Salerno Travel Guide: What to See and Do in the Province of Salerno

General Information about Salerno

Salerno Province is located on the west coast of Italy, in the region of Campania. The city is located on the Gulf of Salerno, between the Amalfi Coast and the Campania plain.

It is located about 50 kilometers southeast of Naples and about 270 kilometers southeast of Rome.

The city has a population of approximately 133,000 inhabitants, and is the second largest city in the province of Salerno.

Photo of Salerno by Gianpaolo Antonucci on Unsplash

Location of the Salerno Region

Below, we show you where the province of Salerno is located.

Map of the province of Salerno, in Google Maps.

History of Salerno

The history of Salerno dates back to Roman times, when the city was an important commercial and military port. During the Middle Ages, Salerno was ruled by the Byzantines, the Normans, the Suevi and the Angevins, and became an important cultural and economic center of the region.

During the Renaissance, the city became a center of art and literature, and many palaces and public buildings of great architectural beauty were built. In World War II, Salerno Province suffered severe damage, but was rebuilt in the 1950s and became an important tourist and cultural center of Italy.

Most Important Attractions of Salerno Province

Salerno Province is a city full of history and beauty, with many tourist attractions for visitors. Here are some of the most important ones:

Cathedral of St. Matthew: A beautiful church built in the 11th century, it is a perfect example of Norman architecture. The cathedral houses the remains of the apostle St. Matthew, the evangelist, and is an important place of pilgrimage.

Castello di Arechi: A medieval fortress built in the 8th century, it offers spectacular views of the city and the bay. Today, it is used as a space for cultural events and exhibitions.

Museo Archeologico Provinciale: This museum tells the story of Salerno's area, from Roman times to the Renaissance, through an extensive collection of artifacts and historical objects.

Santa Teresa Beach: One of the most popular beaches in Salerno Province, it offers spectacular views of the gulf and the city.

How to Get to Salerno

Salerno is served by an international airport, Naples International Airport, which is located about 60 kilometers north of the city. From the airport, you can take a cab or bus to Salerno Province.

The city can also be reached by train from Naples, Rome and other Italian cities. The Salerno Province train station is an important transportation hub and is located in the center of the city.

Cultural Aspects of Salerno Province

Salerno Province is a city full of culture and traditions, with a rich history and artistic heritage. The city is famous for its gastronomy, music and art. One of the most important traditions of Salerno Province is the feast of San Matteo, which is celebrated every year on September 21. During this feast, a procession is held in honor of the city's patron saint, St. Matthew, and many cultural and sporting events take place.

Music is also an important aspect of the culture of Salerno Province. The city is famous for its folk music, which can be heard at many events and festivals. The tammurriata is a traditional dance performed with drums and other percussion instruments, and is an important part of the region's musical culture.

The gastronomy of Salerno Province is also very rich and varied, with a wide variety of dishes and flavors. Some of the city's most popular dishes include pizza margherita, pasta with fresh tomato and basil, grilled fish and local products such as mozzarella di bufala and olive oil.

What to Eat and Drink in Salerno Province

Salerno Province is famous for its gastronomy, with many dishes and flavors that are unique to the region. Here are some of the most popular dishes in the city:

Pizza margherita: Pizza margherita is one of the most famous dishes in Italy, and it originated in Naples, which is located near Salerno Province. Pizza margherita is a simple pizza, made with fresh tomato, mozzarella and basil.

Pasta with fresh tomato and basil: This pasta is very simple and delicious, made with fresh pasta, fresh tomato and basil. It is a classic dish of Italian cuisine and is found in many restaurants in the Salerno Province.

Grilled fish: Salerno Province is a coastal city, so fresh fish is an important part of the city's gastronomy. Grilled fish is a popular dish, served with lemon and olive oil.

Mozzarella di bufala: Mozzarella di bufala is a fresh, creamy cheese made from buffalo milk. It is a local product of the region and is very popular in the cuisine of Salerno Province.

As for drinks, the Campania region is famous for its red wine, such as Taurasi and Aglianico. You can also try limoncello, a sweet and refreshing liqueur made with lemons from the region. In addition, the city has a great coffee tradition, so you can enjoy a delicious espresso coffee in one of the many bars in the city.

In short, Salerno Province is a city with a rich history and culture, with a wide variety of tourist attractions and delicious cuisine. From beaches and natural scenery to historical sites and cultural festivals, there is something for everyone in this charming city in Italy.

Visiting Salerno Province in Summer

If you are thinking of visiting Salerno Province, summer is one of the best times of the year to do so. With its beautiful beaches and warm, sunny weather, the city is the perfect place for a summer vacation.

One of the city's most popular tourist attractions is Santa Teresa beach, located at the southern end of the city. The beach is fine sand and has crystal clear, shallow waters, making it ideal for swimming and snorkeling. You can also rent a boat and explore the coast from the sea.

Another option is to visit the Cilento National Park, located about 50 kilometers south of Salerno Province. The park boasts an impressive variety of landscapes, from mountains and valleys to beaches and forests. It is the perfect place for hiking, cycling and other outdoor sports.

Cruise to Salerno

Cruising in the Salerno Province can be an incredibly exciting experience. Salerno is a city located in the Campania region of southern Italy and lies on the coast of the Tyrrhenian Sea. The city boasts an impressive old town with cobblestone streets and historic buildings, as well as beautiful beaches and natural scenery.

Once you've found a cruise ship that interests you, be sure to check its itinerary to find out how long you'll be in Salerno and what activities are available. Some popular options include excursions to Pompeii and Herculaneum, visits to the Amalfi Coast and tours of the historic city center.

If you decide to take an excursion in Salerno, be sure to book in advance to avoid availability issues. It is also advisable to do some research about the city and the region before your trip, so that you can make the most of your time there.

Overall, a cruise trip to the Salerno Province can be a unique and unforgettable experience, full of culture, history, gastronomy and spectacular scenery. Enjoy your trip!

Best Time to Travel to Salerno

The best time to travel to the Salerno Province is in spring or autumn. During these months, the weather is mild and pleasant, with average temperatures around 20 degrees Celsius.

Summer can be quite hot and humid, with temperatures that can exceed 30 degrees Celsius.

Winter can be cool and rainy, although there are still plenty of things to do and see at this time of year.

Things to Do in the Salerno Province

There are many activities to do in the Salerno Province, from visiting historical sites to enjoying the natural beauty of the region. Some of the most popular activities include the following:

Visiting the historic center of Salerno: The historic center of Salerno is one of the most interesting places in the city. Here you will find narrow cobblestone streets, historic churches and ancient buildings, such as the Norman Palace. You can also visit the Provincial Archaeological Museum of Salerno, which houses an impressive collection of Roman artifacts.

Explore the Amalfi Coast: The Amalfi Coast is one of the most beautiful areas of Italy and is located a short distance from Salerno. Here you will find picturesque seaside villages, sandy beaches and crystal clear waters. Some of the most popular places to visit are Amalfi, Positano and Ravello.

Visit Pompeii and Herculaneum: Pompeii and Herculaneum are two of the most impressive archaeological sites in Italy. Both cities were destroyed by the eruption of the Vesuvius volcano in 79 AD and were buried under ash and lava for centuries.

Today, you can visit the ruins of these cities and see what life was like in ancient Rome.

Enjoy food and wine: The Salerno Province is known for its delicious food and high quality wine. Here you will find many restaurants and wineries where you can sample the local cuisine, such as Neapolitan pizza, limoncello and local wine.

Vacations in Salerno Province

The Salerno Province is a perfect destination for a vacation, whether you are looking for an adventure trip or simply a place to relax and enjoy the natural beauty of the region.

There are many accommodation options in the area, from luxury hotels to small rural houses. There are also plenty of activities for the whole family, such as boat trips, nature hikes and guided tours of the city.

If you are looking for a more relaxing experience, the Salerno Province has beautiful beaches and spas where you can enjoy massages and beauty treatments. You can also opt to take a cruise along the Amalfi Coast or simply enjoy a day of shopping in the many local stores and markets.

Getting around Salerno

There are many options for getting around the Salerno Province, depending on your needs and preferences. If you are interested in visiting the historical and tourist sites of the city, it is best to walk or take a walking tour. This way, you can enjoy the beauty and history of the city at your own pace.

You can also rent a car or take a cab to get around the area, which will allow you to explore the surrounding area more easily. Keep in mind that traffic in the region can be quite heavy, especially in the summer months, so it is important to plan your routes and schedules in advance.

Another popular option is to take the train or bus, which are economical and efficient options for getting around the Salerno Province and its surroundings. These means of transportation will allow you to reach more distant places, such as Pompeii and Herculaneum, as well as other popular destinations in Italy, such as Naples and Rome.

In summary, Salerno Province is an impressive and varied tourist destination, with a rich history and culture, beautiful beaches and delicious cuisine. From exploring the ruins of ancient Rome to relaxing on the beaches of the Amalfi Coast, there is something for everyone in this region.