Day trips from Salerno
Salerno is perfectly placed to explore some of the region’s most beautiful spots. Here are a few easy day trips:
Amalfi Coast
You can easily visit both Amalfi and Positano in one day by ferry. Boats leave from Salerno’s port (Piazza della Concordia / Molo Manfredi), right by the train station and seafront.
The ferry to Amalfi takes about 25–35 minutes, with tickets around €11–€12 one way.
From Amalfi, short ferries run to Positano, making it simple to continue along the coast.
In the afternoon or evening, take a direct ferry back to Salerno.
This is one of the most scenic and stress-free ways to see the Amalfi Coast, avoiding traffic and parking hassles.
Capri
Ferries run daily from Salerno to Capri , making it an easy and scenic day trip across the Gulf, taking around 1 hour and 30 minutes.
Once on the island, you can explore in different ways:
If the weather's nice, hire a speedboat to circle the island, visit hidden coves, and see the famous Faraglioni from the sea.
Alternatively, stay on land and take the funicular from Marina Grande to Capri town, to explore its charming streets and panoramic views.
For a quieter experience, take a bus or chairlift to Anacapri, then visit the Faro di Punta Carena lighthouse for a stunning sunset.
Paestum & Cilento Coast
Paestum, a short train or car ride south of Salerno, is famous for its well-preserved ancient Greek temples and archaeological museum. It’s also known for authentic buffalo mozzarella, with local favourites like La Dispensa di San Salvatore, Il Granato, and Vannulo offering delicious cheese and desserts made from buffalo milk.
Further down the coast, the quieter Cilento Coast offers crystal-clear waters, beautiful beaches, and charming towns like Acciaroli, Castellabate (and Santa Maria), and Agropoli, perfect for swimming, hiking, and discovering hidden gems off the crowds.
Vietri sul Mare
Just a short bus or train ride from Salerno, Vietri sul Mare is the gateway to the Amalfi Coast and famous for its vibrant, hand-painted ceramics. The town has a long pottery tradition, with colourful tiles, plates, and decorative pieces found in shops, galleries, and on building facades.
Vietri ceramics make great souvenirs.
In town, you can explore Vietri’s charming streets, visit the beautiful Villa Comunale park, and then head down to Marina di Vietri, the seaside area with beaches, waterfront cafés, and stunning views.
It’s an ideal spot to admire authentic craftsmanship, relax by the sea, and enjoy the coastal atmosphere.
Pompeii
Just a short train ride from Salerno, Pompeii is one of the world’s most famous archaeological sites. Preserved under volcanic ash after Mount Vesuvius erupted in 79 AD, it offers a vivid glimpse into everyday life nearly 2,000 years ago.
Explore well-preserved streets, homes, temples, theatres, and baths, with stunning frescoes and mosaics. Guided tours or audio guides bring the city’s vibrant history and tragic fate to life.
Reggia di Caserta
Easily reached from Salerno by train (around 1–1.5 hours), the Reggia di Caserta is one of Europe’s largest and most impressive royal palaces, and a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Often compared to Versailles, the palace features vast, opulent interiors, grand staircases, and richly decorated rooms. Outside, the enormous gardens stretch for kilometres, with formal avenues, fountains, waterfalls, and beautifully landscaped parkland.
It’s an ideal day trip for architecture and history lovers, offering a relaxed but spectacular experience away from the coast, and can be easily combined with lunch in Caserta town.
Naples
Easy to reach from Salerno by train in about 40–60 minutes.
Naples is full of history, culture, and amazing food. Explore the lively historic centre with narrow streets, churches, and famous piazzas.
Don’t miss:
Spaccanapoli, the bustling heart of the old city.
Napoli Sotterranea, underground tunnels revealing hidden history.
Piazza del Plebiscito, the grand central square with stunning architecture.
Castel Nuovo (Maschio Angioino), a majestic medieval castle in the city centre.
Via San Gregorio Armeno, known for its handcrafted presepi (Nativity scenes).
Try local street food favourites like cuoppo (fried fish cone), pizza fritta (fried pizza), and frittatina di pasta (fried pasta pie).
Vesuvius
Mount Vesuvius is a short trip from Salerno, offering a memorable 30–60 minute hike to its crater with stunning views over Naples and the bay. At the top, you can see inside the active volcano. The hike suits most people.
Getting there from Salerno:
By car: About 1 hour’s drive to the Vesuvius National Park parking area near the trailhead.
By public transport: Train from Salerno to Naples, then Circumvesuviana train towards Ercolano or Pompeii, followed by a bus or taxi to the park entrance.
Tickets for the hike should be purchased in advance to avoid queues. Check weather conditions, and guided tours are available for a fuller experience.
