
Amalfi Coast Trip Cost: $2,500 for 7 Days of Bliss
Planning a trip to the Amalfi Coast? Get ready for stunning views, charming towns, and unforgettable experiences. But before you pack your bags, let’s talk about the elephant in the room – cost. A typical Amalfi Coast trip can range from $100 to $500 per person per day, depending on your travel style and choices.
The Amalfi Coast is known for its luxurious hotels and fine dining, but don’t worry if you’re on a tighter budget. There are ways to enjoy this beautiful destination without breaking the bank. From cozy B&Bs to local trattorias, you can find options that fit your wallet.
As you plan your trip, think about what matters most to you. Do you want to splurge on a fancy hotel with a sea view? Or would you rather save on accommodation and spend more on boat tours and cooking classes? By prioritizing your expenses, you can create an Amalfi Coast experience that’s perfect for you and your budget.
Contents
- Key Takeaways
- Getting to the Amalfi Coast
- Flights to Naples and Salerno
- Local Transportation to Amalfi
- Accommodation Options and Prices
- Hotels and Resorts
- Vacation Rentals and B&Bs
- Food and Dining Budget
- Local Restaurants and Street Food
- Bars and Nightlife
- Transportation on the Amalfi Coast
- Public Buses and Ferries
- Car Rentals and Parking
- Activities and Attractions
- Beaches and Coastal Excursions
- Historical Sites and Cultural Experiences
- Hiking and Outdoor Adventures
- Shopping and Miscellaneous Expenses
- Local Markets and Boutiques
- Souvenirs and Specialty Items
- Budgeting Tips and Tricks
- More Travel Guides
Key Takeaways
- Trip costs vary widely based on accommodation, dining, and activity choices
- Budget-friendly options exist alongside luxury experiences
- Prioritizing expenses helps create a personalized Amalfi Coast adventure
Getting to the Amalfi Coast
Getting to the Amalfi Coast involves flying to a nearby airport and then taking local transport to reach your final destination. You’ll need to plan your route carefully to balance cost and convenience.
Flights to Naples and Salerno
Naples International Airport is your best bet for flying into the Amalfi Coast region. It’s bigger and has more flight options than Salerno Costa d’Amalfi Airport. Budget airlines like Ryanair and easyJet often have cheap flights to Naples from major European cities. Expect to pay around €100-200 for a round-trip ticket from places like London or Berlin if you book in advance.
Salerno’s airport is closer to the Amalfi Coast, but it has limited flights. You might find some seasonal charters or domestic Italian flights landing here. Prices can be higher, but the shorter transfer time could be worth it.
Local Transportation to Amalfi
Once you land, you’ve got a few ways to reach the Amalfi Coast. The cheapest option is taking a bus. The Sita bus from Naples to Amalfi costs about €10 and takes 2-3 hours. It’s slow but scenic!
For a faster trip, try the ferry from Naples or Salerno. Tickets cost €20-30 one-way and the ride is about an hour from Salerno or 2 hours from Naples. The views are amazing!
If you’re splurging, a private transfer will set you back €100-150 from Naples. It’s pricey, but door-to-door service in a comfy car might be worth it after a long flight.
Don’t forget to buy travel insurance before your trip. It’ll cover you if flights get cancelled or you have other travel hiccups.
Accommodation Options and Prices
Finding a place to stay on the Amalfi Coast can be tricky. You’ll see a mix of fancy hotels and cozy rentals. Prices change a lot depending on where and when you go.
Hotels and Resorts
Amalfi has tons of hotels, from cheap to super fancy. In busy towns like Positano, you might pay €200-€500 a night for a nice room. But in quieter spots like Maiori or Minori, you can find deals for €50-€100.
Peak season (June-August) is pricey. Try May or September for better rates. Some hotels have amazing views, but they cost more. If you’re on a budget, look for places a bit farther from the beach.
Booking.com has lots of Amalfi Coast hotels. You can filter by price and location to find good deals.
Vacation Rentals and B&Bs
Renting an apartment or staying at a B&B can save you money. These options often cost less than hotels, especially for longer stays. You might pay €70-€150 per night for a nice rental.
Rentals give you more space and a kitchen to cook meals. This helps cut food costs. B&Bs often include breakfast, which is another way to save.
Vrbo has many vacation rentals in the area. You can find cool apartments with great views for less than a hotel room.
Remember, book early! Good deals go fast, especially in summer.
Food and Dining Budget
Eating out on the Amalfi Coast can get pricey, but there are ways to enjoy the amazing local cuisine without breaking the bank. You’ll find a mix of fancy restaurants and more affordable options, plus some great street food.
Local Restaurants and Street Food
You can expect to pay around €15-25 for a main dish at a mid-range restaurant. For budget-friendly meals, look for small family-run trattorias away from the main tourist areas. These often offer daily specials for €10-15. Pizza is a great cheap option, costing €6-10 for a whole pie.
Street food is tasty and affordable. Try arancini (fried rice balls) for €2-3 or a slice of pizza al taglio for €1-2. Gelato is a must – expect to pay €2-3 for a small cup. For a quick breakfast, grab an espresso and cornetto (Italian croissant) at a local bar for about €2.50 total.
Bars and Nightlife
Drinks can add up fast on the Amalfi Coast. A glass of wine at a bar typically costs €5-8, while cocktails run €8-12. Beer is usually the cheapest option at €4-6 for a pint.
To save money, look for bars offering aperitivo. You’ll get snacks with your drink for a set price of €8-12. It’s a great way to sample local foods on a budget.
Don’t miss trying limoncello, the local lemon liqueur. A shot costs €3-5. For a fun night out without the high bar prices, pick up a bottle of wine from a shop (€5-10) and enjoy it at your hotel or a scenic spot.
Transportation on the Amalfi Coast
Getting around the Amalfi Coast can be tricky, but you’ve got options to suit different budgets and preferences. Let’s break down the main ways to navigate this stunning coastline.
Public Buses and Ferries
SITA buses are your budget-friendly best friend on the Amalfi Coast. They connect most towns and villages, with tickets costing around €2-3 for short trips. But be ready for crowded buses in peak season!
Ferries offer a scenic alternative. You can hop between coastal towns like Positano and Amalfi for about €8-12 one-way. It’s a great way to avoid traffic and enjoy those amazing sea views.
Pro tip: Buy a 24-hour bus ticket for €10 if you plan to make multiple stops in a day. It’ll save you cash and hassle.
Car Rentals and Parking
Renting a car gives you freedom, but it comes with challenges. Car rental prices start around €50-70 per day. The winding coastal roads can be nerve-wracking, and parking is a nightmare in towns like Positano.
If you do drive, book parking in advance. Expect to pay €3-5 per hour or €20-30 for a full day. Some hotels offer free parking, so ask when booking.
Consider renting from Sorrento or Naples to avoid the steepest roads. And remember, Italian drivers can be… let’s say “enthusiastic”!
Activities and Attractions
The Amalfi Coast offers a mix of free and paid activities to suit all budgets. You can enjoy stunning beaches, explore historic sites, and hike scenic trails without breaking the bank.
Beaches and Coastal Excursions
The Amalfi Coast’s beaches are a major draw. Atrani has a small, charming beach that’s free to visit. In Praiano, you’ll find hidden coves perfect for swimming. Maiori boasts the longest stretch of sand on the coast.
For a splurge, book a boat tour to see the coastline from the water. Prices start around €50 per person for a group tour. You can also rent kayaks or paddleboards for about €20 per hour.
Don’t miss the Emerald Grotto, a sea cave with bright green water. Entry costs €5, plus €5 for the boat ride inside.
Beach clubs offer loungers and umbrellas, but they can be pricey. Expect to pay €15-30 per day for a set. Public beaches are free but can get crowded.
Historical Sites and Cultural Experiences
The Amalfi Cathedral, with its striking Arab-Norman architecture, is a must-see. Entry to the cathedral is free, but the museum and cloister have a €3 fee.
Pompeii makes for an excellent day trip. Book a guided tour or explore on your own. Entry costs €16, and getting there by train is affordable.
Vietri sul Mare is known for its colorful ceramics. You can visit workshops and buy souvenirs, with prices starting from just a few euros for small items.
In Minori, check out the Roman Villa. This ancient ruin gives a glimpse into Roman life and is free to visit.
Hiking and Outdoor Adventures
The Path of the Gods is a famous free hike with breathtaking views. The trail runs between Agerola and Positano, taking about 3 hours one-way.
For a unique experience, visit Fiordo di Furore. This hidden beach in a fjord is free to access and offers great photo opportunities.
Ravello’s gardens provide stunning vistas. Villa Rufolo costs €7 to enter, while Villa Cimbrone is €10. Both offer panoramic views of the coast.
If you’re into water sports, try snorkeling or scuba diving. Rental gear costs around €20-40, while guided dives start at €80.
Shopping and Miscellaneous Expenses
The Amalfi Coast offers plenty of opportunities to splurge on unique items and local specialties. You’ll find charming markets and boutiques selling everything from handmade sandals to colorful ceramics.
Local Markets and Boutiques
Browsing local markets is a must-do on the Amalfi Coast. At the stalls, you’ll find fresh produce, aromatic herbs, and local cheeses. Prices are generally reasonable. You can expect to pay around €3-5 for a kilo of juicy lemons or tomatoes.
Boutique shopping can get pricey, but window shopping is free! Positano is known for its fashion scene. You might find a lovely linen dress for €80-150 or handmade leather sandals for €50-100.
Don’t forget to check out the ceramic shops in Vietri sul Mare. Colorful plates and bowls make great souvenirs, with small pieces starting at €20-30.
Souvenirs and Specialty Items
Limoncello is the quintessential Amalfi Coast souvenir. A small bottle costs about €10-15 in local shops. For a splurge, try lemon-infused olive oil (€15-20) or lemon soap (€5-8).
Paper from Amalfi makes a unique gift. Expect to pay €10-20 for a small notebook. Coral jewelry is another local specialty, with prices starting around €50 for simple pieces.
Budget €50-100 per person for souvenirs and specialty items. Remember, bargaining isn’t common here, so prices are usually fixed.
Budgeting Tips and Tricks
Want to visit the stunning Amalfi Coast without breaking the bank? You’re in luck! With a bit of smart planning, you can enjoy this Italian paradise on a budget.
First up, timing is key. In May, September, and October, you can dodge peak season crowds and sky-high prices while still enjoying nice weather.
Accommodation can eat up your budget fast. Look for hostels or budget-friendly Airbnbs in less touristy towns like Vietri sul Mare or Cetara. You might snag a dorm bed for €50-60 per night.
Public transport is your friend here. The SITA bus connects most Amalfi Coast towns and is way cheaper than taxis or rental cars. A 24-hour bus ticket costs about €10.
Beach time doesn’t have to be pricey. Skip the fancy beach clubs and head to free public beaches like Marina Grande in Positano or Duoglio Beach near Amalfi.
Eating out can add up quick. Hit up local markets and pack picnics for lunch. When dining out, look for “menu turistico” options – they’re often great value.
Don’t miss out on free attractions! Wander charming town streets, hike the Path of the Gods, or visit beautiful churches like Amalfi Cathedral.
With these tips, you can enjoy the Amalfi Coast for around €100-140 per day. Not dirt cheap, but doable for budget travelers wanting to experience this slice of paradise.