In recent years, the Amalfi Coast has established itself as one of the most expensive destinations in Europe. It’s astonishing to think that this incredible territory, characterized by spectacular cliffs overlooking the sea and enchanting bays with crystal-clear waters, terraces dotted with olive trees, citrus trees and vines -but also with workshops and iconic boutiques- was a succession of small (and poor) fishing villages before the 20th century. It was thanks to the work of directors and writers, who used it as the setting for films and novels, that the Amalfi Coast captured the interest of builders and hoteliers, who planted the seeds of a lucrative fame that grows year after year.

Nevertheless, by applying a few simple tricks, it’s possible to visit the Amalfi Coast without breaking the bank. How? Read this guide to the end and take advantage of invaluable tips for your vacation in the Amalfi Coast on a budget.

Amalfi on a Budget: How to Get There

f you’re flying into the Amalfi Coast for your holiday, you’ve got the choice of Naples or Salerno airports. However, unless you’re planning to spend some time in Naples itself, Salerno Airport makes getting to the Amalfi Coast much easier, so booking a flight into Salerno would be the more convenient option. The Busitalia company runs buses connecting the airport to the center of Salerno for just 5 euros. And from the port in central Salerno, ferries and hydrofoils depart frequently for the Amalfi Coast. Costing anywhere from 7 to 20 euros, these are the ideal connections for the Amalfi Coast on a budget.

If, however, your flight lands at Naples Airport, regardless of your plans, I recommend you don’t miss the opportunity to visit a unique city with three thousand years of history. Take advantage of the chance to visit the ruins of Pompeii for a once-in-a-lifetime experience, and also consider Vesuvius among your destinations for a naturalistic immersion on the slopes of the only active volcano in mainland Europe.

To get to the Amalfi Coast from Naples Airport, you’ll first need to get to Naples Central Station using the Alibus shuttle service, which costs 5 euros.

From Naples Central Station, you’ll then need to take a regional train to Salerno and from there, catch a ferry or a SITA bus to Amalfi. Alternatively, if you want to go directly to Amalfi by bus, you can catch the SITA bus heading straight there from outside Naples Central Station.

Read our guide to Amalfi Coast on a Budget

When to Go and Where to Stay

The best time to visit the Amalfi Coast and save some money is undoubtedly during shoulder season. Considering that hotels and tourist attractions in the area close during peak-off season, the best months to book a vacation to Amalfi Coast and save money are Spring and Autumn months: April-May and September-October. To be sure of finding availability and being able to take advantage of the lowest rates, it is very important to book well in advance, at least 6 months before. 

This coveted strip of land,  included among the ‘Cultural Landscapes’ that UNESCO considers a ‘World Heritage Site’, located between Vietri sul Mare and Positano, offers a remarkable variety of accommodations, from Airbnb apartments to B&Bs and hotels, but if you intend to save money, it is advisable to prefer an accommodation with a kitchen. In any case avoid the Positano area, by far the most expensive, and prefer the towns of Praiano, Maiori, Minori and Cetara. Salerno might also be a good option for staying, given that ferries and hydrofoils to Amalfi leave from there daily and are very frequent.

 

Amalfi on a Budget: Where and What to Eat

Naturally, eating out is always more expensive than cooking for yourself or making a sandwich! In all the towns of the Amalfi Coast, you will find Conad or Despar supermarkets where you can shop for groceries at fairly reasonable prices and stock up on ingredients to cook if you have chosen accommodation with a kitchen. A sandwich or a slice of pizza bought at a bar and taken to the beach for a typical Italian packed lunch are quick, simple, and inexpensive solutions (less than 10 euros) for a light lunch perfect for the hot summer and your vacation in Amalfi on a budget. And to add a delicious touch of sweetness, you can enjoy a creamy Italian gelato for 5 euros. For dinner, you can take advantage of the ‘Apericena,’ a concept halfway between an aperitif and dinner common in most Italian cocktail bars, which offers unlimited access to generally well-stocked and generous buffets in exchange for ordering drinks. The cost starts from 15 euros and increases depending on the number of drinks ordered.

It is definitely worth trying the typical dishes of the Amalfi Coast’s ‘osterie’ (traditional taverns) both for the authentic flavors of the local cuisine and for the prices, which generally range around 30-40 euros for dinner. Finally, don’t underestimate the good old pubs, where the food certainly doesn’t deserve Michelin stars, but you can have dinner for 30 euros, listen to live music, and socialize, which isn’t bad at all.

Free activities to do

Simply wandering through the picturesque towns like Positano, Amalfi, and Ravello is a feast for the eyes, with their colorful houses clinging to amazing cliffs and breathtaking sea views. Embrace the free spectacle of the Mediterranean sunsets, painting the sky in vibrant hues. Hiking the scenic footpaths, such as parts of the Path of the Gods (Sentiero degli Dei), provides stunning panoramic vistas without any cost, just remember to bring water and wear appropriate footwear. Exploring the historic Duomo di Sant’Andrea in Amalfi is free (though there might be a charge for the cloister and museum), allowing you to admire its impressive architecture. Many charming churches dotted along the coast are also open to the public. While the beaches themselves might have lidos with fees, often there are free public sections where you can soak up the sun and enjoy the refreshing sea. Remember to check local events and festivals, as these often offer free entertainment and a glimpse into the vibrant culture of the Amalfi Coast. Enjoy the beauty and charm of this stunning region without spending a fortune.

Amalfi Coast on a Budget: Tips, things to bring

The most important piece of advice I feel I can give is to take advantage of the space left in your suitcase by the thin clothes suitable for the very hot Italian summer to bring several types of shoes with you. So, make room for sandals and flip-flops to stroll casually through the narrow streets of the Amalfi Coast, but don’t forget a pair of water shoes. Almost all the beaches and seabeds of the Amalfi Coast are in fact covered with sharp pebbles, which become scorching hot during the hottest hours of the day, making it difficult and painful to walk on the beach and swim barefoot. Furthermore, consider a pair of trekking shoes: they will be useful for the hike on the Path of the Gods and possibly for Vesuvius.

Although the Amalfi Coast has no shortage of shops where you can buy it, bringing your own sunscreen with you can be a good idea, especially if you have very fair skin that tends to burn easily. The high demand from tourists could deplete supplies, forcing you into a long search that would take time away from other more enjoyable activities.

Finally, whether you bring it with you or buy it once you arrive, don’t forget a hat to protect yourself from the sun’s rays: it could make a significant difference!

 

I hope this mini-guide for an Amalfi Coast on a budget trip is helpful for you to get the most out of your vacation in this enchanting place, without breaking the bank.