Visiting the Amalfi Coast has long been seen as a dream trip - iconic cliffside towns, clear turquoise waters, lemon trees spilling over balconies, and the best pizza of your life around every corner. But it’s also known for its price tag. The good news? You can do it without spending a fortune - and still enjoy it in style.

We spent four days exploring Sorrento, Capri, Positano, and Amalfi in late April, and kept the total cost (flights and accommodation included) under £400 per person. Here’s how we did it, why we chose Sorrento as our base, and why visiting just before peak season might be the best decision you make.

Why Sorrento Is the Smartest Base for the Amalfi Coast

While Positano and Amalfi are undeniably stunning, staying there can be pricey, especially in high season. Sorrento, on the other hand, offers the charm, views, and access without the sky-high hotel rates.

We stayed in a lovely, centrally located Airbnb through Amore Rentals, just a few minutes' walk from the old town and port. It was affordable, spotless, and ideal for a three-night stay.

What we loved most about Sorrento was how easy it was to travel from there. Whether you’re heading to Capri by boat, catching a ferry to Amalfi, or jumping on the train to Pompeii, it’s all incredibly doable in a day.

Day 1 – Sorrento: Views, Food & Sunset Cocktails

After settling in, we spent the day mooching around Sorrento. The old town is packed with independent boutiques, limoncello tastings, and sun-drenched piazzas perfect for people-watching.

Drinks with a view:
Bellevue Syrene Hotel is a gorgeous 5* hotel known for it’s unreal views of the Bay of Naples and is worth a visit even if you're not staying there - grab a cocktail and enjoy the sunset here.
Dinner picks:
We had dinner at Ristorante Donna Sofia – great food at mid-range prices (I highly recommend having their lasagna!)

Day 2 – A Boat Day to Capri

On our second day, we booked a Capri boat tour with a local company called Fernando’s Boats Sorrento. It’s more of a splurge (around £80pp), but included lunch, drinks, swim stops, and a chance to circle the island - definitely worth it!

Capri was as glamorous as you’d expect, and it was so nice arriving by boat rather than dealing with the ferry crowds as we were dropped off at a quiet side of the island. The only thing was waiting for the bus to take us to the other side, which took up to an hour! But once we reached the top, the views were incredible!

We did not stop to visit the Blue Grotto as the wait even in April was almost an hour, but if it is on your bucket list, then I really recommend doing it!

Dinner - Then in the evening we had an incredible dinner at O’Parrucchiano La Favorita – a lemon garden dream. Just be sure to book in advance!

Day 3 – Positano & Amalfi by Ferry

For our Amalfi Coast day trip, we booked ferries via FerryHopper to Positano and Amalfi. The return trip cost us £40 - more expensive than the coach, yes, but so much more scenic and stress-free.

Tip: Sit on the left-hand side of the ferry when heading south (towards Positano and Amalfi) for the most stunning views of the cliffs and coastline.

Positano is gorgeous but packed and pricey. Perfect for photos, beach lounging, and a wander through its boutique-lined alleys.
Amalfi felt more relaxed - ideal for grabbing a gelato and enjoying the waterfront.

To access the port in Sorrento, note that there are a lot of steps down from the town - it’s a beautiful walk, but if you’re carrying bags or want to save your legs, there’s also a lift available for a small fee. Just be aware that in summer months, the queue can get long.

Day 4 – A Slow Morning in Sorrento

Our final morning was spent grabbing breakfast at Radical Sorrento and doing some last-minute shopping around Piazza Tasso.

If you’ve got time before your flight, it’s possible to take a bus or train back to Naples and explore a bit more of the city. Naples is a bit chaotic, but definitely worth a wander if your schedule allows.

Travel Tips & Getting There

Don’t make our mistake and book an Uber from Naples Airport - it’s pricey and unnecessary and we panicked because it was raining! Instead:

Book a shuttle transfer from Naples to Sorrento from just £10pp - CLICK HERE
Or take the scenic Circumvesuviana train – just keep in mind that Naples station can be hectic, especially in peak travel times.

Why April Was a Great Time to Visit

We got lucky with the weather - temperatures were in the low 20s, which made walking around comfortable without it ever feeling too hot. It's worth noting that this region gets very busy during summer, and Sorrento and the Amalfi Coast draw international crowds from all over the world.

If you want to enjoy the beauty of the coast without the congestion, we recommend visiting between late April and late May, or again in mid-to-late September when the summer rush starts to fade.

Final Thoughts – Bougie on a Budget

In total, our four-day trip cost under £400pp, including flights, accommodation, ferry tickets, and even a Capri boat tour. We didn’t have to sacrifice on experience - and came home with full camera rolls and fuller stomachs.

Sorrento turned out to be the perfect jumping-off point for a budget-friendly Amalfi Coast adventure. Whether you're planning a romantic getaway, a girls' trip, or a solo adventure, you really can do the Amalfi Coast without blowing your savings - just plan smart, travel slightly off-season, and be ready to fall in love with every corner of the coastline.

Amalfi Coast - Visit on a budget