Positano, with its colorful cliffside buildings, beautiful beaches, and stunning coastal views, is a dream destination for many travelers. That being said, it is one of the most popular holiday destinations in Europe, and with its popularity comes exorbitant price tags for hotels. It can be quite difficult to visit Positano on a budget.

Did you know the average price per night to stay in Positano is over $500 during peak season?! With a quick glance at any booking site, you will instantly notice how expensive many of the hotels in Positano are.

But don’t let Positano’s reputation for being an expensive destination deter you! You can absolutely enjoy this beautiful town without breaking the bank. Here’s your ultimate guide to where to stay in Positano on a budget, featuring ten affordable hotels plus Positano’s ONLY hostel that offers charm, comfort, and breathtaking views.

**This post contains affiliate links, which means I earn a small commission on purchases made through these links. All opinions are my own.

Tips for booking Hotels in Positano if You’re on a Budget

If your heart is set on staying in Positano, there are ways to do it that won’t break the bank. Keep in mind that a “budget” hotel in Positano will still be higher than typical budget hotels you will find throughout Italy. You can expect to pay a very MINIMUM of $200 a night at a hotel in the center, even if it is not during peak season. Also, note that prices may vary SIGNIFICANTLY depending on the time of year you plan to visit Positano.

Avoid Peak Season

If you are on a budget but want to stay in the heart of Positano, I highly advise you to avoid planning a trip during the summer months. Instead, consider visiting during the shoulder seasons (April-May or September-October) when the weather is still pleasant, but prices are much lower. If you just want to explore the town and don’t care about relaxing on the beach, you can save even more money by visiting during the off-season (November-March).

Book as Early as Possible

Positano is a popular destination, and well-rated budget accommodations fill up quickly. Booking well in advance can help secure the best rates, and ensure that you can stay in one of the best budget hotels in Positano.

Stay in Positano’s Only Hostel

The only option in Positano that is truly budget-friendly is to stay in Positano’s only hostel, Hostel Brikkette. Hostel Brikkette has a 9.4 rating on HostelWorld and is famous for being the only hostel in Positano. Prices start at $58 for a bed in a dorm room. While this may be expensive for a hostel, it is pennies in comparison to what you would be paying for a typical hotel room.

Avoid Staying in Positano Town

Positano is just one of many towns and villages along the Amalfi Coast. Because it is the most iconic, prices are the highest found in the Coast. If you don’t have your heart set on staying in the center of Positano and just want to visit, I highly suggest staying outside of Positano and either walking to town, taking the bus, or renting a Vespa scooter. Make sure to continue reading to the section where I cover the “Best Budget-Friendly Hotels Nearby Positano”.

Limit Your Time in Positano

Another suggestion is to limit your time in Positano and splurge on 2-3 nights in one of the hotels listed below, opting to spend the rest of your time in the Amalfi Coast outside of Positano. Some great towns along the coast with much more affordable options include Praiano, Scala, Ravello, Furore, Minori, and Maiori.

10 Best Budget-Friendly Hotels in Positano:

1. Casa Guadagno Pensione

Google Rating: 4.7/5
Casa Guadagno Pensione is a gem near Fornillo Beach. The rooms are cozy, the Wi-Fi is free, and breakfast is included. The warm and welcoming staff will make you feel right at home. If you’re looking for a place with a friendly atmosphere and a great location, this is it.

2. Hotel Pupetto

Google Rating: 4.7/5
Located right on Pupetto Beach, Hotel Pupetto offers direct beach access and stunning sea views. The rooms are simple but comfortable, and the serene location is perfect for a relaxing getaway. Plus, you’re just a short walk away from the heart of Positano! During the summer months, you can expect to pay around $300-$350 a night for a standard room. But if you book at a different time of year, prices will drop to around $240 a night.

3. Hotel Savoia

Google Rating: 4.7/5
Hotel Savoia is a family-run establishment that’s centrally located. It is known for its amazing breakfast with a view, and the friendly service makes it feel like a home away from home. If you want to stay in a super central location, this is one of the best options at a much lower price point compared to nearby hotels. Book the Standard Single Room without a view, which is really their only budget-friendly option.

4. Hotel Reginella

Google Rating: 4.7/5
Hotel Reginella offers great value with comfortable rooms and a friendly atmosphere. Its central location makes it easy to explore Positano’s charming streets and local shops. It’s the perfect spot for travelers who want convenience without the hefty price tag.

5. Hotel California

Google Rating: 4.8/5
Hotel California (don’t worry, it’s very much Italian!) offers spacious rooms with stunning ocean views. The staff here are incredibly welcoming, and the location is ideal for soaking up all that Positano has to offer. It’s a top pick for budget travelers looking for a touch of luxury.

6. Hotel Vittoria

Google Rating: 4.4/5
Hotel Vittoria is a bit further from the bustling center, which means a quieter stay with beautiful terrace views. The peaceful ambiance and excellent service make it a wonderful option for those looking to unwind and enjoy the scenery.

7. Hotel La Bougainville

Google Rating: 4.6/5
Hotel La Bougainville is a bright & airy waterfront hotel right in the center of Positano town. Hotel La Bougainville offers economy twin and double rooms, which are basic and comfortable. During peak season, you can expect to pay around $330 for an economy room, but you can expect prices to drop significantly during the off-season.

8. Casa Teresa

Google Rating: 4.7/5
Casa Teresa is a Lovely Bed and Breakfast in the heart of Positano Town. If you book far in advance, you can expect to pay around $250-$300 depending on which room you decide to book.

9. Hotel Conca d’Oro

Rating: 4.3/5
Hotel Conca d’Oro offers spectacular views and a delicious breakfast. It’s known for its value and friendly staff, making it a fantastic option for travelers who want to enjoy Positano’s beauty without spending a fortune.

10. B&B Venus Inn Positano

Google Rating: 4.9/5
Located close to Fornillo Beach, B&B Venus Inn Positano provides rooms with city or sea views. The welcoming atmosphere and convenient location make it a charming budget-friendly choice.

Best Budget-Friendly Hotels Nearby Positano:

Montepertuso

On the map, Montepertuso looks like it is part of Positano – but it is actually the village that is situated on the cliffs above Positano. If you are willing to take a bus or hike to and from your accommodation in Montepertuso every day, it is the best option for affordable accommodation near Positano’s center. Just be aware and prepared that you will have to walk up and down a lot of steps if you decide to stay here.

The plus side is that in exchange for all the steps, you will be rewarded with coastal views and cheaper prices. So if you are able-bodied and willing to exercise or take the bus to Positano town every day, Montepertuso is a great option for visiting Positano on a budget.

Here are some of the best places to stay in Montepertuso:

B&B Mamma Rosa

Google Rating: 5/5
Distance to Positano: Approximately 1.5 miles
Located in the hills above Positano, offering breathtaking views, comfortable rooms, and a hearty breakfast.

YourHome – Casa Marina Positano

Google Rating: 5/5
Distance to Positano: Approximately 1 mile
Guesthouse with comfortable rooms offering a terrace overlooking the cliffside, and rental car services available on property.

Praiano

Praino is a beautiful coastal town located 2 miles east of Positano. While Praiano boasts similar views and has some of the best beaches in the Amalfi Coast, staying in Praiano is in general significantly cheaper than staying in Positano.

We stayed in Praiano for 9 nights during our trip to the Amalfi Coast, and absolutely loved it! It ended up being our favorite town in the Amalfi Coast (yes, we loved it even more than Positano).

Several public buses will take you from Praiano to Positano. We actually chose to walk, which took about an hour and a half each way. I only recommend doing this if you are not visiting during the summer months, as it gets hot and the walk is directly in the sun.

Here are some of the best affordable hotels you can stay at in Praiano:

Locanda Degli Dei

Google Rating: 4.6/5
Distance to Positano: Approximately 2 miles
Locanda Degli Dei is a charming B&B with stunning views, spacious rooms, and a warm, welcoming atmosphere. We stayed here for 6 nights when we were in Praiano and loved it! The breakfast was made fresh every morning by the owner’s mother, and it was served right to our room. While it is at the very top of Praiano and climbing LOTS of stairs is involved, it was worth it for the views and price point.

Locanda Costa Diva

Google Rating: 4.5/5
Distance to Positano: Approximately 2 miles
Affordable Hotel in the center of Praiano, with beautiful seaside views, a popular attached restaurant, and comfortable rooms.

Casa Rispoli Praiano

Google Rating: Not Listed (9.1/10 on Agoda, 8.8/10 on Booking.com)
Distance to Positano: Approximately 2 miles
Intimate hotel offering private rooms and apartments, with beautiful views and friendly service.

Things to do in Positano on a Budget

While in Positano, there are plenty of ways to enjoy the town without overspending. Here are some wonderful budget-friendly activities to do in Positano:

Relax at the Beaches

Spend your days lounging on the beautiful beaches. Fornillo Beach is less crowded and often has cheaper amenities than the more famous Spiaggia Grande. Both beaches are free to visit unless you want to splurge on a sunchair, which in my opinion, isn’t worth the 70 euro rental price.

Go Hiking

There are some great hikes nearby Positano that are completely *free*. I highly suggest doing the Path of the Gods Hike (Sentiero degli Dei), which is an iconic hiking trail offering stunning views of the coastline and surrounding mountains.

Enjoy Local Cuisine

Enjoy affordable dining by opting for local trattorias and pizzerias on Positano’s main street (the closer you get to the beach the more expensive restaurants are), or grabbing a panino (sandwich) from a deli and having a picnic by the sea.

Cool off with a Chilly Treat

Treat yourself to delicious gelato from one of the many gelaterias. Or, get a lemon granita, the frozen lemon treat that is typical of the region (AND often served in a lemon)!  My pro tip is to check out one of the grocers in town for the lemon granita – you can buy the lemon filled with icey goodness for a fraction of what the vendors sell them for. Whatever treat you decide to opt for, it’s a sweet and inexpensive way to cool down.

Go Window Shopping

Spend some time wandering through the narrow streets and browsing the charming boutiques and artisan shops. Of course, there are some upscale boutiques and designer  shops, but there are also many gift shops with affordable souvenirs if you would like to bring something home to remind you of your Positano trip

RELATED POST: The Ultimate Budget Guide to the Amalfi Coast

Conclusion

Positano is a beautiful destination that should be on every traveler’s bucket list. While it is one of Europe’s most expensive Holiday Destinations, it is still possible to visit this beautiful town on a budget. With proper planning and flexibility, you may be surprised at how affordable a trip to Positano can be.

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