Positano remains as one of the beautiful places in Italy. It has Cliffside buildings , stunning views and amazing views of coastal area. But all these things do come with a hefty price tag. But it should not discourage the average traveler like us because a flexible person like you and I can find budget options around easily. In this article , we are going to throw the light on where to stay in Positano on a budget without breaking the bank.
Understanding the Costs of Visiting Positano
Positano has always been considered as one of the expensive places to visit in Italy and the costs have not come down ever since. Over the years the prices have risen due to the high demand of this small town and its facilities. Nevertheless, it is possible to find something to suit every pocket here, even if you want to push the boat out or keep costs down, and that’s whether you decide to spend or save.
Accommodation Costs in Positano
Positano hotels are costlier compared to other places in Italy plus when it comes to the budget accommodation , the options are limited. Therefore , it is necessary to plan for it well advance.
- Limited Inventory: There aren’t many places to stay, especially budget-friendly options.
- High Demand: Everyone wants to experience the stunning views and vibrant atmosphere.
The cost for budget friendly hotels hover around $400+ where as luxury hotels can be around $800+ per night. However , it is not necessary that you spend $1000+ for accommodations considering you book Bed & Breakfast places or decide to choose smaller boutique hotels. Those have more affordable rates and it hovers around $250 to $300 per night. Please make sure that where you plan for Positano , you at least plan the trip well advance as in at least nine months ahead. You can get fairly best deals considering you plan well ahead during peak seasons.
Top Budget-Friendly Hotels in Positano
Here are some of the best budget-friendly hotels that offer great value without compromising on comfort or location:
| Hotel Name | Price Range | Highlights | Google Rating |
|---|---|---|---|
| Casa Guadagno Pensione | $250-$300/night | Cozy rooms, free Wi-Fi, included breakfast | 4.7/5 |
| Hotel Pupetto | $240-$350/night | Direct beach access, stunning sea views | 4.7/5 |
| Hotel Savoia | $200-$300/night | Central location, amazing breakfast | 4.7/5 |
| Hotel Reginella | $200-$300/night | Comfortable rooms, friendly atmosphere | 4.7/5 |
| Hotel California | $250-$350/night | Spacious rooms, ocean views | 4.8/5 |
| Hotel Vittoria | $200-$300/night | Quiet location, beautiful terrace views | 4.4/5 |
| Hotel La Bougainville | $240-$330/night | Waterfront location, economy rooms | 4.6/5 |
| Casa Teresa | $250-$300/night | Lovely B&B, central town location | 4.7/5 |
| Hotel Conca d’Oro | $250-$350/night | Spectacular views, friendly staff | 4.3/5 |
| B&B Venus Inn Positano | $200-$250/night | City or sea views, welcoming atmosphere | 4.9/5 |
Average Hotel Prices
| Category | Price Range (per night) |
|---|---|
| Budget-Friendly | $200 – $300 |
| Average | $400 – $800 |
| Luxury | $900+ |
Tips for Booking Budget Hotels
- Book Early: Many budget-friendly hotels are booked well in advance, especially during peak season. Secure your spot by booking as early as possible.
- Choose Off-Peak Times: Visiting during the shoulder seasons (April-May or September-October) can significantly reduce accommodation costs while still enjoying pleasant weather.
- Consider Nearby Towns: Staying in nearby towns like Montepertuso, Praiano, or Salerno can offer more affordable options while still being close to Positano.
- Stay in Hostels: Positano’s only hostel, Hostel Brikkette, offers a budget-friendly option with prices starting at $58 for a bed in a dorm room.
Food & Beverage Prices in Positano
Eating out in Positano can put a dent to the budget you have planned but one can find good options if they put a little bit more effort to find out budget restaurants.
Affordable Dining Options
- Cheap Eats (Less than €15):
- Pergola at Bar Buca Di Bacco: Enjoy coffee, sliced pizza (€5), and Aperol Spritz (€7).
- Collina Bakery: Offers grab & go lunch options perfect for a quick bite.
- Latteria: Fresh octopus salad, pasta, meatballs, and wine for €28.
- Restaurants (€15-€40):
- Appetizers & Salads: Typically range from €14-€20.
- Main Courses: Pasta dishes cost around €15-€28, while seafood and meat dishes are €25-€40+.
- Dinner for Two: Expect to spend between €100-€200, depending on the restaurant.
- Drinks (€9-€25):
- Wine: A glass of local wine starts at €9.
- Specialty Cocktails: Franco’s Bar offers cocktails around €20, while Hotel Poseidon has drinks for about €15.
Food Savings Tips
- Buy a Bottle of Wine: Purchase a bottle of wine at around €10 and enjoy the same in your room.
- Opt for Local Trattorias and Pizzerias: These are generally cheaper than the more touristy restaurants.
- Grab a Panino: Have a picnic by the sea with a sandwich from a local deli.
Transportation Around the Amalfi Coast
It is possible to organize your trip to the Amalfi Coast on a tight budget, but it is also possible to spend a small fortune. Here are some tips on how to get around the Amalfi Coast without breaking the bank.
Train to Positano
There are no direct or trains to Salerno and then to Positano. Therefore, either one has to get into a train to travel to Naples and then take a transfer through bus or ferry service to Positano.
- From Naples: The train journey to Naples takes about 70 minutes. From Naples, you can take a ferry or bus to Positano.
- From Salerno: The train journey to Salerno is normally two hours. From Salerno, walk about 1 km to reach the ferry dock and then you can take a ferry to Amalfi or Positano. that way you will be able to enjoy the stunning views of the sea.
Recommended Base Locations
- Sorrento: Sorrento is not on Amalfi Coast but a lot of people suggest to choose accommodation there. It is a highly recommended base as per tripadvisor. Stay option is generally cheaper than in Positano plus it has excellent access to both the Amalfi coast and capri. One can choose to reach Sorrento by train from Naples or By Ferry. By Ferry it takes 35-45 minutes and by train it takes a little bit more time , approximately 1 hr plus but the journey is a bit cheaper approximately $6. Cost of ferry can vary between $32 to $414 depending upon the season. The fastest ferry from Naples to Sorrento cost around $73 and the last operating time of Ferry is around 10:30 PM.
- Salerno: Salerno is also a good option in terms of affordable lodging.it also offers ferries to Amalfi coast through out the day. Another important thing is it has a historic center and proximity to Paestum which is a major ancient Greek city on The Tyrrhenian Sea Coast.
Ferries and Buses
- Ferry Services (€14-€20 one way): Travelers often opt for ferries, as an picturesque mode of transportation to explore neighboring towns such as Amalfhí Salernó and Caprí Booking is advisable especially, during busy times of the year.
- Sita Bus (€2.60 per ride or €10 unlimited daily pass): The Sita Bus is a mode of transportation, for town travel; however it can get quite cramped and uncomfortable, in the summer season. Opt for a pass if you intend on taking trips within a day.
Renting Beach Chairs
- Spiaggia Grande: Renting a beach chair costs €25, with front row chairs at €30.
- Fornillo Beach: A more affordable option with beach chairs available for around €10.
Additional Nearby Towns for Budget Stays
- Montepertuso and Nocelle: Located above Positano and accessible by Buses, these are the villages where you can get cheaper B&B options but only problem is you have to be prepared to walk a lot.
- Atrani: Within walking distance of Amalfi, Atrani is a quaint village that provides affordable accommodation options.
- Minori and Maiori: Both towns are served by ferry via Amalfi and offer more budget-friendly lodging options.
- Cetara and Vietri sul Mare: These charming villages range from tiny to small cities, offering a variety of affordable stays.
Best Budget-Friendly Hotels Nearby Positano
If staying directly in Positano is too expensive, consider nearby towns like Montepertuso, Praiano, or Salerno. These towns offer more affordable accommodations while still being close enough to explore Positano easily.
Montepertuso
Montepertuso is a village situated on the cliffs above Positano. Staying here can save you money, but be prepared for a lot of walking or taking the bus daily.
Top Montepertuso Hotels:
| Hotel Name | Price Range | Highlights | Google Rating |
|---|---|---|---|
| B&B Mamma Rosa | €150/night | Stunning views, comfortable rooms, hearty breakfast | 5/5 |
| YourHome – Casa Marina Positano | €180/night | Terrace overlooking cliffs, rental car services | 5/5 |
Praiano
Praiano is another stunning village which is located approximately 2 miles to the east from Positano. It offers the same or even more beautiful views and some of the best beaches on the Amalfi Coast but at much cheaper rates.
Top Praiano Hotels:
| Hotel Name | Price Range | Highlights | Google Rating |
|---|---|---|---|
| Locanda Degli Dei | €180/night | Spacious rooms, fresh breakfast, stunning views | 4.6/5 |
| Locanda Costa Diva | €200/night | Seaside views, popular attached restaurant | 4.5/5 |
| Casa Rispoli Praiano | €220/night | Private rooms, friendly service, beautiful views | 9.1/10 on Agoda |
Salerno
Salerno is one of the best options for the budget-conscious traveler as it combines the old-world allure of the past with the new-age facilities that one requires, to explore. The location of the city is an added advantage as it is near the Amalfi Coast and also has frequent ferry services to and from Positano.
Top Salerno Hotels:
| Hotel Name | Price Range | Highlights | Google Rating |
|---|---|---|---|
| Hotel Royal Garden | €150/night | Central location, beautiful gardens | 4.5/5 |
| B&B Domus Villa Maria | €120/night | Affordable rates, comfortable rooms | 4.4/5 |
| Hotel Plaza | €140/night | Close to ferry docks, friendly staff | 4.3/5 |
Things to Do in Positano on a Budget
Even on a tight budget, Positano offers plenty of activities to keep you entertained without overspending.
- Relax at the Beaches: Fornillo Beach is less crowded and it is also cheaper as compared to the famous Spiaggia Grande.
- Go Hiking: The Path of the Gods or Sentiero degli Dei is a free, famous hiking trail which provides a beautiful view of the coast and the surrounding hills.
- Enjoy Local Cuisine: Go for trattorias, pizzerias or even eat or pack up a panino from any local deli.
- Cool Off with a Treat: Instead of buying gelato or lemon granita from expensive vendors, buy from local grocers.
- Window Shopping: You can also shop for unique souvenirs in the narrow streets and find interesting boutiques and shops that sell handmade products. Affordable souvenirs can be found in the local gift shops.
Tips for Staying on Budget in Positano
- Location Matters: Staying near Spiaggia Grande is expensive. In order to reduce the costs one should consider staying in Fornillo or in other nearby towns.
- Seasonality: To reduce the costs of the accommodation and still be able to experience good weather, it is advisable to visit during the shoulder seasons.
- Book Early: To get the best deals and rates for your accommodation, it is advisable to book your stay in advance.
- Limit Your Time in Positano: In Positano, it is recommended to spend some nights and the remaining nights in other economical municipalities such as Praiano, Montepertuso or Salerno.
- Transportation Savvy: To travel along the coast and visit different places without spending a lot of money on transport, ensure that you use ferries and buses wisely.
Conclusion
Positano is undeniably one of Europe’s most beautiful destinations, but it doesn’t have to empty your bank account. With careful planning, early bookings, and smart choices on where to stay and eat, you can enjoy the charm and beauty of Positano on a budget. Whether you choose to stay in Positano’s only hostel or opt for a charming B&B in a nearby town like Montepertuso, Praiano, or Salerno, your dream Amalfi Coast vacation is totally achievable without the hefty price tag. So pack your bags, plan ahead, and get ready to experience the magic of Positano without breaking the bank!
Positano is undoubtedly one of the most stunning places in Europe. it is expensive yet it does not have to drain your bank account. If you want to visit this beautiful place and at the same time do not want to watch every cent you spend, there are ways to do it. With some planning, booking ahead, and being wise about where to stay and what to eat, it is possible to have an amazing vacation in Positano without choosing to spend a fortune. It is possible to have the dream Amalfi Coast vacation without having to spend a lot of money. So, please, take your things, think about it, and get excited to discover the beautiful Positano but on a budget!
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