FALL AND WINTER HIKING ON THE AMALFI COAST: WHAT TO WEAR AND WHAT TO BRING

One of the most common mistakes people make when trekking along the coast during the winter months is wearing too many layers. While hiking steep inclines or stairways, your body generates a lot of heat, but during breaks, the temperature feels much lower—which is why the best approach is to dress in layers, preferably with technical clothing that’s easy to remove. Ideally, you should wear a breathable thermal shirt as a base layer, topped with a lightweight fleece or down jacket to retain heat as the mid-layer, and finally a waterproof, windproof jacket as the outer layer. This way, you can add or remove layers to better adapt to fluctuating temperatures. As for pants, my advice is to wear long hiking pants—preferably stretchy and water-repellent! Jeans should be avoided at all costs, as they’re likely to stay damp for the entire duration of the hike once they get wet.

The coastal trails alternate between sections of packed earth, limestone, and long stone staircases. In the fall and winter, of course, they’re often wet from rain and humidity and can be quite slippery. For this reason, we recommend wearing shoes suitable for uneven terrain—preferably hiking boots with high-grip soles and, ideally, ones that cover the ankle to protect against sprains. Also, wear warm but thin socks to prevent blisters!

When you head out for a hike in nature, the last thing you want is to carry a heavy, bulky backpack that will only tire you out or hinder your movements. You need to travel light so you can tackle the climbs without unnecessary effort! So, here’s a list of essential items to pack in your backpack.
- Mini first-aid kit: Whether you’re in shape or not, you can always trip, fall, or get a scrape or two while hiking. That’s why it’s a great idea to bring a small kit with everything you need to treat minor cuts or apply an emergency bandage—especially since there are no medical facilities along coastal trails.
- Folding hiking poles: useful both on ascents and when descending steep, stepped sections.
- Flashlight: Between November and January, the sun sets early, between 4:30 p.m. and 5:00 p.m. Having a flashlight with you will ensure you aren’t caught off guard by darkness.
- Insulated water bottle: Essential in any season, for carrying fresh water or a hot herbal tea to enjoy during scenic breaks along the trails.
- Rain jacket: As I mentioned earlier, having a rain jacket on hand can be a lifesaver—especially since it’s much more convenient than an umbrella.
- Power bank: You’ve probably found yourself with a dead phone in the middle of the day at least once! Since we now use our smartphones for everything—from taking photos to using online maps—make sure you never go anywhere without a fully charged power bank: it’s an essential precaution.

Before setting out on your hike, consider a few things.
First of all, choose your route carefully: not all trails are easy, and cold weather and rain could make conditions even worse. If you’re not an experienced hiker, stick to some urban trails, such as the Path of Lemons between Maiori and Minori or the Sentiero della Volpe Pescatrice in Furore. They’re shorter and closer to towns, but still just as charming!
Also, heavy rain can cause small landslides or falling rocks along the trails: always pay attention to your surroundings, and if you notice trails that are too rough, don’t continue—put your safety first!
If you’re not very familiar with the area and don’t want to have to figure everything out on your own, you can always consider joining a tour led by certified local guides: this way, not only will you have peace of mind regarding the logistics, but you’ll also learn much more from locals who know the trails, their history, and—very often!—even mysterious anecdotes about them!

Coastal hiking trails often end at the seashore or in a picturesque town square; for this reason, it might be a good idea to bring a dry spare sweater and a neck warmer so you can enjoy your stroll through town as well!
Don’t forget to check the weather forecast—especially the wind conditions: the Libeccio or the Scirocco can greatly affect your hike.
Also, always be mindful of moisture: in some areas, such as the Ferriere Valley, the ground may be wet or covered with moss, so it’s best to proceed with caution at all times!
Well, now that you have all the necessary information, all that’s left is to enjoy nature and the spectacular views of the Amalfi Coast!