Italy on a budget: top 7 affordable summer destinations

Summer in Italy on a budget? It's possible! If you're looking for low-cost vacation destinations in Italy this summer, we have prepared the ultimate list of budget-friendly Italian destinations for all tastes! 

Explore our favorite cheap destinations in Italy for affordable holidays and easily book ferry tickets on Ferryhopper without hidden fees.

Find your Italian paradise today:

1. Roccella Ionica, Calabria
2. Torre Canne, Puglia
3. Sapri, Campania
4. Portoscuso, Sardinia
5. Porto Empedocle, Sicily
6. Marina di Bibbona, Tuscany
7. Noli, Liguria

The magical town of Roccella Ionica in Costa dei Gelsomini

The best budget-friendly Italian destinations

Summer vacation is all about relaxation, fun and reinvigoration. In Italy, you can have all that plus sun, sea and adventure at a low cost. Here are 7 amazing summer destinations for budget-friendly holidays in Italy:

1. Roccella Ionica, Calabria

Calabria is an off-the-beaten-path Italian region and one of the most affordable places to visit in Italy. Nestled on the enchanting Costa dei Gelsomini, 1 hour from the port of Villa San Giovanni, Roccela Ionica is a pretty village that offers an authentic Italian experience. There are beaches awarded with a "Blue Flag" certification and it’s worth visiting for a few days to enjoy historical attractions and unwind.

Visit the impressive Castello dei Principi Carafa Castle to marvel at the sea view. In the mornings, you can hit the long white beach of the village and kick back either at the remote part or the well-organized one.

As for accommodation in Roccella Ionica, we recommend that you rent a short-term vacation home.

2. Torre Canne, Puglia

Although Puglia is one of the most popular vacation spots in southern Italy, there are still unexplored places for the selected few. One of the top hidden gems of Puglia is Torre Canne, a perfect choice for an affordable destination in Italy for summer 2024.

Situated 45 km from Brindisi, Torre Canne is a seaside paradise known for its beaches, white houses (trulli) with conical roofs and spas.

You can have fun in Torre Canne either with friends or family! Ferryhopper suggests that you relax at the numerous beaches (8 km coastline), recharge your batteries at the hot springs and visit the Regional Natural Park of the Coastal Dunes, one of the most wondrous natural treasures in Puglia.

A beautiful beach in the Regional Natural Park Dune Costiere in Torre Canne

3. Sapri, Campania

The area of Cliento in Salerno is known for its art, history, culture, and quaint, seaside villages. There is an abundance of worth-visiting towns and villages, but Sapri is one of the best places for low-budget holidays in Italy!

In Sapri, you will roam the narrow alleys, see the villa romana and the Pozzo di San Vito well, as well as enjoy long walks across the promenade. For beach fun, you can hit the main beach or enjoy remote swimming towards the southern part of the rocky coast. If you’re into hiking, Apprezzami l’Asino is one of the top hiking trails in the region.

Verdant hiking trail with a view to the port of Sapri

4. Portoscuso, Sardinia

Summer vacation in Sardinia is synonymous to a vibrant nightlife, but it’s no secret it can get quite expensive. But, that’s not completely true. The southern part of the island is great if you’re looking for cheap travel destinations in Italy!

Portoscuso is such a destination! Located 45 km from Cagliari, the village offers amazing waters, historical attractions and tons of fun. And that’s not all. Just opposite Portoscuso, you can find the little-known island of San Pietro.

You can get by sea to San Pietro from Portoscuso in just around 40 minutes. We recommend that you visit the island during the day to save on accommodation costs.

Sparkling Mediterranean waters lap the shores of Portoscuso, Sardinia

5. Porto Empedocle, Sicily

So, what do you do when you’ve always been dreaming of Sicily, but you can barely afford a trip to the nearest supermarket? You buy frozen pizza! No, no! The southern part of Sicily is far more economical than the northern one, so that’s what you do!

The area between Agrigento and Ragusa hides heavenly destinations with great beaches, amazing nature and interesting archaeological sites.

Porto Empedocle is one of our favorite villages in the region! It is the birthplace of famous author Luigi Pirandello and a great place for low-cost entertainment and accommodation in Italy.

Don’t miss out on a trip to the magnificent Scala dei Turchi ("Stair of the Turks") white cliffs. This breathtaking natural scenery is home to one of the top beaches in Sicily and it’s just 8 minutes by car from Porto Empedocle.

Tip: craving more natural wonders? Then, you need to see this list: top natural attractions in Italy!

The famous cliff “Stair of the Turks” close to Porto Empedocle

6. Marina di Bibbona, Tuscany

The Etruscan Coast in Tuscany is perfect for an easy-going, low-cost escape in Italy. Marina di Bibbona, 44 km from Piombino is a favorite among locals!

During the summer, this small village comes alive thanks to its long coastline and beautiful pine forest. Marina di Bibbona is popular with campers and a great vacation idea for families and young travelers.

For a lovely day trip from Marina di Bibbona, we recommend visiting the village of Bolgheri to taste delicious wines!

Sun-drenched pine forest with a central path winds through Marina di Bibbona

7. Noli, Liguria

The coast of Liguria is known all over the world for its beaches and colorful villages by the sea. Although it may not be the most budget-friendly option on our list, in Riviera di Ponente you can still find some more affordable accommodation and entertainment options.

The village of Noli is such an example. Just 20 minutes from Savona, Noli is halfway between the popular resorts of Spotorno and Finale Ligure.

During your vacation in Noli, you will discover unique sights, ancient buildings, crystal-clear waters, and age-old traditions. Oh, we forgot to mention that Noli is listed as one of the Borghi più belli d'Italia, the association awarding the most picturesque villages in Italy!

Noli: a paradisiacal seaside village in northern Italy

Book cheap ferry tickets for Italy

On Ferryhopper, you can book ferry tickets to travel in Italy with no hidden fees. Find your next cheap Italian destinations, check our user-friendly Map of Ferries for available connections and set sail for an unforgettable seaside escape – all without breaking the bank!