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Sorrento/Amalfi in early November and other cities to see nearby?

I have started trip planning for a trip to Sorrento/Amalfi in the fall - Oct or Nov 2026. Originally was looking at October but was wondering if November would be a better option (less crowds, better rates). For those familiar with Sorrento, Positano, Amalfi, Capri - do stores/restaurants truly close Nov 1st or is that no longer the case due to the extended tourist season?

Considering Sorrento as a home base with day trips to the other towns. The whole trip likely would be 8-10 days - curious to know if there are any other recommendations for cities/towns to see while there? Also wondering if 8-10 days is too long a time there in the fall.

As always, your guidance and tips are MOST APPRECIATED! :)

Lisa - Brooklyn, NY

Posted by
6872 posts

I think that's much too long. The AC area is a fair-weathered destination. Without great clear, sunny weather, there's not much to do- or see. We had a coastal hotel room one year in May, when the rain wouldn't stop, and it took three days before we saw any part of Vesuvius. We would look out, and all we saw was a wall of fog.
In addition, the area does not have good transportation links, which makes day tripping difficult. And, many ferry lines will stop running in November.
So- I would say plan an shorterOctober trip, and spend some time elsewhere it Italy. Good luck!

Posted by
1281 posts

I'd go to another region in November.

Abruzzo is close to Rome and has so much to offer. Truffles!

Posted by
38 posts

Thank you all - this has been very helpful! I have been doing a bit of independent research as well - likely will go a shorter time (7 or 8 days) and move the trip into October to make sure that everything is still open.

Posted by
39 posts

Hi Lisa, I wanted to jump in and tell you that I have been to the coast both late September and middle of November and there is a difference (both in terms of weather and in terms of how many restaurants etc are open). I see you mentioned eventually you might go October, I agree with that! Also because some of the ferry companies operate only up until November, so October gives you more possibilities for day trips.
Sorrento is an excellent base to do day trips, I couldn't agree more :) I have used several guides to organize my trips, I can say I have found the best info here, here, here, here and from Rick Steve's ofc!
I hope that helped and enjoy your trip

Posted by
839 posts

I actually think early November is better. I was just there last November and really appreciated the relaxed locals, the low prices and the lack of crowds. 95% of shops and restaurants were open in Sorrento, maybe 90% on Capri. Some of the waterside restaurants would close early but there are so many options that didn't create any issues for us.

Weather was beautiful for the most part. There were plenty of ferries and the Blue Grotto was open most days. We monitored their Facebook page for daily updates. I have seen what the Grotto entrance looks like in September I'm really glad we missed being #35 in the bobbing queue of boats.

All in all, there was just a really wonderful relaxed pace and vibe to a place that can feel much "buzzier" during the season. Shopkeepers are patient and really happy to have you in their store. Restauranteurs are chatty rather than rushed.

I liked basing in Sorrento, but with 8-10 days you sure could spend an overnight on Capri and really get to genuinely experience why tourists have fallen in love with that island. No mobs of day trippers and no selfie sticks spoiling your views in November.

As mentioned above, the prices for lodging really drop in November. I can recommend a really charming place in Sorrento if you're interested. Just DM me.

Posted by
38 posts

@Ninjaturtle - thank you so much for the concurrence on October as well as the information. I will definitely check out the links!

Currently thinking about spending a portion of the time in Sorrento and then going to either Positano or Amalfi for a few nights. TBD. Still need to do a bit more research and see what makes sense. Any other suggestions would be welcomed!

Posted by
38 posts

@Chris - thank you for your feedback! I had heard that parts of the coast really shut down in November so this would impact some of those locales. But it is definitely worth checking into. I will DM you about the Sorrento recommendation!

Definitely looking to stay in Sorrento and likely another spot - possibly Positano or Amalfi. I appreciate all of this great insight.