Making the most of Salerno
Use these notes to shape a realistic day ashore, then confirm any time-sensitive information for the date of your call.
Arriving at the port
The port is quite an attractive place to dock and you will be moored at the far western end of town. 10 minutes walk to downtown.
Webcam
Printable map to take along.
Salerno is a town in Campania (south-western Italy) and is the capital of the province of the same name. It is located on the gulf of the same name on the Tyrrhenian Sea. Salerno is the main town in the Costiera Amalfitana (the "Amalfi Coast on the Tyrrhenian, which includes the famous towns of Amalfi, Positano, and others) and is mostly known for its Schola Medica Salernitana (the first University of Medicine in the world).
Salerno Cathedral (Duomo): Visit this beautiful cathedral with its medieval architecture and stunning interior.
Getting around
Once you are docked in Salerno, the center of town near the Villa Comunale with beautiful botanical gardens are within walking distance. You can also walk along the beautiful seaside promenade to the Piazza Concordia where You can take a ferry trip along the coast to Amalfi. It is about 8 euros return. the views are spectacular.
Take your swimming gear as there is a very nice public beach very close to port.
Some ferries also start right at the Manfredi Cruise Dock, especially when a cruise ship is in port. Check with the Stella Maris Seafarer's Center just before leaving the port gates, they will have the latest info and sell tickets too. It might safe you a long walk or bus ride to the Concordia Pier.
Take the ferry to Amalfi, 35 minutes and 8 Euro one way. It is a spectacular ride. Once in Amalfi take a stroll and enjoy this lively, but expensive town. The bus back to Salerno starts right at the ferry dock and the SITA office where you can buy a ticket (2.20 Euro) is right at the waterfront. Make sure you sit at the right hand side in the bus, and you will be in for one of the most spectacular bus rides in your lifetime. (approx. 1 hour). The bus stops very close to the terminal.
Food and shopping
The port area itself is not particularly attractive, but once you get onto the promenade things get better. Worth a visit also is the Historical Old Town, which has in recent years recovered from being a virtual no-go area to being one of the best preserved historical town centers, full of tiny little passageways and hidden corners.
Money
Euro
Staying connected
Language: Italian.
Emergency nr: 112
Many cafes in town offer WiFi spots.
Opening Hours and
Opening Hours and Holidays: Most shops and businesses in Italy open from Monday to Saturday from around 8am until 1pm, and from about 4pm until 7pm, though many shops close on Saturday afternoons and Monday mornings, and in the south the day can begin and end an hour later. In the north some businesses work to a 9am-5pm day to facilitate international dealings. Traditionally, everything except bars and restaurants closes on Sunday, though most towns have a pasticceria open in the mornings, while in large cities and tourist areas, Sunday opening is becoming more common.