Salerno Holidays
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Campania holidays
Coastal port with lots of history
Salerno is a buzzing port city that represents much of the best of the Amalfi Coast. Overlooked by the impressive edifice of the medieval Arechi Castle, many layers of history and culture are framed by handsome mountains and blue Tyrrhenian waters.
Salerno holidays are certainly a fantastic way to start exploring the area. The city boasts many beautiful churches, including the famous Salerno Duomo (cathedral). Dedicated to Saint Matthew, an apostle from the Bible, it is even said to house some of his relics. In the city’s historic Old Town, a tangle of small streets is filled with cute shops and cafés, while a stroll past the palm trees on the sunny Lungomare Trieste leads you to the seaside. Parks, museums and palazzos dot the city and its surrounds, and on holidays to Salerno you’re also very well placed to make day trips and tours to other parts of the Amalfi Coast.
Your Salerno questions, answered
A small town with lots of history, Salerno’s biggest claim to fame was acting as the home of Italy’s provisional government, albeit briefly, after World War II.
Absolutely. The further south you head from the main port, the more beaches you’ll find for plenty of swimming and sunbathing in the Tyrrhenian Sea.
Salerno has a Mediterranean climate with hot, dry summers. It’s an especially popular destination in July and August, when the average temperature climbs over 30°C. However, a Salerno holiday is a good idea all year round. If you want to make the best of the weather, though, plan your visit at any time from April to October. Spring is mild and pleasant, while September and October still offer a moderate, summery heat without the crowds.
With its beautiful parks, beaches, and historical attractions, including the spectacular Arechi Castle, Salerno is a wonderful choice if you're travelling with children. There’s plenty to see and do here. The warm hospitality of southern Italy will make you and your family feel welcome. But this lively port city has much to offer you at any age, with churches and museums, bars and restaurants and a spectacular seafront. Salerno is also a handy and affordable base for you to explore the Amalfi coast, whether by car, public transport, or boat.
There are a few, but the Provincial Archaeological Museum of Salerno is a favourite, featuring heaps of ancient art and artefacts from the surrounding area, dating back to cave dwellers and the colonising Greeks.
People have lived in Salerno since prehistoric times. For history buffs, exploring the city is an exciting experience. Arechi Castle is a good place to start. This huge, walled fortification above the city has a museum, and it’s surrounded by walking trails. You have another popular museum at Salerno’s cathedral, a spectacular building that is supposed to hold relics of St Matthew. The old town is rich in art and architecture dating back to the Middle Ages. If you’d like to visit Pompeii, you can get there easily from Salerno. There’s a direct train connection that takes about forty minutes.
Yes! If you want to experience southern Italy, Salerno is a good place to visit. It’s well-located, affordable and diverse. If you're an active traveller, you'll find lots to do, with good transport connections to the beautiful Amalfi and Cilentan coasts. But it’s a good place for a low-key holiday, too. There’s so much for you to enjoy in Salerno, from the delicious cuisine and warm climate to the local traditions that make life here special. Grab an ice cream and head out to the promenade in early evening to enjoy the daily passeggiata, when people gather to socialise and show off their finery.
One of the best reasons to visit Salerno is the food. The city is a centre for the classic Mediterranean diet, with beautiful meat and fish, fresh fruit and vegetables, cheeses and plenty of olive oil. Ice cream, coffee and wine are staples, too. Spend some time exploring the old town. You’ll find places to eat and drink on every corner. It’s a good shopping destination, too, with everything from antique markets to high-end outlet stores. Salerno’s seafront is also an unmissable part of its charm, and a visit to the urban Santa Teresa Beach should definitely be on your itinerary.
Amalfi is just over an hour's drive from Salerno. Buses take an hour and a quarter. They run throughout the day, taking you along the spectacular coastline and passing through the beautiful towns of Vietri sul Mare, Maiori and Minori. If you’d like to see the coast from another angle, you can also take a high-speed ferry from the port of Salerno to the port of Amalfi. This takes from half an hour to an hour. There are regular departures morning and afternoon.
Best things to do in Salerno
Enjoy the menus
It’s a great place to explore Italy’s legendary cuisine, as Salerno’s dining institutions serve classic Italian specialties, such as pasta with beans, and amaretti biscuits.
Take in some history
Salerno’s long list of architectural monuments, from the richly decorated cathedral to the majestic city hall, is one of the main attractions for historically minded visitors.
Shop for ceramics
On the western edge of Salerno, the town of Vietri sul Mare is a well-known destination for traditional local crafts. Browse beautiful ceramics, including all sorts of serving and decorative pieces.