The Area
Salerno, the perfect base for the Coast
Just steps from the sea and the historic centre, the apartment is also the ideal starting point to explore the Amalfi Coast, Pompeii and Naples — no car needed.
Tap to enlarge Amalfi Coast, at a glance — Illustrative map for orientation — not to scale
Tap to enlarge The full coastal route — Illustrative map for orientation — not to scale
A local neighbourhood by the sea
Mercatello is a lived-in seafront district on the eastern side of Salerno — a different experience from staying right in the historic centre. Mornings here start with coffee at a local café, a walk along the promenade or time at Lido Colombo beach, just steps from the apartment. Restaurants, bakeries and everyday shops are all within easy reach.
The historic heart of Salerno
Salerno's old town is home to narrow streets, the Cathedral, Via dei Mercanti and the long seafront promenade. It's easily reached from Mercatello by local bus or taxi, and makes for a relaxed half-day out.
Festivals throughout the year
Beyond the summer season, Salerno's calendar has several events worth planning around.
Festa di San Matteo — the patron saint's day
Every 21 September, Salerno honours its patron saint, Matthew the Evangelist, with a solemn mass at the Cathedral, a procession carrying the saint's relics through the old town, and a midnight fireworks display over the sea at Molo Masuccio Salernitano. Events and concerts run for about ten days beforehand. Free and open to everyone.
Useful links: Festa di San Matteo — Comune di Salerno
Salerno Sounds — summer concerts
Each July, Piazza della Libertà in the historic centre turns into an open-air concert venue for Salerno Sounds, with major Italian artists — past line-ups have included Sfera Ebbasta, Tommaso Paradiso and Frah Quintale. Tickets are required.
Useful links: Concerti — Salerno Cultura
Luci d'Artista — the winter light festival
Between mid-November and early February, Salerno's historic centre becomes one of Italy's most spectacular light festivals — and it's free to visit. The 2026–2027 edition runs from 14 November 2026 to 1 February 2027, with large-scale artist-designed light installations in Villa Comunale, around the Cathedral, Piazza della Libertà, Corso Vittorio Emanuele and Lungomare Trieste — in the western part of the historic centre, a short bus or taxi ride from the apartment. Past editions have drawn over 300,000 visitors, making it one of the region's biggest winter events.
Useful links: Luci d'Artista — official programme · Comune di Salerno · lucidartista.it
The closest villages: Vietri, Cetara, Maiori, Minori
Before you even reach Positano or Amalfi, the coast offers a string of smaller, more authentic villages, all just minutes from Salerno. Vietri sul Mare, the gateway to the coast, is famous worldwide for its hand-painted ceramics — workshop after workshop along the main street — and can even be reached on foot along the seafront on cooler days. Cetara is a small fishing village that gave its name to colatura di alici, a traditional anchovy sauce still made by hand. Maiori has the longest beach on the whole coast, while neighbouring Minori is known for its lemon desserts and a well-preserved Roman seaside villa. All these villages are served by the same SITA Sud bus that connects Salerno to the coast, with frequent stops.
Useful links: SITA Sud · Comune di Vietri sul Mare · Comune di Cetara
The Amalfi Coast: Positano, Amalfi, Ravello
One of Italy's most photographed coastlines starts just south of Salerno. Amalfi, Positano and Ravello are all reachable directly from Salerno by ferry in high season, or by bus along the coastal road year-round. In summer, the seasonal Metrò del Mare hydrofoil also connects Salerno the other way, south along the Cilento coast towards Agropoli and Acciaroli. Journey times vary by stop, season and sea conditions, so it's worth checking timetables before you travel. Between Amalfi and Positano, it's also worth stopping in Conca dei Marini, the smallest village on the coast, known for the Emerald Grotto and, according to local tradition, the birthplace of the sfogliatella pastry.
Useful links: Travelmar · Alicost · Metrò del Mare (Salerno ⇄ Cilento & Amalfi Coast)
Hike the coast with a local guide
For a guided hike along the coast — the famous Path of the Gods or the Lemon Path between Maiori and Minori — we recommend Enzo Masullo, a certified local hiking guide (AIGAE) we know personally.
Enzo Masullo — Path of the Gods · Path of the Gods (Airbnb) · Lemon Path (Airbnb)
Capri and Sorrento by sea
Fast ferries connect Salerno to Sorrento and the island of Capri, making both an easy day trip without a car. Sorrento is also a good base for its own onward boat connections to Capri and Ischia.
Useful links: NLG Ferries · Comune di Sorrento
Ancient Pompeii and the Greek temples of Paestum
Two of Italy's most important archaeological sites are within easy reach by train. Pompeii's ruins are reachable via Naples or the Circumvesuviana line, while Paestum, home to some of the best-preserved Greek temples in the world, lies south of Salerno. Booking tickets ahead is recommended in high season.
Useful links: Pompeii Archaeological Park · Paestum & Velia Archaeological Park · Trenitalia · EAV — Circumvesuviana
Getting here and getting around
Salerno is well connected by train, ferry, and air, making it a practical base for exploring the wider region. The city's own tourism office and Salerno Costa d'Amalfi Airport are useful starting points when planning transport, and Salerno lies at the gateway to a UNESCO World Heritage coastline.
Napoli · Aeroporto di Capodichino
(~45 min by train) A3 Napoli–Salerno Stazione FS
Salerno Centro Aeroporto Salerno
Costa d'Amalfi Porto Turistico
Masuccio Salernitano SeaSide Apartment
Lungomare C. Colombo · Mercatello
Getting here, at a glance — Illustrative map for orientation — not to scale
Arriving by air
The main gateway is Naples International Airport (Capodichino, NAP). From there, take the Alibus shuttle to Napoli Centrale station (15–20 minutes, €5, buses every 15–25 minutes) and then a train on to Salerno (see below). A taxi or private transfer straight from the airport to Salerno takes about an hour by road, traffic permitting. Salerno Costa d'Amalfi Airport, a small regional airport near Pontecagnano, has limited scheduled flights — check current routes before relying on it.
By train
Salerno has excellent train connections. From Napoli Centrale, trains run roughly every 15 minutes throughout the day (around 100 departures daily): Intercity and Frecciarossa trains take about 30–45 minutes, regional trains around 45 minutes to just over an hour, with regional fares starting from about €6. Direct high-speed trains also connect Salerno to Rome (roughly 2 hours 45 minutes) and other major Italian cities.
From Salerno train station to the apartment
The apartment is about 2.5 km from the station, along the seafront. On foot it's a pleasant but long walk of around 30 minutes; local bus line 11 covers the same route in about 10 minutes; a taxi takes 5–10 minutes and typically costs €6–10. We're happy to suggest the exact stop or pickup point once your arrival time is confirmed.
By car
From Naples or Rome, take the A3 Napoli–Salerno motorway and exit at Salerno, then follow signs for the seafront (Lungomare) and Mercatello. Free parking is available in the surrounding streets, though not a dedicated space — see the amenities section for details.
By ferry or cruise ship
If you're already exploring the coast, or arriving by cruise, Salerno's ferry and cruise terminal (Stazione Marittima) sits right on the seafront, close to the historic centre — an easy walk, bus or short taxi ride from the apartment.
Useful links: Comune di Salerno — Turismo · Aeroporto di Salerno Costa d'Amalfi · Wikipedia — Salerno
Want to know more?
We're happy to share restaurant, beach and transport tips once your stay is confirmed.
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