Salerno holidays

How to reach Salerno

Flight time:

• Flights to Salerno’s nearest airport, Naples, take around 2 hours 45 minutes from London.

• From other UK airports, flights to Naples take closer to 3 hours 15 minutes.

Transfer time:

• From Naples Airport, it takes about 1.5 hours to reach Salerno.

• One convenient option is to catch the Alibus to Naples central station (around 20 minutes), followed by a train to Salerno (30–60 minutes, depending on the service).

• Alternatively, various airport shuttle buses run throughout the day, taking just over an hour to reach Salerno’s Vinciprova Bus Terminal.

• You can also travel by taxi.

Price:

• Alibus tickets cost €5 one-way, and the train to Salerno generally costs around €5–15.

• A single fare on the shuttle bus will set you back €5–20, depending on which service you choose.

• Taxis from the airport to Salerno are convenient, but much more expensive. Expect to pay upwards of €100 for the ride.

Best time to visit Salerno

While there are plenty of wonderful things to do in Salerno, it’s also a great base for exploring the beautiful Amalfi Coast. Before you go, it’s worth considering how tourist levels and temperatures may affect your Italian adventure. Here’s a seasonal guide to help you plan:

April to June

• The weather is comfortably warm, with temperatures ranging from 17°C to 25°C.

• Rainfall is minimal, and there are about 8 hours of sunshine daily.

• Spring is also less crowded, making it ideal for exploring the historic sites of the city and the nearby Amalfi Coast.

July to August

• Salerno’s hottest and busiest months, with temperatures often hitting 30°C or higher and very little rainfall.

• It’s the perfect time for beach lovers, though be prepared to share the space with many other tourists.

September to November

• Offers milder weather, with temperatures from 15°C to 27°C.

• This period is ideal for those who prefer a quieter experience.

• Rainfall increases slightly, but there are still plenty of sunny days to be enjoyed.

December to March

• The coolest months, with temperatures typically between 8°C and 15°C.

• It’s Salerno’s off-season, so you can take in its sights without the crowds.

• Chances of rainfall are higher, but you’ll still get 5–6 hours of sunshine daily.

Practical information

• Spoken languages: Italian is the official language. In tourist areas, you’ll find that English is widely understood, but learning a few basic Italian phrases is a good idea.

• Local habits and customs: Italians value a more relaxed pace of life, so embrace the laid-back tempo. Shops often close for a long lunch break from between 1 pm and 4 pm. Likewise, dinner starts late, at around 8 pm or 9 pm.

• Currency: Italy uses the Euro. While ATMs are widely available and credit cards accepted in most places, it’s handy to carry some cash for smaller purchases.

• Getting around: Salerno has a good public transport system that includes buses and trains. A single bus ticket costs €2.50 and is valid for 45 minutes, or you can buy a 3-day pass for €18 if you’re planning to use the bus a lot. Remember to always buy your bus tickets before you board (from bus station ticket offices or some tobacconists) or you could face a fine.

• Electricity and plug types: Italy uses the standard European 220 volts with two-pin plugs. UK travellers will need an adaptor.

• Time zone: Salerno is on Central European Time (CET), which is one hour ahead of GMT.

Best things to do in Salerno

Situated in an enviable Amalfi Coast position overlooking the sea, Salerno is a stunning destination that combines fascinating history and culture with incredible natural beauty. Here are some of the best sights and experiences that holidays to Salerno offer:

Viewpoints and panoramas

• Castello di Arechi (Arechi Castle): Climb up to this medieval castle for panoramic views of Salerno and the Amalfi Coast. It’s a bit of a hike, but the amazing scenes are worth it.

• Lungomare Trieste: This picturesque seafront promenade offers lovely views of the sea and the city. It’s perfect for a leisurely sunset stroll.

The best districts

• Centro Storico (Historic Centre): Explore Salerno’s historic neighbourhood with its narrow streets, charming squares and beautiful churches. Don’t miss the stunning Salerno Cathedral.

• Mercatello: This lively district is great for shopping and dining, offering a mix of modern and traditional Italian experiences.

Museums

• Museo Diocesano (Diocesan Museum of San Matteo): This museum, housed in a former seminary, showcases a rich collection of religious art and artefacts, including the famous ivory plaques from Salerno’s cathedral.

• Museo Archeologico Provinciale (Archeological Museum): Uncover Salerno’s ancient past via a variety of fascinating archeological finds, including Roman and Etruscan artefacts.

Historical monuments

• Duomo di Salerno (Salerno Cathedral): This impressive cathedral dedicated to Saint Matthew is a must-see. Its crypt is said to house the remains of the apostle.

Day trips in the area

• Amalfi Coast: Just a short drive or ferry ride away, this stunning coastline is famous for its picturesque villages, dramatic cliffs and scattering of beautiful beaches.

• Paestum: Visit this ancient Greek city to explore its well-preserved temples and fascinating archeological museum.

Activities for families in Salerno

Salerno holidays are fantastic for families. The city and its surrounding areas offer a variety of activities that’ll keep everyone entertained, sparking imaginations and delighting travellers of all ages.

• Parco del Mercatello (Mercatello Park): This large park is perfect for a family day out. There are playgrounds, walking paths and plenty of open space for picnics and games.

• Lido La Conchiglia (Shell Beach Lido): Spend a relaxing day at this family-friendly beach and salt-purified pools, offering calm waters, sunbeds, children’s areas and plenty of other family-friendly amenities.

• Parco Pinocchio (Pinocchio Park): A fun park for younger children, featuring playgrounds, rides and plenty of green space to run around.

• Isola Verde Waterpark: Children will love cooling off on a hot day at this popular local waterpark, which features pools, waterslides and play areas for all ages – plus plenty of sun loungers for the grown-ups too.

Free things to do in Salerno

Salerno is a wonderful destination, with plenty of free and low-cost activities that’ll ensure a memorable holiday without breaking the bank. Here are some suggestions to get you started:

• Free events: Salerno hosts various free events throughout the year. The Christmas lights display known as Luci d’Artista, is particularly famous, transforming the city into a festive, twinkling wonderland.

• Free museums: Some museums offer free entry on certain days. Head to the archeological museum on the first Sunday of each month for a free visit.

• Free guided tours: Several organisations offer walking tours of Salerno that typically work on a tips-only basis. Join one to hear knowledgeable insights into the city’s history and culture.

• Piazza del Duomo (Cathedral Square): Just strolling around this beautiful square is a delight. You can admire Salerno’s impressive Cathedral and the historic buildings surrounding it.

• Giardino della Minerva (Minerva’s Garden): Visit this historic botanical garden for free. Wander through the beautiful plants, enjoy the peace and take in the stunning views of Salerno.

Nature and outdoor activities

• Beaches: Salerno’s coastline is dotted with beautiful beaches. Lido La Conchiglia (Shell Beach Lido) is perfect for a relaxing day by the sea, while other popular Amalfi Coast beaches are just a short drive or bus ride away.

• Cycling: Rent a bike and explore Salerno’s scenic routes, including coastal paths and countryside trails. The Lungomare Trieste (also known as Salerno’s promenade) is great for a leisurely bike ride.

• Parco Regionale dei Monti Lattari (Lattari Mountains Regional Park): Situated a bit further afield on the Sorrento peninsula, this regional park offers stunning landscapes, hiking trails and the chance to explore the natural beauty of the Campania region.

Local dishes in Salerno

Holidays to Salerno are the perfect opportunity to indulge in the culinary delicacies of Italy’s Campania region. Here are just some of the delicious dishes, desserts and drinks to sample during your stay:

Some typical dishes

• Scialatielli ai Frutti di Mare: A local pasta dish made with thick, short noodles and a variety of fresh seafood. It’s a must-try for seafood lovers.

• Mozzarella di Bufala: This creamy buffalo mozzarella is a speciality of the Campania region. Enjoy it fresh and simple with just a drizzle of olive oil and a sprinkle of sea salt.

• Parmigiana di Melanzane: A classic dish made with layers of fried aubergine, tomato sauce, mozzarella and Parmesan cheese. It’s then baked until golden and bubbly.

Meat dishes

• Braciole: Thin slices of beef or pork rolled with a stuffing of garlic, parsley and cheese, then slow-cooked in a rich tomato sauce. It’s often served with pasta.

• Salsiccia e Friarielli: This dish features local sausages cooked with friarielli, a type of wild broccoli. The bitter greens and savoury sausage are a perfect match on the palate.

Fish and seafood dishes

• Fritto Misto: A mixed platter of fried seafood, typically including calamari, shrimp and small fish. It’s crispy, light and perfect with a squeeze of lemon.

• Spaghetti alle Vongole: Spaghetti with clams, garlic, white wine and parsley. A simple yet delicious dish that showcases the fresh seafood of the region.

Sweets and desserts

• Sfogliatella: A flaky pastry filled with a mixture of sweet ricotta and citrus.

• Pastiera: A traditional Easter dessert made with ricotta, cooked wheat and candied fruit, all flavoured with fragrant orange blossom water.

Local drinks

• Limoncello: This sweet, tangy and refreshing lemon liqueur from the Amalfi Coast is perfect for sipping as a digestif.

• Campania wines: The region surrounding Salerno produces excellent wines, including reds like Aglianico and Taurasi, and whites like Greco di Tufo and Fiano di Avellino. Enjoy a glass with your meal for a true taste of local flavours.