Day trips from Salerno
Salerno is perfectly placed for exploring some of the most beautiful spots in the region. Here are a few easy day trips from the city:
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 the seafront.
The ferry to Amalfi takes about 25–35 minutes, with tickets usually around €11–€12 one way.
From Amalfi, short ferries run to Positano, making it simple to continue your trip along the coast.
In the afternoon or evening, you can take a direct ferry back to Salerno.
This is one of the most scenic and stress-free ways to experience the Amalfi Coast, avoiding traffic and parking completely.
Capri
Ferries run from Salerno to Capri during the season, making it an easy and beautiful day trip across the Gulf of Salerno. The journey takes around 1 hour and 30 minutes, depending on the service.
Once you arrive, you can enjoy the island in different ways:
If the weather is good, it’s wonderful to hire a small speed boat to circle the island, stop at coves, and see the famous Faraglioni from the sea.
Or you can stay on land and explore on foot – you can take the funicular (the “cable car”) from Marina Grande up to Capri town, then wander the elegant streets and enjoy the panoramic viewpoints.
Take the bus or the chairlift up to Anacapri, a quieter part of the island with incredible scenery. From there you can continue to the lighthouse (Faro di Punta Carena), which is perfect for sunset.
Paestum & Cilento Coast
Paestum is just a short train or car journey south of Salerno and is famous for its incredibly preserved ancient Greek temples and archaeological museum. It’s also the heartland of 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 along the coast, the Cilento Coast offers a quieter and more relaxed alternative to the Amalfi Coast. Here you’ll find crystal-clear waters, stunning beaches, and charming towns like Acciaroli, Castellabate (and Santa Maria), and Agropoli, perfect for swimming, hiking, and discovering hidden gems off the usual tourist path.
Vietri sul Mare
Just a short bus or train ride from Salerno, Vietri sul Mare is the gateway to the Amalfi Coast and world-famous for its vibrant, hand-painted ceramics. The town has a long tradition of pottery-making, with colourful tiles, plates, and decorative pieces that you’ll find in shops, galleries, and even on building facades throughout the area.
Vietri ceramics also make great souvenirs—perfect to bring home a colourful piece of the Amalfi Coast with you.
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 a perfect spot to admire authentic craftsmanship, relax by the sea, and soak up the coastal atmosphere.
Pompeii
Just a short train ride from Salerno, Pompeii is one of the world’s most famous archaeological sites. This ancient Roman city was famously preserved under volcanic ash after the eruption of Mount Vesuvius in 79 AD, giving visitors a rare and vivid glimpse into everyday life almost 2,000 years ago.
You can explore well-preserved streets, homes, temples, theatres, and baths, with incredible frescoes and mosaics still visible. Guided tours or audio guides bring the history to life, sharing stories of the city’s vibrant past and tragic destruction.
Vesuvius
Mount Vesuvius is a short trip from Salerno and offers a memorable hike to its crater, taking about 30–60 minutes with stunning views over Naples and the Bay of Naples. At the top, you can look inside the volcano’s crater and experience an active volcano up close. The hike is suitable for 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 local bus or taxi to the park entrance.
Tickets for the hike should be purchased in advance, especially during the busy season, to ensure access and avoid queues.
Check weather conditions before you go, and guided tours are also available for a fuller experience.
Naples
Easy to reach from Salerno by train in about 40–60 minutes.
Naples is a vibrant city packed with history, culture, and incredible food. Explore the bustling historic centre with its narrow streets, historic churches, and famous piazzas.
If you’re visiting, don’t miss:
Spaccanapoli, a lively street cutting through the heart of the old city.
Napoli Sotterranea, a fascinating journey through the ancient tunnels and passages beneath the city, revealing centuries of hidden history.
Piazza del Plebiscito, the city’s grand central square, surrounded by impressive architecture like the Royal Palace and San Francesco di Paola church.
Castel Nuovo (Maschio Angioino), a majestic medieval castle right in the city centre, rich with history and impressive architecture.
Via San Gregorio Armeno, the famous street known for its handcrafted presepi (Nativity scenes) and artisan workshops.
Don’t forget to try local street food favourites like cuoppo (a cone of a variety of fried fish), pizza fritta (fried pizza), and frittatina di pasta (fried pasta pie).