If you dream of visiting Sorrento, Capri, Positano and even Amalfi, you have to be aware that these destinations can be expensive. But if you know how to travel, prices can drop consistently allowing you to save money, and maybe invest it in more holidays.
I have spent a week in the Naples bay and I have collected as many tips as I could to stay on a budget.
1. Rent a house in Vico Equense
Vico Equense is a little town facing the Naples Gulf between Castellamare di Stabia and Sorrento. It is generally a location used by Napolitans and people who live in Campania. Here the prices of the houses are really convenient. On Air B&B, I rented a 100 sq m house for one week spending a total of 450 euros. The house was not perfect, as the bathroom needed to be refurbished, but it was spacious as was the entire house, clean, and in a great position. Not only I could see amazing sunsets and downs, It was also easy to reach transports and beach.
As soon as you arrive in Vico Equense, go to the Tourist Office in Via Rimembranza 1, where you can find maps, leaflets and all the info on transports. Ask if there are tours. The municipality organizes several visits in and outside the city, as well as trekking, some of which are also free.
In Vico Equense you can visit the Church of Santissima Annunziata, with a stunning terrace on the see and several museums such as the Museo Mineralogico.
2. Move with the Circumvesuviana…
Circumvesuviana is the name of a train that from Naples touches all the villages of the Bay, including a stop in Pompei and Ercolano. Tickes cost less than 10 euros depending on the journey and in one hour you can move from Naples to Sorrento, the last Here the Circumvesuviana website and an example of timetable. Plan in advance, as there can be restriction during the Covid-19 emergency.
3. …and Metrò del Mare
Metrò del Mare, the sea bus, is a service funded by the region and includes several lives to visit the Amalfi Coast, the Sorrento Coast and Cilento. You can also reach isles like Capri and Ischia at very competitive prices. Pay attention to the many companies offering the same service; their price is much higher. In some cases it is worth it if they cover different hours that better fit to your needs. In other cases the price might include limoncello tasting or a snack and to me this is absolutely not worth it.
4. Bars, Panetterie and Street food for your breaks
When you have to stop for a break, instead of going to to a restaurant, head to a bakery or even a supermarket. It is very common in South Italy to prepare sandwiches on the go. You chose the bread, an easy filling (generally ham, mortadella or cheese), they sum all the costs and you pay your tailored sandwich to eat maybe on the beach.
If you want to sit and add a coffee, you can choose a bar. Even if sometimes panetterie, bakeries, have few tables. This is the land of street food. Here you can find a lot of delicacies to eat on the go. It is really difficult to find bad food in Naples.
5. Go to a public beach
Big news also for those who get easily sunburnt, in the Sorrento Gulf many beaches are under a deep cliff and the sun arrives after midday. So you can choose a public beach without worrying of the hottest sun. You will have natural and free shade to rest.
As a free beach can generally have a little bar, when you are lucky, I recommend you to bring food and water and all you need to sunbath. For the food, go to the previous point.
In case you have already visited these area, please let me know if you have more tips. You can also subscribe to the newsletter where I try to share more tips and update about what’s going on in Italy. Just answer to any of the weekly email I send and I’ll be glad to include more tips. As smm love to say, sharing is caring. And I firmly believe in the power of (free) sharing.
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