By: Stuart Kerr, Travel Correspondent
Published: 03/08/2025 · Updated: 03/08/2025
Contact: editorial@holidaymate.com | About the Author
The Amalfi Coast, with its cascading pastel houses, shimmering seas, and steep citrus-covered hills, remains one of Europe’s most iconic travel dreams. Yet for many would-be travellers, its reputation for opulence—especially in hotspots like Positano and Ravello—can make it seem unattainable. But here’s the secret: beneath its luxury veneer, the Amalfi Coast offers numerous budget-friendly experiences for travellers willing to venture just slightly off the typical track.
In 2025, the opening of new budget flight routes to Salerno airport and ferry expansions along the coast have reignited interest in more affordable parts of the Amalfi region. According to The Times, these updates have made lesser-known towns like Minori, Maiori, Cetara, and Vietri sul Mare not only more accessible but increasingly attractive to budget-conscious visitors. These destinations boast the same crystal waters, cobbled charm, and fresh seafood as their pricier neighbours, minus the hefty room rates.
One of the biggest cost-savers is where you stay. As A Lovely Planet notes in their updated guide, opting for accommodation in Praiano or Atrani can cut your nightly costs by 30–50% compared to Positano. These towns also offer a more authentic, slower-paced experience. Atrani, for example, is a tiny medieval village tucked between cliffs, yet it's just a 10-minute walk from Amalfi town. Praiano, perched gracefully on the cliffs, is a peaceful alternative with some of the coast’s best sunset views.
Dining is another area where a little local knowledge pays off. Avoid waterfront restaurants in major hubs and instead seek out trattorias tucked away in side alleys or up the hills. Many offer set lunch menus (menu turistico) for under €15, often including fresh seafood pasta, a side, and local wine. According to Not a Nomad Blog, grocery stores and delis are also a great source for panini, fruit, and pastries—perfect for a scenic picnic along the Sentiero degli Dei (Path of the Gods).
Speaking of that trail, one of the greatest budget activities on the coast is also one of the most unforgettable: hiking. The Sentiero degli Dei weaves high above the coastline, connecting Bomerano to Nocelle. It offers panoramic views of the Mediterranean, vineyards, and sheer cliffs, all for free. Buses to the trailheads are cheap and frequent—though always double-check timetables in advance.
Public transport in general is your friend here. Ferries from Salerno to Amalfi or Minori are far more scenic (and often faster) than the overcrowded coastal buses. They also avoid the winding roads that can leave even hardy travellers carsick. From Salerno, you can ride to Vietri sul Mare—famous for its ceramics—and gradually work your way westward along the coast by boat.
Timing your trip is another key factor. The Amalfi Coast in July and August is not only expensive but also overwhelmingly crowded. Savvy travellers now visit in April, May, late September, or even early October. According to Condé Nast Traveler, these shoulder seasons still offer warm temperatures and open businesses, but with thinner crowds and noticeably reduced accommodation rates.
For those craving the Positano experience without the Positano price, day trips are the solution. Stay in Minori or Cetara, then ferry or bus into Positano for the afternoon. Stroll the colourful alleys, grab a gelato, and return to your peaceful, budget-friendly base by sunset. You’ll capture the Instagram moments without footing the luxury bill.
Another underrated gem is the village of Scala—the oldest on the Amalfi Coast. Overlooked by many tourists, it offers incredible views over Ravello, centuries-old churches, and chestnut forest trails. Its lack of luxury boutiques makes it an ideal location to experience the slow, rural charm of the region at a fraction of the cost.
When it comes to souvenirs, skip the high-end ceramics shops near Amalfi’s Duomo and look instead for artisan cooperatives in Vietri sul Mare or local markets. You’ll find hand-painted tiles, limoncello made by grandmothers, and regional olive oils that are authentic and reasonably priced.
Budgeting for the Amalfi Coast doesn’t mean missing out. It means choosing meaningful over mass-marketed, timing your trip for experience rather than trend, and walking a little further than the crowds. It’s in the lesser-known corners and slower moments—watching fishermen mend nets in Cetara, sharing coffee with a pensioner in a quiet piazza, or hiking above Amalfi’s rooftops—that this coastline reveals its richest rewards.
With a bit of planning, you can explore the Amalfi Coast on €70–€100 per day, including meals, transport, and accommodations. More importantly, you’ll come away with a deeper connection to this UNESCO World Heritage coastline—beyond the filtered façade, beyond the crowds.
About the Author
Stuart Kerr is a travel correspondent for Holidaymate.com, covering budget travel, mobility tourism, and authentic European escapes. For inquiries, reach him at editorial@holidaymate.com.
