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Why you should stay in Conca dei Marini

Natural beauty | more peaceful | Less touristy | Budget-friendly
Visit Amalfi on a budget saving money on travel expenses to Amalfi Coast cheap travel tips

Introducing Conca dei Marini on the Amalfi Coast of Italy

Save money by staying in Conca

While traveling to the Amalfi Coast is a dream for many of us, some might be discouraged by the fact that it can get quite expensive.  Especially if you were thinking of staying in towns like Amalfi or Positano.  However, there is another budget-friendly option that is actually very very nice.

Conca dei Marini is a picturesque town on the Amalfi Coast in southern Italy, known for its stunning views of the Mediterranean Sea and unique natural beauty. 

Is Conca dei Marini worth a visit?

Yes, Conca dei Marini is definitely worth a visit for its natural beauty, picturesque town, and unique attractions such as the Emerald Grotto. The town offers a more peaceful and less touristy atmosphere compared to some of the other towns on the Amalfi Coast, making it a great choice for a relaxing and authentic Italian experience. With its stunning views, historic churches, and delicious seafood, Conca dei Marini is a must-see destination for any traveler exploring the Amalfi Coast.

best places to stay in Conca dei Marini on Amalfi coast of Italy near Positano

Getting there

Getting there is easy.  Take the train (Trainline cheapest fare – is your best option) from Naples to Sorrento.  From there you can catch the bus.  They may be very busy at times, but there are regular bus services so if it looks too crowded you can just take the next bus.  It is a very scenic route and you can even stop at Pompeii along the way (between Naples and Sorrento) and just hop on the next bus when you’re done.  Exploring the Amalfi coast from Conca dei Marini is easy as the bus service is very efficient.

Taking the bus from Conca dei Marini to:

  • Amalfi  ± 30 min.
  • Positano ± 44 min.
  • Sorrento ± 1 h 30 min.
  • Salerno ± 2 hours

(All depending on the traffic.)

 

When is the best time to visit?

The easy answer would be:  Not in winter.  As most of the shops and restaurants are closed.  However:

We might suggest the best time to visit Conca dei Marini to be during the late spring (May to June) and early fall (September to October) when the weather is mild and the crowds are smaller. During these months, the temperatures are pleasant, the sea is warm enough for swimming, and the scenery is at its best with lush greenery and blooming flowers.

July and August are the peak tourist season in the Amalfi Coast, including Conca dei Marini, and the town can get quite crowded and expensive during this time. However, if you don’t mind the crowds and high temperatures, these months can also be a good time to visit for the lively atmosphere and various events and festivals.

Winter (November to February) is the off-season in Conca dei Marini, and many businesses and attractions may be closed or have limited hours. However, if you’re looking for a quiet and budget-friendly trip, this can be a good time to visit, especially for hiking or exploring the town’s cultural sites.  Keeping in mind that the Amalfi Coast do get some light snow occasionally during winter at the very top of the mountains.

Holiday Homes & Apartments

in Conca dei Marini

Things to do in Conca dei Marini

Remember: Don’t miss the chance to taste the local seafood specialties and immerse yourself in the Mediterranean lifestyle.  However, there are still more:

  • Visit the Emerald Grotto (Grotta dello Smeraldo), a sea cave with stunning emerald water and unique rock formations.

  • Take a boat tour to explore the beautiful coastline and enjoy the views of the Mediterranean Sea.

  • Visit the Church of San Pancrazio, a historic church dating back to the 10th century, and admire its beautiful architecture and artwork.

  • Go for a hike along the Path of the Gods (Sentiero degli Dei), a stunning hiking trail with breathtaking views of the coastline.  This is a very touristy thing to do and almost everyone visiting the Amalfi coast, has this on their list of things to do, and the pathway do get very busy at times.  However there are many more safe hiking routes to follow.  Try one of those less traveled, for a more relaxed and peaceful experience.

  • Enjoy the local seafood specialties at one of the town’s many restaurants, including fresh fish and shellfish dishes.

  • Relax on the beach at the Marina di Conca dei Marini, a small and peaceful beach with crystal-clear water.

Things to do on the Amalfi Coast Conca dei Marini budget friendly options
  • Take a cooking class to learn how to make traditional Italian dishes using local ingredients.

  • Explore the town’s narrow streets and alleys, and discover its charming architecture and colorful houses.

  • Visit the Church of Santa Maria di Grado, a 12th-century church with stunning views of the sea.

  • Take a day trip to nearby towns on the Amalfi Coast, such as Amalfi, Ravello, or Positano, to experience more of the region’s beauty and culture.

Shops and Restaurants

The Amalfi Coast offers a large range of shops and restaurants for travelers to explore and enjoy. Here are some highlights:

Shops:

  • Ceramiche Cosmolena – Ravello: A ceramics shop offering handmade and hand-painted pottery, tiles, and other decorative items.  You’ll find the ceramic shops along the Amalfi Coast to be super awesome.  I usually want to take everything with me. LOL
  • Art shops: You’ll come across may shops and boutiques featuring handmade jewelry, art, and other artisanal items.
  • Specialty shops:  Shops selling local food specialties, including limoncello, olive oil, and pasta.  Many of which are family owned businesses, which you can support.  Remember when in Italy “Buy local”.

Restaurants:

  • Le Bontà del Capo: A beautiful restaurant serving traditional Italian cuisine. Featuring a rooftop terrace with magnificent views over Conca de Marini and fresh, flavorful food to match. They also offer Limoncello tours and cooking classes.
  • Ristorante Pizzeria Da Teresa: A family-run restaurant offering wood-fired pizza, fresh seafood, and homemade pasta dishes situated right on the beach of Conca dei Marini.
  • Lo Smeraldino: A restaurant and wine bar located near the Emerald Grotto, serving fresh seafood, pasta, and Mediterranean-inspired dishes.

 

Many restaurants offer outdoor seating with beautiful views of the sea and coastline, making for a memorable dining experience. Conca dei Marini is also known for its fresh seafood, which is caught locally and served in a variety of dishes. Some restaurants offer cooking classes where travelers can learn to prepare local specialties like pasta alle vongole (pasta with clams) and fresh fish dishes.

Easy tips on saving money while traveling to the Amalfi Coast

While traveling the Amalfi Coast, this is probably the most important tip of all, when it comes to saving money:  Avoid touristy areas. Restaurants and hotels located in touristy areas like the waterfront or main square can be more expensive than those in quieter parts of town. You can save money by exploring side streets and looking for smaller, local businesses.  Besides you often find those hidden gems along the Amalfi Coast in the side streets.

Here are a few more tips for travelers who want to save:

  • Choose restaurants that offer a fixed-price menu: Many restaurants in Conca dei Marini offer a fixed-price menu, known as a “menu fisso” or “menu turistico,” which includes several courses at a set price. These menus can be a good value compared to ordering à la carte.

  • Explore local markets: E.g.Conca dei Marini has several markets selling fresh produce, bread, cheese, and other food items. Travelers can buy these ingredients and make their own meals or picnics for a fraction of the cost of eating out.

  • Look for takeaway options: Many restaurants along the Amalfi coast offer takeaway options, which can be a cheaper alternative to eating in. You can then enjoy your meal in a scenic spot like the beach or park.

  • Eat like a local: Eating like a local can be a good way to save money while also experiencing authentic Italian cuisine. Look for trattorias and osterias, which are typically cheaper than more upscale restaurants, and try traditional dishes like pizza, pasta, and seafood.

  • Bring your own water bottle: Tap water in Conca dei Marini is safe to drink, so travelers can save money on bottled water by bringing their own reusable water bottle and refilling it throughout the day.

Best places to stay in Conca dei Marini on the Amalfi Coast of Italy

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