We'll be in Italy from Dec 26 to Jan 9, wondering if it's a good idea to visit Amalfi Coast over the holidays. Will we be greeted with "Closed for the holiday" sign everywhere we go? or should we just plan our itinerary around major cities? Need help fast! Thanks.
Posted by
Sorrento, NA, Italy
36 posts
Hi Angel,
The winter time is obviously much slower, but the main attractions are open. We have placed also the program for the Christmas and New Year's Acitivies in Sorrento on the tourism Authority Web Site (http://www.fondazionesorrento.com/Site/default_en.asp)
Also, some hotels might be closeed and shops might have a shorter schedule.
You can visit all the attractions and places, from Amalfi to Positano, to Sorrento, as well as the Archeological sites of Pompeii and Herculaneum. Even venture a few days to visit Naples and the historical Center - during Christmas, the old Naples is enchanting !
Let me know if you need any further help.
Thanks,
Cinthya
Posted by
Henson, Florida, USA
466 posts
Just to let you know, the 26th of December is Santo Stefano day (St. Stevens Day) and it is as big a holiday as Christmas is. I have lived in Italy and almost everything is closed on the 24, 25 and 26th. It's not like here in the states where you can find things open. They take their holidays very seriously. For the Italians, this is family time, not time to make money.
Posted by
US Pacific Northwest
10344 posts
Mark made good points. Major cities are likely to offer more open places than smaller ones--it's not like here where things are open so they can chase the almighty dollar.
Posted by
Calitri, Avellino, Italy (& US - where I live the majority of the time)
223 posts
Depends HOW you like to travel :-)
If you like "back door" places I think it is no problem at all - I LOVE Amalfi in winter...you get a very authentic feel for things...and there are restaurants open...but local spots that have the winter business to keep 'em going - not tourist traps (!) kitchy souvenir shops won't be open...but the grocery and local shops will be (though not on the 26th as already stated)The Christmas season is a VERY busy time in S.italy(!) tons of yummy food specialties in the pastry shops :-) and lots of strolling and shopping....WONDERFUL Nativity scenes in the churches - towns even do "living nativitys" up to Epiphany....lots of concerts...New Year's Eve is a big night in restuarants - so make reservations if you find somewhere you want to be (and check prices - same as in the US - New Year's is usally a fixed price menu and can be very expensive.