Amalfi Coast - Things to Do in Amalfi Coast in March

Things to Do in Amalfi Coast in March

March weather, activities, events & insider tips

March Weather in Amalfi Coast

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Is March Right for You?

Advantages

  • Shoulder season pricing - accommodations cost 30-40% less than peak summer months, with luxury hotels in Positano starting around €180-250 vs €400+ in July
  • Perfect hiking weather - daytime temperatures of 18-20°C (64-68°F) make the Path of the Gods and Valle delle Ferriere comfortable without summer's oppressive heat
  • Genuine local atmosphere - restaurants serve seasonal specialties like wild asparagus and artichokes, while towns operate on authentic rhythms without tourist crowds
  • Clear coastal views - March's crisp air provides exceptional visibility for photography, with the dramatic coastline and Capri visible from every viewpoint without summer haze

Considerations

  • Limited ferry schedules to Capri - services run only 3-4 times daily vs hourly in summer, and rough seas can cancel trips entirely for 2-3 days
  • Many beach clubs closed - iconic spots like Da Adolfo in Positano don't open until late April, limiting waterfront dining options to hotel restaurants
  • Unpredictable rain - 40% chance of afternoon showers that can last 1-3 hours, potentially disrupting coastal drive plans and outdoor dining

Best Activities in March

Path of the Gods Hiking Tours

March offers perfect conditions for this legendary 7.8km (4.8 mile) trail with temperatures staying comfortable throughout the 3-4 hour trek. Spring wildflowers begin blooming, and clear skies provide unobstructed views of the coastline 600m (1,968 ft) below. The moderate UV index of 4 means less sun protection needed than summer hiking.

Booking Tip: Book guided hikes 7-10 days ahead through certified mountain guides. Expect to pay €45-65 per person for group tours. Choose morning departures (8:30-9:00 AM) to avoid afternoon rain. Look for guides who provide transportation from your accommodation.

Ravello Villa and Garden Tours

Villa Rufolo and Villa Cimbrone's gardens begin their spring transformation in March, with early camellias and citrus blossoms at peak. Cool 15-18°C (59-64°F) temperatures make garden strolling pleasant, and you'll have prime photo spots virtually to yourself. The famous Infinity Terrace at Villa Cimbrone offers crystal-clear views without summer's tourist queues.

Booking Tip: Purchase villa entry tickets on-site (€7-12 per villa). March allows flexibility since advance booking isn't required. Combine both villas in one afternoon, allowing 2-3 hours total. Audio guides available in 6 languages for €5 additional.

Amalfi Coast Drive and Photography Tours

The famous SS163 coastal road shines in March with minimal traffic and maximum visibility. Cool, clear air provides exceptional conditions for photographing the coastline's dramatic curves and cliff-side towns. Professional drivers navigate the narrow 10km (6.2 mile) stretch between Positano and Amalfi in comfort while you capture shots impossible in summer's crowded conditions.

Booking Tip: Book private driving tours 5-7 days ahead for €280-350 per vehicle (up to 6 people). Half-day tours (4 hours) cover all major viewpoints. Choose afternoon tours (1-5 PM) for optimal lighting, but have indoor backup plans for rainy days.

Traditional Cooking Classes with Seasonal Ingredients

March brings wild asparagus, fresh artichokes, and the first spring vegetables to local markets. Cooking schools focus on seasonal specialties like pasta with wild herbs and traditional Easter preparations. The cooler weather makes kitchen time comfortable, and you'll learn dishes that reflect authentic local eating rather than tourist-focused summer menus.

Booking Tip: Reserve cooking experiences 10-14 days in advance through established culinary schools. Prices range €85-140 per person for 3-4 hour classes including meals. Look for classes that include market visits and transportation. Check current options in the booking section below.

Pompeii and Vesuvius Archaeological Tours

March's mild 18-20°C (64-68°F) temperatures make exploring Pompeii's 44-hectare (109-acre) site comfortable without summer's exhausting heat. The lower UV index means less sun exposure during the typical 3-4 hour visit. Vesuvius hiking trails to the crater rim are accessible, with the moderate 20-minute climb manageable in cool conditions.

Booking Tip: Combine Pompeii and Vesuvius in full-day tours costing €95-130 per person including transportation and guide. Book 7-10 days ahead through licensed archaeological guides. Morning departures (8:30 AM) allow full exploration before any afternoon weather changes.

Limoncello and Wine Tasting Experiences

March marks the beginning of citrus harvest season, making it ideal for authentic limoncello production tours. Local producers offer intimate tastings in their groves and cellars, explaining traditional methods while you sample varieties made from sfusato lemons. The cool weather enhances tasting experiences, and smaller groups mean personalized attention from producers.

Booking Tip: Book tasting experiences 5-7 days ahead for €35-55 per person. Tours typically last 2-3 hours and include transportation from main towns. Look for experiences that combine limoncello with local wine tastings and traditional snacks. See current options in booking section below.

March Events & Festivals

Mid March

Sagra delle Arance (Orange Festival)

Sorrento celebrates citrus harvest season with local orange and lemon displays, traditional music, and seasonal food stalls featuring fresh citrus-based dishes. Local producers offer tastings and demonstrate traditional preservation techniques passed down through generations.

Essential Tips

What to Pack

Layered clothing system - mornings start at 12°C (54°F) but afternoons reach 20°C (68°F), requiring easy-to-remove layers
Waterproof walking shoes with good grip - coastal paths can be slippery when wet, and you'll encounter uneven stone steps throughout cliff-side towns
Compact umbrella or light rain jacket - March showers are brief but intense, lasting 1-2 hours with little warning
SPF 30+ sunscreen - despite moderate UV index of 4, reflection off white limestone buildings and water intensifies exposure
Comfortable day pack - for carrying layers, water, and rain protection during full-day explorations
Light scarf or pashmina - essential for evening dining when temperatures drop to 12-15°C (54-59°F)
Power bank and waterproof phone case - for photography during variable weather conditions
Cash in small denominations - many local producers and small restaurants don't accept cards, especially during quiet March season
Comfortable walking sandals - for hotel and indoor use when feet need relief from walking shoes on stone surfaces
Light sweater or fleece - for early morning ferry rides and evening activities when sea breezes create wind chill

Insider Knowledge

Local restaurants serve 'cucina povera' specialties in March - simple dishes like pasta e fagioli and seasonal vegetable soups that showcase authentic Campanian cooking before tourist season begins
Bus schedules reduce to winter timetables until Easter - SITA buses run every 40-50 minutes between towns vs every 20 minutes in peak season, so plan connections carefully
Book accommodations with heating - many coastal hotels turn off air conditioning but don't always provide adequate heating for cool March evenings that can drop to 10°C (50°F)
March is prime time for resident discounts - show extended stay documentation to receive 'residente' pricing at attractions and some restaurants, saving 20-30% on regular admission fees

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