Best time to go

• During spring: Regarded as the ‘Golden Season’, spring is enchanting all along the Amalfi Coast. You’ll notice the scent of jasmine and orange blossom as the orchards come into full flower. The best time to visit is May when the peak season is still a month or two away, and you’ll have locations like the Blue Grotto in Capri and Fornillo Beach in Positano to yourself. Expect temperatures ranging from the mid-teens to low 20s°C (65-71°F).

• During summer: The summer months see the temperature climb into the high 20s°C, sometimes tipping into 30-32°C (86-89°F). This period, particularly July and August, brings festivals galore, with every village and town celebrating key saint’s days and religious holidays, as well as various food and drink events. There will be plenty of other visitors during this period, but you can still find your own little slice of tranquillity by exploring the various hiking trails winding along the coast.

• During autumn: Autumn is a beautiful time of the year to discover the Amalfi Coast, and temperatures are still mild at around 26°C (78°F). The tourists have thinned, but most sites and services will remain open, and you’ll still enjoy plenty of sunshine, with the occasional brief shower of rain.

• During winter: During the winter the Amalfi Coast takes on a more dramatic personality, with huge waves crashing onto the shore. It’s a great time to go hiking and exploring, discovering an entirely different aspect of the region. If you’re craving a spot of culture, you can always head for Sorrento, where you’ll find plenty of cafés and restaurants open all year round.