Things to do in Salerno – Amalfi Coast hidden gem
When we began our one-month-long exploration of the Amalfi Coast, we knew nothing about Salerno. Since the day of our arrival, we visited it several times. We experienced many things to do in Salerno and fell in love with the city.
Alex even said that, at one point, he would see himself living here for some time. That’s because Salerno is not too big, but not too small. It is set by the sea, with a beautiful promenade. And it has a lively city center.
If you want to visit Salerno, here is what you can do and see in this charming hidden gem close to the Amalfi Coast.
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Table of Contents
Things to do in Salerno and why we loved the city
Villa Comunale di Salerno
Address: Via Roma, 84100 Salerno SA, Italy
Or the public parc. Even though it is not a big park, it is well-maintained and a great place to relax.
Since we were traveling with a toddler, we often chased pigeons on the streets of this park. Its location, close to the sea and the city center, is perfect.
Chiesa della Santissima Annunziata
Address: Via Portacatena, 84121 Salerno SA, Italy
The beautiful church is located right across the street from the Villa Comunale.
If you think you’ve seen it somewhere before, that’s because the dome looks like most of the ones in the area.
The church was first mentioned in 1412, and its architecture was transformed during the 19th century. Annunziata’s bell tower is among the best works of the Salerno Baroque.
Muri d’autore
Address: Via Portacatena, 60, 84121 Salerno SA, Italy
“Muri d’autore” is a local art project developed in the ancient Fornelle district established in the 9th century. It is dedicated to Alfonso Gatto, a local poet who marked the city’s cultural life.
You can start from Piazza Matteo d’Aiello and take a picture with the Fontana delle Fornelle.
Above all, the project wanted to use street art in order to redevelop the area. Accordingly, they created an open-air museum with works by various artists.
We enjoyed strolling on these streets and admiring all the hidden art. Additionally, it is a very local neighborhood where you can see and feel how people really live.
Lungomare di Salerno
Address: 84121 Salerno, Province of Salerno, Italy
The “lungomare,” or sea promenade, is a popular destination in Salerno.
On one side, you find a few restaurants and cafes where you can relax while admiring the cityscape.
On the other side, there are only a few local coffee shops where you can enjoy a pasticcio by the sea.
If you happen to visit during a holiday, the area will be packed with people who will be out to socialize. This is also a popular meeting point for locals, where they come to read the paper or discuss current events.
Additionally, along the promenade, there are a few small beaches where locals go for a swim.
Castello di Arechi
Address: Località Croce, 84125 Salerno SA, Italy (temporarily closed)
On top of the hill, overlooking the Bay of Salerno, sits the Castello di Arechi.
The castle originally dates from the 6th century and was extended throughout the time.
Many owned the castle throughout the years, and today, there is a restaurant inside. The defensive walls, however, are open to visitors free of charge. There is also a museum in the castle.
The castle is also the perfect viewpoint for admiring the sea and surroundings.
Duomo di Salerno (Salerno Cathedral)
Address: Piazza Alfano I, 84125 Salerno SA, Italy
The Salerno Cathedral is the most important church in town. Because of its location inside the old city center, it is also one of the main tourist attractions in Salerno.
It was constructed in 1076 and features important Neapolitan Baroque and Rococo architectural features.
The most renowned and significant part of the Cathedral is the Crypt, which holds the remains of one of the twelve apostles, Saint Matthew.
Provincial Archaeological Museum of Salerno
Address: Via S. Benedetto, 28, 84122 Salerno SA, Italy
An old monastery houses the museum, making it a must-see for anyone passionate about the region’s history.
The finds range from prehistory to the late Roman Imperial Age and include animal remains and domestic utensils, weapons, jewelry, statues, and architectural decorations.
Moreover, the museum’s location is unique. The San Benedetto Complex was built between the 7th and 9th centuries.
Medieval Aqueduct
Address: Via Fiera Vecchia, 84122 Salerno SA, Italy
To supply water to the nearby monastery of St. Benedict, a large aqueduct was constructed in the 9th century in Salerno’s historic center.
At the time, the city flourished as one of Italy’s most important hubs under Lombard rule.
Parco Pinocchio
Address: Piazza Montpellier, 84126 Salerno SA, Italy
The park is a perfect destination for those traveling to Salerno with kids. It is outside of the city center, thus you must travel a bit to get there.
The narrow streets of the Old Town
We loved strolling on the streets of the old town and admiring the old buildings and many churches.
On our first visit to Salerno, a medieval fair was taking place, and we enjoyed the music.
Along the alleys, many restaurants serve traditional local food. Don’t leave without trying the focaccia they make in this area! I have visited Italy many times, but Campania’s pizza and focaccia were the best.
Day trips from Salerno
Getting around from Salerno is easy. SITA Bus links the city to the Amalfi Coast. Also, the train is a good option for when you want to see other towns nearby.
Because of its airport, Salerno is the perfect entry point for an Amalfi Coast itinerary.
You can plan many easy day trips or half-day trips from Salerno. Here are a few we’ve been on and enjoyed.
Vietri sul Mare
You can get to Vietri from Salerno in roughly 10 minutes. Moreover, Vietri is the southernmost village on the Amalfi Coast.
It quickly became one of our favorite getaways mainly because it is not too popular with tourists.
Vietri is home to many ceramics factories; thus, it is the best place to go for souvenirs from the Amalfi Coast.
On the other hand, Vietri sul Mare has the largest beach on the coast. So you can come here to the sea.
Paestum
If you think this is in Greece, think again. Paestum showcases remarkably well-preserved Greek temples, highlighting the grandeur of Magna Graecia and its rich historical heritage.
You can take the train from Salerno and get to Paestum in 20-30 minutes.
The monuments we’ve seen there look much like the ones in Athens and date from the same period. However, the temples of Paestum are better preserved, and the museum is not packed with tourists.
Extra tip: try the ice cream at Bar Gelateria Museum. You won’t regret it!
The Amalfi Coast
From Salerno, you can get anywhere on the Amalfi Coast.
SITA Sud is a local public transportation company that operates a line linking Salerno to Amalfi. From there, you can take another line to Positano or Sorrento.
Of course, traveling from Salerno to Sorrento will take a while.
On the other hand, Salerno is a large port town with many boats linking it to the Amalfi Coast. You can book your ferry here! We always recommend doing it ahead of time, especially when you are traveling during the peak season.
Pompeii
Anyone who visits the region should stop by Pompeii. It is impressive to see how people lived so long ago.
Of course, you can get there by public transportation. But the fastest option is to book an organized tour with a transfer.
Caserta
The Royal Palace of Caserta (Reggia di Caserta) is one of Italy’s most magnificent architectural masterpieces, often compared to France’s Palace of Versailles for its grandeur.
Commissioned by Charles of Bourbon in the 18th century and designed by architect Luigi Vanvitelli, the palace served as a royal residence for the Bourbon kings of Naples.
Surrounding the palace are vast, beautifully landscaped gardens extending over 120 hectares and featuring fountains, waterfalls, and sculptures.
You can take the train and get there in roughly 1 hour from Salerno.
Where to stay in Salerno
If you are visiting Salerno for the first time, I would suggest staying close to the sea in the city center.
Here are some of our top picks:
Mareluna Crescent – Luxury Seafront Experience
Another hotel that caught my attention is Lloyd’s Baia Hotel. However, it is closer to Vietri sul Mare but it overlooks Salerno.
How to get around Salerno
The city is not so large, and you can easily see all the main attractions on foot.
However, we suggest renting a car if you plan to travel around. Discover Cars offers the advantage of easy price comparison, a wide selection of vehicles, and flexible booking options, making it a convenient choice for finding affordable and reliable car rentals worldwide.
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