Amalfi Coast - Things to Do in Amalfi Coast in April

Things to Do in Amalfi Coast in April

April weather, activities, events & insider tips

April Weather in Amalfi Coast

18°C (64°F) High Temp
11°C (52°F) Low Temp
85mm (3.3 inches) Rainfall
70% Humidity

Is April Right for You?

Advantages

  • Shoulder season pricing means you'll pay 30-40% less than peak summer rates for hotels and tours, with accommodations in Positano and Ravello still bookable 3-4 weeks out instead of the 3-month advance needed for July-August
  • The coast is genuinely quiet - major sites like Villa Cimbrone gardens and the Duomo di Amalfi have 60-70% fewer visitors than summer months, meaning you can actually photograph the majolica-tiled dome without crowds and explore the cloisters in relative peace
  • Spring blooming is at its peak with wisteria cascading over terraces, lemon groves in full flower (the scent is everywhere), and wildflowers covering the hillsides along hiking trails - the Path of the Gods looks completely different than in summer's brown grass
  • Water temperature reaches 16-17°C (61-63°F) by late April, and while that's too cold for most swimmers, it means crystal-clear visibility for coastal walks and the beaches are yours alone - locals start their beach season but tourists haven't arrived yet

Considerations

  • Weather is genuinely unpredictable - you might get three gorgeous days followed by two of steady rain and clouds that hide the coastline views entirely, making it tough to plan boat trips or hiking more than 48 hours ahead
  • About 30% of restaurants and hotels are still closed from winter season (particularly in smaller villages like Furore and Conca dei Marini), and ferry services run reduced schedules until late April, limiting your transportation options between towns
  • Mornings start quite cool at 11-13°C (52-55°F), which means layering clothing throughout the day as temperatures climb to 18°C (64°F) by afternoon - that 7°C (13°F) swing catches first-timers off guard

Best Activities in April

Path of the Gods hiking (Sentiero degli Dei)

April is actually the single best month for this iconic 7.8km (4.8 mile) trail from Bomerano to Nocelle. Temperatures stay in the perfect 15-18°C (59-64°F) range while you're hiking, wildflowers cover the cliffsides, and visibility tends to be excellent in morning hours before any afternoon clouds roll in. The trail can be muddy after rain, but it dries quickly - just avoid the day immediately after storms. Summer heat makes this genuinely exhausting, but April conditions are ideal.

Booking Tip: You don't need a guide for this well-marked trail, but if you want context on the flora and history, look for guided hiking tours typically running 80-120 euros per person for 4-5 hour excursions. Start early (8-9am) to finish before any afternoon weather changes. The SITA bus from Amalfi to Bomerano runs limited April schedules, so check current times or see guided options in the booking section below.

Pompeii and Herculaneum archaeological tours

April weather is perfect for spending 3-4 hours walking ancient streets - summer's heat reflecting off stone ruins is brutal, but April's 18°C (64°F) highs are comfortable for extended outdoor exploration. The sites are notably less crowded than peak season, meaning you can actually stand in the Forum without being jostled. UV index of 8 means you still need sun protection, but you won't be seeking shade every 15 minutes like in July.

Booking Tip: Half-day tours from Amalfi Coast towns typically run 65-95 euros including transport and skip-the-line entry. Book 7-10 days ahead in April (not the 3-week advance needed in summer). Morning tours (9am-1pm) offer better light for photography and beat any afternoon clouds. See current archaeological tour options in the booking section below.

Amalfi town and Ravello villa gardens exploration

The historic villas - Villa Rufolo and Villa Cimbrone in Ravello particularly - are designed around their gardens, which peak in April bloom. You'll see wisteria, roses, and Mediterranean flora that look tired by August heat. The Duomo di Amalfi and its Cloister of Paradise are indoor-outdoor spaces perfect for April's variable weather, and the town's ceramic shops and lemon product stores provide rain backup without feeling like you're killing time.

Booking Tip: Self-guided exploration works well, but cultural walking tours (typically 45-70 euros for 3 hours) add historical context about the Maritime Republic era and architectural details you'd otherwise miss. Villa entry fees are 7-10 euros each. The SITA bus between Amalfi and Ravello runs every 40-60 minutes in April - confirm current schedules. See guided cultural tours in the booking section below.

Cooking classes focused on spring ingredients

April means fresh artichokes, wild asparagus (asparagi selvatici), and spring peas in local markets, plus the lemon harvest is underway. Cooking classes this month focus on seasonal primi piatti and use produce that's genuinely different than summer menus. Classes typically include market visits where you'll see locals shopping, which gives you a sense of real coast life beyond tourism. Indoor activity makes it perfect for rainy afternoon backup.

Booking Tip: Half-day classes run 85-140 euros depending on group size and whether they include market visits. Book 10-14 days ahead as class sizes stay small (6-10 people typically). Morning classes (9:30am start) usually include market shopping; afternoon classes skip that portion. Look for family-run experiences rather than hotel-based classes for more authentic settings. See current cooking class options in the booking section below.

Capri day trips via ferry

Ferry services to Capri increase their schedules in late April as season ramps up, and the island is notably quieter than summer months when cruise ship crowds overwhelm the Marina Grande. April weather means you can hike to Villa Jovis or walk the Pizzolungo coastal path without summer's oppressive heat. The Blue Grotto (Grotta Azzurra) has about 60% chance of being open depending on sea conditions - it closes with any wave action, which happens more in April than summer, but when it's open, you'll wait 15 minutes instead of 2 hours.

Booking Tip: Ferry tickets to Capri run 20-25 euros each way (book at the port or online 2-3 days ahead). Full-day guided tours including transport, island tour, and Blue Grotto run 120-180 euros. Check morning weather forecasts before committing - if seas are rough, the Blue Grotto won't open regardless of your booking. See current Capri tour options in the booking section below.

Wine tasting at Furore and Tramonti vineyards

The terraced vineyards inland from the coast are brilliant green in April before summer sun stresses the vines. Furore and Tramonti areas produce wines you won't find outside Campania, and April tastings often happen in family cellars rather than formal tasting rooms, giving you direct access to winemakers. The cooler temperatures make the walk between vineyard rows comfortable, and spring views across the valleys toward the coast are clearer than summer's haze.

Booking Tip: Winery tours with tastings typically run 45-75 euros for 2-3 hours including 4-5 wines and local cheese/salumi. Book 5-7 days ahead as these are small operations with limited daily capacity. Afternoon slots (3-5pm) work well after morning activities. Transport is tricky as these are inland locations - tours including pickup from coastal towns run 90-130 euros. See current wine tour options in the booking section below.

April Events & Festivals

Early April 2026 (Easter Sunday April 5)

Easter Week processions (Settimana Santa)

Easter timing varies yearly, but when it falls in April (as it does in 2026 with Easter Sunday on April 5), you'll see traditional processions in Amalfi, Maiori, and Sorrento. The Good Friday torchlit processions through narrow streets are genuinely moving and show the coast's deep Catholic traditions that tourists rarely witness. Hotels book up 6-8 weeks ahead for Easter week, and prices jump 20-30% above normal April rates.

Mid to Late April (weekends, dates vary by town)

Sagra del Carciofo (Artichoke Festival) in various towns

Several smaller coast towns celebrate spring artichoke harvest with street food festivals featuring carciofi in every preparation - fried, stuffed, grilled, in pasta. These are genuine local events, not tourist productions, usually happening on weekends in mid-to-late April. Expect live music, outdoor eating, and crowds of Italian families rather than international visitors.

Essential Tips

What to Pack

Lightweight waterproof jacket that packs small - April showers are brief (20-30 minutes typically) but happen on about 10 days throughout the month, and you don't want to cut short a coastal walk or town exploration because of light rain
Layering pieces for that 11-18°C (52-64°F) temperature swing - a long-sleeve cotton shirt, light sweater, and the rain jacket mentioned above will cover you from cool morning cappuccino to warm afternoon limoncello
Comfortable walking shoes with actual tread - the Positano stairs (all 1,700 of them between upper and lower town) get slippery when wet, and hiking trails can be muddy after rain
SPF 50 sunscreen despite the moderate temperatures - UV index of 8 means you'll burn during long outdoor days, especially with sun reflecting off white buildings and water
A small day pack for hiking or boat trips - you'll want to carry that rain jacket, water, sunscreen, and maybe a picnic lunch from local alimentari shops
Light scarf or pashmina that works as both cool-morning warmth and church cover-up - bare shoulders aren't allowed in the Duomo di Amalfi and other religious sites
Prescription sunglasses if you wear them - the combination of bright Mediterranean light and white-painted buildings creates genuine glare that makes sightseeing uncomfortable without eye protection
Insect repellent for evening walks, particularly if you're staying in garden villas or doing sunset hikes - mosquitoes emerge in April as temperatures warm but aren't yet the summer plague
A refillable water bottle - public fountains throughout coast towns have potable water, saving you 2-3 euros per bottle while hiking or exploring
European plug adapter and portable battery pack - you'll be using your phone constantly for photos, maps, and translation, and hunting for outlets in ancient buildings gets old quickly

Insider Knowledge

The SITA bus system along the coast runs reduced schedules until late April (full summer schedule typically starts May 1), so check current timetables before planning day trips between towns - missing the last bus from Ravello to Amalfi means a 70-euro taxi ride down the mountain
Many restaurants operate limited hours in April, particularly in smaller villages, with several still closed entirely for off-season. Call ahead or check current status before walking 20 minutes uphill to a place you assume is open - locals use the phrase 'ancora chiuso' (still closed) frequently in April
Book accommodations on the western side of buildings or valleys for morning sun and better weather - the coast faces southwest, so western exposure means you catch afternoon light, but morning sun warms your terrace for breakfast during those cool 11°C (52°F) starts to the day
The Amalfi Coast isn't actually a beach destination despite the name - beaches are small, pebbly, and frankly not impressive compared to other Mediterranean spots. April visitors who come expecting Greek-style beaches end up disappointed. Come for the vertical villages, hiking, food, and views instead.

Avoid These Mistakes

Booking boat tours more than 48 hours in advance - April weather changes quickly, and you don't want to lose deposit money when seas get rough or clouds hide the coastline views. Book morning-of or day-before when you can see actual conditions
Assuming everywhere accepts cards - smaller alimentari shops, some family restaurants, and bus ticket vendors are cash-only, and ATMs in tiny villages like Atrani or Furore are rare. Carry 50-100 euros in cash at all times
Trying to drive the coast road yourself in a rental car - the SS163 is genuinely stressful with blind curves, no shoulders, and aggressive local drivers who know every centimeter of the road. The SITA buses are cheaper, less stressful, and let you actually look at the views instead of white-knuckling the steering wheel

Explore Activities in Amalfi Coast

Plan Your Perfect Trip

Get insider tips and travel guides delivered to your inbox

We respect your privacy. Unsubscribe anytime.