8 Must-See Places in Salerno

Salerno is a charming city near the Amalfi Coast, which, in my opinion, makes for the perfect base to explore the region. During the 4 months I lived there, I had the chance to truly get to know this small city. If you’re planning to visit, you’re probably wondering what to do in Salerno. In this guide, I’ll walk you through the must-see places in Salerno, from a relaxed stroll through the historic center to exploring the coastline and taking in panoramic views from the Arechi Castle. Keep reading to discover the best of Salerno!

The best time to visit Salerno and the Amalfi Coast is during the spring and autumn. I spent four months there, from August to December, and I highly recommend September. It’s the ideal month to enjoy the stunning beaches of the Amalfi Coast without the overwhelming summer heat, making it also perfect for hiking and exploring the region comfortably.

Top Places to See in Salerno

Salerno is a small city, so you don’t need much time to explore it. However, it’s the perfect starting point for traveling around the Amalfi Coast, with plenty of great spots to see in Salerno and the surrounding areas. I recommend staying near the Lungomare di Salerno, for example, here.

What to see in Salerno in one day?

If you’re not into hiking and skip the walk up to the Arechi Castle, you can easily explore Salerno in one day. However, if you have a bit more time, I highly recommend staying at least 2-3 days to fully enjoy everything the city and its surroundings have to offer.

1. Salerno Old Town: Explore the Historic Heart of the City

Salerno’s historic center may be small, but it’s a hidden gem worth exploring. Its charming narrow streets, cozy local shops, and picturesque bars create a unique atmosphere. The best way to start your walk is at the end of Corso Vittorio Emanuele, leading to the Via Mercanti.

2. Duomo di Salerno – A Must-See Place in Salerno

The Salerno Cathedral, or Duomo di Salerno, is one of the most important landmarks in the city and one of the most stunning medieval churches in Italy. Dedicated to Saint Mary of the Angels and Saint Matthew, the patron saint of Salerno, this cathedral is a must-visit.

One of its highlights is the Crypt of Saint Matthew, located beneath the main altar. This beautifully decorated Baroque space houses the relics of Saint Matthew and other local martyrs. The ceiling is adorned with breathtaking frescoes depicting scenes from the Gospel of Matthew and the history of Salerno, while marble walls and statues add to its grandeur.

The best part? Entry is free, making it an unmissable stop when exploring Salerno!

3. Arechi Castle with its Panoramic View of Salerno

One of my favorite things to do in Salerno is hike up to Arechi Castle. If you’re not in the best shape, the walk can be a bit challenging, but it’s absolutely worth it. The duration of the hike from the historic center to the castle can vary depending on your pace and where you start. On average, the walk takes about 30 minutes to an hour. If you’re not keen on walking, you can also take a bus. Reaching Arechi Castle and admiring the panoramic view of Salerno is definitely one of the best things to do in the city.

4. Lungomare di Salerno

The Lungomare di Salerno is a beautiful seaside promenade that connects the historic center of Salerno with the tourist port. It features three lanes separated by palm trees and gardens, making it a perfect place to take a leisurely stroll. I highly recommend trying the typical Salerno dessert – brioche with ice cream – at Bar Nettuno, one of the best gelato spots in Salerno, located right next to the Lungomare. It’s a must-see spot, especially during sunset. Walking towards the mountains, you’ll reach Santa Teresa Beach in Salerno, another beautiful spot to enjoy.

5. Santa Teresa Beach

At the end of the Lungomare and just before Piazza della Libertà, you’ll find Santa Teresa Beach. I wouldn’t recommend swimming there (since the beach can get a bit crowded with parties in the evenings and may not be the cleanest), but it’s the perfect spot to grab a coffee or an Aperol spritz while enjoying the views. Santa Teresa Beach is a popular hangout for young people, especially Erasmus students in Salerno, making it a lively and vibrant place to visit.

6. The Liberty Square

Liberty Square is a charming spot where visitors can enjoy leisurely walks, sit in outdoor cafés, and explore nearby shops and restaurants. The square often hosts local events and festivals, making it a vibrant social and cultural hub of the city. It’s definitely a must-see place in Salerno. It’s located just a short walk from Santa Teresa Beach.

7. Via Mercanti, one of the most beautiful streets to visit in Salerno

After exploring Salerno’s culture, don’t miss Via Mercanti. It’s a lively street full of shops and restaurants. You can find local products like limoncello. This charming medieval street goes through the historic center, starting at Arco di Arechi. You’ll also find churches, Palazzo Genovese, Fontana dei Pesci, and the Pinacoteca in Palazzo Pinto. For a real taste of Salerno, try the restaurants Osteria dei Sapori, La Botte Pazza, and Osteria Nonna Maria.

8. Mercatello Beach

The Mercatello Beach is a nice spot in Salerno for a swim. You can easily get there by public transport. However, if you’re looking to spend the whole day at the beach, I recommend visiting the nearby beaches of Vietri sul Mare or Cetara. These are part of the Amalfi Coast and offer crystal-clear waters.

Best Beaches in Salerno and Surrounding Areas: Top Spots to Visit

Salerno itself doesn’t have many beaches worth visiting, but there are several beautiful beaches nearby that you should check out. As I mentioned earlier, the only beach I recommend in Salerno is Mercatello Beach. However, if you have some time and want to spend a day or a few hours at a beautiful beach near Salerno, here’s a list of my top recommendations.

Vietri sul Mare

Vietri sul Mare is the first town on the Amalfi Coast, just a 20-minute bus ride from Salerno, and it has a beautiful beach with free access. While you’re in Vietri, I highly recommend taking a stroll through the town center. You’ll find plenty of colorful shops selling ceramics, and it’s hard to leave without buying something.

Cetara

Cetara is another small town on the Amalfi Coast that’s easy to reach from Salerno by bus. Depending on traffic, the journey usually takes around 30 minutes. Once you head down to Cetara’s beach, you’ll find several bars and restaurants to enjoy.

La Baia di Trentova, Agropoli

La Baia di Trentova is one of the best beaches near Salerno. To get there, first take a direct train from Salerno to Agropoli, which takes about 40 minutes and costs around 4 EUR. From Agropoli’s train station, it’s a 15-20 minute walk to the bay, and along the way, you’ll pass through the charming center of Agropoli with several bars and restaurants. I recommend getting to the beach before noon to enjoy the incredible water color in the morning.

Beach in Ascea

The Beach in Ascea is the furthest from Salerno on this list, but it’s definitely worth the visit. There’s a direct train from Salerno that takes about an hour to reach Ascea. This beach is one of the most beautiful near Salerno and is part of the Cilento Coast. If you enjoy hiking, you can take the Sentiero degli Innamorati (Lovers’ Trail), which takes about an hour and ends at the beach.

Ascea Beach is the widest beach near Salerno and one of the few with white sand. It also has an area with large rocks, offering a unique setting for those who prefer a quieter, more scenic spot.

Tell us in the comments, which beach near Salerno is your favorite?

How to get to Salerno?

The nearest airport to Salerno is in Naples. Although there’s a new airport in Salerno, there are still limited connections. Whenever we travel, we always search for cheap flights on Skyscanner or Kiwi. To get from Naples to Salerno, take a train. The trip takes about 40 minutes and costs around €5. Make sure to choose a direct train to Salerno, without any stops along the way. You can check train schedules on this website and even buy tickets online!

Where to stay in Salerno?

If you’re looking for comfort and proximity to main attractions, I highly recommend staying near the Lungomare. Here, you can enjoy sea views, easy access to the historic center, close proximity to ferries, and some of the best restaurants in Salerno.

Where to eat in Salerno?

Salerno, like most cities in southern Italy, has countless excellent restaurants where you can try the best pastas and pizzas of your life (pizza comes from Naples, in the Campania region). That’s why the places to eat in Salerno deserve their own article.

Is Salerno dangerous?

Salerno is not dangerous in general, but as in any place around the world, it’s important to take basic precautions to ensure your safety while visiting. During my 4-month stay in Salerno, I never heard of any robberies or dangerous situations. I walked alone many times, even at night, and never had any issues. So, I wouldn’t say Salerno is dangerous, but it’s always important to stay alert, just like in any other city.

Is Salerno worth visiting?

Absolutely! Salerno is a small yet charming city. You’ll fall in love with its Lungomare, the old town with its narrow streets, and especially the food! Surrounding Salerno, there are many beaches with crystal-clear waters. It’s also a perfect base for day trips to nearby places like Naples, Paestum, the Isle of Capri, the Isle of Procida, and the entire Amalfi Coast.

What to see in Salerno and the surrounding areas?

Check out our other articles on things to see and do in Salerno and its surroundings.

• What to see on the Amalfi Coast in 1 day?
• Amalfi Coast in Winter
• Everything You Need to Know Before Travelling to Amalfi Coast
• What to see in Naples?

If you want to add any places to our list of Must-See places in Salerno, write them in the comments.