Best Day Trips from Salerno
Quick overview:
- Paestum – Some of the best-preserved Greek temples in the world (UNESCO)
- Tenuta Vanullo – A must-visit mozzarella farm
- Amalfi Coast – The Divine Coast of the South (UNESCO)
- Cilento Coast – Sandy beaches and Mediterranean seaside villages
- Capri – The crown jewel of the Gulf of Naples
- Naples – The world’s best pizza, museums, and castles
- Irpinia – A fantastic wine region just next door to Salerno
- Contursi – The favorite thermal spot of the Salerno locals
- Felitto – A refreshing swim in a canyon in inner Cilento
- Padula – The largest Carthusian monastery in the world (UNESCO)
- Pompeii – The world’s most famous archaeological site (UNESCO)
- Herculaneum and the Vesuv
- Caserta Castle – The Palace Often Referred to as the “Versailles” of Italy (UNESCO)
Visit the Paestum Archeological Site
The easiest and most rewarding day trip from Salerno.
The Greek temple ruins are some of the best preserved examples in the world.
In the archeological site there are three main temples. All three temples follow the Doric order. The Doric order is one of the three classical orders of ancient Greek architecture.
It’s a fantastic open-air archaeological site, perfect for spending a half a day.
There’s also a small museum you shouldn’t miss. You will find interesting pieces inside, like the famous Tomb of the Diver.
Click here for visit the park with the guidance of an archeologist
This visit can be easily combined with a stop at one of the nearby mozzarella farms. The most well known is Tenuta Vanullo located 3 km from the Paestum Archeological site. If you’re arriving by train, you will need to get a cab to reach the Mozzarella farm. Taxis are usually available at the entrance to the archaeological site. Be sure to negotiate, as they might not give you the best price at first. There are also mozzarella shops near the Capaccio train station.
How to get to Paestum?
Trains from Salerno to Paestum depart almost every hour. Look for a regional train heading toward Sapri. Always double-check that the train you’re taking stops at Paestum station.
The train ticket costs €3.40, and the journey takes approximately 35 minutes.
A couple of IC trains also stop at Paestum, with a travel time of around 20 minutes. The ticket costs approximately 9 euros.
You can also book a private transfer from Salerno to Paestum
You’ll find plenty of souvenir shops, restaurants, and bars near the entrance.
The park entrance is 900 meters from the train station, a pleasant 10-minute walk.
Opening Hours:
- Summer (April – September): 8:30 AM – 7:30 PM Last entry: 6:50 PM
- Winter (November – March): 8:30 AM – 5:00 PM Last entry: 4:00 PM
Special Days:
- First Sunday of each month: Free entry
- First and third Monday of each month: Open only half day, from 8:30 AM to 1:40 PM
- In the summer. There are special events at the archaeological site, including night openings.
Address: Paestum (SA)Via Magna Graecia, 917/919
Ticket price: Paestum Park & Museum costs €12
Your ticket also includes a visit to the archaeological site of Velia. And valid in the following 3 days. The museum offers a shuttle service to reach it.
Velia Archeological Park and Marina di Ascea
Velia is located 45 km south of Paestum, and you can drive there in about 1 hour. The closest train station to Velia is Ascea. But keep in mind that the site is 4 km from the station. And there are no taxis available in the small seaside village of Ascea. There are some bus services during the summer, but we don’t recommend relying on them in a day trip.
Best to Stay a few days by the seaside and visit Velia
Instead, you can spend a couple of days at a nice hotel in Marina di Ascea. We stayed in a great 4-star hotel last time. Which is directly on the seaside and within walking distance from the Velia archeological Park. The hotel can arrange your transfer from the train station. This is the hotel: Hotel Porta Rosa
Tenuta Vanullo
The most famous mozzarella farm that you can visit. Here you can also see the buffaloes.
On the farm, you will find small shops scattered in little buildings. There is a bakery and a bar. In the bar, you can have ice cream made from buffalo milk. There are many different flavors, but one of the best is “fior di latte”.
My other favorite product to buy here is the pistachio cream. This would also make a great souvenir or gift. They also have fresh yogurt and cakes.
Then, there is the little cheese shop next door, where you can buy the actual mozzarella cheese. They come in different sizes. For example, bocconcini are smaller-sized mozzarella balls and are a perfect snack. In this shop, you can get them to take away or ask for them on a plate if you want to try them right away. In Italian, takeaway is “da asporto,” and say “da mangiare qui” if you want them on a plate. But be aware that the mozzarella usually sells out every day around early afternoon, sometimes even earlier!
There is also a restaurant on the farm. And a pelleteria, where you can buy artisanal leather bags.
This farm is a popular place among the locals to visit on weekends. So Sundays can be pretty crowded. It’s great for kids, as you can see the animals on the farm. Not only the buffaloes but also chickens and peacocks as well.
The entrance to the farm is completely free, as many locals stop by to get their mozzarella or have a snack and coffee at the bar. But, the farm also organizes guided tours.
Amalfi Coast
Many people use Salerno as a base to visit the Amalfi Coast. But if you plan to go more thsan once to the Amalfi Coast, consider staying on the Amalfi Coast itself. Doing multiple day trips can add up in time and costs. Althroug the Sita bus to Amalfi is fearly cheap, its often crowded, and the journay is long. Ferries are more convinent.
If you’re in Salerno and want a day trip to the Amalfi Coast, it’s quite easy.
By car, you could drive along the Amalfi Coast and return to Salerno the same way. Or continue to Sorrento and drive back through the inland route. Of course, you wouldn’t have time to visit all the villages, but you can enjoy the highlights. You can also make stops at some of the best viewpoints along the way!
This is best to do it’s best to do in the winter or early spring. Parking is impossible during summer, and there is heavy traffic on the coastal road in the season.
By ferry
You can do one of the following combinations in a day:
Amalfi-Positano
Amalfi-Ravello
Maiori-Lemon Path-Minori-( you can also walk up to Ravello)
Or have a relaxing day in the nearby Vietri Sul Mare and visit the little fishing village of Cetara.
You can also do the Path of the Gods hike as a day trip from Salerno.
During the summer, Travelmar Ferries offers a connecting shuttle bus. The shuttle bus connects with the ferry in Amalfi. And brings you up to Bomerano, the starting point of the trail.
Once you finish the trail in Nocelle, you can walk down to Positano or take the local bus. From Positano, take a ferry back to Salerno. Currently, the latest ferry from Positano to Salerno is at 18:30 ( from April 1st, 2025) . There might be extra ferry services in the evening during the high season.
Click here for a private day tour to visit the Amalfi Coast with a driver
Click here for a boat trip along the Amalfi Coast from Salerno
Capri
The most frequent ferry connections to Capri start from Naples. But there are also direct ferries from Salerno. Alicost has a ferry service every morning from Salerno directly to Capri. And return in the afternoon. ( Starting from 1st of April.)
In the summer season you will also have more options, some direct, some with chnge in Amalfi.
I personally don’t recommend going to Capri just for a day trip. As the island will feel crowded.
And you’ll only be able to cover the most touristy parts of the island.
But if you only have a day, you should do a boat trip around the island. The coastline is fantastic and it’s definitely worth it.
If you want to explore the island itself in more depth, it’s better to stay overnight.
Here are some ideas on what to do in Capri, and the best walks on the island.
How to get to Capri from Salerno?
From April 1st you can take a direct ferry between salerno and Capri.
You can also join a small group tour that departs from Salerno, takes you to Capri, and gives you 2-3 hours to visit the island. The best part of this tour is that it also stops for swimming near the island of Li Galli, close to Positano.
Or you can also visit Capri on a private boat tour from Salerno
Cilento Coast
The Cilento Coast starts from Paestum, with the last village at the southern end being Sapri.
It’s full of resort villages and long, sandy beaches.
For a day trip from Salerno, the town of Agropoli is a great option. It’s easy to reach by train. You can walk around, shop, and enjoy this pleasant coastal town. Agropoli has all that classic Mediterranean seaside town feel. With sandy beaches and a palm-lined promenade.
Take a walk up to the castle. Its situated on the top of the hill in the old town. And then head down to the little harbor. If you decide to stay for a couple of days, try to visit the village of Acciaroli. There are regular buses between Acciaroli and Agropoli. Acciaroli is known as the birthplace of the Mediterranean Diet. Also, Paestum is just one train stop away from Agropoli.
The Cilento Coast is definitely worth more than a day trip.
You’ll probably want to spend an entire week here during the summer. Camerota and Palinuro have some of the clearest sea water in the area. And a fantastic coastline. From sandy shores to dramatic cliffs with hidden beach coves.
How to get to Agropoli?
Agropoli is located 50 km south of Salerno.
You can take the train from Salerno’s Central Station. There is frequent regional service connecting Salerno with the coastal villages of Cilento. Look for trains with the final destination to Sapri, as they all stop in Agropoli. The journey takes around 40 minutes, and a one-way ticket costs €4.
There are also a couple of IC (InterCity) trains stopping here. Look for trains heading to Cosenza or Reggio Calabria. This trains are a bit quicker, around 30 minutes. And you’re guaranteed a seat. An intercity train to Agropoli costs €9.
By Car
As in most places in Cilento, driving a car is your most reliable option. With a rented car, you can easily visit Agropoli, Santa Maria di Castellabate, and Acciaroli in a day trip.
The best route by car:
Take the highway for a short section from Salerno, direction Reggio Calabria. Exit at Battipaglia and follow the speedway SS18 towards Sapri. Take the exit “Agropoli Nord”. For Acciaroli, and Castellabate take the exit “Agropoli Sud”
On your way, you can also stop at Tenuta Vanullo to see the buffaloes and try the mozzarella and ice cream. And visit the Greek temples of Paestum!
By boat
You can book a boat excursion along the splendid shores of Cilento, departing directly from Salerno.
Visit Napoli From Salerno by train
If you’re staying in Salerno and not in Naples, it’s still worth to do at least a day trip to Naples.
How to get to Naples from Salerno?
It’s super easy to reach. Most regional trains travel directly from Salerno to Naples. Without any stops between the two cities. It’s only takes about 35 minutes. The ticket price for the regional train is 5,5 euro. High-speed and intercity trains take about the same time to get to Naples, but often for a much higher price. But you get a guaranteed seat on them.
There’s another train, the Regionale Metro, that runs between Naples and Salerno. It makes several stops along the way, so the trip takes at least 1.5 hours, and sometimes even 2 hours. If you’re heading directly to Naples, it’s better to avoid this train. But, it does stops at Pompeii and Herculaneum.
The Archeological Museum of Naples (MANN)
If you’re planning to visit Pompeii, don’t miss the Archaeological Museum of Naples.
Many of the original mosaics and wall paintings from Pompeii, are here.
And a lot of treasures from other Vesuvian sites like Stabiae and Herculaneum.
The objects found at the Villa of the Papyri in Herculaneum are also kept in this museum. These stunning statues, coming from one villa only, fill 3 rooms of the National Museum.
For something spicier, check out the ‘Secret Cabinet.’ This is a ‘hidden room’ in the museum with erotic-themed mosaics and paintings from Pompeii.
Other interesting places you can easily include in a day trip:
Naples is also home to three famous castles:
- Sant’Elmo Castle at the top of the city offers one of the best panoramic views of Naples.
- Castel dell’Ovo: A fortress located on a small island connected with a little walkway. It’s a scenic fortress surrounded by the sea. Perfect if you want to experience the Mediterranean atmosphere of the city. There are also some great restaurants nearby at the Borgo Marinari.
- Maschio Angioino (Castel Nuovo) : The castle with the most impressive entranc. It’s very close to other important sights like the Royal Palace, Piazza Plebiscito, and Galleria Umberto.
If you’re near Maschio Angioino, you can also visit the San Carlo Theatre. The theatre has regular guided tours during the day.
The famous historical café Gambrinus is also nearby. It’s on the list of the 10 most beautiful cafés in the world. Other cafés around also serve excellent Neapolitan espresso, though with less stunning interior.
Self-guided food tour in Napoli
Are you in Naples to try the excellent local food? Walk around the historical center, especially on the upper Via Tribunali. This is where some of the most famous pizzerias are located. One of the best is undoubtedly Sorbillo, though there’s almost always a long waiting time. Di Matteo and Decumani also serve great traditional Neapolitan pizza. Of course, all rigorously made in wood-fired ovens.
Walk along Via Tribunali, and you’re guaranteed not to go hungry. Every step will tempt you with street food and classic Neapolitan pastries. The most famous dessert to try are: Babà and sfogliatella.
Avellino and Surroundings (Irpinia)
The city of Avellino is just a short distance from Salerno. And the surrounding area is known for its renowned wine region.
Irpinia is a valley with many in vineyards and wineries you can visit. This area is known for its high-quality wines.
There are many small villages worth visiting around Avellino. And numerous wineries offering wine tasting and tours.
The famous local grape variety is Aglianico, a red grape grown throughout Campania. Other notable Campanian grapes include Falanghina, a white variety. And Fiano, another local white grape that popular in Irpinia. The best wine from Fiano is produced here and is known as Fiano di Avellino DOCG
Taurasi DOC is a prestigious red wine made from the Aglianico grape. To be called Taurasi, the wine can only be produced in the specific area of Irpinia. In the village of Taurasi and its surrounding areas. Taurasi must be aged at least three years, including a minimum of 12 months in wooden barrels.
Another interesting fact about the province is that it was once one of Europe’s largest hazelnut producers. You’ll see many hazelnut plantations along the way.
Some of the best villages to explore in Irpinia around Avellino are: Gesualdo, Taurasi, Summonte, Monteverde, Zungoli and Nusco.
How to reach Avellino from Salerno?
This region makes for a great day trip from Salerno, especially if you have a car. You can also take a bus or train from Naples or Salerno to Avellino. But to reach other villages in Irpinia, you’ll need to rely on local buses from Avellino. Renting a car is definitely more convenient option for this trip.
Or take a tour to visit a local winery in Irpinia, with wine tasting and a cooking class. This tour departs from Naples, but you can easily reach Naples from Salerno in 30 minutes.
Contursi Terme – Thermal baths, just 35 minutes from Salerno.
This village is known for its thermal baths, and you’ll smell the sulfur as soon as you exit the highway.
It’s very popular among locals. Many people from Salerno, come here to spend a relaxing weekend.
There are different thermal baths in the village. Most of them are located inside hotels. You can buy a daily ticket to access the baths.
The most popular baths are Terme Capasso and RosaPepe.
How to get to Contursi from Salerno?
Getting here by car is easy. Just take the highway (E45) towards Reggio Calabria. Exit at Contursi Terme, and follow the signs to the Bagni di Contursi. The drive should take around 35 minutes without traffic. It’s about 50 km (31 miles) from Salerno.
You can also take a bus from Salerno, but services can be infrequent. If you’re traveling by bus, it’s best to stay overnight at a hotel. Your hotel stay will likely include access to the thermal baths.
Felitto- Gole Dei Calore (Calore Canyon)
Felitto is a small village deep in the mountains, in Inner Cilento. The area is well-known for the nearby Calore River. There’s a section called Gole dei Calore where the river flows through a canyon. There is also a small dam and you can swimm here. If you love wild swimming, it’s a must-visit spot.
In the summer, when the sea temperature rises to around 25°C (77°F) or higher, locals come to the this river bank to cool off.
The river water stays cool with a maximum temperature around 15-17°C (59-63°F) in August. It’s a refreshing spot to swim and escape the heat of the warm season.
It’s also a great place for families who want to enjoy a day surrounded by nature.
You can rent kayaks to explore the canyon or take a paddleboat tour. There are also picnic and camping areas nearby.
How to get here: The best way to reach Felitto is by car. Some parts of the road are winding mountain roads, so it may take longer than it looks on the map. From Salerno, the best option is to take the road through Roccadaspide.
There are also buses from Salerno to Felitto operated by Sita Sud company. To get to the canyon, you’ll need to walk about 30 minutes from the village center.
Felitto is approximately 75 km (47 miles) from Salerno and takes around 1.5 hours to drive there.
Felitto is famous for its hand-made fusilli pasta, so try it at a local restaurant when you’re here!
You can read about our 7-day road trip for inspiration on what to visit in inland Cilento.
Padula – Charterhouse of Saint Lawrence
This is an UNESCO World Heritage site that can be visited in a day trip from Salerno.
Padula is located south of Salerno in inland Cilento. The Certosa di San Lorenzo complex is vast. So allow at least 3 hours for your visit.
While you’re in the area, don’t miss the lesser-visited ruins of Baptistery nearby. It’s set in a lovely green park and perfect spot for a picnic!
How to get to Padula?
It’s easy to reach by car. the road is almost entirely on highway. The Certosa di Padula is 110 km (about 68 miles) from Salerno, and it takes roughly 1.5 hours to reach by car.
Pompeii
Pompeii is very close to Salerno. And easily reachable by train.
Once you arrive at Pompeii train station, it’s a pleasant 15-minute walk to the entrance. Along the way, you’ll also pass by the majestic Cathedral of modern Pompeii. Follow signs to “Pompei Scavi” (Pompeii Excavations).
SCAM ALERT! Be cautious of fake tourist offices along the way. They might appear legitimate tourist information, but they’re not! They often try to sell tours and audio guides that are not worth it. These “offices”are not listed on Google, to avoid getting reviewed. And their staff might try to mislead you by saying you’re going in the wrong direction. The hostess at this “shop” entrance was literally screaming at us, saying there was no entrance in the direction we were heading. Of course, that was a lie, just an attempt to lure us into there trap. Just ignore them, as they are scammers.
Pompeii has several entrances. And if the archeological site is open, these entrances will be all open. And yes you can by your tickets at any of this entrance.
The closest entrance of the train station is well-signposted. Once you reach the gate, pass through security, and the ticket office will be just after it. Here, you can buy tickets, guides, and audio guides.
How long should you spend in Pompeii?
Minimum of 3 hours. But 4 or 5 hours would be better. Pompeii is a vast site, so it’s best to allocate plenty of time to explore it. There are a couple of cafes inside where you can grab a snack or water, if you get tired. But you can also bring your own food. Free luggage storage is available at the entrance.
How to get to Pompeii from Salerno?
Simply take the train from Salerno’s central station. Keep in mind that although the train is signed as “metro,” it’s not the same as the Salerno metro. This is a regional metro train. Runs between Salerno and Naples, stopping in many cities and villages along the way.
Trains depart from the central station. And if the platform number includes “T,” it indicates that the train will depart from the side platforms. Not from the main ones. For example, T1 is not the same as platform 1, so be careful. The T1 and T2 platforms are on the same level as the other platforms at the main station. But are short, and located on the sides.
The train’s final destination will usually be listed as Naples, Napoli Campi Flegrei ( Napoli C. F.) , or Pozzuoli. The journey to Pompeii takes approximately 40 minutes, and tickets are very affordable.
Vesuvius and Herculaneum
Herculaneum is just as fascinating as Pompeii, but it’s a more manageable in size.
The same train that goes to Pompeii also stops at Herculaneum. You can combine a visit to Herculaneum with a trip to Vesuvius. Small microbuses offer tours from Herculaneum up to the crater of the volcano.
Visiting Pompeii, Herculaneum, and Vesuvius in one day is not recommended. And it’s almost impossible to do. You would feel extremely tired. But, you can take a bus from Pompeii to Vesuvius or from Herculaneum to Vesuvius. The best option for a day trip is to combine Herculaneum with Vesuvius. As Pompeii is vast and will likely require a full day to explore.
Caserta
The Royal Palace of Caserta, often called the “Versailles of Italy,” is a UNESCO World Heritage site.
Caserta – Opening Hours of The Royal Apartments: 08:30–19:30
The Caserta Palace has a very impressive royal garden surrounding it. The opening times vary by month.
Opening Times of the Royal Park:
- Winter (January–February): 08:30–16:00
- March: 08:30–17:00
- Summer (April–September): 08:30–19:00
- October: 08:30–17:30
- November and December: 08:30–15:30
Opening hours may vary, so always check the official site before your visit.
How to get to Caserta from Salerno?
You can get to Caserta by train from Salerno or by driving on the highway.
There is direct train connection between Caserta and Salerno. Trains from Salerno to Caserta cost between €6 and €20, depending on the train class. Direct trains, with no changes, take around 1 hour and 10 minutes, while trains with one change take about 1 hour and 30 minutes. The Reggia di Caserta (Royal Palace) is approximately a 10-minute walk from the Caserta train station.
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