Hi there, I have read lots of information about why it is not ideal to visit the Amalfi coast in December. However, we have to go on our vacation in December and our daughter would really love to see it, so off we go! My question to you all is does anyone have any experience visiting at that time? Any holiday experiences you have enjoyed. A hotel recommendation as most of the larger places will be closed, but many boutiques will be open. We are lucky to be able to hire a local driver/tour guide to show us around. If it is absolutely not worth it, we will strike it off the list, but I feel like something has to be going on there! We will be in Vienna, Venice, Rome first. I thought Amalfi might be a better environment than Rome for my two teenagers over the New Year. Any advice is welcome! Thank you!
I think your 2 teenagers might like NYE in Rome a lot more than at sleepy Amalfi.
We were in Amalfi/Sorrento mid November. It was a little quiet, and places were going to close down for a while. However, I recall hearing that they decorate for Christmas and its quite festive and people come to enjoy it. We thought the weather was nice, however, we did have some rain, which I think is common that time of year.
Rome has fireworks on NY Eve, that was about all we saw. I think your teens would enjoy seeing them. Pricey NY Eve dinners in Rome begin at 10:00pm. The Amalfi Coast in December will not be very appealing.
Thank you! I appreciate your responses. My husband and I understood that NYE in Rome has a NYC/Times Square sort of giant street party vibe which is not what we are interested in - just our choice. I don't think the comment about what my teenagers would prefer was totally necessary, but I do appreciate the answer about the fireworks being the extent of the celebration! We will pivot and keep our plans to stay in Rome during that time. Again, thank you for those who took the time.
I think it would actually be very festive on the Amalfi Coast on New Year’s Eve. Christmas may a little quiet but there does seem to be activity going over NYE. It won’t be as lively as Rome, but I guess it depends on what you are looking for. NYE is huge in the Naples region and quite terrifying actually due to the use of fireworks. I’m sure some of that would carry on to the Amalfi Coast. It is a gamble in regards to weather at that time of year, however.
Here is an article I found about last year in Amalfi.
https://www.napolike.com/new-year%27s-eve-in-amalfi-between-concerts-in-two-open-air-disco-squares-and-fireworks/amp
I would stay in Sorrento where more places will be open
Take a day trip around AC towns by bus or driver
Much easier to get to as well
Yes I would stay in Sorrento or Salerno and day trip by bus to the towns on the AC as well as a visit to Naples/Paestum depending on which end you stay. There will be more restaurants open off the AC, and you will be riding the buses with the locals and will be able to see the gorgeous coast as well as the lovely towns.
We were in Sorrento mid November 2019. There were already extensive Christmas decorations in place. Positano was just about empty of tourist facilities. Amalfi and Ravello had some decorations up, but I think Ravello's were for locals. Amalfi was still very active tourist-wise. Sorrento: Palazzo Tasso hotel (great) Positano: Positano Art Hotel Pasitea (very good but away from downtown - is a shuttle stop). Amalfi: Hotel L'Antico Convitto (great).
Such wonderful help! Thank you all so much!