Two Traveling After One – Real Budget Breakdown for Slow Travel, Retirees, and Empty Nesters
Why We Chose Sorrento as a Home Base
The Amalfi Coast has a reputation: stunning views, jaw-dropping cliffsides, and equally steep prices. Most people think of it as a honeymoon or luxury destination. But as slow travelers on a 90-day journey through Italy, we wanted to see if Sorrento could be a comfortable (and affordable) base.
After a month in Taormina, Sicily, we rolled our bags onto a train that literally boarded a ferry across the Strait of Messina and continued north. Sorrento became our second stop in Italy, before heading on to Florence and Venice.
The challenge: keep our slow-travel lifestyle under $5,000/month while experiencing everything the Amalfi Coast has to offer. Could it be done? Here’s the full breakdown.
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Table of Contents
Accommodation – $1,458.95
One of our most significant expenses, but also where we saved the most compared to hotels. We stayed 20 nights at Cioffi Sorrento Rooms, booked on Booking.com, for just under $73/night.
✔ Secure building, balcony, daily cleaning
✔ Refrigerator + teapot (musts for slow travel)
✔ Walkable location
Transportation – $308.96
Sorrento’s biggest strength is its accessibility, as trains, buses, and ferries all connect here.
- Circumvesuviana Train: Naples ↔ Sorrento, and Pompeii day trips (€1.30–€4.90).
- SITA Buses: Budget-friendly but crowded. Great for Positano, Amalfi, Ravello, and Minori.
- Ferries: Pricier but stunning views. Capri round-trip = $102 for two.
- No Car Needed: Parking and stress saved.
Eating Out – $1,439.36
Food was one of the highlights of our stay. From morning cappuccinos to splurge steak dinners:
- La Cantinaccia del Popolo – Our go-to local trattoria (walnut cream pasta = unforgettable).
- Gentile Café – Daily cappuccinos across from the train station.
- Positano Vini e Panini – Affordable sandwiches in postcard-perfect Positano.
- Donna Stella, Amalfi – Pizza under lemon trees.
- Eughenes, Massa Lubrense – Full family feast for $43.
- Sal de Riso, Minori – Iconic pastries.
- Bistro 96, Sorrento – Splurge dinner: T-bone steak, rosemary meatballs, tiramisu.
Groceries – $221.28
Fruit, cheese, yogurt, snacks, wine, and oatmeal. Practical shopping that lets us save on daily meals while still eating out often.
Entertainment – $115.96
Some of our favorite experiences were free:
- Sunset views at Villa Comunale
- Wandering Marina Grande fishing village
- Hiking to Bagni Regina Giovanna swimming hole
- Surprise: Miglia 1000 car race rolling through town
Paid highlights:
- Pompeii: $68 including train
- Ravello Villas: €8 each for Cimbrone & Rufolo
- Capri chairlift: €12 each
Health & Wellness – $146.46 (Reimbursed)
A minor dermatologist visit + mole removal showed why international insurance is essential, and we were fully reimbursed later.
Shopping – $73.20
We kept it light:
- Capri lemon perfume
- Amalfi paper notebooks for our daughter
Phone & Wi-Fi – $0
We carried over our Airalo eSIM refills from Sicily, which meant no cost this month.
Our 21-Day Sorrento Itinerary
Here’s how we spent our three weeks on the Amalfi Coast. We’ve included highlights, meals, and a mix of iconic sites and slow travel moments.
Day Trips & Excursions
- Pompeii – Full-day visit by train (€18 entry per person).
- Naples – Easy train ride for a day of pizza and museums.
- Capri – Ferry + buses + chairlift to Mount Solaro, Phoenician Steps, and Capri Town.
- Positano – Cliffside walks and picnic sandwiches from Positano Vini e Panini.
- Amalfi – Ferry in, pizza under the lemon trees at Donna Stella.
- Ravello – Villas Rufolo & Cimbrone, plus the famous Terrace of Infinity.
- Massa Lubrense – Family feast at Eughenes.
- Minori & Maiori – Pastries at Sal de Riso, quiet coastal walks.
Local Sorrento Highlights
- Daily cappuccinos at Gentile Café.
- Becoming regulars at La Cantinaccia del Popolo.
- Sunset views from Villa Comunale Park.
- Exploring the fishing village of Marina Grande.
- Swimming at Bagni Regina Giovanna.
- Wandering the ruins of Vallone dei Mulini.
- Stumbling upon the Mille Miglia 1000 car race.
Slow Travel Moments
- Enjoy balcony breakfasts featuring fresh fruit, yogurt, and coffee.
- Simple evenings at our favorite local restaurant.
- Shopping for wine, snacks, and picnic supplies at local markets.
👉 Want to see every spot pinned? Download our free 21-Day Sorrento Google Map here.
Grand Total – $3,764.17
- Housing: $1,458.95
- Eating Out: $1,439.36
- Groceries: $221.28
- Transportation: $308.96
- Entertainment: $115.96
- Health: $146.46 (reimbursed)
- Shopping: $73.20
- Phone/Wi-Fi: $0
👉 $179.25/day for two people — $89.62 per person, per day
So, Is Sorrento Affordable for Slow Travel?
Absolutely. We saw Pompeii, Positano, Ravello, and Capri. We became regulars at a local trattoria, splurged on an incredible steak dinner, and still kept our daily costs under $90 per person.
The secret?
✔ Travel in shoulder season
✔ Stay just outside the central hub
✔ Use public transport
✔ Embrace simple meals alongside memorable dining
Sorrento isn’t just for high-rollers. With thoughtful planning, it’s a dream of slow travel.
And Was It Worth It?
Yes. Every euro we spent in Sorrento gave us experiences that balanced comfort, culture, and connection. For under $90 per person, per day, we lived in one of Italy’s most iconic destinations without feeling like we cut corners.
Exploring the ancient ruins at Pompeii, sipping cappuccinos like locals, watching the sun set over the Bay of Naples, and even having the peace of mind of handling a medical hiccup abroad. We became regulars at a family-run trattoria, splurged on a steak dinner we’ll never forget, and found quiet moments of joy in balcony breakfasts and seaside walks.
Was it luxury travel? No. However, it was rich in all the ways that matter: memories, connections, and experiences. And for us, that’s the best return on investment slow travel can offer.
Affordable Amalfi Coast: 3-Weeks in Sorrento For Under $4K
Travel Resources & Gear We Used
Frequently Asked Questions about Sorrento'sTravel Costs
How much does it cost to spend 3 weeks in Sorrento, Italy?
Our total for 21 days in Sorrento was $3,764 for two people, including accommodations, food, transport, entertainment, shopping, and even a minor medical visit. That breaks down to about $90 per person, per day.
Is Sorrento a good base for exploring the Amalfi Coast?
Yes! Sorrento is one of the best budget-friendly bases on the Amalfi Coast. With trains, buses, and ferries, you can easily reach Pompeii, Naples, Capri, Positano, Amalfi, and Ravello without needing a car.
Can you travel the Amalfi Coast without renting a car?
Absolutely. We used the Circumvesuviana train for Naples and Pompeii, SITA buses for Amalfi and Positano, and ferries for Capri and Amalfi. It was inexpensive, reliable, and much less stressful than driving.
What are the best budget restaurants in Sorrento?
Our favorite was La Cantinaccia del Popolo, a family-run trattoria with incredible pasta and warm hospitality. We also loved Gentile Café for morning cappuccinos and sandwiches, and Eughenes in nearby Massa Lubrense for a full multi-course feast under $50 for two.
When is the best time to visit Sorrento on a budget?
Travel in the shoulder season (spring or fall). April was perfect for us—lower prices, fewer crowds, and beautiful weather. Summer brings high prices and heavy crowds.
Do I need a kitchen for an extended stay in Sorrento?
Not necessarily. We stayed in a hotel with just a refrigerator and a teapot. That was enough for breakfast, snacks, and leftovers, while still enjoying plenty of meals out.
Is Sorrento affordable for retirees or senior nomads?
Yes. At under $90 per person per day, Sorrento can be very manageable for retirees and empty nesters, especially if you pace your spending with a mix of dining out, simple meals at home, and public transportation.
