Often ignored in the mad dash to the Amalfi Coast, the port city of Salerno has a charmingly timeworn old town that is worth a look. Travelers passing through the cruise ship harbor and rail terminal can pause to explore the city’s medieval churches and waterfront promenade before heading north on a shore excursion or day trip to Positano, Amalfi, and other fishing villages on the Amalfi Coast; setting sail for a boat tour around the island of Capri; or taking a leap into ancient history at Pompeii and Paestum.
Salerno is pleasant to visit year-round, but stirs to life during summer. The high season peaks in August, when it may seem like all of Italy descends upon the coast. To avoid the punishingly hot summer temperatures, visit in spring from May through June or early fall from mid-September through October. Top festivals on the Amalfi Coast include the Ravello Festival and the Fish Festival of Positano, usually held during summer.
Salerno is well-connected with a light-rail system, two ferry ports, and a train station, making it a convenient base to explore the Amalfi Coast. It’s also pedestrian friendly in the historic center and along the seafront promenade, which runs about 1.25 miles (2 kilometers) from the old town south to Piazza della Concordia. Busitalia and SITA buses travel through town and around the province of Salerno. SITA buses are convenient for traveling to the Amalfi Coast and Sorrento.
While Salerno is not a tourism powerhouse, it does offer curious travelers some true Amalfi Coast gems. Among the things to do is Minerva’s Garden, a centuries-old botanical garden founded during the Middle Ages and located just north of the Municipal Villa on the west side of town. The terraced garden was originally part of the Salerno Medical School, prominent during medieval times, and was a study center for medicinal herbs and plants. It can be visited on guided tours.
Local Currency Euro (€) | Time Zone CEST (UTC +1) | Country Code +39 | Language(s) Italian | Attractions 6 | Tours 298 | Reviews 2,100 |
This busy cruise port is a main gateway to the nearby Amalfi Coast, but Salerno’s well-preserved old town, 11th-century cathedral, and imposing Arechi Castle are popular attractions for travelers passing through. The area is also famous for its traditional ceramic production, pristine beaches, and small but excellent archaeological museum.
...MoreThough it lacks the postcard-perfect charm of the Amalfi Coast, Salerno has an atmospheric old town hidden behind its modern port. The cobblestone streets are lined with pocket-sized shops and restaurants catering more to locals than tourists, and the cathedral is one of the most spectacular medieval churches in Italy.
...MoreYes it does. Home to a large university and one of southern Italy’s major transport hubs, Salerno is packed with lively clubs and bars that cater to students and travelers with live music and DJ sets. The city’s lavish 19th-century opera house hosts classical music, theater, and dance performances.
...MoreYes, with its array of affordable hotels and frequent bus and ferry routes to and from the Amalfi Coast, Salerno is an excellent base for visiting Amalfi—especially if you’re traveling on a budget. You can reach Amalfi by sea in about 30 minutes, or by land in about an hour.
...MoreOne day is enough to wander Salerno’s compact old town and take a trip to nearby Paestum to admire the ancient Greek temples and sample buffalo mozzarella. If you’re using Salerno as a base to explore the Amalfi Coast, you’ll need at least three days.
...MoreMost travelers blow past Salerno on their way to the Amalfi Coast, but this storied city has an old town that is worth exploring. Its medieval cathedral is a Norman gem; the historic center has an authentic, untouristed feel; and there are plenty of old-school eateries for traditional local food.
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