10 Things to Do in Amalfi in February
February and its wintry atmosphere offer a different perspective of Amalfi that you will enjoy discovering. Do you dare to explore this town?
Dia soleado en Amalfi |©Soma Biswas
Amalfi is a coastal town declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site, where you will find a wealth of scenery, history, architecture and culture, all through its monuments, beaches, gastronomy and the warmth of its inhabitants, who will make you feel part of this town. All this through its monuments, beaches, gastronomy and the warmth of its inhabitants, who will make you feel part of this town.
During your stay in the city in February you will enjoy a very pleasant winter atmosphere which, in turn, will allow you to discover a different perspective of this picturesque place. For example, among the best things to do in Amalfi in the second month of the year, you can celebrate the carnival, take a panoramic or photographic tour of the historic centre and beaches, among other activities that I'll tell you about in a moment.
1. Take a free or guided tour through the streets of Amalfi and discover the most outstanding places
If you visit Amalfi in February and want to discover the highlights, then you should take a free or guided tour of the streets. You'll get a glimpse of the architecture, history and culture of this town. All of this without the crowds, as during this month the number of tourists is quite low.
To do this activity you can connect with one of the best tours in Amalfi and enjoy the company of a local guide who will tell you the history of each place. You also have the option of doing the tour on your own.
Whichever option you choose for this tour, you will enjoy the charming town and an important part of its historical heritage.
For example, you will be able to see:
- Piazza Duomo, considered to be the nerve centre of Amalfi.
- The Fountain of St. Andrew the Apostle, which stands out for its marble construction and where you can refresh yourself with a drink of water like a local.
- The imposing staircase of the Cathedral, with more than 100 steps leading up to the main façade of this Romanesque-medieval complex built in the 9th century.
- The Via Lorenzo D'Amalfi, which is the street that crosses the entire town of Amalfi.
You can't help but be immersed in the nostalgic atmosphere of the season.
Useful information
- Price: if you take the guided tour the price can start from 40€ per person.
- Duration: The guided tour usually lasts around 2 hours. However, if you take the tour at your own pace, there is no time limit.
2. Celebrate Valentine's Day in Amalfi
Perhaps your 2-day visit to Amalfi or longer will coincide with the 14th of February, i.e. Valentine's Day. If so, don't miss the opportunity to enjoy the celebratory atmosphere in the bars, restaurants and streets of the town. The options for fun are varied.
Special evenings
On this day, restaurants offer special evenings on their terraces. There, you can eat by candlelight while contemplating the beautiful panoramic view of the city and the sea. You can also go to a bar to enjoy an aperitif with a glass of wine or a beer. All this, accompanied by the lively music of a live DJ.
Cooking class
But if you want to celebrate this day in a more homely way and you are also a fan of the traditional cuisine of the region, the best option is to join one of the best cooking classes in Amalfi with a local culinary professional.
You can learn to prepare from scratch some sweet recipes (arancelli, aubergines with chocolate, cannoli, among others) and savoury ones (lemon spaghetti, squid alla praianese, mussels, etc). Afterwards, you will sit at the table with the whole family to eat, drink and share experiences.
- Price: the price of the cooking activity starts at €105 per person.
- Duration: the cooking class usually lasts a maximum of 4 hours.
3. Take a walk along the beaches of Amalfi and celebrate Carnival
Taking a stroll along the best beaches of Amalfi during the Carnival period is a good option. Especially because in February you'll enjoy the mild weather and the tranquillity that comes with a low tourist influx. All this, wrapped in an atmosphere of celebration.
You can go to Lido delle Sirene which is a small beach with crystal clear waters and thin sand, located just 8 minutes walk from the centre of Amalfi. You also have the option of visiting Il Duoglio Spiaggia beach, which is a 4-minute drive and a 25-minute walk away.
On both beaches you will have an unforgettable day: you will get privileged panoramic views of the sea, while you lie on the sand and feel the breeze on your skin. You will also be able to dive for a few minutes, but not before checking the average temperature of the water and its swell, to avoid getting cold.
You will also find bars and discos in the surroundings, which offer themed parties after sunset. For this reason, this is a good place to include among the top 10 things to do in Amalfi at night.
4. Take a scenic tour of the Amalfi Coast by car or electric motorbike at your own pace
During the month of February you can take advantage of the low traffic on the Amalfi Coast road to take one of the best day trips from Amalfi. This is a panoramic route, which will allow you to see different perspectives of this region.
This adventure starts from the city centre, where you will need to rent a car or an electric motorbike. You will then set off along the well-known Amalfi Drive or SS163 state road, which links all the villages of the Amalfi Coast.
The scenic route along the Amalfi Coast has many bends, dug tunnels and really narrow areas. However, you will get breathtaking views of the sea, picturesque clifftop houses wrapped in a nostalgic atmosphere that often characterises winter and much more.
You can travel from Amalfi to Sorrento, which is about 42 minutes away, passing through Conca dei Marini, Furore, Praiano and Positano. You also have the option of driving along the Amalfi road in the direction of Vietri sul Mare, about 45 minutes away, to see Atrani, Ravello, Scala, Maiori and Tramonti.
5. Make the most of your time in Amalfi to buy some souvenirs
On your 5-day stay in Amalfi or longer in February, you should take advantage of the town's cool climate to wander the streets in search of souvenirs. You will discover dozens of shops lining the narrow, steep streets of this picturesque seaside town.
You can start your walk along Via Lorenzo D'Amalfi, one of the main streets of the town. Through it, you will be able to move from the beach area (promenade) to the top of the cliff.
In this way, you will find souvenir shops and craft shops with a variety of products. For example, you will have the opportunity to buy pottery, Amalfi paper, fashion, antique paintings, jewellery, works of art by local artists, perfumes, among others.
In addition, this route will take you through the Piazza de Duomo, where you will find cafes, bars and restaurants. You can take a break on one of its terraces to taste the popular limoncello and, why not, buy a bottle as a souvenir.
6. Discover Amalfi's most photogenic spots with a professional photographer
On your 3-day stay in Amalfi or longer, you can discover the naval history of this town at the Antico Arsenale. This will keep you sheltered from the cold February temperatures while you browse the exhibition halls.
During the tour you will see a range of nautical artefacts, manuscripts, parchments and other evidence of Amalfi's important influence on Mediterranean history.
For example, some of the objects to see at the Antico Arsenale include:
- Orientation tools such ascompasses used in oceanic routes.
- The Tabula d'Amalpha, which is a maritime code used until the 16th century.
- Collection of historical garments, used annually in the Byzantine procession.
- The Yarì coin, formerly minted for payment in Mediterranean ports.
Useful information
- Price: admission is free.
- Opening hours: every day during the summer (10:00 am to 8:00 pm). Tuesday to Sunday in winter (10:00 to 13:00 and 15:00 to 19:00).
8. Walk inside the Cathedral of Amalfi and contemplate the treasures of this monument
Visiting the Amalfi Cathedral is an unmissable experience in February. In this month of low season, you won't have to experience queues or crowds. This way, you will be able to carefully appreciate the treasures that this monument holds.
This Romanesque-style Catholic precinct is dedicated to Saint Andrew the Apostle, who is the patron saint of the town. For this reason, you will find sculptures, frescoes and other objects referring to him.
Among the relics you will see are the following:
- A sculpture (16th century), featuring Saint Andrew the Apostle, the Dead Christ and the Dolorosa.
- The series of frescoes depicting the life of the apostle on the ceiling.
- The Chapel of Reconciliation with the relics of St Andrew.
- The crypt, with the tomb of the apostle and frescoes depicting the arrival of the body from Constantinople.
- The high altar, with the crucifixion of St Andrew depicted on canvas.
Useful information
- Price: Admission to the basilica is free, but if you wish to enter the cloister and the museum, you will have to pay an average price of 3€ per person.
- Opening hours: every day from March to June (9:00 to 18:45), from July to September (9:00 to 19:45) and from November to February (10:00 to 13:00 and 14:30 to 16:30).
9. Enjoy a unique panoramic view of Amalfi from the Torre dello Ziro
February in Amalfi offers a unique winter atmosphere, where shadows and cold tones dominate the atmosphere. Take advantage of this natural phenomenon to get a different view of the town and the Mediterranean from the Torre dello Ziro.
You only have to drive for about 5 minutes from the centre of Amalfi or take a bus for about 15 minutes to the historic fortress, built in stone in the 15th century on the high ground between Amalfi and Ravello.
From the observation tower, you will be able to look out over Amalfi, the Gulf of Salerno and even identify in the distance some of the neighbouring villages that make up the Amalfi Coast.
10. Experience the aperitivo culture in Amalfi
Whether you stay just one day or decide to spend 4 days in Amalfi, you should experience the so-called aperitivo culture in February. You will soothe the winter chill of the season with some delicious traditional alcoholic drinks.
You can visit the bars and restaurants located in the Piazza del Duomo. In any of them, you will be offered an aperitif consisting of a drink (limoncello, beer, wine, etc.) accompanied by a snack (olives, chips, pizza, etc.). And, if you want a more substantial meal, order a plate of mixed cold meats.
What to pack for your visit to Amalfi in February?
Amalfi in February is a cold place, with rainy days and cloudy skies. So if you plan to visit the town that gives its name to the Amalfi Coast, you'll need to pack some sturdy, warm clothes to help keep you warm.
It's important to pack at least one pair of long trousers, long-sleeved T-shirts and warm jumpers. You will also need a cardigan or other warm jacket to protect you from the cold.
You will need to pack some accessories such as hats, scarves and gloves. Don't forget several pairs of socks (breathable but warm), winter shoes, a mackintosh or an umbrella instead.
Amalfi's February tourist crowds
On an annual basis, the town of Amalfi in February tends to see a very low number of tourists. This is due to the fact that it is the coldest and rainiest month of the winter with temperatures ranging between 8°C and 13°C.
However, Amalfi is the ideal destination in this month for those who love nostalgic landscapes and uncrowded places. You can stroll through the streets and visit the monuments without queuing up.
Of course, you will see some shops closed during this season, but that doesn't stop you from having fun. The same goes for Amalfi boat trips or other water activities, which are available according to the daily weather conditions.