Salerno Holidays

Salerno is the Amalfi Coast's best-kept secret and a proper good base for exploring the whole region. It's a real working Italian city rather than a tourist-only resort, which means the food is better, the prices are lower and the atmosphere is genuinely local. There's a gorgeous seafront promenade (one of the longest in Italy), a well-preserved medieval old town, sandy beaches within walking distance of the centre, and ferries that zip you along the coast to Amalfi, Positano and even Capri. If you want the Amalfi Coast experience without the Amalfi Coast prices, Salerno is where it's at.

✨ Salerno Highlights

• 🏖️ Sandy beaches right in the city, including Spiaggia Santa Teresa in the centre (free) and the longer Mercatello beach further along the promenade with sunbed hire and clean water

• 🚢 Ferries from Salerno port run along the Amalfi Coast to Amalfi, Positano and Capri, making it a brilliant base for day trips without hiring a car

• 🏛️ The ancient Greek ruins at Paestum are just a short train ride south, with some of the best-preserved Greek temples anywhere in the world, dating back to 550 BC

• 🍝 Properly affordable southern Italian food - pizza from about €5-7, a seafood pasta around €10-12, and an espresso for about €1. Way cheaper than Positano or Amalfi town

• 🌅 The Lungomare Trieste promenade stretches for over a kilometre along the waterfront, lined with palm trees and perfect for an evening passeggiata with gelato

🏨 Salerno Hotels

• La Isla Resort - A four-star beachfront resort on the coast south of Salerno, sitting between Paestum and the Amalfi Coast. Right on the sand with an outdoor pool, a children's pool and playground, kids' club, and a restaurant serving regional Campania cooking. Brilliant for families who want beach, pool and day trip access all in one.

• Lloyd's Baia - A four-star perched on the cliffs at Vietri sul Mare, right where the Amalfi Coast begins. There's a private beach (accessed by lift), an outdoor pool with a children's section, sea views from most rooms and three restaurants including the Michelin-starred Re Mauri. It's 2km from Salerno centre and about 10 minutes from the ferry port. A good pick for couples wanting dramatic coastal views and fine dining.

• Ancora Hotel - A four-star on Salerno's south coast at Pontecagnano, right on the seafront with a private beach, seasonal outdoor pool and a restaurant and pizzeria. Modern rooms, free parking and a handy position between Salerno, Paestum and the Amalfi Coast. A straightforward, affordable base for exploring the region.

👉 See all Salerno hotels