How to Spend 2 Days in Salerno

Salerno is a popular gateway to the Amalfi Coast and Capri for travelers arriving by car, train, or cruise ship. Before you head farther north up the coast to admire the picturesque fishing villages and island, take a day to visit the port city’s historic center and nearby Greek temples. Here are your options for two days based in Salerno.

Day 1: Salerno and Paestum

**Morning:**Thick with medieval churches, lively trattorias, and local shops, Salerno’s old town is a cheerfully timeworn quarter set beneath the storied Arechi Castle. Take time to wander the bustling lanes and admire the 11th-century cathedral, Pinacoteca painting gallery, and  Archaeological Museum before heading uphill to take in the view from the fortress above. 

**Afternoon:**Take a quick jaunt along the coastline to the south with a guided tour of the dazzling archaeological site at Paestum. Once part of Magna Grecia, these ancient ruins are home to three of the world’s best-preserved Greek temples. Alternatively, retrace the route of the Allied landing in World War II with a themed tour. 

**Night:**Enjoy your evening by joining the locals in the timeless ritual of the passeggiata, or after-dinner constitutional. One of the most charming corners of Salerno is its tree-lined seaside promenade along the Mediterranean coast, packed with Salernitani hoping to catch the cool evening breeze, gelato in hand. 

Day 2: The Amalfi Coast and Capri

**Morning:**Join the exodus headed farther north to the villages of the spectacular Amalfi Coast with a driving or boat tour to Positano, Ravello, and Amalfi; most include time to explore each town independently and a stop for lunch. Alternatively, stay closer to Salerno with a food tour on the Cilento Peninsula, stopping at a local farm for a tour and mozzarella-making demonstration. 

**Afternoon:**You can also opt to set sail for the cosmopolitan island of Capri with a boat tour that includes a turn around the island, a stop to visit the Blue Grotto, swim breaks along the coastline, and free time to have lunch and explore the island’s highlights by land before the return trip to the mainland.

**Night:**Relax after your day spent on the Amalfi Coast, Cilento Peninsula, or island of Capri with an informal dinner in one of Salerno’s many old-school trattorias, serving the city’s traditional fish and seafood specialties, local cheeses, and regional wines.