If you’re like most people, you’ve probably dreamed of visiting the picturesque Amalfi Coast at least once in your life. The problem is, that the cost of a trip to this Italian paradise can be very expensive.
But don’t worry! There are ways to enjoy the Amalfi Coast without spending a fortune. In this guide, you’ll find tips on how to visit the Amalfi Coast on a budget.
Ready To Travel? Don't Go Without Travel Insurance.
I recommend SafetyWing Nomad Insurance, an affordable travel insurance offering automatic monthly payments that you can cancel anytime. I've been using it since 2019, and I can assure you it's the perfect solution for nomads like you and me. Learn more by reading our SafetyWing review.In this guide, you’ll find our budget tips so that you can travel around the Amalfi Coast without breaking the bank.
Plan Your Trip In Advance
One of the best ways to save money when traveling is to plan your trip in advance. This way, you can book your activities and accommodation when you still have lots of options to pick from, and you’re more likely to get discounts.
You could find cheaper flights too. Traveling last minute is going to make your trip more expensive. Amalfi Coast is a popular destination, so the closer you get to your travel date, the more expensive flights and accommodation are going to be.
Take a look at flights on Skyscanner and find the cheapest time of the year to go!
Travel During The Off-Season
If you want to save money, one of the best things you can do is to travel during the off-season. Amalfi Coast’s high season runs from June to August, and this is when accommodation, flights, and activities are going to be the most expensive.
But the Amalfi Coast is just as beautiful in the winter, and you’ll find that prices are much cheaper. So, if you don’t mind braving the cold, winter is the best time to visit Amalfi Coast on a budget.
Stay In Hostels Or Guest Houses
If you’re looking for cheap accommodation, your best bet is to stay in hostels or guesthouses. Amalfi Coast has no shortage of these, and they’re a great option if you’re traveling on a tight budget.
Hostels are usually dorm-style, so you’ll be sharing a room with other travelers. But don’t worry, most hostels have private rooms as well, so you can still get some privacy if you need it.
Guesthouses are a bit more expensive than hostels, but they’re still a great option if you’re looking for cheap accommodation. And, you’ll usually get your own private room in a guesthouse.
Let’s take a look at the best hostels and budget accommodation in the area.
Best Hostels On The Amalfi Coast
- Hostel Briquette (Located in Positano)
- A Scalinatella (Located in Amalfi)
The hostels above are about EUR 45-50 per night for a dorm.
Best Budget Accommodation On The Amalfi Coast
- Casa Gentile (Located in Agerola, between Positano and Amalfi)
- B&B Casanova (Located in Agerola, between Positano and Amalfi)
- Albergo B&B Riviera (Located in Maiori)
The accommodations above are about EUR 45-50 per night.
Don’t Stay In Amalfi Or Positano
Amalfi and Positano are two of the most popular towns on the Amalfi Coast, and they’re also the most expensive. If you’re looking to save money, you should avoid staying in these towns.
Instead, try staying in one of the smaller towns or villages along the Amalfi Coast. You’ll find that prices are much cheaper, and you’ll still be able to enjoy all the Amalfi Coast has to offer. Not only accommodation is cheaper, but you’ll also find affordable restaurants around.
Although, it’s important to note that it’s easier to reach Positano and Amalfi by public transport if you don’t have a car.
Eat Like A Local
One of the best ways to save money when you’re traveling is to eat like a local. Amalfi Coast has some of the best food in Italy, and you can find cheap, delicious meals if you know where to look.
One of the best things about Amalfi Coast is that there are many small, family-run restaurants that serve up traditional Amalfi Coast cuisine. These places are usually much cheaper than the bigger, more touristy restaurants.
So, if you want to save money on food, make sure to eat like a local when you’re visiting Amalfi Coast.
Eat pizza – it’s cheap and delicious! Pizza is one of the most popular foods on the Amalfi Coast, and it’s also one of the cheapest. You can find pizzerias all over Amalfi Coast, and they usually have a few different options to choose from.
If you want to save even more money, you can buy a whole pizza to go. Most pizzerias will sell you a whole pizza for less than 10 euros, and it’s a great way to save money if you’re traveling in a group.
Alternatively, you could book accommodation with a kitchen and cook your own meals. You’ll find grocery stores all over Amalfi Coast, and they usually have a good selection of food.
Take Advantage Of Free Activities
There are many free things to do on Amalfi Coast, so you don’t have to spend a lot of money to have a great time. One of the best things to do is to hike.
Amalfi Coast has some amazing hiking trails, and they’re the perfect way to see the Amalfi Coast’s stunning scenery.
If you’re not a fan of hiking, you could also go for a swim. Amalfi Coast has many beautiful beaches, and most of them are free to use. So, if you’re looking for a cheap way to spend a day, go for a swim!
Take The Bus
Amalfi Coast is one of the most beautiful places in Italy, and there’s no shortage of things to see and do. But if you want to save money, you should avoid taking taxis or renting cars.
Instead, take the bus. Amalfi Coast has an extensive bus and ferry network that can take you to all the major towns and villages. And, the best part is that it’s very affordable.
A one-way ticket from Amalfi to Positano will only cost you about 1.50 euros, and a ticket from Amalfi to Ravello will only cost you about 2.50 euros. So, take the bus and save yourself some money.
Walk
Amalfi Coast is a very pedestrian-friendly place, so one of the best ways to get around is by walking. Not only is it good for your health, but it’s also a great way to save money.
Amalfi Coast has many scenic walking trails that you can explore, and you’ll find that it’s a great way to see the Amalfi Coast without spending any money.
That said, you’ll need to be careful with cars and motorbikes when you’re walking around Amalfi Coast. They often drive recklessly, so make sure to stay on the sidewalks and be careful when crossing the streets.
Fly Into Naples And Take The Bus To The Amalfi Coast
If you’re looking for the cheapest way to get to Amalfi Coast, you should fly to Naples and take the train/bus/ferry to Amalfi Coast.
Naples is the closest airport to Amalfi Coast, and it’s also one of the most affordable airports in Italy. You can find flights from all over Europe for less than 100 euros.
If time allows during your trip, you might even stay in Naples for a couple of days before traveling to the Amalfi Coast.
Now, let’s take a look at your options to reach Amalfi from Naples.
Option 1: Naples To Amalfi By Bus
Once you’re in Naples, you can take the shuttle bus from the airport to Sorrento and then, take the local SITA bus to Amalfi.
The shuttle is about EUR 10 and takes about 1h15. The local bus SITA bus can cost between EUR 1-10 depending on your final destination. To reach Amalfi from Sorrento, it takes about 1h40 by bus. Note that you can’t buy the bus ticket on the bus, and you’ll need to buy it from a tobacco store.
This route takes almost 3 hours to reach your destination.
Option 2: Naples To Amalfi By Train/Bus
Another option is to take the train from Naples to Vietri Sul Mare, and then take the SITA bus to Amalfi.
The train takes about one hour and costs about EUR 5. Then, the SITA bus takes about 1h20.
This route takes about 2h20 to reach your destination.
Option 3: Naples To Amalfi By Ferry
Alternatively, you can take the ferry from Naples to Amalfi for about EUR 14-30 or take the ferry from Naples to Positano.
These options take between 35 minutes and two hours depending on the route, and availability.
Option 4: Naples To Amalfi By Ferry/Bus
Finally, another option you could consider is to take the ferry from Naples to Sorrento, and then take the local SITA bus to Amalfi. The ferry is about EUR 15 and takes 35 minutes. Then, the local bus can take you to your final destination.
It really depends on what matters the most to you. Are you after the cheapest option or the fastest way to reach Amalfi? If you do not wish to change transport and are looking for a fast option, I’d recommend the ferry from Naples to Amalfi.
Take The Ferry Instead Of A Boat Trip
Amalfi Coast is one of the most popular tourist destinations in Italy, and there are many boat tours that you can take. But, these boat tours can be quite expensive.
If you’re looking to save money, you should take the ferry instead. The ferry is much cheaper than the boat tour, and it’s a great way to see Amalfi Coast. There’s a ferry between Positano and Amalfi which is worth taking!
Plus, you can use the ferry to get around Amalfi Coast. It’s a great way to save money if you’re visiting Amalfi Coast on a budget.
Travel Light And Bring A Reusable Bottle Of Water
If you’re traveling to Amalfi Coast, you should make sure to travel light. Amalfi Coast is a very hilly place, and you’ll find that it’s difficult to walk around with a lot of luggage.
Also, make sure to bring a reusable bottle of water with you. Amalfi Coast is quite hot, and you’ll need to stay hydrated. Needless to buy plastic bottles of water during your trip!
So, if you’re visiting Amalfi Coast on a budget, make sure to travel light and bring a reusable bottle of water with you. You’ll save money and stay healthy.
Final Thoughts On Backpacking The Amalfi Coast
Amalfi Coast is a stunningly beautiful place, and it’s no wonder that it’s one of the most popular tourist destinations in Italy. But, Amalfi Coast can be quite expensive, especially if you’re not careful.
In this article, we’ve provided some tips for visiting Amalfi Coast on a budget. We hope that these tips will help you save money and have a great time while you’re visiting Amalfi Coast.
Visiting Italy soon? Make sure to read one of the following guides: