Salerno a beautiful port city southeast of Naples, in Italy

Salerno is a beautiful city located in the southwestern part of Italy, on the Gulf of Salerno. The city is known for its stunning coastline, ancient architecture, and rich cultural heritage. Although more modern in appearance, the beautiful port city of Salerno in the Campania region kept its Italian authenticity. Like the narrow streets with buildings that date back plenty of centuries ago. Besides the usual restaurants, shops, and museums, it also features a bustling nightlife in the evenings from around 21h00.

Another big plus is that from here you have a vast range of day-trips to experience without having to pack and unpack. Such as trips to Pompeii, Positano, Amalfi, Sorrento and many more. Thus use Salerno as your primary place to stay and you’re off to a carefree holiday.

How do you get to Salerno?

The closest international airport to Salerno is Naples International Airport (NAP / LIRN). This airport is in Naples, and is about 62 km from the center of Salerno, Italy.

By Car: It will take you about 57 min (54,5 km) via the A3 – But you’ll need extra allowance for traffic. The roads on the Amalfi coast are very narrow in some places, so you’ll have to decide if it is worth driving on your own. Find out from your hotel if they offer an airport shuttle. It is less stressful and you can enjoy the scenery.
By Train: This is the fastest connection between Naples and Salerno and will take you about 53 minutes. Sit back and relax while taking in the beautiful vistas.

Is Salerno centrally located?

Yes definitely. The Salerno train station is situated in the historic center of the city, at the end of Corso Vittorio Emanuele. From here you can easily walk to the marina where you can take a ferry to Amalfi and/or the beautiful Positano.

Language

Italian is the official language of Salerno, and while many locals speak English, it is always helpful to learn some basic Italian phrases to communicate with locals and navigate the city. Additionally, it is important to be patient and respectful when communicating with locals, as cultural differences may affect communication.

A few Italian words you should know: read more…

Is it worth a visit?

Yes, Salerno is definitely worth a visit. It is a beautiful city with stunning views and delicious cuisine and it is centrally located for easy exploring some of the most beautiful places in Italy.

A perfect day in Salerno on the Amalfi Coast

One of the highlights of Salerno is its beautiful seafront promenade, which offers breathtaking views of the Gulf of Salerno. But how would you spend a perfect day in Salerno?

Your Perfect day - Itinerary:

A perfect day in Salerno would involve exploring the city’s beautiful historic center, enjoying some delicious food, and taking in the stunning views of the coastline. Here’s a sample itinerary for a perfect day in Salerno:

Morning:

Start your day with a stroll through the historic center of Salerno. Wander through the narrow streets and admire the colorful buildings and beautiful architecture. Stop by the Duomo di Salerno, the stunning cathedral that dates back to the 11th century, and take in the impressive artwork and frescoes inside.

Afternoon:

For lunch, head to a local restaurant and try some of the region’s delicious cuisine. Salerno is known for its seafood, so be sure to sample some of the fresh fish and shellfish. After lunch, head to the seafront promenade and take a leisurely walk along the waterfront. You can relax on the beach or rent a boat to explore the nearby islands.

Evening:

As the sun starts to set, head up to the Castello di Arechi, a medieval fortress that offers stunning views of the city and the coastline. The castle is located on a hilltop, so you’ll have to climb a bit to reach it, but the views are definitely worth it. After enjoying the sunset, head back down to the historic center and spend the evening wandering through the streets and checking out some of the local shops and cafes.

Overall, a perfect day in Salerno would involve a mix of sightseeing, relaxation, and delicious food. With its beautiful architecture, stunning coastline, and welcoming atmosphere, Salerno is sure to leave a lasting impression on any traveler.

Top Salerno Experiences

Popular Tours in and around Salerno Italy

Do a Salerno Walking Tour. See Positano, Capri, Amalfi, Pompeii and more. Attend an authentic Italian Cooking class or do an olive grove tour. The options are endless.

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Salerno Italy

Foody heaven. You can reserve your spot today and pay when you're ready. Learn to cook the Italian way. Immerse yourself in the Italian culture and enjoy special dining experiences.

What to see and do while in Salerno Italy

If you’re interested in history and culture, Salerno has plenty to offer. The city is home to a number of impressive landmarks, including the Duomo di Salerno, a stunning cathedral that dates back to the 11th century. You can also visit the Museo Archeologico Provinciale, which houses a fascinating collection of artifacts from the ancient Greek and Roman periods.

Cilento National Park
Promenade (Lungomare di Salerno) as mentioned before – This is one of the longest promenades in Italy and really beautiful.
Eating Gelato at Nettuno Bar – Everyone raves about their gelato
Longobard Castle / Castello di Arechi – A mountain top medieval castle with beautiful views – remember the sunset views as mentioned above.

Duomo di Salerno

The 11th-century Romanesque cathedral is dedicated to the apostle St Matthew (the city’s patron saint) whose relics are kept inside the church. When it comes to Salerno, this experience was my personal highlight.

The 56m high mid-12th century bell tower with Arabic/Norman artwork can be seen towards the rear of the cathedral.

Travel Tip – dress code: Ladies, your shoulders should be covered, and leave the mini skirt or short pants for another day. Knee-high pants were acceptable during our visit, but a lady with a long summer dress was asked to leave because her shoulders weren’t covered. The men in our group were acceptably dressed in knee-length short pants and t-shirts.

There are no less than 56 panels that illustrate stories from Jesus’ life, figures, and crosses.

Day trip ideas from Salerno, within the Campania region

Day trip to Vietri Sul Mare

Experiences such as private pasta and tiramisu classes at Cerarina’s home, or a private market tour and cooking class which you can opt to be around lunch or dinner time.

You most probably have heard of Vietri Ceramics, and this is where it originates from. The ceramic tradition is big in Vietri Sul Mare, and recognized across the world for its excellence in ceramic art.

If you have the time and interest, a private ceramic workshop an awesome way to make personal gifts or souvenirs.

Put on your walking shoes, because there are plenty of beautiful paths and spectacular mosaics on some of the buildings.

Day trip to Sapri

Sapri is a town and commune in the province of Salerno in the Campania region of south-western Italy.

Here are a few recommendations of things to do and places to see:

Porto Turistico Di Sapri (Night time photo opportunity)
Arranging for a “Capo Palinuro” boat ride to see the caves
Go to Marina di Ascea (for a lazy day in the warm water and on the sandy beach)
Marina di Casalvelino
Pioppi (Once named the world’s healthiest village)
Take a 2 hour 30 minutes train ride to San Marco village
Go to Santa Maria di Castellabate for a day at the beach and some sight seeing of the beautiful village.

Travel Tip: Book Albergo Riviera Spineta if you want beachfront accommodation.

Day trip to Agropoli

A visit to the Campania region must include a visit to Agropoli. Situated at the start of the Cilentan Coast, on the Tyrrhenian Sea and really beautiful:

Paestum – the archaeological site of three Greek temples
Castello Angioino Aragonese (Castle)
Porto di Agropolli (more fantastic photo opportunities)
Spend a day on the beach
Just walk around the village – do a bit of sightseeing.

Where to stay

Hotel Centro Congressi Polo Nautico

The seafront Hotel Centro Congressi Polo Nautico features views of the Gulf of Salerno, and an amazing breakfast with nice ocean views from the breakfast area.

Relais Mareluna - Luxury Apartments

These apartments offer accommodation with free WiFi and a kitchen. The accommodation features a spa bath and a hot tub. There is also a bicycle rental service available on the property, which makes for some fun exploring activities.