Salerno holidays

Holidays to Salerno mean double the coast for half the hassle – it’s your gateway to the Amalfi and Cilento shores.

Amalfi Coast – the smarter way

Salerno is one of the smartest bases for exploring the Amalfi Coast without the anticipated crowds – and locals will tell you the same. It sits on the southern edge of the coast, and unlike nearby hillside towns, it’s flat, easy to get around and has some of the region’s best transport links. Getting out and about by boat is simple, with ferries running straight from the marina to places like Amalfi, Positano and Praiano. Trains are just as handy, with Naples under an hour away and straightforward routes to Pompeii, Ercolano and Paestum.

Introducing Salerno

Salerno’s centre feels a bit like Naples, but more relaxed. The lengthy Lungomare promenade gives the whole city a breezy, seaside feel, and the old town’s great for wandering – it’s got Medieval streets, a standout cathedral and Arechi Castle keeping watch from above. Head south and you’re into the Cilento Coast, a quieter stretch loved by Neapolitans. Beach spots like Agropoli draw in Italian families all summer long, so you’ll hear plenty of local chatter as you settle into the sand.

‘Salute’ in Salerno

Food’s a big deal here – we’re still in Campania, after all – so expect top-tier pizza, heaps of fresh seafood and Amalfi lemons showing up in everything from limoncello to creamy delizia al limone. You’ve got bakeries for grab-and-go bites, family trattorias tucked into the old town and gelaterias that stay open long after sunset. There’s a solid aperitivo scene, too, where you can sip a glass of something cold with a plate of tasty nibbles.

The quieter side of Campania

Salerno’s also a great jumping-off point for the region’s quieter corners, especially the Cilento and Vallo di Diano National Park. It’s a mix of rugged coastline, small villages and long-standing food traditions – think olive groves, buffalo mozzarella farms and proper old-school markets. Even in the city you’ll catch local festivals and craft stalls popping up through the year, giving you a look at everyday Campania beyond the big-name sights.