Standing on the Gulf of Salerno with the Mediterranean stretching endlessly before you, it's hard to imagine wanting to be anywhere else.

But here's the thing: this coastal gem sits at the heart of some of Italy's most stunning destinations. The places to visit in Salerno and its surroundings offer everything from ancient ruins to vertical coastal villages that seem to defy gravity.

Getting out and exploring the region means experiencing multiple worlds in a single day. Morning might start with Roman temples, lunch could happen on a cliffside terrace, and sunset?

That's for watching from a mountaintop monastery. The connections are easy, the distances manageable, and the experiences unforgettable.

1. Amalfi Coast

No trip to Salerno is complete without exploring the Amalfi Coast. This UNESCO World Heritage site stretches along a 30-mile coastline filled with cliffs, colorful villages, and sparkling sea views. You can easily take a ferry or drive along the famous coastal road.

Stops like Amalfi, Positano, and Ravello each have their own charm. Amalfi offers a beautiful cathedral and seaside cafes, while Positano is known for its postcard-perfect houses and narrow streets lined with boutiques. 

Ravello sits higher up, offering breathtaking views and peaceful gardens like Villa Rufolo and Villa Cimbrone.

This trip is one of the top places to visit in Salerno for those who love coastal beauty and authentic Italian charm.

Experience the Amalfi Coast's iconic villages with our Private Tours, offering exclusive access to Amalfi, Positano, and Ravello with certified local guides.

2. Pompeii

The ancient city of Pompeii offers a hauntingly beautiful glimpse into Roman life, preserved under volcanic ash from Mount Vesuvius in 79 AD. A day trip here is a profound experience.

• What to See: Explore the vast archaeological park to see the Forum, which was the center of commercial life. You can also visit the well-preserved thermal baths, an important public gathering place, and the Lupanar, a brothel known for its erotic wall paintings.
• How to Get There: The most straightforward way is by train. Regional trains from Salerno to Pompeii take about one hour. For a more insightful visit, consider a guided tour. Many tours include direct, skip-the-line entry and round-trip transportation from Salerno in an air-conditioned vehicle.

Our Tours for Cruisers provide seamless Pompeii excursions with port pickup, perfect for maximizing your time ashore.

Practical Tips: Wear comfortable walking shoes as the ground is uneven. Carry water, especially during warmer months. Guided tours typically last around 4 hours.

3. Paestum

For a historical experience that rivals Pompeii, head south to the Greek ruins at Paestum. This site predates the Roman era and is home to three incredibly well-preserved Greek temples dating back to around 600 BCE.

• What to See: The three massive Doric temples are the main attraction: the 1st Temple of Hera, the 2nd Temple of Hera (sometimes called the Temple of Neptune), and the Temple of Athena. The site also includes an extensive archaeological park and a museum filled with artifacts discovered in the area.
• How to Get There: Paestum is easily reached by train from Salerno. The direct train journey takes between 30 to 45 minutes, and the site is 10-minute walk from the station.
• Practical Tips: Admission to the park and museum costs approximately €12. Combining a visit to Paestum with a trip to a nearby buffalo mozzarella farm makes for a perfect, well-rounded day trip.

4. Vietri sul Mare

Just minutes from Salerno, Vietri sul Mare marks the beginning of the Amalfi Coast. It’s known for its handmade ceramics, which color the town’s streets, shops, and buildings. Walking through Vietri feels like walking through an open-air art gallery.

Visitors can explore ceramic workshops, watch artisans at work, and buy unique souvenirs that represent local craftsmanship. The town also has a lovely beach, perfect for a relaxed afternoon by the water. Its combination of art, culture, and sea views makes Vietri sul Mare one of the most charming places to visit in Salerno for a quick half-day escape.

5. The Cilento Coast and National Park

 

South of Paestum, the Cilento region offers a quieter alternative to the Amalfi Coast. This UNESCO World Heritage area combines coastal beauty with mountain wilderness.

Agropoli is a great place to start, with its medieval old town perched on a promontory. Further south, Acciaroli gained fame as Hemingway's retreat during the 1950s. 

The writer allegedly drew inspiration here for "The Old Man and the Sea." Today, it remains pleasantly low-key, with clean beaches and excellent seafood restaurants.

Palinuro caps the southern end of the Cilento Coast with spectacular caves accessible by boat. The Grotta Azzurra (Blue Grotto) rivals Capri's more famous version. 

Rocky coves, clear water, and fewer crowds make this stretch ideal for travelers seeking authentic coastal Italy.

Inland, the Cilento National Park protects mountain villages frozen in medieval times. Roscigno Vecchia stands completely abandoned; a ghost town left after landslides forced evacuation in the early 1900s. Walking its empty streets feels surreal. The park also contains extensive hiking trails through Mediterranean scrub and ancient forests.

6. Sorrento

Sorrento is another favorite among visitors staying in Salerno. The town sits on a cliff overlooking the Bay of Naples and offers amazing sunset views. It’s known for its lemon groves, narrow lanes, and lively markets.

You can spend the day shopping for handmade goods, tasting limoncello, or simply relaxing by the marina. Sorrento also serves as a gateway to Capri, Naples, and the Amalfi Coast, making it easy to fit into your travel route.

Explore Salerno and Beyond with Ease

Make your trip to Salerno unforgettable with Exploring Amalfi Coast. Whether you want a relaxing drive along the coast, a private tour to hidden villages, or a day trip to must-see spots like Amalfi, Positano, or Ravello, they handle it all with comfort and care. Our local guides know every scenic route and secret viewpoint, so you can simply sit back and enjoy the beauty around you.

Book your Salerno day trips with Exploring Amalfi Coast today and experience Italy’s southern charm in a stress-free way.