The Amalfi Coast had been on my bucket list for years—but I always assumed it would be way out of my price range. Turns out, with a bit of planning and some smart choices, you can experience this stunning part of Italy without spending a fortune.
I managed to do the whole trip for under $900, including flights, stays, food, and unforgettable adventures. If you're dreaming of dramatic cliffs, colorful villages, and crystal-clear water—but you’re also watching your wallet—you’re in the right place.
I’m sharing exactly how I made it happen, what I saved on, and all the little tips that helped me stretch my budget while still having an amazing time.
Total Budget Breakdown (How I Kept It Under $900)
Here’s how to experience the Amalfi Coast without draining your bank account. These were the real costs, and yes—it’s totally doable:
Flights (Roundtrip from the U.S. to Naples): $350
Keep an eye on Google Flights or Skyscanner and be flexible with dates. Flying mid-week or during shoulder season often brings the price way down.Accommodation (4 nights in Maiori): $180
Skip the pricey hotels in Positano and book a cozy Airbnb or budget guesthouse in towns like Maiori or Minori. Many places offer kitchen access and balconies just a block from the beach.Local transportation (buses, ferries, trains): $70
Use SITA buses, ferries for scenic rides, and regional trains. No need for a rental car—the public transport here is budget-friendly and well-connected.Food & drinks: $120
Mix it up—start your mornings with fresh pastries and espresso, grab takeaway or cook simple meals at your Airbnb, and splurge on a couple of seaside dinners. Wine is cheap and always flowing.Activities & entrance fees: $50
Many highlights—like beach hopping, scenic walks, and exploring towns—are completely free. Save a little for gems like Villa Rufolo or a boat ride.Extras (souvenirs, gelato, etc.): $30
Budget just enough for small splurges—like gelato every night and a mini bottle of limoncello to bring home.
Grand Total: Around $800–$880
That leaves a little wiggle room for airport snacks, tips, or a last-minute treat—and still keeps everything under $900.
Day 1: Arrival in Naples + Transit to Maiori
Touching down in Naples is exciting—you're officially in southern Italy and just a few steps away from dreamy coastline views. Instead of splurging on a private driver, go budget-friendly and hop on the Circumvesuviana train to Salerno (about $5). From there, take a SITA bus along the scenic coastal route. It’s not just cheaper—it’s an experience in itself.
If you're staying in Maiori or another quieter town, you’ll appreciate the slower pace and better prices. Look for an affordable Airbnb or guesthouse close to the beach—many offer balconies, small kitchens, or even sea views for under $50 a night.
Once settled in, take a walk along the promenade, breathe in that salty air, and grab your first meal. Seafood pasta and house wine at a casual restaurant will only set you back about $15–20. Finish the evening with a gelato by the water as the sun dips behind the cliffs—it’s the perfect low-key start to your Amalfi adventure.
Quick Recap: Day 1 Highlights
Fly into Naples
Take Circumvesuviana train to Salerno (~$5)
Catch SITA bus to Maiori (~$5–$6)
Check into budget-friendly Airbnb or guesthouse
Walk the promenade + enjoy the coastal views
Dinner at a casual seaside restaurant (~$15–$20)
Grab gelato and relax by the beach
Day 2: Exploring Amalfi & Atrani on a Budget
Start your morning the Italian way—with a cappuccino and a warm cornetto from a local bakery. It’s cheap, delicious, and somehow just hits differently in Italy. After breakfast, catch the bus to Amalfi, which is only a short, scenic ride from Maiori.
Once there, don’t feel pressured to do anything expensive. Just wandering the streets, checking out little shops, and admiring the Duomo di Amalfi from the piazza is enough to fall in love with the town. I honestly spent more time just people-watching and soaking in the atmosphere than anything else.
Instead of sitting down at one of the touristy cafés, grab a slice of pizza or panini to-go—it’s way cheaper and you’ll still eat like a queen (or king). One of my favorite budget moves was simply eating lunch by the water and enjoying the views for free.
After Amalfi, make your way to Atrani, a tiny village just a 10-minute walk away. It’s super quiet, super underrated, and has a more local feel. I laid out on the beach for a bit and just listened to the waves—it was peaceful and honestly one of my favorite moments of the trip.
Back in Maiori that evening, I stopped at a small market and grabbed a few groceries: pasta, sauce, and a bottle of wine for under $10. Cooking a simple dinner at the Airbnb made the night feel even more relaxing. There’s something really satisfying about eating pasta on a balcony with a view, knowing you didn’t overspend to enjoy it.
Quick Recap: Day 2 Highlights
Start with cappuccino + cornetto from a local bakery
Bus to Amalfi (~$2–$3)
Explore Amalfi town + Duomo di Amalfi (free to admire)
Grab pizza or panini to-go for a budget lunch
Walk to Atrani (10 mins) for a quieter beach vibe
Relax at the beach in Atrani (free)
Grocery shop + cook dinner at your Airbnb (~$10)
Day 3: Day Trip to Ravello – Views, Villas & Cheap Eats
If you're craving breathtaking views without the chaos, spend the day in Ravello. It’s perched high above the coast and feels like a peaceful escape. Catch a local bus from Maiori or Amalfi—it's just a few euros and the ride up the winding roads is an adventure of its own (hold on tight!).
Once in town, head to Villa Rufolo. The entrance is only about $7, and the views from the garden terraces are unreal—seriously, it felt like I had stepped into a painting. I took so many photos here that my camera roll started judging me.
After wandering through the gardens and taking in the scenery, find a cute café for lunch. I ordered a simple panini and espresso for under $8 and just sat outside enjoying the quiet vibe. Ravello doesn’t have the crowds or noise of the more popular towns, so it's the perfect spot to slow down.
Spend the rest of the afternoon strolling the narrow streets, window shopping, or just finding a shady bench with a view. It’s not about doing a lot—it’s about soaking it in. I felt like I could breathe deeper here.
Back in Maiori by late afternoon, I decided to treat myself to a nice dinner. I found a casual seafood spot near the beach and ordered grilled sardines, a side salad, and a glass of wine for around $18. Worth every penny. Ending the night with a sunset walk and gelato in hand made it the perfect mix of relaxing and memorable—without breaking the bank.
Quick Recap: Day 3 Highlights
Bus ride to Ravello (~$3–$4)
Visit Villa Rufolo (~$7 entrance)
Take in panoramic views + garden strolls
Lunch at a small café or outdoor spot (~$8)
Explore Ravello’s quiet streets + shops
Dinner back in Maiori (seafood + wine) (~$18)
Evening walk + gelato by the beach
Day 4: Chill Beach Time + Ferry to Positano at Sunset
After a few days of exploring, it’s time to slow things down. Start the morning with a beach day in Maiori—it’s one of the few towns on the Amalfi Coast with a long, sandy beach (and plenty of free spots). No need to rent a pricey chair—just bring a towel, grab a €2 lemon granita, and enjoy a relaxing morning by the sea.
In the afternoon, hop on a ferry to Positano. It’s about $10 and totally worth it. The views from the water are incredible—those colorful cliffside houses slowly coming into view are what Amalfi dreams are made of. Honestly, the ferry felt like a mini tour all on its own.
Once you arrive in Positano, prepare for some stairs (a lot of them), but also for one of the most photogenic towns you’ll ever see. I didn’t splurge on a sit-down dinner here—instead, I grabbed a takeaway arancini and a fresh lemonade for under $10 and found a scenic spot to sit and take it all in.
Even just walking around, peeking into shops, and wandering the tiny alleys felt magical. Positano is beautiful, yes—but it’s also expensive, so planning a short visit like this kept it budget-friendly without missing out.
I caught the last ferry back to Maiori just as the sun was setting, which made the return trip even more special. Back at my Airbnb, I capped off the night with—what else?—gelato by the beach, savoring every last scoop and every last moment of this budget-friendly dream trip.
Quick Recap: Day 4 Highlights
Morning beach time in Maiori (free public area)
Lemon granita by the beach (~€2)
Ferry to Positano (~$10) with scenic views
Explore Positano’s stairways + photo spots
Grab arancini or light takeaway meal (~$10)
Window shop or stroll the beach in Positano
Return ferry at sunset for epic views
End the day with gelato back in Maiori
Day 5: Heading Home Without Regrets (or Overspending)
Time to say goodbye—but not before one last espresso and a quiet stroll along the water. If you’re like me, you’ll want to squeeze in a final stop at a local shop for some souvenirs—maybe a mini bottle of limoncello, a handmade ceramic, or just one more magnet for the fridge.
The return trip is simple and affordable: SITA bus to Salerno, then a train to Naples, and you're back at the airport with time to spare. Total transit cost? Around $10—just like the trip in, but somehow it feels faster on the way back.
Even with a couple of airport snacks and last-minute treats, everything still stayed under budget. And more importantly, the memories? Totally priceless.
Quick Recap: Day 5 Highlights
Morning espresso + seaside stroll
Buy souvenirs (limoncello, magnets, ceramics)
SITA bus to Salerno
Train to Naples airport (~$10 total)
Airport snacks + final wrap-up under budget
Tips for Doing the Amalfi Coast on a Budget
If you’re planning your own trip and want to keep costs low without missing out, here are a few simple tips that helped me a ton:
1. Travel in the shoulder season
I went in late spring, which meant fewer crowds, better prices, and still amazing weather. Avoid July and August if you can—everything is more expensive and packed.
2. Stay in less touristy towns
Positano is gorgeous, but also pricey. Towns like Maiori, Minori, and Vietri sul Mare are just as charming and way more budget-friendly. Plus, you’ll get a more local feel.
3. Take public transportation
Skip the taxis and rental cars. The SITA buses and ferries are cheap, reliable, and honestly part of the experience (especially the ferry rides—those views!).
4. Eat smart
You don’t need to dine at fancy restaurants every night. Bakeries, casual pizzerias, and even grocery stores can save you a lot. I loved grabbing fresh ingredients and cooking at my Airbnb.
5. Prioritize free (or low-cost) activities
Walking through the towns, beach hopping, hiking trails, taking photos, and people-watching were some of the best parts—and they didn’t cost a thing.
6. Bring cash for small purchases
Many places (especially small shops or beach stands) prefer cash, and it’s easier to stick to your budget that way.
7. Track your spending daily
I jotted down what I spent each day in my notes app. It helped me stay on track without feeling restricted.
Budget Tips for Visiting the Amalfi Coast
Here are some of the best ways to save money while still getting the full Amalfi Coast experience:
Book early (especially flights + stays)
Prices can spike fast. I started tracking flights about 3 months ahead and locked in a good deal when I saw one. The same goes for Airbnbs—the best budget spots go quickly.
Fly into Naples, not Rome
Naples is the closest major airport, and flights are often cheaper than Rome. From there, it’s an easy and affordable train + bus combo to the coast.
Don’t overpack your itinerary
The Amalfi Coast is made for slow travel. You’ll save money (and energy) by focusing on just 2–3 towns instead of trying to squeeze in everything.
Skip the fancy tours
You don’t need a pricey guided tour to enjoy this place. Wandering on your own is half the fun—and half the cost. Most towns are walkable and easy to explore solo.
Use ferries for built-in sightseeing
Ferries between towns are often just a few euros more than the bus—and you get gorgeous coastline views as a bonus. It’s like a mini cruise without the cruise price tag.
Cook at least a couple meals
Even just one or two home-cooked meals (or picnic lunches) can save you $30–$50 over a few days. Local markets have everything you need.
Treats are cheaper than meals
If you’re tight on cash but still want to indulge, skip the fancy dinner and grab a gelato, espresso, or a glass of wine with a view. Small splurges go a long way.
Final Thoughts
I used to think the Amalfi Coast was one of those places you had to save for years to visit—but this trip proved that with a little planning and a flexible mindset, you can absolutely do it on a budget. I didn’t stay in luxury hotels or dine at Michelin-star spots, but I still had one of the most beautiful and memorable trips of my life—and I did it all for under $900.
If this post helps even one person realize that dreamy destinations don’t have to come with a massive price tag, then mission accomplished. 
Have questions about planning your own Amalfi trip on a budget? Drop them in the comments—I’d love to help! And if you found this helpful, pin it or share it with a friend who needs a little Italy inspo!