views of Varenna from a few different perspectives.

Ferry tickets vary depending on the destination, but they’re fairly affordable, starting from just around 3€.

7 Lovely Things to Do in Lecco, Lake Como’s Underrated Gem

View of the town of Lecco in the country of italy near lake como with belltower, mountains, and boats in the harbor

Lecco is a true hidden gem on Lake Como’s southeastern branch.

The area’s city sits at the southeastern tip of Lake Como, where the lake narrows into the Adda River before expanding again to form Lake Garlate.

Even though it’s the largest city in the southeastern region of the lake, Lecco is actually one of the less popular places on Lake Como, often overshadowed by the more famous Como or smaller villages like Varenna and Bellagio. 

Despite this, it’s absolutely worth visiting if you travel to Lake Como and have a few days to explore.

Two pillars on a lakeside promenade with a view of the mountain in the distance and a belltower

On one of my most recent trips from Milan to Lake Como, I got to spend some time in Lecco and I really enjoyed exploring the quaint city!

While it may lack the picturesque and colorful vibes of the smaller villages, it more than makes up for it with beautiful lakeside promenades, museums, and hiking areas.

Tips for Visiting Lecco

Lecco's famous clock tower and some boats on the water in the winter season with trees with bare branches (no leaves)

You can enjoy a pleasant stay in Lecco any time of the year, but shoulder months provide the best balance of good weather, lower prices, and smaller crowds.

For that best blend, April to May and late September are the best periods for visiting Lecco.

Of course, you can also visit the city in the summer!

However, while Lecco may be among the lesser-visited places on the lake, it can still get crowded (and expensive!) in the peak tourist season from June to early September.

Winter, on the other hand, is the best season for a crowd-free visit — and it won’t be super cold either.

Thanks to the surrounding mountains forming a bit of a barrier, Lecco tends to have milder temperatures than, say, Milan in winter.

With that said, you can still expect rain and gray skies throughout most of the winter months.

As for the time necessary to see all of Lecco, I would say one day is enough to explore the city and check out the main landmarks.

Spend a night in Lecco if you want to visit the museums and hike in the mountains nearby.

Things to Do in Lecco, Italy

Lecco is perhaps best known as the setting of Alessandro Manzoni’s most famous novel, The Betrothed. As such, the city features various spots related to the novel, including an entire museum dedicated to the author.

While Italians are generally familiar with the novel, most foreigners are unlikely to have read it.

However, it can still be interesting to check out the museum and places mentioned in the novel to learn more about it, and you might even decide to give the novel a try! 

Not convinced? Don’t worry! If you’re not interested in literature, there is plenty to do in Lecco.

Wander around town and enjoy the view.

Views of the Lecco area with churches and mountains and belltowers and boats on the water

Lecco may be one of the largest cities on Lake Como, but you can easily walk around the historical center and to all the important landmarks.

While you’re wandering around, check out the lakefront Piazza XX Settembre, stroll along Via Roma, and look for the iconic Monument to Manzoni.

From Piazza XX Settembre, you can walk along the lakeshore on Lungolario Isonzo and stop off in the small lakefront park.

Two people walking on the lake promenade in the summer or shoulder season months wearing warm weather clothing

The area offers an iconic view of Lecco’s bell tower, Campanile di San Nicolò, against the stunning backdrop of the mountains.

North of the bell tower, you can continue walking along the pedestrian way Lungolago di Lecco while enjoying even more beautiful lake views.

Visit the Church of Saint Nicolò and climb the bell tower.

A close up of the clock on the bell tower in Lecco

The Neoclassical Church of Saint Nicolò has a gorgeous interior with pink marble columns and beautiful frescoes by Giotto.

While the striking tower often steals the show, it’s worth visiting the church interior too!  

At 96 meters (315 feet) in height, Campanile San Nicolò, also known as Campanile di Lecco (literally “Lecco’s Bell Tower”), is one of the tallest in Europe.

You can visit the bell tower on a guided tour, and climb the 396 steps to enjoy a spectacular 360°-view of Lecco, the lake, and the surrounding mountains.

Plan ahead before your trip, though, since online booking is necessary to climb the tower.

You can check the tower’s website and pick a date to book the guided tour. 

Opening days and times can vary depending on the season, so check all the details ahead of time. The entire guided tour lasts roughly one hour.

Explore the open-air museum of Pescarenico.

Boats on the water in the Pescarenico area of lecco

Pescarenico is a small district of Lecco, made famous as the only place explicitly mentioned in Manzoni’s The Betrothed.

In the 16th century, Pescarenico was a small fishing village centered around the main square in the village, Piazza Era.

The area has maintained the charm of an old-time village, with historical, colorful houses and a small port.

Even if you haven’t read Manzoni’s novel, you can enjoy wandering around this picturesque area along with the lovely lake view.

Check out the exhibitions at Palazzo delle Paure.

a white building with brown arched windows and details of the setting's architecture with mountains in the background

Palazzo delle Paure is a neo-medieval building from the early 20th century.

The name of the building literally translates to “Palace of Fears” and dates back to when the building housed the customs and finance offices (fearful indeed!).

Today, Palazzo delle Paure is home to one of the most important museums in Lecco.

The second floor houses a permanent contemporary art exhibition, while the ground floor is dedicated to temporary exhibitions.

Visit Villa Manzoni to see the city’s historical legacy.

a villa in italy with foliage surrounding it on a cloudy day
Photo Credit: By luca_s – Own work, CC BY-SA 4.0, Wikimedia Commons

Villa Manzoni holds a significant place in both Lecco and the life and literary works of Alessandro Manzoni.

The villa belonged to the writer’s family and inspired him to write the very first lines of his masterpiece!

If you want to learn more about the celebrated author, Villa Manzoni is the best place to go.

The museum is entirely dedicated to the life and works of Manzoni, housing antique furniture and original artworks. 

You can get a ticket just for the Villa Manzoni or a combined ticket, which includes entry to Palazzo delle Paure.

Hike to Crocione San Martino.

People hiking on a pathway above Lake Como in the summer wearing shorts and using hiking walking sticks

Crocione San Martino is a large cross standing at the top of Monte San Martino, the iconic mountain that towers over Lecco.

The scenic viewpoint offers one of the best views over Lake Como, but the hike is actually quite challenging!

The loop trail is roughly 6 kilometers (3.7 miles) long and takes around four hours, but the trail isn’t for everyone, as it includes portions of actual rock climbing, but it’s a great workout for experienced hikers.

Don’t worry if you’re not feeling up for this intense hike, though! There are alternative trails to reach Crocione San Martino. 

Sentiero dei Pizzetti (starting from Via Stelvio) is the most difficult, while Sentiero da Rancio (starting from Via Paradiso) is still challenging but more accessible. 

Admire the view from Belvedere Parco Valentino.

A vantage point on a cliff with a view of the lake como alps and mountains around it

One scenic viewpoint close to Lecco that somehow beats the one from Crocione San Martino is Belvedere Parco Valentino. 

A viewing platform extends from the mountain toward the lake, offering a panoramic view of the surrounding landscape. For my money, this is probably the most beautiful view in Lombardy.

The viewing platform is high up, so it’s important to go on a clear day. On a cloudy day, you may even find yourself above the clouds, which is admittedly a unique experience, but you won’t get to see much of the lake. 

As you might expect, sunset is a great time to visit, as the gorgeous light illuminates the entire region for a truly magical effect.

The only downside to this place is that it’s not very easy to reach, but there are a couple options! 

The easiest way is by car. You can drive about 40 minutes from Lecco, park in Piani Resinelli, and then walk for half an hour to the viewpoint. 

If you don’t have access to a car, you can also get there by bus number 7. The bus stops roughly 10 minutes away from the parking lot.

9 Things to Do in Ragusa, Sicily: A Baroque Gem

a view of ragusa sicily from above

Picture a gorgeous hilltop city tucked between the smaller foothills, standing out against the Sicilian landscape.

Better yet, it’s close to busier, popular tourist spots on the island like Siracusa (Syracuse) and Catania — yet it’s nice and quiet.

For those reasons (and more), I visited Ragusa on one of my trips around Sicily and never regretted a moment of it.

Quickly, I fell in love with its beautiful Baroque architecture, perhaps the most prominent feature of Ragusa.  

But there’s a tragic back story to Ragusa’s current layout and architecture, with a clear distinction between the historical center and the modern area.

Views of the old baroque town of Ragusa Ibla in Sicily, built in the historical style after an earthquake ruined much of the city

The city as you see it today is the result of a devastating earthquake back in 1693: it destroyed dozens of cities and towns over eastern Sicily, and even more tragically, it wiped out over half of Ragusa’s population.

But like a phoenix from the ashes — the city built itself back in a beautiful late Baroque style as part of its earthquake recovery efforts, and it emerged more beautiful than before.

This unique architectural story that earned Ragusa and other nearby towns one of tourism’s highest distinctions: UNESCO recognition, as a World Heritage Site known as Late Baroque Towns of the Val di Noto. 

When to Visit Ragusa

Narrow scenic street in Ragusa. The tattered facades of old townhouses line the street and you can see a  dome of a church visible at the end of the narrow lane. No one in the shot.

While Ragusa isn’t quite as busy as some Sicilian tourist hotspots, like Taormina and Agrigento, it’s still one of the most recommended spots in Sicily.

True, the crowds aren’t as overwhelming as some of the bigger tourist areas, but you can still expect the peak summer to be busy and pricy, especially as Sicily basks in its post-White Lotus glow.

As with virtually all of Sicily, late spring and early fall are the ideal times to visit.

Winter is, of course, also a possibility.

But frankly, Sicily — and in particular its smaller towns and cities like Ragusa — really shuts down over the winter.

While you’ll save money, it’s not the best time to enjoy the island.

Plus, due to its location being both more inland and at a higher altitude than most of the island, Ragusa tends to have slightly harsher winters than the rest of Sicily.

If you’re hoping to visit between December and February, be sure to pack warm clothes! On the brighter side, you’ll find much smaller crowds.

How Many Days to Spend in Ragusa?

The Baroque Saint George cathedral with its ornate facade in the Duomo Square area of Ragusa Sicily. Small palm and red flowers in foreground.

The city is quite small, but visitors can find many things to do in Ragusa if you want to enjoy it to its fullest.

If you can spend at least one night in Ragusa, you can take it slow and take your time checking out the lesser-known areas nearby.

However, if you’re driving around Sicily and have a packed itinerary, you can visit it in one day or less and still see the main sights.

Best Things to Do in Ragusa

Pink pastel cityscape of Ragusa town with Church of St Mary of the Stairs and belltower and clouds in the distance

First, a quick note to get you oriented.

The city of Ragusa is divided into two main areas: Superiore and Ibla.

Superiore is the modern area with organized streets and shopping areas, while Ibla is the historical core of Ragusa.

While most people tend to explore Ragusa Ibla for its Baroque beauty, the modern area is also lovely and offers spectacular views over the historical center.

Here is what you can do in both areas of charming Ragusa!

Wander around Ragusa Superiore.

View from Ragusa Superiore to Ragusa Ibla on a sunny day where you can see the entire city laid out beautifully on a clear day

Ragusa Superiore is the go-to place for shopping and eating, with a wide variety of restaurants and boutiques to peruse.

It’s also great to find scenic spots to admire the view over Ragusa Ibla. 

Despite being the more modern area, you’ll also find beautiful Baroque churches, palaces, and museums.

You can also stroll through the quaint Villa Margherita, admire ancient Greek and Roman artifacts at the archaeological museum, and enjoy delicious food. 

Stop off at Camiolo for pizza, or La Taverna Del Lupo for delicious Sicilian dishes. 

Stop by the stunning Cathedral of San Giovanni Battista.

Blue sky background behind the lovely Baroque structure called Cattedrale di San Giovanni Battista (St. John Cathedral) in the UNESCO listed Baroque town of Ragusa

Located in Ragusa Superiore, the lavish Cathedral of San Giovanni Battista is a must-see stop.

Featuring elaborate Baroque architecture and a museum with religious arts and artifacts, this cathedral has a bit of everything you want in an Italian church.

There’s even a bell tower offering sweeping city views!

Explore Ragusa Ibla.

While Ragusa Superiore is worth some of your time, to be honest, you’ll probably want to spend more time exploring the smaller but more picturesque Ragusa Ibla.

The historical center of Ragusa is a compact gathering of houses with picturesque alleys and gorgeous churches.

Take some time to wander around the cobweb of narrow streets and stairways and check out the charming souvenir stores.

Be sure to stop and admire the beautiful Portale di San Giorgio, one of the few landmarks to survive the 1693 earthquake.  

Wander around Giardino Ibleo.

The famous gardens in Ragusa Ibla of Sicily with palm trees, fountain, and hedges

While in the Ibla area, be sure to enjoy a peaceful stroll around Giardino Ibleo.

This lovely public garden that offers a serene setting to escape the crowds, complete with palm trees, fountains, and benches to sit in the shade.

Bonus: you can also visit the beautiful Church of San Giacomo Apostolo in the heart of the garden!

Visit the city’s beautiful Baroque churches.

staircase leading up to baroque church in ragusa sicily on a sunny summer day with flowers and trees

You can visit spectacular Baroque churches in both Ragusa Superiore and Ragusa Ibla.

These striking buildings, built after the destructive 1693 earthquake, are the prime reason why Ragusa was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site along with eight other places, including Noto, Catania, Acireale, and Modica.

In addition to the cathedral in Ragusa Superiore which we mentioned above, you can visit many other gorgeous churches.

A few of those include: the stunning Duomo di San Giorgio; the Church of Saint Joseph; Chiesa delle Santissime Anime del Purgatorio; and the Church of St Mary of the Stairs (bonus: it also offers stunning views over Ragusa Ibla!)

Be stunned by the Palazzo Arezzo Di Trifiletti.

Flowers on the baroque balustrade of the Arezzo Palace in the main square of Ragusa Ibla aka the old part of the city

Palazzo Arezzo di Trifiletti is a historic building in Ragusa Ibla that has been in the aristocratic Arezzo family since its construction following the 1693 earthquake.

The beautiful building looks out over the Duomo of San Giorgio and preserves the furniture and decorations of the 1800s following its last renovation.

The coolest thing about this building is that you can join a guided in-person tour with the current owner of the house.

They will show you around and tell you fun facts about the palace and the Arezzo family heritage!

You can book the visit in advance by filling out the contact form on the official website.

Enjoy panoramic city views from its viewpoints.

The beautiful street scenes of Ragusa ibla with pink, white, and pale stone architecture

One of the best things to do in Ragusa is to look for vantage points to admire the stunning view over Ragusa Ibla and the surrounding valley.

You’ll find several incredible viewpoints around Ragusa Superiore as well as outside the city, in the hiking area east of Ragusa Ibla.

Check out the views from Mirador de Ragusa Ibla, the nearby Percorso delle Scale, the Panoramica su Ragusa Ibla on Corso Mazzini, and Panoramica su Ragusa e su Ibla at Ospedale Arezzo.

Of course, the whole area is full of beauty, so keep an eye out for other spots offering sweeping views.

Join a Sicilian cooking class.

sicily sardines with orange and stuffed with delicious filling

If you spend more time in Ragusa, this Private Cooking Class at a Local’s Home is a great way to connect with the locals and take home a special memory (and some recipes to relive those memories any time you want).

Learning from an experienced home cook and eating the delicious fruits of your labor is just one perk: perhaps better yet is that it offers you a unique way to get to know the locals and their way of living.

The activity lasts roughly three hours, during which you’ll prepare a starter, pasta, and dessert, all paired with delicious local Sicilian wines, of course.

You’ll leave with new cooking skills to show off at your next dinner party or date night!

Cross the bridges for beautiful views.

Ragusa is also known in Italy as Città dei Ponti or City of Bridges in English.

This nickname is due to the three main bridges over the Valley of Santa Domenica: Ponte Vecchio, Ponte Nuovo, and Ponte Papa Giovanni XXIII.

Fun fact: the bridge names are quite literal!

Ponte Vecchio (Old Bridge) is the oldest, built in 1843 in Roman style. Inversely, Ponte Nuovo (New Bridge) was built in 1937.

Ponte Papa Giovanni XXIII, built in 1964, is also known as Ponte Nuovissimo, which means Brand New Bridge.

15 Wonderful Things to Do in Naples in Winter

view of a snow capped volcano mt Vesuvius as seen from a hill in Naples in winter

If you’re looking for a popular winter vacation destination with fewer crowds, Naples is the perfect destination for you!

Located in Southern Italy, Naples has mild winters, making it the ideal city to explore in the off-season.

Over my 15 years living in Italy, I traveled to Naples on multiple occasions and winter may just be my favorite season to visit the city! 

A winter scene with lights in Naples Italy in the gallery

Although some popular areas and attractions may still be slightly busy, you’ll get to enjoy pleasant strolls around the city center, visit stunning museums, enjoy delicious food, and even take a few nice day trips nearby.

In this guide to visiting Naples in winter, you’ll find a bit of everything.

There’s interesting museums, impressive archaeological sites, all the best shopping spots, and even the most festive places to experience the Christmas atmosphere.

Things to Do in Naples in Winter

Check out the Presepe display on Via San Gregorio Armeno.

Pink-toned Bell Tower of the church of San Gregorio Armeno, which is located above Via San Gregorio Armeno. This famous narrow street has colorful displays of Nativity scenes in winter in Naples.

If there is just one thing you absolutely have to do in winter in Naples, it’s taking a beautiful stroll along Via San Gregorio Armeno to admire the Presepe displays.

Presepe is the Italian term for the nativity scene, and it’s a long-standing, cherished tradition in Naples.

You’ll see a Presepe in most Italian squares during Christmas time, but Via San Gregorio Armeno is the go-to place to admire these elaborate and beautiful displays.

A Presepe Christmas nativity scene which you can admire in Naples in winter on the famous streets that are known for them

While Christmas is the time when everyone shops for figurines and decorations to make their Presepe at home, on this particular street in Naples, you can see them year-round.

Of course, the best time to visit the renowned street, also known as Presepe Street, is from early November through mid-December.

It’s probably best to avoid the days surrounding Christmas and New Year’s Eve unless you’re a fan of crowds. 

No matter when you visit Naples, don’t forget to check out this lively street!

Enjoy exploring the city with fewer crowds.

A street scene view in the large Southern Italian city of naples -- staircase, balconies, street scene in the city, with stairs, buildings, etc.

The best part of visiting Naples in winter is being spared the huge crowds that overtake the city during summer.

From November to February (except, of course, for the Christmas holidays!) you can take your time to explore the city with much fewer crowds.

It’s also true that Naples has mild winters, so more and more people are opting to visit during the off-season.

Nevertheless, you can still enjoy a relatively empty city, shorter lines for the biggest attractions, and overall, just a more pleasant visit.

Check out the imposing Piazza del Plebiscito, explore the popular Via Toledo, go window shopping on Via Chiaia, and stroll along the Lungomare di Napoli for beautiful views of the sea and Mt. Vesuvius in the background.

Get festive at the Christmas Markets in Vomero.

Christmas ornaments as seen as a market in Vomero, Naples

Naples isn’t exactly renowned for its Christmas markets, but the tradition has started to gain popularity, so you can now find a few markets, mainly in the Vomero neighborhood.

Vomero is a lively hilltop district around the central square of Piazza Vanvitelli.

The area is best known for the medieval fortress, Castel Sant’Elmo, and the scenic views of the Gulf of Naples.

However, the neighborhood is also the best place in Naples for Christmas decorations and markets.

The Christmas markets in Vomero run from early December until January 6th.

You can find stalls selling Christmas decorations, local food and drinks, and souvenirs around Piazza degli Artisti, Via Enrico Alvino, and Via Angelica Kauffmann.

Visit the hilltop Castel Sant’Elmo.

View of the clocktower of the Castel st Elmo in Vomero Hill in Naples with view of the bay, people viewing the castle in winter clothing.

While in Vomero, you should also pay a visit to the stunning Castel Sant’Elmo.

Perched at the top of the Vomero hill, the medieval fortress stands on the site of a 12th-century fortified residence.

This castle offers spectacular panoramic views of the city, the Gulf of Naples, and of course, a snow-capped Mt. Vesuvius dominating the bay.

In summer, Castel Sant’Elmo is among the most popular tourist attractions in Naples, especially around sunset, when the view of the gulf is even more stunning. In winter, you can enjoy a crowd-free visit. 

However, nearly the entire visit is outdoors, so this might not be the best place on a rainy day — check the weather before planning this part of your Naples winter outing!

If you’re around on a clear winter day, you should head to Castel Sant’Elmo just before sunset. You can pair this with a visit to the nearby Christmas markets!

Even better, the entrance fee is really cheap! Visit on a Tuesday or any other day after 4 PM, and you’ll only pay 2.5€.

Discover Certosa e Museo di San Martino

Beautiful cloister in the Vomero Hill area with ornate arches and doorways in the building

Just below Castel Sant’Elmo, Certosa di San Martino is a former monastery complex overlooking Naples from the Vomero hill.

The monastery was built in the 14th century and expanded several times later before ultimately being turned into its current form as a museum

Today, Certosa di San Martino houses the National Museum of San Martino.

Inside, you can admire several works of art and artifacts from the Spanish and Bourbon eras, from paintings and sculptures to carriages and ships.

If you ask me, the best things to see in the museum are the traditional presepe displays (Nativity scenes), which make this the perfect place to visit in Naples in winter.

However, don’t forget to check out the monumental courtyard with its beautiful cloisters.

Admire the Veiled Christ at Museo Cappella Sansevero

Veiled christ statue in one of the chapels in Naples, the most famous statue in the city
Cristo Velato statue | Photo Credit: David Sivyer, CC BY-SA 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons

The Veiled Christ, Cristo Velato in Italian, is one of the main things to see in Naples.

The sculpture is considered one of the world’s great masterpieces, a white marble sculpture that will leave you in awe of its incredible life-like details.

The sculptor Giuseppe Sanmartino sculpted the Veiled Christ from a single marble block, which is impressive enough.

But the detailed rendering of the transparent veil covering Christ’s body and his face is what makes the sculpture awe-inspiring.

The representation is so realistic that many believed it was created through alchemy!

You can admire the stunning sculpture and many others in the Sansevero Chapel, a 16th-century family chapel that is now a museum.

The chapel is among Naples’ most popular tourist attractions, so get your tickets online in advance.  

You can also join a guided tour that includes entry to the Sansevero Chapel along with a tour of downtown Naples with stops at other landmarks like the Naples Cathedral, Santa Chiara Monumental Complex, and Chiesa Del Gesù Nuovo.

Book this Downtown Tour and Veiled Christ Entry a few days before your visit.

Discover the underground side of Naples.

Underground portion of Naples with interesting iconography on a crypt underground

If you happen to be in Naples on a cold and rainy day, the best way to escape the bad weather is to join a tour of Naples Underground.

You’ll head beneath the modern city to discover its history dating back to ancient Greek times!

A whole complex of archaeological discoveries lies beneath the city, unveiling what Naples looked like as far back as 2,400 years ago.

The only way to explore this area of Naples is with a guided tour that will lead you through narrow galleries and remains of Roman buildings.

The most popular experience is this Naples Underground Guided Tour in the heart of the city.

However, other underground tours are available, like this Bourbon Tunnel Guided Tour or the Catacombs of San Gennaro.

Visit the magnificent Castel Nuovo.

Woman in winter weather clothing standing in front of the castle Nuovo in Naples, with an italian flag flying, an indoor and outdoor castle complex great to visit in colder months

Unlike Castel Sant’Elmo, Castel Nuovo has several indoor areas you can explore, including the Civic Museum and the Palatine Chapel.

This helps make it the perfect place to visit on a cold and rainy winter day in Naples!

Castel Nuovo, also known as Maschio Angioino, was built under the reign of Charles I of Anjou in the late 13th century.

The stunning castle is located in a scenic location close to the sea and was named Castel Nuovo (New Castle) to distinguish it from the older Castel dell’Ovo.

Inside Castel Nuovo, you can explore the imposing rooms and halls, visit the Palatine Chapel and the Chapel of the Souls in Purgatory, and check out beautiful works of art inside the Civic Museum.

Access to all available areas of the castle is only 6€, which is a great deal for how much you get to see!

Admire Naples’ art museums.

Museo di Capodimonte at museum located in the Palace of Capodimonte, a grand Bourbon palazzo in Naples, Italy.

There are lots of art museums in Naples which are the best place to spend a rainy winter day.

One cool such museum is the Museo di Capodimonte, located in a Bourbon-era palazzo called Palace of Capodimonte.

This museum features classical works, such as pieces by Caravaggio and Titian, so it’s more for the fans of the classics.

If you’re an admirer of contemporary art, be sure to check out the Palazzo delle Arti di Napoli, also known as PAN.

The museum is inside a historical 17th-century building and houses various art exhibitions, from paintings and sculptures to photography and visual arts.

The exhibitions at PAN change every few months, so you’ll have to check what’s on when you visit Naples.

Depending on the exhibition, entry may be free or there may be a small fee. 

However, the great thing about PAN is that it stays open until 7:30 PM!

That makes it the perfect place to visit in the late afternoon when it tends to get cold outside.

Check out the Naples National Archaeological Museum.

building entrance to the Naples archaeology museum in a salmon pink ornate building with italian flag on top of it

The Naples Archeological Museum (or MANNMuseo Archeologico Nazionale di Napoli) is one of the best museums you can visit in Naples.

MANN is home to one of the richest archaeological collections in the world, including many artifacts unearthed during the excavations of Pompeii and Herculaneum (both of which you can visit from Naples, as well).

The Egyptian collection, the Farnese collection of Roman antiquities, the collection of daily life objects from the Vesuvian area, and the Magna Graecia collection are just a few of the impressive collections you can see in the museum.

Even better, you can admire frescoes from Pompeii and sculptures from the Villa of Papyri in Herculaneum.

The museum is huge, so you should set aside a few hours for your visit.

Aside from the permanent collection, you’ll often find temporary exhibitions, too.

The entry ticket gives you access to the museum for two consecutive days, so you can also split your visit across two days if you really want to see everything!

Take a half-day trip to Pompeii or Herculaneum Archaeological Sites

interesting mosaic work in pompeii on the floor of a building

Visiting the archaeological sites near Naples in winter has two main advantages: avoiding the huge summer crowds, and enjoying a pleasant stroll without the unbearable heat of a southern Italian summer.

I visited Pompeii in February, and it was the best timing, a pleasant sunny day with just under 20°C (68°F) and only a small crowd that immediately spread out around the huge site, leaving me to wander in peace.

With some luck, you can have a similar experience any time from November to February at both Pompeii and Herculaneum.

Herculaneum is much closer to Naples, less than a 20-minute train ride from Naples Central Station.

The site also provides more covered areas and is more compact, so it’s easier to visit if you don’t have much time or if the weather is drizzly and not pleasant.

Pompeii is about half an hour away by train and much larger, so it requires at least half a day to visit.

Not sure which to visit? Check out our guide on Pompei vs. Herculaneum if you need help choosing.

Have delicious pizza at one of the historical restaurants.

A famous Neapolitan style pizza is a must eat in Naples in winter

When in Naples, eating pizza is a must!

Although the dish became widely popular after Italian immigrants brought it to the US, Naples is the birthplace of pizza.

Therefore, you can expect to enjoy phenomenal Neapolitan pizza at a few historical places throughout the city.

My top picks? Gino e Toto Sorbillo, Antica Pizzeria Brandi, and L’Antica Pizzeria da Michele are just three places worth checking out in Naples.

Each of these spots has its own story and reason to try. 

Gino e Toto Sorbillo is often referred to as one of the best pizza places in Naples, but you’ll need to brace yourself for a wait, because the line is long, and they don’t take reservations.

Da Michele is another popular spot, made famous by the movie Eat, Pray, Love.

As you may remember, Julia Roberts is “having a relationship with her pizza” in the movie!

Well, you can try the very same pizza and see if it lives up to that lofty praise. The line can be long here too, so get there early!

Lastly, Brandi is referred to as the birthplace of the Margherita pizza.

Supposedly, pizza maker Raffaele Esposito created the Margherita in this very spot for Queen Margherita of Savoy in 1889.

Whether or not the story is true doesn’t matter, since the pizza here is delicious!

Attend a show at Real Teatro di San Carlo

ornate detailing of the exterior of the Naples opera house called Teatro san Carlo on a sunny day

Many people have heard about Teatro alla Scala in Milan or Teatro La Fenice in Venice, but Real Teatro di San Carlo is the world’s oldest continually active opera theater.

Importantly for the art form, it has served as a model and inspiration for many other European opera theaters too!

Founded in 1737, San Carlo Theater features a lush interior in classic 18th-century style and an impressive royal box with the best seats in the theater!

You can attend many events here, including opera, ballet, and symphonies.

If you don’t want to attend a show, the theater also offers guided tours.

The tour lasts half an hour and allows you to admire the main stage hall, the royal box, and the foyer. 

However, I would argue that the best way to see the theater is during a show. Check out the upcoming events; prices start as low as 10€!

Go shopping in Galleria Umberto I

Christmas decorations seen in the Galleria Umberto I in Naples with lit up display

While Via Chiaia is one of the most popular areas to shop in Naples, it’s no fun if the weather isn’t playing nice.

Luckily, on a rainy day, you can simply head to Galleria Umberto I, a stunning covered gallery.

Even if you’re on a budget and can’t do much shopping, it’s still worth visiting the covered arcade simply to admire the beautiful architecture!

The stunning Galleria Umberto I was built in the late 19th century, placed in central location close to Via Toledo and Castel Nuovo.

In designing it, it was meant to be an important and monumental building equal to other nearby landmarks, like the Royal Palace of Naples and Real Teatro di San Carlo.

For its beauty, convenience, and grandeur, Galleria Umberto I immediately became a significant place in Naples — it even housed the first movie theater in the city!

Go on a day trip to Reggia di Caserta.

The pinkish hued exterior of the Caserta royal palace near Naples, a great winter day trip

Lastly, if you’re up for a short day trip, head to Caserta, just a 40-minute train ride from Naples, and visit the magnificent Reggia di Caserta.

Once a 18th-century royal palace, it was actually the largest built in Europe at the time! For that reason, it eventually became part of UNESCO’s list of sites in 1997.

The stunning Palace of Versailles is noted to be its inspiration, and while Reggia di Caserta has a character all its own, it’s just as majestic.

The palace has lovely gardens with fountains and statues if you want to explore the outer areas; meanwhile, the inside has ornately decorated rooms, extraordinary staircases, and stunning art pieces everywhere you look.

Interior of the Reggio caserta with orange marble work and fresco painted ceilings with a mostly white minimalist interior

You can visit the palace on your own or join a guided tour with a local guide who will tell you more about the magnificent palace.

If you decide on the individual visit, book your tickets online

Alternatively, check out this 3-hour Royal Palace of Caserta Tour for all the historical context on this spectacular site.

8 Things to Do in Peschiera del Garda, a Lovely Fortified City

View of the beach at Peschiera del Garda

Peschiera del Garda may just be the most impressive town on Lake Garda — and that’s saying something!

The town itself is developed on a set of small islands located at the River Mincio’s outlet from the lake.

But perhaps even more beautifully, it features incredibly well-preserved Venetian fortifications spread across these islets.

I visited Peschiera del Garda during one of my trips to Milan while living in Italy, since it’s an ideal day trip.

the town of Peschiera del faraday with colorful yellow, red, purple, etc buildings in the town center

The train station just outside the old town makes it easy to reach from several nearby cities, including Milan, Verona, and Venice.

You can easily explore Peschiera del Garda in just a few hours if you’re stopping by on a road trip around Lake Garda.

At the same time, there are plenty of things to do in Peschiera del Garda if you want to spend a couple of days in town.

In this quick guide, you’ll find a variety of attractions and activities to fill one or two days in Peschiera!

Tips for Visiting Peschiera del Garda

cute canal-style view of the lake garda town peschiera del garda with pastel colored architecture on a lakefront waterway

Peschiera del Garda is a popular destination both for Italians and foreigners, especially in the summertime.

People who live in the surrounding Northern Italian cities often head to Peschiera and other towns on Lake Garda to spend the weekend, so you can expect to find it busy almost any time of the year.

While summer is the best season for swimming in the lake, going on boat cruises, and escaping the heat of the bigger cities, it is also when Peschiera is at its most crowded and its most expensive!

Winters on the lake can still be enjoyable despite the cold, and you’ll certainly find fewer people around.

If you want to enjoy nice weather while avoiding the big crowds and saving on accommodation and activities, visit Peschiera in the spring or fall.

If you can only visit one town on Lake Garda on a day trip, Peschiera del Garda is a great choice.

The beautiful moat and bridge of Peschiera del Garda in the towns of Lake Garda

For one, it is one of the two towns served by a train station (alongside Desenzano del Garda).

It takes less than an hour to get there from Milan, under two hours from Venice, and fastest of all, it’s only 15 minutes from Verona!

However, the best thing is to rent a car and spend two or three days driving around the lake and visiting the most important towns.

Regardless of how you visit, here is a list of things to do in Peschiera del Garda to help you plan your stay!

Things to Do in Peschiera del Garda

Peschiera del Garda is small, as in, it takes roughly 10 minutes to walk from one gate to the other of Peschiera del Garda, so don’t expect countless landmarks and attractions!

Nevertheless, the town’s location makes it a perfect base for many activities, from swimming in the lake to visiting one of Italy’s main amusement parks.

Here is how to spend a day (or more) in Peschiera del Garda!

Explore the fortified city.

A serene water channel flanked by tall, fortified stone walls and lined with cypress trees under a clear blue sky. The tranquility of the scene is accentuated by the reflection of the trees in the calm water while visiting Peschiera del Garda town, a UNESCO site.

The fortified region of of Peschiera is basically one big open-air museum that is super cool to visit!

The massive fortified complex is actually part of a larger UNESCO World Heritage Site, one that includes several Venetian defense structures in the Garda region.

The top thing to do in Peschiera is to walk around and admire the impressive defense system that surrounds the small island that Peschiera is built on.

The fortifications date back to the Roman period in origin; however, they were modified during the 15th century, when the Republic of Venice controlled Peschiera.

It was during this time that the two main city gates, Porta Verona and Porta Brescia, were created — two must-sees while exploring this town!

An image of a historical stone gateway leading to a fortified structure, with a road passing through it, adorned with vibrant flowers along the balustrade next to a waterway under a clear blue sky.

The best spots to check out the city walls are the bridges that connect the islands: Ponte di Porta Brescia and the iconic Ponte dei Voltoni.

Given the size of the town, you can walk around in roughly half an hour, but you could definitely spend more time if you wanted.

Here is where a guide would be helpful, to show you things you would have missed on your own.

To learn more while you explore Peschiera, book a tour with with an expert guide who can share cool facts about the town’s history, like on this Peschiera Walking Tour.

Book this Peschiera walking tour here!

Stroll along the lake.

Lakeside promenade where a row of tall trees lines a paved walkway, following the gentle curve of a clear blue waters of Lake Garda, with a rocky shore.

Peschiera is small (especially the walled-in portion), and as a result, it can get very crowded in summer.

If you want a break from the crowds, you can leave the fortified town and enjoy a peaceful walk along the lakeshore for a breath of fresh air (literally!).

The main area to walk is Lungolago Mazzini.

This peaceful promenade starts from Piazza Maestro Luigi Battistoni and continues for roughly three kilometers along the lake.

Along the way, you’ll pass several beaches, restaurants, and cafés — all perfect spots to stop for a break and enjoy the view.

Check out the Madonna del Frassino Sanctuary.

The front facade of a classic stone church, the Sanctuary of Madonna del Frassino, with a large circular window and an arched entrance, flanked by tall, narrow cypress trees against a clear blue sky.

Just outside Peschiera, you can visit the beautiful Sanctuary of Madonna del Frassino.

The 16th-century sanctuary has a storied past, as it was said to be the location of apparition of the Virgin Mary.

According to the legend, the farmer was about to be bitten by a snake when he saw the Virgin near an ash tree (frassino in Italian, hence the sanctuary’s name).

A lovely cypress-lined street leads to the peaceful location of the sanctuary — also some great spots to get photos while in Peschiera.

Since it’s a little bit out of town, the best way to get there is by car or taxi. On foot, it takes roughly half an hour from the center of Peschiera, which can be hot in the summer.

The sanctuary features a convent, a series of chapels with decorated altars, and beautiful cloisters.

Best of all, admission is free (and there’s also ample free parking), making it a great addition to your Garda itinerary.

Visit the fishing museum.

Orange and yellow museum with red shutters and vespas in front
The fishing museum | Image Credit: Di Nicola221063 – Own Work, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons

The lovely Museo della Pesca e delle Tradizioni Lacustri is actually the only museum in the small town of Peschiera.

That said, it’s still worth a visit; this small but interesting museum dedicated to the fishing tradition on Lake Garda, which is still ongoing despite the lake’s turn towards tourism.

This museum is rather small, so it only takes around half an hour to visit. That said, it’s definitely an interesting way to learn more bout the region.

The exhibit includes photographs and artifacts used in the Garda area, including fishing gear and traditional boats used in regattas.

The museum has free access, but you can make a donation and get an audio guide for a small fee.

Relax at the beach.

Paddle boats available to be rented at Lake Garda in Peschiera

If you visit Peschiera in summer, you definitely want to set aside a few hours for relaxing on a beach and enjoying the view of the beautiful lake!

Some of the most popular beaches are Braccobaldo Beach and Lido Cappuccini on the southern lakeshore.

There’s also Spiaggia Lido ai Pioppi on the eastern one.

You can rent a sunbed to spend a few hours relaxing, swim in the lake, or maybe even rent a paddle boat and go for a ride.

You’ll find boat rental services in several spots along the lakeshore, another great way to enjoy the summer lake scene.

However, you definitely ought to book ahead in the peak summer months, especially for weekend travels.

Have lunch at a traditional restaurant.

pizza on lake garda with a view of the lake in the background while enjoying a lunchtime meal

A trip to Peschiera del Garda wouldn’t be complete without savoring some delicious Italian food… particularly its seafood, if you eat it!

Peschiera may be small, but it has several great restaurants packed into its tight quarters.

You’re spoiled for choices here: I suggest that you head to Raffilù for delicious fish dishes, or try Osteria Rivelin for tasty pasta and meat dishes.

If you’re looking for a quick bite in a laid-back spot, grab a quick plate of pasta or some cold cuts at Pasta Salame — it’s a great choice for an easy meal.

Spend a fun day at Gardaland.

Roller coaster near Lake Garda with beautiful views from the top of the ride which will show you the whole garda area

Many people choose Peschiera del Garda as their base for visiting Gardaland, one of Italy’s largest and most popular amusement parks.

If you can spend at least one night in Peschiera, (given that you like amusement parks), I think it’s worth planning one day at Gardaland.

The amusement park consistently ranks among the best in all of Europe, with dozens of rides, including several roller coasters and water slides and other water features perfect for a hot summer day.

The prices aren’t bad either, starting at just 25€ for a day pass — a true bargain compared to other major amusement parks.

Check availability for Gardaland tickets here

Join a self-guided scooter tour.

view of the Malcesine castle near lake garda one of the sights you can see while scootering around the lake

Another unique and fun way to explore Peschiera and Lake Garda is on a Self-Guided Scooter Tour!

This activity can be booked online before you go, and it includes the scooter rental and a digital guide.

This e-guide will allow you to discover some of the most scenic spots around the lake at your own pace (great if you don’t like to follow the rushed itinerary of typical day trips).

On this scooter tour, you can make the choice to stop by several important spots along the lake, like Torri del Benaco, Pieve di Tremosine, Limone sul Garda, and Malcesine, among others.

The activity also includes a ferry trip, and the digital guide will also help you narrow down the best places to eat and buy local goods while you’re visiting the towns in the area.

Book your Lake Garda scooter tour here

Where to Stay in Peschiera del Garda

Yellow, pink and other pastel colored buildings in the colorful town of Peschiera del Garda

Best Budget Option: SEI Garda Apartments

SEI Garda Apartments offer self-catering apartments with modern contemporary design.

The apartments are compact but have all that you need, including a kitchenette and seating/eating areas.

This is not your typical hotel, but rather a modern and stylish apartment complex you can stay at: somewhere between an Airbnb and a hotel.

The apartments are great for families, with bunk beds for the kids — and it’s also close to Gardaland!

Check availability, prices, and reviews here!

Best Mid-Range Option: Ziba Hotel & Spa

For a spa hotel in Peschiera that won’t drain your entire budget, consider the Ziba Hotel & Spa.

It is located in a 19th-century building just outside the town center, still with its original detailing but updated rooms for a modern touch.

With an outdoor pool and spa that includes a Finnish sauna, Turkish bath, and a hot tub, this hotel is the perfect spot for relaxing in Peschiera without breaking the bank.

Check availability, prices, and reviews here!

Best Luxury Option: Le Ali de Frassino

Le Ali Del Frassino is a luxury hotel: think multiple outdoor pools, including a larger family pool and a peaceful infinity pool overlooking the water.

The sizeable rooms are minimalist and rustic, with exposed beams adding a touch of farm-style charm.

The hotel also has a top-notch spa: it even has its own indoor heated plunge pool and sauna, plus a fantastic fitness center.

Check availability, prices, and reviews here!

3 Best Amarone Wine Tours from Verona [Curated By a Wine Nerd]

drying grapes for the first step of the amarone process

One of the best things about a trip to Verona is just how amazingly close to the Valpolicella wine region it is!

This is where you’ll find some of Italy’s most classic wines, including the delicious, prized Amarone — a collector’s favorite for its ability to age the distance.

Alongside Prosecco wine (which grows in Valdobbiane, near Venice), Amarone and Valpolicella wines are some of the most famous wines of Northern Italy.

While they don’t have quite the name recognition of Barolos and Tuscan wines, they’re definitely in the same tier. Wine geeks in the know (read: me) will tell you that!).

Amarone can be quite expensive to buy in the States because the bottling process takes quite a bit of time, and it uses more grapes than other wines do due to the unique vilifying process.

As a result, it’s rare that you have the opportunity to taste multiple kinds of Amarone in one go — but on these Amarone wine tours from Verona, that’s exactly what you can do!

While these wine tours from Verona do not only include Amarone, most of them do, particularly those in the Valpolicella Valley, which is famous for it!

The 3 Best Amarone Wine Tours Verona Has to Offer

4-Hour Amarone Wine Trail Tour from Verona – Book Here

Grapes put into baskets between rows of vineyards in the Amarone wine growing region near Verona on a cloudy day

This half-day Amarone wine tour from Verona is the perfect introduction to the Valpolicella valley and al the incredible wine it produces!

While also being beautiful, this region also brims with centuries of wine-making traditions unique to this part of Italy.

Luckily, you’ll be led along the way by an expert sommelier who will explain just how significant the wines you are trying really are.

This tour is also convenient for including a transfer service, so you don’t have to worry about drinking and needing someone to drive — an air-conditioned minivan will handle all the logistics for you. Just show up, listen, and drink!

On this tour, you’ll try a variety of Valpolicella wines and do a showdown between two of the region’s most celebrated wines: Ripasso and Amarone.

Ripasso is known for its robust flavor and heavy structure, which is achieved by re-fermenting the wine with Amarone grape skins.

On the other hand, Amarone is rich and full-bodied, made from dried grapes which gives it an almost Port-like or Madeira-like flavor — not quite a dessert wine, but with similar candied notes from the dried grapes.

The tour offers a two distinct tasting experiences, taking you to two wildly different wineries: one with a massive production scale of 1.5 million bottles and a small boutique estate which produces merely 50,000 artisanal bottles.

At these two wineries, you’ll be led by a sommelier through the wine cellars — and the tastings, including of course the legendary Amarone!

The first, larger winery is especially beautiful, so this is a great place to explore the sprawling gardens and vineyards, taking those perfect Instagram photos for later!

After the first winery, don’t worry if you haven’t quite had your fill — a second awaits to offer even more tastes of the delicious Amarone and other local wines, this time by a smaller boutique producer.

Overview:

  • Duration: 4 hours
  • Wines Tasted: At least 10 wines, including Amarone and Ripasso, at two wineries.
  • Note: Transfers are included from Verona. Lunch is not included, but snacks are.
Check this wine tour from Verona here!

Full Day Verona Amarone Wine Tour with Lunch – Book Here

Valpolicella vineyards in a grape growing region near Venice and Verona with beautiful hills and lush vineyards with grapes growing on them on a sunny day

For true wine geeks who want to dedicate an entire day of their Verona trip to tasting Amarone, this is the full-day Amarone tour for you!

Indulgence is the name of the game on this 7-hour Amarone wine tour — in a whirlwind day trip, you’ll depart the historical city of Verona and delve right into the heart of the Amarone region, tasting a whopping dozen wines along the way.

You’ll start your day with not one but two winery visits before lunch — this tour takes wine seriously, like life or death seriously, okay!

You’ll sample not only Amarone but all the other delicious Valpolicella DOC wines that the region is so loved for, giving you a good idea of the smattering of wines that are produced in this region (but predominantly red wines — sorry, white wine drinkers!)

After the tastings, you’ll get to savor a sit-down lunch featuring farm-to-table Italian cooking, masterfully paired with the rich flavors of Valpolicella wine.

And when you’re juuuust about fit to burst, you’ll head to the third (and final) winery of the day, where you’ll sample (at least) four more wines, guaranteed.

What sets this tour apart is the length of it but also the breadth: you’ll visit three distinct wineries and sample at least four wines at each.

That’s a bare minimum of 12 wine tastes… not to mention the wine you’ll get topped up with at lunch!

You’ll definitely be grateful all transfers are included with this Amarone wine tour. I doubt you’d make it home otherwise after all those tastings!

Overview:

  • Duration: 7 hours
  • Wines Tasted: At least 12 wines, plus bonus wines at lunch, at three different wineries and a local restaurant.
  • Note: Transfers are included from Verona and lunch is also included in the price of the tour
Check this Verona Amarone wine tour here!

2-Hour Amarone Wine Tasting Tour from VeronaBook Here

A picturesque vineyard stretching over rolling hills, with neatly aligned grapevines, guarded by tall cypress trees. In the background, the scenic countryside unfolds, featuring patches of greenery, sporadic houses, all in the Amarone fields of the Valpolicella wine region of Italy

This two-hour wine tour brings you to the heart of one of the most prestigious Amarone wineries near Verona.

Celebrated for producing some of Italy’s most renowned and award-winning Amarone wines, this tour goes beyond your average tasting.

They’ll also teach you all about the Valpolicella region’s wine-making heritage (and the specific wine-making process of Amarone, which is quite unique).

But best of all, the entire 2-hour wine tasting will be guided by an expert sommelier — a high distinction to earn, and an honor to learn from!

On the tour, the sommelier will explain the innovative techniques that go into creating the full-bodied Amarone and what makes it so distinct in the wide world of Italian wine.

That’s because Amarone wine goes through a unique set of techniques to create the rich wine you enjoy — namely, the traditional “appassimento” process.

To make Amarone, the premium-picked grapes are dried for several months: this concentrates their flavors before moving into the fermentation and bottling process, which is what gives Amarone its characteristic rich, intense, almost raisin-like taste.

Of course, it’s a tasting, right, and you want to know how much you’ll be getting? 

The tasting session is quite extensive — you’ll get to sample 9 different wines, carefully selected to represent the best of what the Valpolicella region have to offer (including Amarone, obviously!)

Another cool factor of this Amarone wine tour is visiting the sandstone cellar, admiring the traditional ambiance and seeing the grand barrels of Amarone aging… just imagine where they’ll end up one day!

Overview:

  • Duration: 2 hours
  • Wines Tasted: 9, including premium Amarone and other Valpolicella varietals
  • Note: Transfer to the winery is not included, but it’s only a 15-minute drive or taxi ride away (please book a taxi if your entire party is drinking — drinking and driving laws in Italy are quite strict!)
Check details of this wine tour here!

25 Magical Things to Do in Rome in Winter (Local’s Guide)

christmas tree in front of the monti church at the top of the spanish steps in rome

Rome in winter is full of surprises. There’s no telling if you’ll be freezing at unusually low temperatures at the end of February or sweating under your winter jacket with spring-like weather in early December.

Whether you’re lucky to visit the Italian capital in gorgeous sunny weather or end up spending an entire week with rain and cold, there’s always plenty to do on a winter trip to Rome.

Rome has some of the most beautiful museums in Italy, not to mention that there are countless places to enjoy the local cuisine, have a drink, or go shopping.

 Planning your trip to Rome at the last minute?

Here are my quick picks on what to do & where to stay!

🍷 Top Rome Experiences:
1. Colosseum & Roman Forum Skip-the-Line & Tour
2. 4-Hour Evening Food Tour of Rome with 20 Tastings
3. Vatican Museums & Sistine Chapel Skip-the-Line Entrance Ticket

🏨 Best Rome Hotels:
1. Nerva Boutique Hotel (lovely unique stay near the Colosseum)
2. The St. Regis Rome (ultra-luxury in a palatial setting)
3. Pope’s Suites (budget yet elegant suites near the Vatican)

✈️ Flying in? Book an airport transfer with Welcome Pickups — they’ll greet you at the airport, help with bags, & bring you into the city, all pre-booked!
sun set in rome as you approach the basilica optical illusion

If you’ve been on the fence about booking a holiday to Rome in winter for fear of not knowing what to do in cold weather, keep reading because the possibilities are endless!

From exploring Rome’s landmarks to its hidden gems, there’s so much to fill up your Rome itinerary even in the winter!

Be it visiting renowned Roman sites or uncovering the city’s lesser-known treasures, there’s an abundance of attractions indoors and out, allowing you to adapt your Roman holiday based on the whims of the weather.

But first, let’s quickly cover what to expect temperature-wise when it comes to traveling during the winter in Rome.

Winter Weather in Rome

bare trees as part of the landscape of the city center of rome in winter with altare della patria visible in the distance

Though Rome shares a similar latitude with Chicago, Illinois, the winter weather experiences in these two cities are worlds apart!

Rome enjoys a mild Mediterranean climate, ensuring that temperatures seldom dip below freezing, even on the chilliest days.

In fact, more often, you’ll find yourself appreciating the almost balmy temperatures of 50° to 60° Fahrenheit during the day.

However, those temperatures can quickly feel a lot colder if you’re visiting Rome when it rains, which happens about 25% of the time in winter… so be prepared!

As long as you don’t mind the occasional rain and cooler temperatures, this period marks an ideal time to explore Rome.

Apart from the days surrounding Christmas, the city enters its most quiet phase in winter, allowing you to experience the Eternal City’s charm minus the usual throngs of tourists.

Presented below is a chart detailing the average high and low temperatures that characterize Rome’s winter climate, broken down month by month.

Consider this table a preliminary guide, but make sure to consult a more current weather forecast as your trip approaches to make informed decisions on what to include on your Rome packing list!

MonthAverage HighAverage LowAverage Days of Rain
December55° F / 13° C40° F / 4° C8 days
January54° F / 12° C37° F / 3° C7 days
February57° F / 14° C38° F / 3° C7 days

25 Great Things to Do in Rome in Winter

Explore a nearly crowd-free Colosseum and Roman Forum.

crowd free colosseum with sunburst visible in the early morning

The winter months are the best for visiting Rome’s most famous landmarks without the crowds you’ll usually see during warmer periods.

Visiting the Colosseum and Roman Forum is no exception!

Unless you’re faced with relentless downpours that make sightseeing nigh impossible, winter in Rome is the perfect time venture to the Colosseum for an almost exclusive experience

A visit to this colossal amphitheater, the largest of its kind in the entire world, is essential when in Rome! (You can read our guide to it here)

Continue your visit with a subsequent stroll through the Roman Forum — you’ll instantly feel transporting you around 2,000 years, right back into the heart of ancient Rome’s “city center”!

Fortune may even grant you a day of sunshine, which is actually still quite a high possibility even on cooler January and February winter days.

Aside from the holiday rush, which sees a surge in visitors, the winter period — Rome’s definitive off-peak season — is unmatched when it comes to seeing the Colosseum and the Roman Forum as crowd-free as it will ever be.

Don’t forget to go up Palatine Hill for one of the best views over Rome!

Even through it’s winter, it’s still helpful to book skip-the-line tickets to save some time and not have to wait in the cold!

Take a food tour through Rome.

two margherita pizzas flat lay on paper tablecloth with ray ban sunglasses next to pizza

One of my favorite ways to experience traveling Europe in winter is by taking a food tour!

Food tours are great for cold weather because they combine a fun walking tour with plenty of time indoors — and lots of great bites in between that will fill you up!

There are so many options for food tours in Rome. If you’re on a budget, this 2.5-hour street food tour is a great choice!

You’ll get to try supplì (Rome’s spin on arancini), cured meats, Roman pizza, carciofi alla giudìa, and gelato on this tour.

If you are a big foodie, this 4-hour, 20-taste food tour is one of the most generous offerings in town. You’ll get to sample a huge variety of Roman cuisine all in one go!

Plus, it’s nice that this tour is offered in the evening, so you can work up an appetite with a jam-packed day of sightseeing and then stuff yourself silly before crashing for the night!

Check out the Christmas tree in Piazza San Pietro at the Vatican.

christmas tree in front of the st peter basilica in vatican city

Annually, one of Rome’s most spectacular Christmas trees is set up in Piazza San Pietro (St. Peter’s Square) within Vatican City, transforming this expansive square into a festive wonderland!

Beyond the majestic Christmas tree, you can also see the annual presepe, the Italian tradition of a highly-detailed Nativity scene.

This cherished practice of pairing a Nativity scene alongside the Christmas tree began in 1982, initiated by Pope John Paul II, and has since evolved into an endearing tradition in winter in Rome (and other Italian cities!).

While various Christmas trees and Nativity displays dot the city, those positioned in Piazza San Pietro indisputably steal the show.

Go there in the late afternoon or evening to see it with the lights on.

You can typically see these nativity scenes starting from December 8th (The Feast of the Immaculate Conception) through the end of the Christmas season, which typically ends on January 6th (The Epiphany).

Visit the Vatican Museums without the usual crowds.

sign for the vatican museum with sculpture on a brick building

The Vatican Museums are surely one of the must-see Rome attractions (read our guide to visiting them here!)

From late spring to early autumn, visiting the Vatican can be a challenge, with long lines to buy tickets and enter the museum.

In winter, however, the city empties, and even the Vatican Museums welcome much smaller crowds.

If you happen to visit Rome between November and February, this is the best time to pay a visit to the Vatican Museums and Sistine Chapel.

You won’t need to book your ticket several weeks (or months) in advance if you visit in winter, though you should still book your ticket as soon as you know when you’ll go.

When you visit, you’ll likely find only a moderate amount of people. Don’t expect the museum to be empty, but it is much easier to move around and admire the beautiful artwork in peace!

The best thing is that most museum areas are indoors, so it’s a great place to spend a cold day in Rome.

Despite the smaller crowds in winter, you should still buy your entry ticket in advance to avoid waiting in line.

We recommend this skip-the-line ticket or this guided tour with skip-the-line access.

Enjoy the view from St. Peter’s Basilica.

view over st peters square with christmas tree, obelisk during the winter months in rome with cloudy dark winter sky

And while we have you visiting Vatican City, don’t miss the chance to seize the opportunity to climb the dome of St. Peter’s Basilica.

It offers one of the most stunning panoramas across both the Vatican and the broader expanse of Rome!

During winter, the throngs of tourists and lengthy lines characteristic of St. Peter’s Basilica in the summer months give way to a more laidback, enjoyable visit.

Entry into the Basilica itself is free, but accessing the dome requires a separate fee (€8 for the stairs or €10 if you opt for a partial elevator ride).

Alternatively, you can choose a guided tour that encompasses the dome visit, such as this one which also includes a tour of the crypts below, for a comprehensive experience.

Discover beautiful works of art in Galleria Borghese.

sculpture of a statue with his hands raised in a room full of marble, frescoes, etc in an ornate room of the borghese gallery in rome in winter

Part of the largest park in the city, Villa Borghese, visiting the Galleria Borghese is one of the winter must-dos in Rome!

This 17th-century architectural gem is an attraction in its own right, captivating visitors with its ornately adorned rooms and exquisite frescoes — but the art it displays is the real reason to visit!

The museum contains remarkable array of sculptures, paintings, mosaics, and bas-reliefs, featuring works by luminaries such as Caravaggio, Raphael, and Titian, along with sculptures from Venini and Canova.

Among the masterpieces in the Borghese Gallery is Bernini’s “Rape of Proserpina.” The sculpture is famed for its astonishing attention to detail, evident in elements like Pluto’s hand pressing into Proserpina’s skin.

While this sculpture could justify a museum visit on its own, once inside, you’re bound to discover countless other draws that captivate and demand attention!

A visit here is the perfect way to escape the cold and surround yourself with the warmth of art and history on a winter day in Rome!

If it’s rainy or cold out, you likely won’t be the only one with the idea to visit the gallery, so I suggest booking skip-the-line tickets to avoid any lengthy waits.

Check out the Christmas lights in Via del Corso.

white, red, and green christmas lights along the via del corso in the colors of the italian flag at night in winter

Despite the lack of snow and the moderate temperatures, Rome still does a pretty good job at bringing the Christmas spirit to its most picturesque and popular areas!

You’ll see Christmas lights nearly all over the city, but every year the most anticipated ones are those along Via del Corso, the most popular shopping street in the city.

The lights change every year, so even if you’ve already visited Rome during Christmas before, you can still expect to see something new!

Whether you start in Piazza Venezia or Piazza del Popolo, the hanging lights above the long shopping street create a wonderful effect, great for festive photos to commemorate your Rome winter trip!

Wandering down this street is one of the best free things to do in Rome in winter at night!

Visit the Christmas market in Piazza Navona.

Photo Credit: roamingwab via Flickr (CC BY-NC 2.0)

If you’re lucky enough, you may be rewarded with one of the prettiest Christmas markets in Rome, which is set in the gorgeous Piazza Navona in the heart of the city.

While Rome’s Christmas markets aren’t quite as impressive compared to those of other European cities like Prague, Vienna, Budapest, etc., it’s still worth the visit!

The Christmas market has been skipped the last few years due to the pandemic restrictions, but hopefully, it will return this year to delight visitors and locals with its lively atmosphere!

What makes the market special is the setting itself, in one of Rome’s most beautiful squares, with its fountains and the gorgeous Baroque church Sant’Agnese in Agone.

The market usually features a carousel, food and drink stands, colorful lights, and stands selling Christmas decorations.

The market usually starts in early December and continues until roughly the 6th of January, when Italy celebrates the Epiphany.

Toss a coin in the less-crowded Trevi Fountain.

The beautiful symmetry of the Trevi fountain with blue water and ornate marble sculpture work

One of the hallmark things to do in Rome is to throw a coin in the beautiful Trevi Fountain, which according to local superstition is supposed to ensure a repeat visit!

While the Trevi Fountain heaves with tourists in the summer months, it’s far quieter during the winter, and you can actually stay a while and truly appreciate the masterful artistry of the sculpture.

Plus, you won’t have to wake up at the crack of dawn in order to get a good, crowd-free photo of the Trevi Fountain at this time of year!

The Spanish Steps are also nearby, and you’ll find far fewer crowds there at this time of year as well.

Head over to the Roman Ghetto to eat artichokes.

fried artichokes served in the traditional roman jewish style

Late winter is when artichokes are in season, one of the main ingredients of Roman cuisine!

You’ll be able to try different artichokes recipes in many Roman trattorias, but no place is renowned for serving this vegetable like the Roman Ghetto (the historic Jewish Ghetto)

A small neighborhood not far from Campo de Fiori, the Roman Ghetto is filled with traditional restaurants famous for their Carciofi alla Giudia.

Not to be mistaken with Carciofi alla Romana, the ones you’ll eat in the Roman Ghetto are fried and served steaming hot and crunchy!

Head over to Via del Portico d’Ottavia, the main street in the Jewish quarter lined with restaurants, all serving this tasty traditional winter dish.

Admire the Pantheon without the crowds.

fountain with cross on the top in front of pantheon in rome with seven columns and roman lettering on front of temple

The Pantheon is a unique Roman temple with roots back to Rome’s pre-Christian days. It was likely built around 27 BCE, making it nearly two millennia old!

One of the most unique things about the Pantheon is its oculus, an open skylight in the dome of the temple. This is one thing you can’t miss on your tour of Rome!

Plus, access to the Pantheon is free, making it a can’t-miss tourist attraction to visit in Rome, especially when you factor in the smaller crowds you’ll find in winter.

Go ice skating at Auditorium Parco della Musica.

Red gloved hands tying an ice skate, white jacket and white skates

Between December and early January, the Auditorium Parco della Musica brings the Christmas spirit to town by setting up a big ice-skating rink in its outdoor theater!

Parco della Musica is a cultural complex in the north of Rome, with indoor and outdoor areas dedicated to concerts, movie screenings, and other events.

This is one of the few places to go ice skating in Rome, since they stopped organizing the ice rink at Castel Sant’Angelo.

The ice-skating rink hasn’t been on for a couple of years due to the pandemic, but it will hopefully make a comeback this year! Keep an eye on it for your next trip to Rome in winter.

Indulge in Rome’s classic pasta dishes.

pasta alla carbonara with guanciale, pecorino cheese and black pepper on a white plate

While you should certainly sample Rome’s classic pastas no matter what time of year you visit, these pastas hit the spot even better on a cold winter day!

Rome is famous for its 4 classic pastas: carbonara, amatriciana, gricia, and cacio e pepe. All are delicious and worth trying during your time in Rome!

Go shopping at Mercato Monti Urban Market Roma.

Monti is undoubtedly one of the most picturesque neighborhoods in Rome!

Whether in summer or winter, the area is always alive, with its traditional restaurants, lively bars, and cute vintage shops.

One of the most iconic spots in Monti is the Urban Market, right next to the metro station Cavour.

This lively indoor space is open year-round over the weekends, but winter is the best season to visit to escape the cold!

You can shop for handmade jewelry, prints, art pieces, vintage clothes, and much more.

Not only will you find unique pieces that you won’t find in big stores, but you’ll also support local artists and artisans, so it’s a cool place to spend your money or just have a look around.

Warm up with a hot chocolate at SAID.

Nothing beats a nice hot chocolate to warm up on a cold winter afternoon!

Despite winters in Rome being quite temperate, the cold can hit differently when there is high humidity, especially on rainy days.

If you happen to be in Rome during an unusually cold period, why not try one of the best hot chocolate places in town?

SAID is an old chocolate factory turned into a restaurant and shop where you can indulge in delicious varieties of hot chocolate with equally delicious cookies!

The restaurant displays old machines and tools for chocolate-making, creating a cool vintage décor that encourages you to linger and enjoy!

Aside from the classic hot chocolate, you can even try main dishes revisited with the addition of chocolate. Ever tried pasta or roast beef with chocolate? Here you can!

You’ll find SAID in the student neighborhood of San Lorenzo, a much less touristy area than most in Rome… which will be even more calm in winter!

Escape the cold at the National Gallery of Modern and Contemporary Art.

Photo Credit: Sailko – Own work, CC BY 3.0, Wikimedia Commons

If you’re into modern and contemporary art, you can’t miss the National Gallery of Modern Art, which houses almost 20 thousand Italian and foreign art pieces from the 19th and 20th centuries.

This is the only museum in Italy entirely dedicated to modern and contemporary Italian art — while Italy has other modern art museums, they focus on international artists, such as the Peggy Guggenheim Collection in Venice.

In the gallery, you’ll find a permanent exhibition of paintings, sculptures, and art installations from different art movements, from Impressionism to Surrealism and Futurism. Furthermore, there are always temporary exhibitions you can check out!

The gallery is so big that you could easily spend half a day going through all the areas. You can easily reach it from Piazza del Popolo, metro stop Flaminio.

Take a cooking class.

handmade stuffed ravioli on a table in rome while taking a cooking class in rome in winter

One of the most fun things to do in Rome in winter is indulge in the local cuisine, which is hearty and filling and perfect for the cold weather.

Even better is to step things up a notch by learning how to cook it yourself, so you can keep eating like a Roman when you return home!

There are a variety of different cooking classes you can take, depending on what appeals to you the most about cooking like an Italian.

This homemade pasta class is a great choice if you want a more advanced cooking class.

Not quite as much of a chef? You may prefer to keep things a little simpler with a pizza-making class.

Check out the latest art exhibition at Chiostro del Bramante.

Chiostro del Bramante is a small exhibition space in the heart of Rome’s historical center, next to Church Santa Maria della Pace and only a few minutes walking distance from Piazza Navona.

The gallery spans two levels, with a beautiful Renaissance cloister with arches and columns at its center.

The space hosts temporary exhibitions, as well as events like book readings, concerts, and theatrical performances.

If you need to take a break in an indoor place while you’re out and about exploring the historical center of Rome, Chiostro del Bramante is without a doubt a great place to visit!

Admire ancient art in an industrial setting at Centrale Montemartini.

Photo Credit: Sarah E. Bond via Flickr (CC BY 2.0)

Centrale Montemartini is a one-of-a-kind museum not only in Rome but probably in the world!

This former thermal power station now houses hundreds of ancient sculptures, playing with the contrast between industry and art.

The disused power plant was renovated at the end of the 1990s, and many machines were restored for what was meant to be a temporary exhibition titled Machines and Gods.

The success of the exhibition led to the creation of a permanent museum that has since expanded!

Visiting the Centrale Montemartini is a great way to spend a cold winter afternoon in Rome — and since it’s a bit of a hidden gem, you’ll likely mostly be amongst locals!

Explore the Roman catacombs.

rome crypt underground catacombs in winter
Photo Credit: Dnalor 01, CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons

Rome is nearly as busy underground as it is above ground, with a surprisingly sprawling network of Roman catacombs outside the city center.

These catacombs are a unique place to visit on any trip to Rome, but they’re also great to visit during the winter because the temperature in the catacombs remains fairly stable all year round (typically around 60° F/16° C).

They won’t be warm per se like indoor, heated places such as museums, but if it’s rainy or particularly cold outside, they’re a good alternative if you’re feeling museum fatigue.

There are many impressive catacombs in Rome, but definitely the most impressive are the Capuchin crypts, so make sure your tour includes those, such as this tour!

Check out the events at the Mattatoio.

Photo Credit: Flavia via Flickr (CC BY-NC-ND 2.0)

The Mattatoio is a former slaughterhouse renovated in the early 2000s to become an area dedicated to contemporary art exhibitions and events.

This is quite a unique location in Rome, where there’s always something to do!

From exhibitions to live music, theater shows, and much more, the Mattatoio is a great place to visit in summer and winter alike.

Aside from the events, you can also check out the bookstore and have a coffee or drink at the on-site café.

At the Mattatoio, you’ll certainly see a different side of Rome from the far more touristic spots.

If you want to meet the locals and discover something other than the historical center, you ought to check out this place!

It’s also in the cool neighborhood of Testaccio, home to the wonderful Testaccio Market.

Have a glass of wine at an enoteca.

persons hand cradling a glass of red wine on a marble countertop

Winter evenings in Rome are for sipping a glass of wine and eating a cheese board or traditional Italian cold cuts!

Rome is full of wine bars, called enoteca in Italian, where you can choose between a vast variety of wines and order a board of cheese and charcuterie.

Whether you just want to have an aperitivo or prefer to opt for a light dinner, this is a nice way to warm up when the days are short and the weather is at its best.

The best areas with nice wine bars are Trastevere, Campo de Fiori, and Monti — I suggest just wandering into one whose ambiance invites you!

Take advantage of the winter sales.

No trip to Italy would be complete without some shopping! After all, you’re visiting the home of high fashion, where some of the most renowned stylists were born.

If you happen to be in Rome between January and February, leave some space in your suitcase because this is when winter sales are at their best!

Stroll along Via del Corso for a variety of shops with different price ranges, or check out the high-end fashion street Via dei Condotti.

If you’d rather stay indoors, you can check out one of the shopping malls, like Euroma 2 or Porta di Roma.

The actual sales dates can vary slightly, but they usually begin after the 6th of January and continue throughout February.

Go on a wine tasting day trip in Tuscany.

a town in tuscany

Rome is located just about 2 hours away from Tuscany, one of the best places for wine tasting in Italy!

If you’re looking for a winter day trip from Rome, the Tuscany wine region is one of the best options.

What is more cozy than sipping on delicious red wines on a crisp winter day?

This small group day tour will bring you to several wineries in Tuscany, as well as the charming Tuscan towns of Montepulciano and Pienza.

It also includes a 3-course lunch with wine pairings from local produces at a beautiful vineyard’s wine cellar!

Book your wine tour of Tuscany here!

Explore Pompeii without the typical crowds.

more scenes from pompeii including the ancient forum area

Normally, visiting Pompeii can be hectic, chaotic, and crowded — not to mention scorchingly hot if you visit in the summer, as Pompeii’s ruins are mostly uncovered (especially compared to the more-covered Herculaneum).

Note that because Pompeii is largely not covered, it is not the most pleasant day trip option if it is raining.

It’ll be hard to walk around on the slick cobblestone floor — not to mention that you’ll be out in the open quite a bit, getting wet and cold!

However, if the weather looks like it’ll be dry during your visit, Pompeii in winter is a fantastic choice!

This small group, full day tour of Pompeii and Naples (as Mt. Vesuvius is not visited on this tour during the winter) is a great way to spend a day seeing some of the greatest historical places near Rome.

Check itinerary and availability of this Pompeii day tour!

Where to Stay in Rome

Autumn light on the picturesque alley in Jewish neighborhood Ghetto in Rome

Boutique: Nerva Boutique Hotel

For a gorgeous and unique stay in a central part of Rome, right near the Colosseum, look no further than Nerva Boutique Hotel.

With a loft-like feel thanks to its high ceilings with exposed beams and modern, quirky design choices, this is a comfortable and stylish choice that won’t break the bank.

Check availability and prices here!

Luxury: The St. Regis Rome

Do I really need to convince you that the St. Regis is the pinnacle of luxury? The brand is practically synonymous with 5-star hotels.

This gorgeous, refined hotel has everything you’d need in a palatial setting, 15 minutes walking distance from all of Rome’s most epic sights, like the Trevi Fountain and Spanish Steps.

Check availability and prices here!

Budget: Pope’s Suites

This choice feels quite luxurious, but the Pope’s Suites is actually a rather budget-friendly place to stay while in Rome, since the Prati neighborhood is a little removed from sights other than the Vatican.

That said, Rome’s public transportation network is excellent, so it’s really not too inconvenient, and you make up for it by staying in really elegant rooms  fit for papal royalty and plebeians alike!

Check availability and prices here!