Salerno Location Guide

Often overshadowed by nearby Naples, Salerno is rich in history, beauty and culture, all without the tourist crowds that can pack the nearby Amalfi Coast during peak summer months.
Walking along the tree-lined seafront, shopping in the medieval center of town and visiting the fine Cathedral of St. Matthew are just a few of the city’s top attractions. Salerno’s central location makes a great base for exploring the beautiful Amalfi Coast, Naples, the ruins at Pompeii, Paestum’s Greek Temples, and the national parks in the Cilento.

Top Things to See and Do
Visit the Cathedral of San Matteo (St. Matthew).
Explore the historic centre's narrow medieval streets and enticing shops.
Climb up to the Castello degli Arechi for views of the city and the Bay of Salerno.
Visit the Provincial Archaeological Museum of Salernoi.
Walk along the tree-lined waterfront.
Enjoy an opera at Teatro Verdi.
Drive down the dramatic Amalfi Coast.
Explore the Cilento and Vallo di Diano National Park.
Marvel at the Greek temples at Paestum a short drive south.
Visit the Salerno War Cemetery and recall the Landing of Salerno during WWII.

Events

September 21st – San Matteo Festival
A celebration of the patron saint San Matteo (St. Matthew), whose remains are held in the city’s impressive Duomo. The festival includes a procession where 6 large statues are carried through the town and an evening carnival along the seafront with rides, local food specialties and fireworks.

July – Pizza Festival
Salerno holds an annual summer festival dedicated to Campania’s most famous food – the Neapolitan style pizza. Featuring music and cultural events, this is a lively and fun local festival perfect for pizza lovers. The only challenge is picking your favorite!

Local Food and Drink

Anchovies alla Parmigiana
This unique version of the classic eggplant ‘parmigiana’ is made by layering fresh anchovies that have been stuffed with cheese, fried and then dipped in a fresh tomato sauce. It is often served as an antipasto in homes and restaurants.

La Scazzetta (Cake of the Cardinal)
Salerno is home to many delightful bakeries. Be sure to try the Scazzetta, also called the Cake of the Cardinal (Torta del Cardinale), a Salerno specialty created over 130 years ago and is a layered cake with chantilly cream, maraschino liqueur or rum and topped with fresh wild strawberries. It is traditionally covered with a red glaze made with strawberries, the deep red colour giving the link to the Cardinal nickname.

Strolling Along the Lungomare Trieste

Salerno’s lungomare, or seafront, is one of the loveliest of Campania. Stretching along the length of the city and offering remarkable views of the bay, the pedestrianised walkways are lined with palm trees, gardens and places to stop and enjoy an aperitivo or coffee. Join in with the locals for an evening passeggiata, or walk, and watch the sun set over the Bay of Salerno.

How to Get There

Salerno is the capital of the province of Salerno in Campania. It is conveniently located near Naples, Pompeii, Paestum and the Amalfi Coast, and can be reached by public transport from Naples.
By Plane: The Naples Capodichino Airport is the closest major airport to Salerno, providing easy access from many of Italy and Europe’s major cities and from New York.
By Car: As the largest city in the province of Salerno, the city is easy to reach from most destinations in Campania. From Naples, head south on the A3 Autostrada marked NAPOLI-SALERNO. The highway ends in Salerno, where you can follow signs to the city centre.
By Bus: Public SITA buses run regularly between Naples, Salerno and the Amalfi Coast. Tickets must be bought before boarding and can be purchased at the Bar Cioffi near the bus stop in Salerno. Salerno’s local transportation authority CSTP runs buses throughout the city and to Pompeii, Paestum and the Cilento.
By Boat: Salerno is the second most important port in Campania, and during summer months it is the most picturesque way to travel between Salerno and Naples, Sorrento, the Amalfi Coast, Capri and Ischia, as well as other ports throughout the Mediterranean. There are two ports for catching ferries in Salerno. Travelmar ferries depart for Amalfi and Positano from the Porto Turistico near Piazza della Concordia. Travelmar, Alicost and Metrò del Mare offer services to Capri, Ischia, Naples and Sorrento from the Molo Manfredi in the commercial port on the opposite side of the harbor. Please note that ferry schedules are more limited or cancelled during the off season winter months.
By Rail: Salerno is a major stop on Italy’s Reggio Calabria line, and Intercity and Eurostar trains connect Salerno to Naples in about 40 minutes.