Top 15 Things to Do in Salerno – The Gateway to the Amalfi Coast

Salerno Cathedral

Every Italian city has at least one remarkable cathedral to add to your itinerary. So of course, Salerno is no different. What is particularly unique about Salerno Cathedral, though, is not the colorful facade, but what is hidden beneath. While the foundations date back to the 1070s, the cathedral’s primary architectural designs are Neapolitan Baroque and Rococo styles.

The 12th-century bell tower rising tall at 56 meters in Arabic-Norman style will be the first element to catch your eye. Continue inside the courtyard to take a closer look at the unique portico with 28 ancient columns. Make sure to grab a ticket, so you can head inside and find the real gem, which otherwise remains hidden.

The admission is only €1 and will take you down to the stunning crypt holding the remains of St. Matthew. The vaulted hall is painted in incredible frescoes, the floor is covered with white marble and little golden elements are scattered throughout. It is a true masterpiece and one of the most stunning cathedral interiors I have ever seen!

Church of St George

A lot fewer people talk about the Church of St George, but I believe a quick stop there is one of the best things to do in Salerno. You can get a combination ticket when you purchase your ticket to the crypt at Salerno Cathedral and just for an additional euro, you will be able to visit St George as well.

Known for its incredible frescoes, the church is an excellent example of Baroque architectural style. The Virgin and Child with Saints is one of the most significant paintings inside dating back to 1523. Recent remains and artifacts from the 9th century were also discovered, making the Church of St George one of the oldest religious settlements in Salerno.

A quick visit is all you need to get a glimpse of the truly astonishing paintings covering the ceiling and walls.

Salerno Historic Center

No trip to Salerno would be complete if you have not step foot in the historic center. There is no better way of exploring the old part of the city than just getting lost in between the narrow cobblestone alleys. Via dei Mercanti is where your journey through the middle ages will start. It was once the main commercial street of the city lined with textile stores, offered referred to as “Drapparia”.

Nowadays, visitors will find various craftsman workshops, antique stores, bakeries and small bars and cafes. Strolling down the streets is by far the best thing to do in Salerno, as you will get to experience the true soul and atmosphere of the city. Unlike the polished, postcard-perfect towns of the Amalfi Coast, Salerno has a raw and real energy.

Villa Communale di Salerno

Not too far away from the harbor and the promenade, visitors (especially those traveling with children) will find another interesting spot to add to your travel guide to Salerno. Villa Communale di Salerno, also known as the city’s garden is a quiet, peaceful location ideal for meeting friends, relaxing or taking a slow walk.

Visiting the garden felt like we have found a small urban oasis of greenary. Various plants from all across the Mediterrenean have been planted to create an elegant and peaceful landscape. Tullio Fountain dating all the way back to the 1700s is another intriguing feature of Villa Communale. During the winter, major art installations part of the Luci d’Artista Light Show are located there, whereas the gardens come to life with music events in the summer months. We loved this spot for our 2-year-old who just enjoyed running along the alleys.

Visit Giardino della Minerva

The terraced botanical gardens of Giardino della Minerva is undoubtedly one of the best things to do in Salerno. Situated on top of a hill, away from the hectic streets, the gardens provide stunning panoramic views of the city and the surrounding blue waters of the Tyrrhenian Sea. A little hidden gem allowing visitors to find peace and quiet among the lush greenary of fruit trees, colorful flowers and aromatic herbs.

Unfortunately, the gardens were closed when we visited Salerno. Definitely, keeping it high on my list of things to do in Salerno for our next trip. I am looking forward to exploring the 300 plant species spread on 5 different levels and soaking in the scenery.

Interesting Fact: There is also a small museum unfolding ancient medical practices using herbs and plants from the gardens.

Salerno School of Medicine

Established during the 9th century, the Salerno School of Medicine is widely known as the first school of medicine in the world. Not only that, but it was the first to allow both female students and female teachers. Nowadays, there is a small virtual museum housed in an old church right at the heart of the city. It could be an interesting place to visit in Salerno, particularly for those interested in medicine and healthcare.

While the small museum at the Botanical Gardens displays artifacts and tools, the virtual museum offers a presentation in English diving deep into the history of the Salerno School of Medicine.

Medieval Aqueduct

Built during the 9th century, Salerno’s Aqueduct was once used to supply water to the Monastery of St. Benedict. It is an intriguing sight you can easily reach on foot from the downtown area of Salerno. You do not necessary need to plan extra time for it, as just a quick look is enough. Nowadays covered in moss and greenary, it is a fascinating reminecnes of the Medieval times and Salerno’s rich history.

Stroll the Lungomare di Salerno

“The Lungomare” is Salerno’s 1.5 km promenade. On a very sunny Sunday, we found ourselves to be joining what felt like every Salernitano on their midday walk. In a very traditional Italian way, everyone had put their nicest clothes and gone out for a pleasant walk along the beach. The only disturbance, of course, was our 2-year-old who wanted to climb and walk along the seawall, so he can see the “birdies”.

All kidding aside, the promenade is one of the best spots in Salerno. The rhythmic whoosing of the Tyrrhenian Sea waves combined with the stunning views of the Amalfi Coast in the distance, make this a picture perfect location worth strolling down.

We went back for another walk along the seafront on a weekday and there were a lot fewer people, if you prefer to skip the crowds.

Head to the Beach

Salerno and the entire Amalfi Coast region are not well known for the beautiful beaches. That being said, you can always find a small beach to head to for an hour or two of relaxation. The Santa Teresa beach, located along “the Lungomare” and a short walk away from the old town is definitely the most popular beach in Salerno.

Bring a tower to sunbath, dip your toes into the Tyrrhenian sea, or let your children build a sand castle. All excellent ways to relax and enjoy some peace and quiet away from the small but always hectic streets of Salerno.

Piazza Della Liberta

Piazza Della Liberta is one of the newest additions to the urban features of Salerno. Piazza della Concordia and Piazza Della Liberta are technically connected through the previously mentioned Lungomare. So if you decide to take the entire 1.5 km promenade, you will inevitably find yourselves at Piazza Della Liberta.

It is considered the largest seaside square in Italy serving as a connection between the seafront, the Maritime Terminal and the nearby older monuments. Standing at the semi-circular square you will definitely feel the vastness and immenseness of the area. Piazza Della Liberta can be an excellent addition to your travel guide to Salerno and a perfect spot for a romantic sunset walk.

Salerno Maritime Terminal

Considered the most futuristic building in Salerno, The Maritime Terminal resembles a giant oyster located right next to the harbor. If you continue strolling down “the Lungomare” until you reach Piazza della Liberta, you will definitely be able to spot the unusual building in the distance.

We found a very nice playground right next to the Maritime Terminal, where our 2-year-old son loved running around and playing with the much older Italian children. Since we were so near, we inevitably crossed the street to take a closer look. It definitely has an intriguing architectural design showcasing the modernity of Salerno. We did not spend too much time there, but we walked along the pedestrian area and marveled at the enormous ships in the distance and the constant action at the port.

Museums

• Visit the Ruins of Paestum
• Archeological Museum
• Museo San Matteo

Tours

• Salerno Walking Tour
• Hike Path of the Gods
• Hiking Path of Lemons

Experiences

• Salerno Rafting
• Ceramic Class-Vietri sul Mare
• Salerno Cooking Class

• Naples – 40 min by train
• Sorrento – 90 min by train

• Pompeii Day Trip
• Amalfi Coast Boat Tour

• All Inclusive Capri Boat Tour
• Vesuvius & Pompeii

Where is Salerno

Located less than 60 km away from Naples, Salerno is an ancient city in the Campania region of Italy. Thanks to its location right on the Tyrrhenian sea and the Gulf of Salerno, it is a perfect gateway to the Amalfi Coast, even though, it often remains overlooked by tourists.

When to Visit and How Long to Stay

The entire Amalfi Coast, including Salerno is best visited during off-season. Many recommend September and October as you will catch the end of summer with long sunny days, but without the heat and crowds. We visited Salerno in January and thoroughly enjoyed it. Despite the slightly colder weather, we got to experience a more peaceful and calmer side of the city. I strongly recommend spending 3 to 4 days to fully immerse yourselves into what the city has to offer, but many also visit on a day trip from Naples.

Getting to Salerno

Regardless where you are coming from the best way to reach Salerno would be by train. The regional fast train from Napoli Central to Salerno only takes 40 minutes (at least the ones which are direct). This is what we chose to do and it was perfect. Our son loves trains and was enjoying looking out the window and the courtyside scenery pretty much the entire time.

In a similar way even if you are coming from Rome, you can take the high-speed TrenItalia or ItaloTreno and arrive in Salerno in under 2 hours.

Getting Around Salerno

I will probably be repeating myself a lot throughout my travel guides to Italian cities, but the best way to get around is on foot.

As someone who drives daily in Napoli, I do not recommend driving in Italy at all! So if you can avoid it, you should! The city streets are tiny and “bumpy” as my son calls them. Parking spots are limited and even tinier. Almost everytime when we have to drive somewhere, we need an additional 10-15 minutes to figure our navigation and parking.