As temperatures rise in Europe, it seems everyone suddenly has travel on their minds. Many attractions across the continent open exclusively from April through October, making this the ideal season for exploring. Among Europe’s most coveted destinations is Italy’s breathtaking Amalfi Coast, renowned for its scenic beauty and glamorous reputation.
Stretching between Sorrento and Salerno along the famous road SS163 (Amalfitana), the Amalfi Coast comprises 16 picturesque municipalities and is recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. As someone from India, I grew up watching numerous Bollywood songs filmed against the dreamy backdrop of Amalfi’s dramatic cliffs and azure waters. Yet, the Amalfi Coast also has a reputation for being expensive—sometimes prohibitively so.
In this guide, I’ll share my personal experience and practical tips on how you can make your Amalfi Coast adventure both affordable and unforgettable.
Choosing the Right Time for Your Visit
Why Spring is Ideal
Timing significantly impacts the affordability and comfort of your trip. I recommend traveling in Spring (April to early June) or Fall (late September to October). Summer months are typically crowded, and accommodations quickly become overpriced. Having experienced Italy in July before, I found the heat too intense to comfortably explore.
My latest trip was in April, just before Easter, providing an excellent balance—pleasantly warm days, occasional clouds to shield the harsh sun, and fewer crowds. However, avoid traveling exactly on Easter weekend, as most European cities, including Amalfi, become overcrowded during this period. If sunbathing is your main goal, summer might be preferable—but otherwise, spring offers a more relaxed and cost-effective experience.
How to Choose Your Accommodation (Airbnb or Hotel)
Where I Stayed: Massa Lubrense
Selecting accommodations strategically can significantly reduce your travel expenses. Popular towns like Amalfi and Positano tend to have high-priced lodging options. Instead, consider staying in smaller, quieter towns nearby.
My group of seven chose to stay in Massa Lubrense, a charming town close to Sorrento, situated just outside the busiest tourist zones. This location provided us easy access to all the major attractions while saving significantly on costs. We booked a spacious Airbnb villa costing approximately €1,100 for a full week—considerably cheaper compared to central locations.
Our villa offered spectacular views overlooking the Bay of Naples, making it perfect for leisurely mornings and evening relaxation, especially since we were traveling with a young child.
Here’s a link to the apartment we booked, now listed on Booking.com. Our host was the Feeling Italy team, who thoughtfully provided groceries for our first morning, excellent local recommendations, assistance with car rentals, and arrangements for boat tours to nearby Capri Island.
Airbnb Booking Tips (Especially for Families):
- Apply filters for baby cribs, high chairs, hot water, cooking essentials, and proximity to grocery stores.
- Ensure the apartment or villa has outdoor spaces for your child to safely play while adults enjoy breathtaking views.
Transportation: Car Rental vs. Public Transport
Why Renting a Car Makes Sense
Transportation is another critical aspect of traveling affordably and conveniently along the Amalfi Coast. While public buses run frequently from main towns like Amalfi or Sorrento, renting a car significantly enhances your flexibility, especially if you’re traveling with family or young children.
We rented a car for around €100 per day, giving us the freedom to explore iconic towns like Positano and Amalfi at our own pace—both within a one-hour drive from Massa Lubrense. The scenic coastal roads are famously steep, narrow, yet stunningly beautiful, adding a memorable dimension to the trip.
Important Car Rental Tips:
- Consider renting a car seat from the rental company if traveling with young children; most providers offer this for an additional fee.
- Staying slightly further away from popular tourist centers like Amalfi and Positano can offset car rental costs by lowering your accommodation expenses.
Where to Eat on the Amalfi Coast
Italy is synonymous with incredible cuisine, and the Amalfi Coast, part of the Naples region, is especially famous for fresh, authentic dishes. If exploring Italian food is one of your travel goals, you’ll love eating in Amalfi, Positano, and Sorrento. Here, pizzas smell as good as they taste, pasta is handmade, and seafood dishes are exceptionally fresh.
Eating Affordably:
- We discovered that restaurants outside major towns, especially near our accommodation, had unpredictable hours—even if Google listed them as open. To avoid inconvenience, plan meals in popular towns like Sorrento, Amalfi, and Positano, where dining options are plentiful and reliable.
- To further cut costs, we prepared breakfasts at home with groceries from local supermarkets and limited dining out to once per day.
Final Thoughts
Traveling affordably on the Amalfi Coast doesn’t mean sacrificing comfort or memorable experiences. By thoughtfully choosing your travel dates, staying slightly off the beaten path, renting a car for convenience, and balancing home-cooked meals with restaurant dining, your Amalfi adventure can be both budget-friendly and luxurious.
With careful planning, you too can enjoy the stunning views, delicious cuisine, and charming towns of the Amalfi Coast without breaking the bank.
