Welcome to the Salerno (Italy) cruise port!
Salerno is a harbor city located in Campania, approximately 55 kilometers (35 miles) southeast of Naples. It is the gateway to the famous Amalfi Coast and its picturesque towns of Amalfi and Positano, the city of Sorrento, and the archaeological site of Pompeii.
Salerno is less expensive than the Amalfi Coast and Sorrento, making it an ideal place to stay for a multi-day vacation. This article will discuss:
Salerno cruise station (Salerno cruise terminal, getting around)
The top five activities in Salerno include the Amalfi Coast, Sorrento, and Pompeii.
Salerno Cruise Port
The Salerno port (Stazione Marittima di Salerno, Salerno Maritime Terminal) is situated at the western extremity of the city, within a 10-minute stroll of the historic center.
The oyster-shaped cruise terminal boasts a contemporary terminal structure that overlooks the bay and the renowned Liberty Square (Piazza della Libertà ). View a map of the Salerno port on Google Maps.
Additionally, the port features a ferry terminal with regular service to Amalfi, Positano, and Capri. The Capri Island ferries depart from the Manfredi pier, which is adjacent to the cruise terminal. The one-way cost is €22.90 plus €2.50 for the Capri tax.
Ferries to Amalfi and Positano depart from both Manfredi Pier (only the morning departure) and Masuccio Pier, which is located at Piazza della Concordia within a five-minute walk of Salerno Central railway station and a twenty-five-minute walk of the cruise terminal.
The ferry from Salerno to Amalfi takes 55 minutes and costs 9 euros one-way. The ferry journey between Salerno and Positano takes 70 minutes and costs 14 euros one-way. You can view updates and departure times on the port’s official website at https://www.salernostazionemarittima.it/.
The port area is wheelchair-accessible and level. The city park (Villa Comunale), Liberty Square, and the waterfront promenade are also easy to navigate on foot. The walk to the old town takes approximately 10 minutes and is partially mountainous.
The Euro (€) is the currency in Salerno, Italy. Acceptance of local currency and credit and debit cards is widespread. There are ATMs and currency exchanges in the city.
The Salerno Stazione (Salerno Central train station) is 20 minutes on foot east of the Salerno port. Along the waterfront promenade and Corso Giuseppe Garibaldi, the route is picturesque.
If you are unable to walk to the train station, you may also take local bus routes 4 or 9, which operate every 20 minutes.
Salerno has excellent connections to Rome, Naples, and other Italian destinations. Trenitalia operates trains in Italy, and you can view schedules and fares on their website at https://www.trenitalia.com/it.
The main bus station in Salerno is adjacent to the railway station. The local buses are operated by Busitalia and depart approximately every 20 minutes. The schedules are available on the Busitalia website and at the bus terminals.
A single ticket costs 1.20 euros and can be purchased from kiosks (tobacco shops) or the Bussitalia office. Inside the train station building is a kiosk where tickets can be purchased.
In addition to municipal buses, SITA buses provide transportation in the Salerno province. If you wish to visit Amalfi or Positano, you must board a SITA bus. A daily Amalfi Coast pass costs 10 euros and includes unrestricted rides.
The official SITA website is https://www.sitasudtrasporti.it/, where you can view the fares and schedules. Due to the Amalfi Coast’s narrow roads and heavy traffic, municipal buses are not recommended for cruise passengers.
Highly recommended if you wish to visit Amalfi or Positano to board a ferry from Masuccio Pier. The ferry terminal is less than five minutes walk from the railway station, at Piazza della Concordia, and the cruise terminal is 25 minutes walk away.
Along the waterfront of Salerno, there is a metro consisting of seven stations spanning approximately eight kilometers. A single ticket costs 1 euro, while a daily ticket costs 2.70 euros.
The climate of Salerno is Mediterranean, with hot, sunny summers and moderate, rainy winters. Check out my article What to Pack for a Cruise in 2023: Top 60 Cruise Essentials for helpful cruise packing advice.
Salerno Costa d’Amalfi Airport is the second-largest airport in Campania, after Naples Capodichino Airport, and is situated 21 kilometers (13 miles) southeast of Salerno port (a 30-minute journey).
Obtain an e-sim card to access the Internet or Google Maps and navigate Salerno with greater ease!
Explore excursions and activities in Salerno.
Five Top Attractions in the Salerno Cruise Port
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Sightseeing in Salerno
Salerno is an ancient metropolis with a long and illustrious history. The city’s medieval old town is breathtaking, with its narrow cobblestone streets, colorful buildings, and gorgeous churches. These attractions are not to be missed:
Salerno Cathedral (Duomo di Salerno): This majestic medieval cathedral is dedicated to Saint Matthew and features authentic architecture, a beautifully decorated crypt, and a fascinating museum.
In the charming historic center of Salerno, you can explore the narrow streets, medieval structures, and quaint stores. Via dei Mercanti, the primary shopping street, and Piazza Portanova, a square lined with cafes and boutiques, are not to be missed.
Arechi Castle (Castello di Arechi)— Perched atop a hill overlooking the city, Arechi Castle provides breathtaking views of Salerno and the surrounding coastline. This impressive fortress dates back to the eighth century and features a worthwhile museum.
The entrance fee to the castle and its museum is four euros, and the tour takes about forty-five minutes. A small café is located on the roof. From the city center, you can board bus #19 to Arechi Castle. The trip takes 20 minutes; however, buses only operate once per hour, so it is prudent to check the schedule for the return trip.
Lungomare Trieste: If you want to take a leisurely stroll with picturesque coastal views, travel to the waterfront promenade that stretches along the coastline and offers a picturesque walkway lined with palm trees, colorful flowers, and breathtaking views of the sea.
The promenade begins at Liberty Square, within five minutes walking distance from your ship.
Piazza della Libertà (Liberty Square) Originally constructed in the late 19th century, the enormous square is located in front of the cruise terminal and functions as a focal point for a variety of activities, events, and social gatherings.
The Giardino della Minerva is the oldest botanical sanctuary in Europe. Here, visitors can learn about aromatic and medicinal plants used in traditional medicine.
Villa Comunale: This beautiful public park with well-kept gardens, fountains, and palm trees is the perfect place to relax and appreciate the great outdoors. It is situated directly across from Liberty Square.
2. Amalfi Coast
The Amalfi Coast is a treasure trove of breathtaking views, charming villages, and picturesque landscapes, so even a half-day excursion will be filled with unforgettable experiences.
Since your time in the port of Salerno will be limited, plan your Amalfi Coast itinerary according to your interests and prioritize the locations that most resonate with you. Positano, Amalfi Village, Ravello, Atrani, and Furore are the most renowned cities on the Amalfi Coast.
3. Positano
Positano is one of the most picturesque communities on the Amalfi Coast due to its pastel-colored, cliff-clinging homes. Take a leisurely meander through its narrow streets, shop at trendy boutiques, and absorb the vivacious atmosphere.
Do not miss the breathtaking vistas from the Church of Santa Maria Assunta, which is renowned for its striking dome and exquisite Byzantine artwork. Hike the Path of the Gods for breathtaking views of the coastline, or visit Spiaggia Grande or Fornillo Beach to catch some rays.
Positano is 1 hour and forty minutes by car from Salerno and is best explored with a guide. The SITA bus is another option, but it’s slow, and I wouldn’t recommend it. Positano is best seen on an Amalfi Coast boat excursion that includes a stop in Positano.
4. Amalfi Village
The charming village of Amalfi is renowned for its breathtaking coastal scenery and rich maritime history. Amalfi Beach, the magnificent Amalfi Cathedral, and the teeming Piazza Del Duomo are the top attractions.
You can board a ferry from Salerno’s harbor that will transport you directly to Amalfi. The ferry journey is 55 minutes long and costs 9 euros one way. Alternatively, you can take a SITA transport, but I would not recommend this because it is time-consuming.
Additionally, cars are not the best option because the roadways are winding and narrow, making it difficult to navigate. A ferry service or a guided boat excursion is the best option.
Check out excursions and activities in Amalfi from Salerno.
5. Pompeii Archaeological Park
Pompeii Archaeological Park is a UNESCO World Heritage Site that provides a fascinating view into the ancient Roman city of Pompeii, which was buried by volcanic ash and preserved for centuries following the eruption of Mount Vesuvius in 79 A.D.
Pompeii was a thriving metropolis of the Roman Empire, and the archaeological site offers important insights into daily life during that time period. It features buildings, streets, artwork, and antiquities that have been remarkably preserved, providing a unique window into the past.
The Amphitheatre, the Forum (the city’s major square), the Villa of the Mysteries (with its well-preserved frescoes), the House of the Vettii (a luxurious Roman residence), and the Temple of Apollo are Pompeii’s must-see attractions. Visit the Garden of the Fugitives to see the plaster casts of the victims of the volcanic eruption.
The best method to travel from Salerno to Pompeii is by regional train from Salerno Central Station. The train journey takes forty minutes and departs frequently. You should alight at Pompeii station, from which you can either walk 20 minutes or take a local bus or taxi to the park’s entrance. You can verify train times at https://www.trenitalia.com/.
Multiple tour operators and local tour guides offer an abundance of guided excursions on-site. Booking a guided tour is a good idea because the site is enormous and you must be well organized and know your way around in order to investigate it on your own.
During peak season, skip-the-line tickets are recommended to prevent waiting in line. You can also obtain the MyPompeii app for free (there is a QR code at the entrance), and it will assist you in navigating the site.
Explore guided excursions and activities at Pompeii from Salerno.
6. Sorrento
Sorrento is a picturesque coastal town renowned for its picturesque streets and lemon gardens. The historic district of the city is a charming maze of narrow streets lined with colorful buildings, stores, and cafes.
The main square, Piazza Tasso, is a hub where locals and tourists congregate to experience the lively atmosphere. Admire the cathedral of Sorrento before proceeding to Marina Grande and Marina Piccola to take in the breathtaking views of the coast.
Visit Sorrento in half a day, as the city is compact and everything is easily accessible on foot. Either a guided tour or a private car, taxi, or transfer is the optimal method to see Sorrento. The travel time is 1 hour and 15 minutes. There are no train connections between Salerno and Sorrento that are direct.
Sorrento: Marina Piccola View 5. Paestum Archaeological Site
Paestum Archaeological Site is an outstanding ancient Greek city located 44 kilometers (28 miles) southeast of Salerno and accessible by car in one hour. Paestum was initially a Greek colony called “Poseidonia” that was established in the sixth century B.C. It subsequently became a Roman metropolis and played a crucial role in the ancient Mediterranean trade routes.
Paestum’s principal attractions are its three magnificent Greek temples. The Temple of Hera (also known as the Basilica), the Temple of Poseidon (commonly referred to as Neptune), and the Temple of Ceres (dedicated to Athena) are magnificent examples of the Doric style of architecture.
In addition to the temples, you can visit the ruins of the city walls and the Roman Forum, as well as the Archaeological Museum, which contains a remarkable collection of ancient artifacts, sculptures, and tomb paintings.
The most efficient method to reach Paestum from Salerno is by train. Once per hour, trains depart, and the trip takes 30 to 40 minutes. Take the Paestum station and walk an additional 10 minutes to the site. The entrance fee is 9.50 euros and includes museum admission.
