The Amalfi Coast is one of those places that everyone should visit at least once in their lives. It’s a throwback to the days when Italy was made up of quaint fishing villages and towns built around stunning cathedrals. Markets, beaches, and winding side streets are its hallmarks, and each of them is waiting to be explored.
If you want to know how long to spend in the Amalfi Coast when you’re on a budget, then you need to strike a balance between what you want to do, and how much you’re prepared to spend. There’s plenty of ways to do it, and they don’t all involve basing yourself in Naples and only having a day trip to the region, so you can rest assured that you’ll be able to spend a couple of weeks there if you want to.
When to visit?
June – September are the peak months for tourists — largely because they coincide with the school holidays. The problem for budget travellers is that this huge influx of tourists pushes the prices up. That’s something you’ll find in any popular tourist destination, and certainly isn’t unique to the Amalfi Coast. If you want to travel on a budget but still enjoy the sun, then either May or October will probably be the best month to visit. That way you get plenty of sun, and you also have the chance to save on accommodation with off peak pricing.
Read our updated guide on: Best Time to Visit the Amalfi Coast
Where to stay?
Picking the best Amalfi Coast town to stay in is a matter of weighing up what you want to do on the one hand, and your budget on the other. Positano is the most popular area with families, but it can be significantly more expensive than some of the less well known towns along the coast. Praiano is a great option if you want to save a significant amount of money on your accommodation, without sacrificing the quality of the overall experience. Alternatively you could hunt for a bargain out of season price in nearby Ravello.
Budget transport options
Budget airlines regularly fly in and out of Naples Airport as it’s one of Italy’s main transportation hubs. Booking well ahead of time and flying early in the morning or late at night is a great way to save a large amount of money on your airfares. Once you land you either have the choice of a train to Sorrento and a bus to your final destination, or a taxi. It’s worth comparing the cost of the two before you set off on your travels so you can find the best deal.
Once you arrive on the Amalfi Coast, you’re going to want to explore some of the neighbouring towns and villages. The Sita bus service runs between most of towns on the Coast, and will work out significantly cheaper than hiring a car for the duration, or relying on taxis. So, now you know where to stay, how to get there, and how to get around, all you need are a few things to keep you busy…
Read our guide on: How to Get to the Amalfi Coast
Picnics at sunset in Praiano
Sorrento and Salerno are very popular with tourists, but you can end up paying a little bit of a premium when you go there. If you want a great budget option, then a picnic at sunset in Praiano is a great option. The locals will tell you that it offers the best views on the entire Coast, and they’re not wrong about it!
Head to Positano for the day if you’re travelling with kids
Positano is full of activities for the kids, but because of its popularity it can prove expensive. You can save money by basing yourself out of town, and making a day trip of it so the little people still get to run around in the playgrounds and join a few of the kid’s clubs.
Cook at home by visiting the markets
There are markets in just about every town on the Amalfi Coast, each offering fresh produce on a daily basis. Going self-catering and cooking at home on alternative evenings is a great way to try something new whilst saving money.
Relax on a different beach every day
The Vietri sul Mare, the Marina Grande, Minori, the list of Amalfi Coast beaches goes on and on. Taking a packed lunch, some juice, and a book to the beach is a great way to relax on a budget. Jump on the Sita bus and go and explore a new beach every day of the week.