Amalfi Coast Italy

Destinations

Guide To The Amalfi Coast | On A Budget

The Amalfi Coast is one of the most beautiful coastlines in Europe. Its dramatic cliffs, stunning ocean views, and charming villages are like something out of a dream. But let's be honest—it’s also known for being one of the priciest destinations out there. I’ve always dreamed of visiting, but my budget has always held me back. However, after a lot of research and some trial and error, I finally found a way to explore this breathtaking area without breaking the bank.

Where to Stay

When planning a trip to any destination, the first thing I always figure out is where to stay. On the Amalfi Coast, which spans only about 50 kilometers, many towns are breathtakingly beautiful but also very pricey. From my experience, the most cost-effective town to stay in is Sorrento. Although Sorrento isn't technically part of the Amalfi Coast, it's right next to it, offers excellent access to the region, and is the cheapest place to stay

Don’t let the lower cost deceive you; Sorrento is stunning. You can lose yourself in its charming medieval streets, enjoy fantastic shops, delightful restaurants, and beautiful beaches and coastline. Another great advantage of staying in Sorrento is its connectivity. It has a train station with direct trains to Naples, which makes getting to and from Naples Airport a breeze. This can save you the hassle and expense of arranging transport deep into the Amalfi Coast.

In addition to the train, Sorrento has a dock, giving you a convenient base to explore various islands around the Amalfi Coast. One of the most popular islands to visit from Sorrento is Capri, which I’ll talk about more later. When I looked at accommodation options on Airbnb and Booking.com, Sorrento consistently came out as the cheapest compared to other towns like Positano.

The price difference is significant when you start comparing Sorrento to other towns. And when you factor in the excellent transportation connections I mentioned, staying in Sorrento becomes an obvious choice. For those wondering how I got such a great deal on my stay, I’ll go into more detail later in the video. You can also check out the index and timestamps in the description for specific sections.

Average costs in this area

Transportation - Here’s a brief rundown of how I managed to keep my Amalfi Coast getaway budget-friendly at just €251 for four days, flights included.

First and foremost, timing is everything. To score a cheap trip, you need to book during the off-season. Avoid July and August at all costs. These months are peak season, and prices skyrocket. Instead, aim for spring or fall. Personally, I went in September, which was perfect—not too crowded and much more affordable.

Next, let's focus on finding affordable flights. Budget airlines such as Ryanair frequently provide lower fares, so it's essential to locate the most economical option based on your departure location.

To save even more, use public transport instead of hiring a car. Car hire can quickly add up with costs for the rental itself, petrol, and parking fees. On the Amalfi Coast, parking is notoriously expensive—about six euros an hour in Positano’s multi-storey car parks! Public transport is efficient and much more affordable.

Accomodation - For accommodation, I highly recommend using Booking.com or Airbnb. This trip, I opted for Booking.com and landed a fantastic deal: four nights, including breakfast, for just €164 per person. I stayed at Hotel Solento, a lovely spot that I can't recommend enough. To find these deals, make sure you book well in advance and keep an eye out for promotions.

Food - When it comes to food costs on the Amalfi Coast, prices can vary depending on where and what you eat. You might spend around €10-15 for a casual meal at a trattoria or pizzeria. If you prefer dining in more upscale restaurants, expect to pay between €20-40 per person for a three-course meal with local specialties.

For breakfast or a light snack, you might spend around €5-10 for a coffee and pastry at a café, or €10-15 for a more substantial breakfast or brunch.ma

If you’re planning to enjoy some local seafood or higher-end dishes, prices can go up significantly, ranging from €50 to over €100 per person depending on the restaurant and menu.

Suggested daily budget – Overall, for a moderate daily food budget, you might allocate around €50-70 per person (Note: This is a suggested budget assuming you’re staying in a hostel, eating out a little, cooking most of your meals, and using local transportation. Using the budget tips below, you can always lower this number. However, if you stay in fancier accommodation or eat out more often, expect this to be higher!)

TIps for first visit

1. Best time to go – The Amalfi Coast is an incredibly popular tourist destination, so timing your visit right is crucial for the best experience. From my perspective, the ideal times to visit are either in May, early June, or September. During these months, you can enjoy the beautiful summer weather while avoiding the heavy crowds that swarm the area during peak season.

The Amalfi Coast is known for its winding roads and tiny towns, which can get very crowded very quickly. By steering clear of the peak months of July and August, you can navigate the area more comfortably and enjoy a more relaxed atmosphere. Additionally, traveling during these off-peak times often means lower prices, making your trip more cost-effective.

So, if you’re planning a trip to the Amalfi Coast, aim for May, early June, or September. This way, you can soak up the sun, explore the charming towns, and have a fantastic time without the overwhelming crowds and higher costs of peak season. Trust me, this timing makes a huge difference in the quality of your experience.

Now, let’s talk about the absolute must-visit spot on the Amalfi Coast that everyone raves about.

2. Guide to Capri – The number one place everyone wants to visit on the Amalfi Coast is the island of Capri. This beautiful island is very easy to get to from Sorrento; just head down to the docks and book tickets on the day. Regular ferries go to and from Sorrento. Upon arrival, you’ll be dropped off in a charming little fishing village. Capri is a mountainous island, so the first thing to do is take a cable car from the docks up to the main shopping plaza and town area. The cable car is affordable and offers great views. If you prefer, you can walk to the top, but it takes a while due to the mountainous terrain.

Once at the top, many people seek the best views for great photos. The botanical gardens are popular but crowded. I found a lesser-known spot called “Canon View” (Du Ponte Cannon). It offers better views than the botanical gardens and is usually much less crowded. From this higher vantage point, you can even look down onto the gardens.

If you visit the botanical gardens, you can also see a beautiful staircase, although access may be restricted. For the best views on Capri, head to Monte Solaro, accessible by cable car. The views from the top are absolutely stunning.

For beach lovers, Marina Piccola offers the best beach on Capri. It’s on the opposite side of the island from the docks but is worth the trip. It’s less crowded and boasts beautiful scenery. Be aware that public beaches are rare, so be prepared to pay for private beach access.

For a different perspective of the island, you can take boat tours around Capri, which often include swimming spots and visits to the Blue Grotto. I recommend booking these tours in advance through platforms like GetYourGuide for the best experience.

One downside to Capri is the potential for rough seas on the ferry ride. Even on a seemingly calm day, the journey can be quite rough, so I recommend bringing travel sickness tablets. They can be found on the island or in Sorrento pharmacies.

3. Guide to Positano – Positano is one of the most beautiful towns on the Amalfi Coast, built right into a cliff with stunning architecture. However, it is also very expensive. The main beach is a private beach owned by beach clubs, and you have to pay to access it. There is a small public beach, but it gets very crowded.

For a less expensive beach experience, visit Fornillo Beach, which is more accessible and less crowded. The town itself is beautiful to walk through, with lovely shops and the stunning Santa Maria Church.

For food, avoid restaurants near the beach as they are more expensive. Instead, try the Conocchia Positano Bakery, known for its lemon sorbet served in a hollowed lemon. Positano is famous for its lemons, and this treat is both delicious and refreshing. The bakery also offers great pizzas, including vegan options.

For the classic Positano photo, head to the staircase near the bus stop. This is the spot for the iconic view of the town.

If you’re planning to dine in Positano, skip the beachfront restaurants for a more budget-friendly and delicious experience deeper into town. A standout spot is Conolea Positano Bakery, perfect for those seeking Instagram-worthy eats. Known for its lemon-centric offerings, like refreshing lemon “sorbetto” served in hollowed-out lemons, this bakery captures the essence of the region’s famed citrus. They also offer excellent pizzas, including vegan options like a traditional Neapolitan base with just tomato sauce, loved by both vegans and non-vegans alike. For the iconic Positano snapshot, head to the bus route along the Amalfi Coast, near where this classic view is captured. Find it on Google Maps near a distinctive staircase for that perfect Instagram moment. While not on the Amalfi Coast, consider exploring this lesser-known gem for a unique culinary adventure.

4. Guide to Sorrento – Positano Even if you don’t stay in Sorrento, it’s worth visiting. It has beautiful beaches, although they are private and cost about 10 euros for entry. The food in Sorrento is excellent, with many vegan options. A great vegan-friendly spot is Enjoy the Little Things, which serves delicious vegan dishes. Gelato Rocky offers amazing vegan gelato, and Frankie’s Bar Pizzeria is a fully vegan restaurant with a wide range of options.e town.

Do’s and don’ts

Getting around the Amalfi Coast is best done by public transport or small rental cars.

Car Hiring – Hiring a car will provide you with the flexibility to explore at your own pace and access remote areas. I recommend renting the smallest possible car (e.g., Fiat 500 or Fiat Panda) due to the narrow, winding roads. If you rent a car, then you need to take into consideration that Italian roads are often single carriage and very windy. Be prepared for a different driving culture; Italian drivers can be unpredictable, and parking can be challenging and limited in small towns.

Public Transport – If you’re not hiring a car, Sorrento is the ideal base. It offers good connectivity to the rest of the region. Sorrento has a train station that connects to Naples and other major cities. Regular buses run from Sorrento through all the towns along the Amalfi Coast. A return ticket costs around 3 euros. Tickets cannot be bought on the bus. Instead, purchase them from tobacco shops or kiosks. In Sorrento, tickets can be bought from a shop inside the train station that sells cigarettes and newspapers. The main bus stop in Sorrento is just outside the train station. Buses are frequent and cover major coastal towns.

Ferry Travel – Ferries are a scenic and convenient way to travel between coastal towns. Major ferry ports include Positano, Naples, Sorrento, Capri, Amalfi, and Salerno. These ferries typically run consistently and on time, but many of the routes are only available from April through October. So, if you’re hoping to travel from Positano to Capri in November, you’ll be out of luck. Additionally, ferries can be suspended at any time of the year due to inclement weather. If you have your heart set on a day trip to Capri or Ischia, it’s wise to have a couple of buffer days in case the ferry is canceled because of weather conditions. If you’re visiting during peak months, always book your tickets in advance, as many routes sell out early. Ferry tickets cost approximately €15 to €20.

Other Transport Options – Taxis and Private Drivers are more expensive but offer door-to-door service. Ideal for those who prefer a more comfortable and hassle-free experience.

Avoiding Peak Season – As the beauty of this region continues to gain popularity, the peak tourist months become even more crowded. July and August, in particular, attract hordes of visitors, resulting in sky-high hotel rates, packed restaurants and beaches, and terrible traffic. While May, June, and September attract fewer tourists, the water in April and October is often too cold for swimming, though the cities are no less beautiful. Many people we’ve talked to have said that their experiences were spoiled by the crowds, so don’t let that happen to you. However, keep in mind that most hotels and restaurants close from November through March, so if you visit during this period, your dining and accommodation options will be quite limited.

Savoring the Local Cuisine – This should go without saying, but don’t skip the freshly made pastas, home-baked cakes, and Neapolitan-style pizza while you’re on the Amalfi Coast. The food here is as delicious as in any part of Italy, but there are certain regional specialties that must be tasted. Almost every restaurant menu features scialatielli ai frutti di mare, a seafood pasta with mussels, prawns, clams, and more. Other top dishes include Neapolitan pizza margherita, sfogliatella (a shell-shaped pastry with ricotta), and delizia al limone (a lemon sponge cake with lemon cream and limoncello). The lemons in this region are often considered the best in the world, and a tipple of local limoncello is a lovely way to end dinner. Visitors who take a liking to limoncello can buy a bottle from one of the countless stores lining the town centers.

Low budget