One Of The Cheapest Beach Towns In Europe Is On The Coast Of Italy With Crystal Clear Water
Travel costs in Italy jumped big time in 2024. Eurostat tracked a 19.5% increase in travel prices, which really hits vacationers trying to figure out how much money to actually spend on a vacation. Four-star hotels in places like Venice and Florence are now going for an average of €197 ($216.70) and €176.50 ($194.15) a night, according to Statista. Still, some travelers know how to save on European hotels, and a few Italian coastal towns haven't let prices spiral out of control.
Take Sorrento, for example. It sits above the Bay of Naples with stunning cliffs and old buildings, and it's one of Europe's cheapest beach towns. Business Insider ranked Europe's most affordable beach towns, and Sorrento's daily basics came to just £122.65 ($174.90) in 2024. That covers coffee, local beer, sunscreen, and a three-course dinner for two. A morning cappuccino runs £1.78 ($2.23), and a full dinner with wine hits £64.22 ($80.28). What's even better is that Sorrento is close to the pricey Amalfi Coast, where hotels in Positano often go for over $200 a night. Sorrento visitors get to bask in that same famous Mediterranean scenery – glass-clear turquoise seas, dramatic coastline beauty, and close access to the region's best beaches — without breaking a sweat.
What makes Sorrento worth the trip
Sorrento's allure extends far beyond its affordability.The ancient town center is a maze of narrow streets where workshops of craftsmen sell traditional inlaid wood pieces and products originating locally. Central to its culinary identity is Marina Grande, a classic fishing village where seafood is caught fresh each day. Everything here revolves around local ingredients, especially those famous Sorrento lemons with PGI certification that grow on terraced groves carved into the cliffs.
Sorrento's location is what really makes it work as a travel base. You can get to Southern Italy's biggest attractions easily and cheaply. The ferry company NLG runs multiple trips daily to Amalfi from April through October, charging €23.50 ($25.85) one way. For the island of Capri, operators run more than 170 weekly sailings. The fastest trip takes just 10 minutes, according to Direct Ferries schedules.
History buffs can take the Campania Express train straight to Pompeii's archaeological park in just over 30 minutes. The train has guaranteed seating and air conditioning for tourists. Just watch your stuff in crowded areas — recent reports show Italy leads Europe in pickpocketing. All these connections mean you can stay in Sorrento and take day trips without breaking your budget or making the kinds of travel money mistakes that can really mess up a vacation.
How to enjoy Sorrento on a budget
You don't have to spend a fortune in Sorrento. The public transport is cheap and there's plenty to see for free. According to Sorrento Review, a single bus ticket costs €1.20 ($1.32) within town. Want to explore the whole peninsula? Get the 24-hour unlimited pass for €6.80 ($7.48). Way cheaper than taxis or renting a car. The COSTIERASITA pass is worth it for the Amalfi Coast. €10 ($11.00) gets you unlimited rides for 24 hours between Sorrento and places like Positano, Amalfi, and Ravello. You'll save serious money hopping between towns.
Food can be just as manageable. Every Tuesday, locals set up a market on Via San Renato where you can find fresh fruits, veggies, and regional products for less than what shops usually charge. Street food runs just a few euros. Street food runs just a few euros. Margherita pizza goes for under €10 ($11.00), according to TripAdvisor. The beaches won't cost you anything. Marina Grande and Meta di Sorrento are public, so skip the pricey private lidos. You can soak up Sorrento's Mediterranean vibe without spending much at all.