Salerno Area holidays

Salerno’s coastline is framed by hills and historic towns, and some beaches have views to match. Santa Maria di Castellabate offers soft sand with pastel houses rising behind it, while Agropoli’s Trentova Bay has pine-clad cliffs and clear waters. Palinuro’s Spiaggia del Buon Dormire beach delivers on the dramatic cliff views.

For long stretches of sand and calm, shallow waters, head to Ascea Marina or Marina di Camerota’s main beaches. Lidos with loungers, umbrellas and snack bars make it easy to spend the full day here, while families will love the gentle waves and promenades lined with cafés and gelaterias. And the sunsets? They’re first rate.

Near Marina di Camerota, Cala Bianca regularly ranks among the Cilento coast’s most beautiful beaches. You’ll need to hike or take a short boat ride to reach it, but the reward is paradise – it’s white pebble shore, turquoise shallows, and a real ‘all to yourself’ feel.

For budget-friendly finds, browse Salerno’s Via Piave Market, where stalls sell fresh produce, snacks, beach bits and low-cost souvenirs. In Castellabate, tiny old-town shops sell handmade soaps, ceramics and beach accessories. Down in Marina di Camerota, small seafront stalls line up handmade trinkets and summer essentials.

Salerno’s Corso Vittorio Emanuele is packed with Italian high-street fashion, shoe stores and beauty shops. Le Cotoniere adds cafés and big-name brands under one roof, and Cilento Outlet Village near Eboli brings discounts on labels like Levi’s, Nike and Guess. Around Agropoli Marina, you’ll find casual boutiques and beach shops.

For premium pieces, head to Salerno’s Piazza Sedile di Portanova, home to upscale Italian boutiques, jewellers and leather goods. Nearby Vietri sul Mare is the spot for one-off ceramics and artisan homeware, while a quick train to Naples opens up full designer districts and flagship stores.

Head to Castellabate or Marina di Camerota for a quiet night out. Stroll cobbled streets or the waterfront, grab a pizza or glass of local wine, and watch the sunset. In Ascea, wander the old town lanes to find small wine bars, tucked-away gelaterias, and seafood restaurants serving tableside dinners by candlelight.

Head to Salerno or Agropoli for a little more of a buzz. Salerno’s Lungomare Trieste is full of street performers, aperitivo crowds, and gelaterias open late. Agropoli Marina hosts live music, weekend seafood stalls, and seasonal summer events, while a walk up to Agropoli Castle gives a view over the harbour.

This is the pride of Campania – and the Salerno area’s dairies are where it tastes best. It’s made fresh every morning from local buffalo milk, and locals will tell you it’s best eaten with a hunk of crusty bread and a drizzle of Cilento olive oil.

A classic of the Salerno coast, this thick, hand-cut pasta is tossed through clams, mussels, and prawns in garlicky olive oil. The dough’s made with milk and basil, giving it a soft bite and herby aroma – perfect for soaking up every drop of rich seafood sauce.

These tiny anchovies from the village of Cetara are a local fave, often served on fresh bread as a salty, seaside starter. They’re also transformed into colatura di alici – a golden, tangy sauce that’s drizzled over pasta for a burst of coastal flavour.

This lemony dessert is the Amalfi Coast’s answer to a tartufo – a dome of sponge filled with lemon cream and covered in glossy icing. Every bite is zesty, light and fresh. You’ll spot it in every local bakery, and some gelaterias even whip up an ice-cream version for a post-dinner palate cleanser.

Homemade limoncello is a Salerno classic, made from coastal lemons steeped in spirit and sugar syrup. It’s always served ice-cold from the freezer, and in summer, look out for the granita version – part slushie, part ice-cream.