Travelers who stick to Salerno can enjoy the stately Castello di Arechi, shops, restaurants, and beautiful churches; however, most head 16 miles (26 kilometers) west to Amalfi or 25 miles (41 kilometers) south to Paestum, a coastal highlight home to UNESCO-listed Greek temples. Both are popular shore excursion destinations, as are the ruins of Pompeii and Herculaneum, the resort city of Sorrento, and the islands of Capri and Ischia.
The modern Salerno Cruise Port terminal—designed by Zaha Hadid—offers restrooms, seating, and other amenities.
There's a nice public beach close to the port where you can take a dip before departing.
Shore excursions are convenient ways to explore the Amalfi Coast, as there are no trains between Amalfi and Salerno.
Ferries depart from the port of Salerno for Amalfi, Positano, Capri, Ischia, and Sorrento; get there early or book a private boat toar instead.
There are no direct buses to Pompeii, Herculaneum, or Naples, so book a group or private tour with round-trip transportation for convenience.
Buses run between Salerno and Paestum all day and take just over an hour to arrive.
Cruise ships dock right in the bustling port of Salerno, which is also the ferry terminal. Walk or catch a taxi up to the old town or to the bus terminal near the train station to explore the surrounding area; alternatively, join a private tour to avoid the crowds and hassle of public buses in summer.
Cruise lines dock at the Molo Manfredi terminal in the Salerno port. The local language is Italian and English is not widely spoken; however, you'll hear more English on the nearby Amalfi Coast. The official currency is the euro.