If you’re a traveler with a limited budget like me but still wish to see as much as Italy as possible, have no fear! I found an alternative if you’re wanting to visit Sorrento and the Amalfi Coast. Staying in the Amalfi Coast can get pricey, especially if you’re staying in the glamorous town of Positano (that’s where the most expensive hostel I’ve ever stayed at is located). Sorrento is a great transportation hub because it has ferries to Capri, train to Naples and Pompeii, and ferries and buses to the many towns on the Amalfi Coast. It can be cheaper just making day trips from here instead of staying the night in the other towns, BUT if you want to save even more money, consider staying in Sant’Agnello, which is a town literally right next to Sorrento.
Statue behind the Sant’Agnello bus stop
To get to Sant’Agnello, you can check out my post on how to get to Positano/Amalfi Coast. Getting to Sant’Agnello is the same way as getting to Sorrento, except Sant’Agnello is just one train/bus stop before Sorrento. Yup, it’s that close!
Sant’Agnello train station
The walk to Sorrento from Sant’Agnello
You can take the train or bus to Sorrento to catch the ferries to make your day trips or you can walk for about 20-30 minutes. Depending on where you are staying, the walk can be shorter.
Seven Hostel & Rooms is located next to a church
I stayed at Seven Hostel & Rooms, which I absolutely loved! It’s located in a quiet neighborhood, next to a church, which makes it easy to find. If you hear church bells, that means you’re close. It’s also a short walk to the train station and bus stop. Walking to Sorrento from here took me about 20-30 minutes.
The Sant’Agnello train station is behind that bridge
Cute little street leading up to Seven Hostel & Rooms
View of the hostel from the roof
It was so clean, spacious, and has an amazing rooftop view. I booked a female dorm for about €15 a night. The bathrooms were separated by gender and they were dorm style, which I prefer so I don’t have to wait for the shower or toilet or feel rushed when I’m using it.
Rooftop of Seven Hostel & Rooms
Rooftop of Seven Hostel & Rooms
Common area where breakfast is also served
The common area is very large and has plenty of places to sit. You would not be able to get something like this for €15 a night in Sorrento. I paid a little bit more to stay in Sorrento for one night, and it was cramped and uncomfortable… plus breakfast wasn’t free. Oh yeah, did I mention this place has a breakfast buffet included in its price?!
Save even more money by loading up on carbs during your free breakfast!
If you want to make day trips from here, you can catch the SITA bus to any of the towns along the Amalfi Coast. You will have to buy a SITA bus ticket from a tabacchi shop before boarding a bus.
SITA bus tickets can be purchased at tabacchi shops
You just head inside any of these shops and tell them you want to buy a SITA bus ticket for whichever town you are planning on going to. It should cost you about €3 to Positano and progressively more to the towns further along the coast.
SITA bus stop is across the street from this plaza
The line to board the SITA bus
If you would rather catch a ferry to Capri or the Amalfi Coast towns, you will need to head to Sorrento for that. If you’re making day trips, then it will of course be dark by the time you return. If you’re worried about walking back to Sant’Agnello from Sorrento at night, don’t worry, I felt completely safe! The walk from Sorrento to Sant’Agnello is on a main road with a lot of cars, people, and shops along the way so you don’t have to worry about being all alone and snatched away by a creeper.
Walking back to Sant’Agnello from Sorrento at night
Church along the walk
Sure, staying in Sant’Agnello isn’t as convenient as staying in Sorrento since you’d have to take a 20-30 minute walk to go back to your room, but would I stay there again? Yes! Having experienced staying in both Sant’Agnello and Sorrento, Sant’Agnello is worth the extra walk and you’re getting more bang for your buck. Consider staying in this quiet little town if you want to save money but also want to stay somewhere nice — with free breakfast!
-Diana
Follow me on Instagram: @dianajlee