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Salerno a beautiful port city southeast of Naples, in Italy.

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.  

Salerno Italy authentic narrow alleyways

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.

Know before you go:

CEST = Central European Summer Time. Daylight Saving Time is observed in summer, changing the time zone to UTC+1.

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

  • Cilento National Park
  • Promenade (Lungomare di Salerno) – 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.

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.