Five reasons why Salerno should be on your Italian bucket list

Words: Ina Yulo Stuve

Each year, millions of tourists descend upon the picturesque towns that make up the 34-mile stretch of the Amalfi Coast. However, with great sun comes great responsibility as crowds have driven up prices. Enter Salerno. This unspoilt seaside town provides easy access to the divine coastline while inviting visitors to enjoy a slower-paced version of la dolce vita. From a mediaeval castle to delicious local fare, here are five reasons why you should choose Salerno as your base for exploring the region.

Easy accessibility

Getting to Salerno is easy, with high-speed trains from popular destinations such as Rome taking less than two hours. Decided to make it a road trip? Naples is just a 45-minute drive away. Take advantage of the numerous garages and street parking available in Salerno, too (you’ll miss it in the more overcrowded Amalfi towns). And if you’re still keen to tick the town of Amalfi off your bucket list, you’re in luck as ferries depart from Salerno regularly and will get you there in just under an hour. Prefer to stay local? Then lace up your walking shoes, as Salerno is a pedestrian-friendly city, and you can reach most of the main sites by foot.

Irresistible Italian cuisine

Salerno is largely off the tourist route, and this is a huge advantage for its dining scene. By not needing to conform to foreign palates – no spaghetti Bolognese or truffle oil here – restaurants can highlight the ingredients that locals have enjoyed for centuries. While the famous Amalfi lemons are still a key feature on most menus – just imagine how delicious the limoncello is – make sure you leave space for mountains of fresh and raw shellfish, creamy buffalo mozzarella, and delicate scazzetta, Salerno’s signature sponge cake filled with strawberries and custard. Seafood reigns supreme in Salerno, and the perfect place to try it is at Michelin-recognised Suscettibile where handmade tortello is stuffed with shrimp, sour cream and chives. Up for a tipple or two? La Botte Pazza’s forte is the free wine that flows out of a wall – yes, really.

A rich history

Salerno has passed through different hands over time, from the early Etruscan settlers in the sixth century BC to a succession of rulers, including the Byzantines, Normans and Lombards. This mix of cultures influenced much of what you can see in Salerno today, such as the famous Schola Medica Salernitana – considered to be the oldest medical school in the West – which had both Christian and Muslim founders. History buffs can take a walk through Salerno’s past by visiting the ancient Greek ruins at Paestum, the Salerno Cathedral – where you’ll find a stunning crypt that holds the relics of St Matthew – the mediaeval Arechi Castle perched 300m above sea level, and the Salerno War Cemetery.

Bountiful beaches

There’s no need to venture far to get a dose of vitamin sea – Salerno has a few sandy beaches, including Santa Teresa, that are just a short walk from the historic centre. If you’re keen to sail your worries away, beautiful coves are dotted across the crystal-blue waters, just waiting to be explored. You can even book a small group boat tour, which includes time for swim stops at the different Amalfi towns – Capri and Positano are less than two hours away.

The chance to immerse yourself in local culture

Salerno is still an undiscovered part of the Campania region, so make sure you seize the opportunity to experience true Italian life. Book a class with a cesarina – that’s a member of the nation’s first community of local home cooks – and you’ll learn how to make authentic dishes from the comfort of their own homes. Go for a walk down the Lungomare, Salerno’s boardwalk, to admire the spectacular coastline and people watch. If you’re feeling peckish, queue up with the locals at Bar Gelateria Nettuno for the best sweet treats.

Savour Salerno

BA Euroflyer launches three direct flights per week to Salerno from London Gatwick from 22 May 2025, running throughout the summer season (until 18 October)