Breathtaking scenery and impressive architecture can be found around every corner in this beautiful part of Italy. And once you’ve uncovered this hidden gem, you’re well placed to discover more of Italy’s most spectacular coastline.
Wander around the historic old town
The historic center of this city – the ‘centro storico’ – is a vibrant area where you’ll find old and new blended together with medieval churches sitting alongside hip bars.
Salerno Cathedral – one of the most beautiful churches in southern Italy – is also here. Founded in 11th century, the Duomo features a 12th century brick bell tower which looks out over the city and can be seen across the rooftops.
An ornate, decorative dome sits at the top of the tower and the cathedral is dedicated to St Matthew, the crypt you find inside is believed to hold the Saint’s remains.
Head up above the city to visit Salerno’s most famous landmark, the Castello di Arechi. The Lombard Duke of Benevento, Arechi II, built this Byzantine fort in the 8th Century. From here you can enjoy views across the Gulf of Salerno which provides the perfect backdrop to the concerts and events that are staged here during the summer months.
Step back in time in Pompeii and Naples
En route to Naples you’ll pass through Pompeii, stop here to discover the ruins of this once thriving Roman city. In AD 79, Mount Vesuvius, the only active volcano on mainland Europe, erupted and buried the city under a layer of lapilli – burning fragments of pumice stone.
Wander around this slice of ancient life, down Roman streets and alongside temples.
Within the historic center of Naples you’ll find palaces, castles and churches among the world’s most important archeological treasures. Pay a visit to Naples National Archaeological Museum where you can find artifacts that have been excavated from Pompeii.
Explore the Amalfi Drive
The Amalfi Drivelies along the south side of the peninsula that forms the southern arm of the Bay of Naples. This is arguably one of the most beautiful roads in the world. Start in Salerno and it’s an exhilarating 30-mile drive around S-curve roadways halfway up a cliff face.
As you carefully make your way around the zigzagging roads to Sorrento you’ll see colorful villages built into coves and mountains rising from the sparkling sea. Each turn is seemingly more impressive than the last. You may want to stop in the pretty town of Amalfi, which sits at the heart of this route.
Car rental in Salerno allows you the freedom to explore the best of this charming Italian city, as well as discover the wider Campania region.