Is the Amalfi Coast Expensive? A Trip Cost Guide

As one of the most popular destinations in the entirety of Italy, many visitors flock to the Amalfi Coast every year to explore the idyllic towns, enjoy the incredible seaside and experience a little bit of La Dolce Vita. But is the Amalfi Coast expensive to visit?

Unfortunately for budget visitors, the Amalfi Coast can be quite an expensive destination. But with an average cost of €95-430 (roughly $100-454 USD) per person per day, there are certainly ways that allow you to save money where you can.

Amalfi Coast Cost Guide

Accommodation Prices

Accommodation prices are likely going to take the biggest hit in your budget when visiting the Amalfi Coast.

A large factor that will dictate the costs you can expect to spend on accommodation while on the Amalfi Coast, is where you specifically hope to stay.

The Amalfi Coast comprises 13 different villages, all with different atmospheres, appeals, and therefore, different costs. As Positano is easily the most expensive and most well-known village in Amalfi, you can expect to spend, on average, no less than €300 per night on a decent hotel room.

On the other hand, if you stay in a lesser-known Amalfi Coast town such as Atrani, it’s possible to find a nightly rate of around €100. The other villages range between the two, as well as far beyond for more upscale hotels, or less, if you can manage to book an Airbnb far in advance.

If you’re searching for hostel options on the Amalfi Coast, hostels aren’t as abundant in comparison to cities, but there are a handful of hostels throughout the region, even in Positano, with nightly rates for a hostel bed starting at around €50-60, depending on how far in advance you book. This can be a good option for those looking to visit Positano on a budget.

Additionally, one of the biggest factors that will affect the cost of pretty much any accommodation on the Amalfi Coast, is the time of year that you’re visiting.

While it’s unquestionable that summer is the peak season in Amalfi, the difference in cost when visiting during the off-season, such as fall or winter, is drastic, typically around ⅓ to ½ of the price than its high-season counterpart.

So visiting in the autumn or winter is definitely going to be the cheapest option and one I would recommend if you’re trying to save some cash.

Transportation Prices

The cost of getting to the Amalfi Coast depends on where you’re coming from and how much you’re able to spend, and the cost of getting around the Amalfi Coast depends on where you’re going to/from as well as your budget.

If you’re coming from the Naples airport and would like to spend the least amount of money possible on transportation, the best option is to first take a direct bus or train to the Circumvesuviana train station in Sorrento. You can then catch the local SITA bus that runs along the Amalfi Coast to your final destination. You can check schedules and book here.

If you’re more flexible with money, I recommend taking the ferry – first from Naples to Sorrento, and then from Sorrento to your final destination. This is a great option that allows you to see the Amalfi Coast by sea while in transport. You can view ferry schedules here.

While the entire journey typically comes out to around €40, it’s a great way to experience the Amalfi Coast with a different view, rather than dishing out double the cost for a boat tour during your visit.

Of course, if money isn’t much of an issue, you can also always splash out for a private transfer from the airport or even a private boat.

Once you’ve arrived, transportation costs are rather affordable, as long as you’re not planning to take taxis throughout the region during your stay. SITA is the infamous local bus company that runs along the Amalfi Coast and is one of the few forms of public transportation available.

The span of the Amalfi Coast is separated into two bus routes, and ticket costs vary, with one journey typically costing around €3 and day passes for €10. Tickets cannot be purchased on board and can be purchased from anywhere with the SITA SUD logo, typically tobacco shops, newspaper stands, and cafés.

A more delightful alternative for exploring is to opt for a ferry. During the summer, SITA buses are often overcrowded, leaving you to endure long waits for the next one. In contrast, ferries, while slightly pricier, offer a more comfortable and less crowded experience.

Their serene sea views provide a relaxing contrast to the somewhat anxiety-inducing route taken by the bus. Ferry costs also vary depending on the specific route that you’re taking but can cost around €25 if you’re trying to reach the island of Capri.

Unless you possess a higher budget and considerable driving experience, I would advise against renting a car for both practical and financial reasons.

While navigating roads in central and northern Italy is generally straightforward, albeit with a slight learning curve, the further south you travel, the more challenging the roads become.

If you do want to hire a car, expect car rental prices to start at around €50 per day, not including any insurance or extras. This also doesn’t include the cost of fuel. You can view options here.

Throughout the various towns, transportation options differ. Many of the smaller villages lack public transportation, leaving walking as the primary mode of getting around.

Larger towns such as Positano or Amalfi have local bus companies, offering a sense of ease if you’re looking to visit the Amalfi Coast and prefer to stay somewhere with public transportation.

Food Prices

One of Italy’s major attractions for visitors is its renowned cuisine, and the Amalfi Coast is no exception. Its prime location offers delectable fresh produce, contributing to the region’s fame for offering a taste of authentic Italian specialities.

Unfortunately, restaurants on the Amalfi Coast tend to be quite expensive. Similarly to accommodation costs, prices follow a distinct pattern, varying significantly depending on your location.

Positano is known to have pricey restaurants, with an average meal in a mid-range restaurant costing around €50 per person, whereas the quieter, less visited villages such as Minori or Praiano will have prices that are more catered towards locals.

With that said, there are effective strategies to ensure that food costs don’t take over your Amalfi Coast vacation budget. As mentioned earlier, opting for the lesser-known and underrated villages on the Amalfi Coast can be a more economical choice for dining.

Another way to save on food expenses during your trip is to dine out for one meal per day while enjoying street food or preparing your own meals from supermarket finds.

Choosing a self-catering accommodation is an excellent option, as prices are typically more affordable, and many of these places come equipped with kitchens or kitchenettes. This setup allows you to savour delicious local Italian fare as if you were at home!

Activities Prices

Fortunately, the Amalfi Coast is a destination catering to those who wish to spend their time in the region without having to spend much money while still enjoying all the area has to offer, as well as those who aren’t visiting on a budget.

If you’re keen to get out on the water, boat tours along the coastline present a unique perspective of the region’s picturesque cliffs and hidden coves. While these excursions come with a price tag, the unforgettable views and the opportunity to explore secluded spots make them well worth the money.

Prices for boat tours can vary, with options ranging from affordable group tours to more exclusive private charters.

For history buffs, entrance fees to historical sites such as the Amalfi Cathedral or the Villa Rufolo in Ravello are low-cost activities perfect to further enhance the rich cultural heritage of the region. It is also possible to go on a day trip to nearby Pompeii if you want to see the preserved ancient village.

For another activity, cooking classes are a great option, giving not just a tasty, fun, and immersive experience with a local, but with a unique skill to take home with you.

From the economical to the more upscale, activity costs on the Amalfi Coast typically range between €10 and €150, but can extend way beyond these limits.

If you’re hoping to spend as little as possible on activities during your time on the Amalfi Coast, the region is also renowned for its hiking trails, offering breathtaking views of the coastline and the Mediterranean Sea.

Hiking the famous “Path of the Gods” is not only a rewarding experience for seasoned hikers but it’s also a budget-friendly way to appreciate the stunning landscapes.

Additionally, the Amalfi Coast boasts several public beaches, allowing visitors to enjoy the southern Italian sun and enjoy the crystal-clear waters without having to pay any entrance fees. These coastal gems are perfect for a relaxing day without denting your travel budget.

Entertainment Prices

Whether it’s sipping a cappuccino while people-watching, indulging in a classic Aperol Spritz at sunset, or exploring local art galleries, entertainment is the perfect way to sit back, relax and settle into the rhythm of the region. But how much will this cost?

Well, the impact doesn’t have to be excessive, and the choice of where you indulge in a coffee or cocktail will significantly influence your expenses. If you opt for a drink with a breathtaking panoramic sunset view in Positano, you can expect to pay more compared to visiting a local bar in Amalfi.

On average, anticipate spending around €2-5 for a cappuccino, depending on where you go. For drinks and aperitivo, prices typically range from €12-18. In the busier villages/towns on the Amalfi Coast, you’ll find various nightclubs, which are typically free to enter with the purchase of a drink.

If you have a passion for music and the arts, you’ll discover that the Amalfi Coast becomes a vibrant hub during the summer and fall, hosting an array of music festivals. These events often showcase classical and jazz performances that transform into true masterpieces.

Picture the harmonious melodies seamlessly blending with the Mediterranean backdrop, creating an experience enhanced by the architectural marvels of the Amalfi Coast buildings. These events are at varying costs, with cheaper tickets around €10 and more expensive options upwards of €100.

Average Amalfi Coast Prices

With all that said, is the Amalfi Coast an expensive destination to visit? Considering all the categories mentioned in this article, here is a breakdown of the average cost of a trip.

The assumption is that you’ll be travelling in pairs, with certain costs, such as accommodation, split between two people.

Food: €15-50 / day

Activities: €15-150 / day

Entertainment: €10-50 / day

In total, you can expect to spend between €95-430 per day, per person when visiting the Amalfi Coast. The low end of the spectrum is assuming you’re visiting in the off-season and cutting costs wherever possible. The upper end assumes you’re a mid-range visitor travelling in the summer months and splashing out on a few paid activities or a car hire each day.

This won’t include any pre-trip expenses such as flights and travel insurance. For travel insurance, World Nomads offers flexible and simple travel insurance policies with coverage for more than 150 activities that you can buy or extend while on the road.

While the Amalfi Coast is known to be one of the most expensive European destinations, it doesn’t have to be a trip that leaves you broke. With the right planning, you’ll be on your way to a magical trip to this incredible region, no matter your budget.

Are you visiting the Amalfi Coast? Have any questions about the prices? Let us know in the comments!