Ah, lazy Italian summers. We have all dreamt of them. Why not make the dream a reality? Positano is one of the most charming and enchanting Italian villages. Winding roads, jagged cliffs, and dazzling waters. If you want to have the ultimate relaxing holiday, you should make your way there for the time of your life.
Located on the Amalfi coast, it has phenomenal food and wine, spectacular vistas, and wonderful beaches. It’s a place foodies, beach bums, and culture buffs will love.
Sure, Positano’s got a boujee rep, but that doesn’t mean backpackers have to sit this one out. Think again! You can soak in all the charm without draining your wallet by being smart with your digs.
Positano won’t leave you bankrupt if you cut costs on your digs. I’ve scoured through aaaaaaall of the accommodation in this village to bring you my ultimate guide to the best hostels in Positano. I won’t lie to you, Positano’s hostel scene isn’t exactly lively, so I’ve also included my favourite budget options too that won’t break your backpacker budget!
Because the sooner you book your accommodation, the sooner you can get to doing the stuff that matters – like sipping Aperol Spritz on a coastal terrace.
Are you ready? Let’s dive in…
Image: Nic Hilditch-Short
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The Best Hostel in Positano
Here it is – the best (and only) hostel in Positano! Even with the limited options for backpackers in the village, this spot is still an absolute cracker. Let’s check it out…
Hostel Brikette
- Dorm (mixed): From $143
- Address: Via G marconi 358, Positano, Italy
Hostel Brikette is the first of its kind in the hostel scene – a rare gem for travellers backpacking Italy. Snag an Aperol from the bar and chill on the outdoor terrace, taking in the stunning Amalfi views without breaking the bank. Live the good life, even on a backpacker’s budget! And because it is Positano’s only hostel, you can make sure that the vibes are super social here.
Why you’ll love this hostel:
- Free Wi-Fi
- Large terrace
- On-Site Bar
The hostel boasts a massive terrace with breathtaking views of the surrounding landscape. It’s the perfect place to wake up, meet fellow travellers, and relax before diving into your day. Honestly, it’s my favourite hostel on the Amalfi Coast. Spend your days lounging on the free beaches nearby and your nights hitting up the main nightlife hub.
The rooms are clean, modern, and come with that all-important lifesaver for summer travelers – air conditioning. The friendly staff are always ready to recommend activities that’ll help you make the most of your trip.
The beach is just a bus ride away if you’re not up for a long walk. The bus runs every 15 minutes and is super affordable. With the stop less than 100 meters away, you can easily hop on and off for day trips along the Amalfi coast or boat tours to nearby islands. There’s no shortage of things to see and do here.
Stash your cash safely with this money belt. It will keep your valuables safely concealed, no matter where you go.
It looks exactly like a normal belt except for a SECRET interior pocket perfectly designed to hide a wad of cash, a passport photocopy or anything else you may wish to hide. Never get caught with your pants down again! (Unless you want to…)
Hide Yo’ Money!More Epic Budget Stays in Positano
So, now that we’ve covered the only hostel in Positano, let’s move on to the rest of the best affordable spots. Positano might have a pricey reputation, but if you’re thrifty enough you can score some swanky digs on a backpacker budget. Here are my top picks for budget stays to crash when exploring Positano.
Casa Amore Positano
- Private Room: From $207
- Address: Via Monsignor Saverio Cinque 8, 84017 Positano, Italy
Whether you’re living it up or balling on a backpacker budget, every traveller comes to Positano for one thing: the views. And this apartment delivers big time. It’s hard to believe you’re getting this kind of spot for the price – it’s a total steal in this area.
Perched at the top of Positano, the property offers jaw-dropping views from the terrace. The patio, bursting with vibrant flowers, adds to the charm. The rooms are spotlessly clean and fully equipped with everything you need, including a private balcony. The balcony and pool are perfect for sunbathing or enjoying a free breakfast with a view. Plus, there’s a parking spot – an absolute win in a village where parking can be a total nightmare.
Villa Sofia
- Private Room: From $129
- Address: Positano, Campania, Italy
For nature lovers and view seekers, this Italian vacation rental is the ultimate escape in Positano. Tucked away from the hustle and bustle, this spot offers a serene retreat with breathtaking views. The 200+ steps to reach it might be a workout, but it’s absolutely worth it for the location and scenery. And if climbing isn’t your thing, you can pay a porter to handle your bags.
The villa is spotless, with a warm, welcoming vibe. The host goes above and beyond for all guests, even serving up a complimentary breakfast spread that includes omelettes, risotto, and croissants. With great restaurants nearby and close proximity to one of the area’s best hikes, Villa Sofia is a must-visit.
Treasures of the Sea
- Private Room: From $95
- Address: Montepertuso, Campania, Italy
This Amalfi Coast Airbnb is a total sanctuary above the chaos of Positano. The sprawling property is packed with fruit trees ripe for the picking, adding to the laid-back vibe. The place is spotless, well-stocked, and surprisingly cool with a private bathroom and air conditioning throughout – a lifesaver in the brutal heat. Right next to a bus station, it’s a quick 20-minute ride down to Positano. Pro tip: remember to check the schedule since the buses aren’t exactly frequent.
The views are absolutely unreal, and the home is beyond comfy – perfect for a peaceful escape. Positano’s beach, restaurants, and nightlife are easily accessible by bus or on foot, and the Trail of the Gods is pretty much at your doorstep for those hike-lovers.
B&B La Selva Santa
- Private Room: From $358 (2-nights)
- Address: Via Pestella, 1, 84017 Positano, Italy
Positano B&B has a cosy, homey vibe that’s hard to beat. With views like those from the terrace, it’s pure bliss. Honestly, it’s honestly one of the most tranquil places in the Amalfi Coast. Tucked away in a quiet spot, the only sounds are the chickens and donkeys, giving the place a super cool, remote feel. It’s clean, comfortable, and has everything you need for a laid-back stay.
The fully equipped kitchen is a backpacker’s dream for keeping costs down, letting you whip up your own meals. The hosts go all out for their guests, providing a spread that includes fresh eggs from their garden, croissants, bread, cheese, prosciutto, jam, yoghurt, milk, coffee, orange juice – you name it, they’ve got it. Everything is delicious and fresh – a foodie’s paradise in Italy!
Centrally Located Room with Sea View
- Private Room: From $584
- Address: 46 Via Liparlati, 84017 Positano, Italy
This beautiful private room in a bed and breakfast, aptly named The Emerald Room, is near a bus stop making it the perfect base for an adventurous budget stay in the Amalfi Coast. The room has its own kitchenette equipped with the basic necessities so you can easily prepare simple meals.
The terrace is one of the best places for a meal. Not only will you get to enjoy your food, but you can watch the world of Positano go by and admire the stunning sea views as the sun sets, too.
Of course, fast Wi-Fi and a dedicated space are available where you can work on your laptop which is perfect for digital nomads in Italy. One of the best things about the room is its location. It’s only a mere ten-minute walk to the beach and the main restaurants if you want to unwind or grab a quick meal.
Studio in Walking Distance from Central Positano
This cosy and quiet studio has the best location! It is only a fifteen-minute walk from the heart of Positano. You can easily, and quickly, explore the nearby areas by local bus taking you through the rest of the Amalfi Coast, Sorrento, and Rome.
One of the highlights of the home is the spacious and private terrace which is the best place to have a cup of coffee in the morning. Indulge in people-watching while relaxing. Enjoy a romantic dinner with your loved one with its perfect frame of the spectacular scenery of Positano. What more could you ask for?
Wi-Fi is available throughout your stay so you can update family and friends on how you’re doing. Stick to your budget and have an amazing stay!
Bed and Breakfast with Sea View
Located in a village called Montepuesto, this private room in a bed and breakfast is a picturesque stay. Nearby the bus stop, you can easily get to other places of interest in Positano. The property is close to the supermarket for stocking up on groceries and cooking at home. It’s also close to some of the best restaurants in Positano, including many Michelin-guided ones.
A free breakfast is provided at the property, and it’s a great opportunity, not only to save money but to mingle with other travellers and exchange a few words with the hosts, too. The terrace is a wonderful place to take a look at the spectacular views, as well as enjoy a few drinks and snacks.
For those travelling Italy with a car, you will be happy to know that there is parking available on the property at only €10 per day. But reservations have to be made ahead of time. Wi-Fi is available throughout the property, too!
Getting Insured BEFORE Visiting Positano
Unfortunately, things can go wrong when you least expect it. This is why good travel insurance is essential before you head on your trip to Positano.
ALWAYS sort out your backpacker insurance before your trip. There’s plenty to choose from in that department, but a good place to start is Safety Wing.
They offer month-to-month payments, no lock-in contracts, and require absolutely no itineraries: that’s the exact kind of insurance long-term travellers and digital nomads need.
SafetyWing is cheap, easy, and admin-free: just sign up lickety-split so you can get back to it!
Click the button below to learn more about SafetyWing’s setup or read our insider review for the full tasty scoop.
FAQs About Hostels in Positano
I get loads of questions about hostels in Positano, so I thought why not answer them in one place for all of ya? Here are the most common questions I get about hostels in Positano:
What to Pack for your Positano Hostel
Pants, socks, underwear, soap?! Take it from me, packing for a hostel stay is not always quite as straightforward as it seems. Working out what to bring and what to leave at home is an art I have perfected over many years.
Ear Plugs
Snoring dorm-mates can ruin your nights rest and seriously damage the hostel experience. This is why I always travel with a pack of decent ear plugs.
Hanging Laundry Bag
Trust us, this is an absolute game changer. Super compact, a hanging mesh laundry bag stops your dirty clothes from stinking, you don’t know how much you need one of these… so just get it, thank us later.
Sea To Summit Micro Towel
Hostel towels are scummy and take forever to dry. Microfibre towels dry quickly, are compact, lightweight, and can be used as a blanket or yoga mat if need be.
Monopoly Deal
Forget about Poker! Monopoly Deal is the single best travel card game that we have ever played. Works with 2-5 players and guarantees happy days.
Grayl Geopress Water Bottle
Always travel with a water bottle! They save you money and reduce your plastic footprint on our planet. The Grayl Geopress acts as a purifier AND temperature regulator. Boom!
Check out my definitive Hostel Packing list for even more top hostel packing tips!
How much do hostels in Positano cost?
Positano hostels cost a bit more compared to other places. The average prices for private rooms fluctuate between $90 to $210 and the average price per bed for dorms is roughly $65. Of course, peak season will massively affect these prices so book accordingly!
What are the best hostels in Positano for couples?
Waking up to a breathtaking view from a spacious terrace is pure magic, and Villa Sofia delivers on that front without breaking the bank. It’s the ultimate spot for couples seeking stunning scenery and budget-friendly vibes.
Are hostels in Positano safe?
Hostels in Positano are generally safe but travelers are still advised to look for hostels that have lockers and security cameras. It is always a good thing to take precautionary measures, regardless of where you are travelling.
What’s the deal with the steps at hostels in Positano?
Think of them as your free gym membership. The more steps, the more gelato, right? Embrace the burn, and just imagine the views at the top – totally worth the workout.
Final Thoughts
Imagining yourself on a Vespa as you tackle Positano’s picture-perfect, winding roads and refreshing yourself with the best pasta and gelato after? That’s what dreams are made of, and we all want a piece of it.
Don’t write off Positano as out of reach for backpackers. I’ve laid out plenty of budget-friendly options in this stunning corner of Italy. If you’re still on the fence, Hostel Brikette is your go-to. As Positano’s only hostel, you can be sure that you’ll bump into tons of other backpackers to explore with.
So pack your bags, soak in those epic coastal views, and embrace everything this dreamy village has to offer.
And hey, if you discover any hidden gems or must-try spots along the way, drop me a comment – I’m always looking for the best new spot in Positano. Buon viaggio!
Image: Nic Hilditch-Short
- Check out our extensive guide to backpacking in Italy for a wealth of info!
- Not sure what to do once you arrive? We’ve got all the best places to visit in Italy covered.
- Skip the dorm and find a super cool Airbnb in Italy if you’re feeling fancy!
- Check out the best places to stay in Positano before you arrive.
- Remember to grab yourself an international sim card for Italy to avoid any issues.
- Prepare for your trip with our backpacking packing list.
- Get ready for your next destination with our ultimate Europe backpacking guide.
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