How to Spend THREE Days in Salerno, Italy: 3-Day Itinerary

Looking for the perfect three-day Salerno itinerary? You’re in the right place!

Salerno is often called the gateway to the Amalfi Coast, and we think it’s the perfect base for exploring this famous part of Italy. You’re close enough to visit places like Positano, Amalfi, Ravello, and Capri, but accommodation and restaurants are generally much more affordable than in the better-known coastal towns.

And Salerno is well worth exploring in its own right! The historic center is full of character and plenty of great places to eat, but there are far fewer crowds to contend with – what’s not to love? 

We’ve devised this 3-day itinerary to help you enjoy the best of both worlds in Salerno, from Amalfi Coast adventures to some more relaxed time in the city itself. Andiamo!

Itinerary Overview

🍋Day 1: Explore the Amalfi Coast
Visit Positano, Amalfi, and Ravello on a full-day Amalfi Coast tour, then enjoy a relaxed dinner back in Salerno.

🏰Day 2: Salerno Walking Tour & A Free Afternoon
Explore Salerno’s historic center on a walking tour with a local guide, then choose between a castle, botanical gardens, the beach, or paragliding.

⛵Day 3: Cruise Along the Amalfi Coast or Boat Trip to Capri
Take your pick between a snorkeling cruise along the Amalfi Coast or a boat trip to Capri, then finish with dinner and an evening stroll along the Lungomare.

Day 1

Full Day – Experience the charming towns of Positano, Amalfi, and Ravello 

We’re kicking off this Salerno itinerary in the best way possible – with a full day on the Amalfi Coast! This tour starts at 8 am from the cruise terminal in Salerno and takes care of all the transport, which is a huge plus because getting between these towns independently can be a bit of a headache.

That’s exactly why we think this tour is such a good idea. The Amalfi Coast is beautiful, but the roads are narrow and tricky to navigate if you’re driving yourself, plus parking can be a real pain! However, public transport can be super crowded, so we think that booking a guided tour and letting your driver handle it all is the best way to go.

Over the course of the day, you’ll visit Positano, Amalfi, and Ravello, with free time to explore each one at your own pace. We loved this balance because you still get helpful commentary and local tips along the way, but you’re not being shepherded around in a big group the entire time. Our guide also had great food and shopping recommendations, which came in really handy! 

As for the towns themselves, they won’t disappoint. Positano is every bit as photogenic as you’d expect, with steep streets and colorful buildings tumbling towards the sea. Amalfi feels a little grander, with its historic center and famous cathedral, while Ravello sits high above the coast and boasts some of the best views of the day. 

We had such an amazing day out on this tour, and we’re definitely not the only ones. You can read 1,200+ 5-star reviews here! 

Dinner – Mamma Rosa 

After a full day exploring the Amalfi Coast, we were more than ready for a relaxed dinner back in Salerno! Our tour got back at around 5 pm, so we took some time to rest and freshen up back at our hotel before heading out to eat.

Mamma Rosa is a really popular spot, so we definitely recommend making a reservation rather than just turning up and hoping for the best. We booked a table for 7 pm, and it worked perfectly.

We’ve kept tonight pretty low-key, as we were tired after such a busy day of exploring! Now’s the time to relax and enjoy a leisurely dinner at this authentic and welcoming restaurant. After dinner, we headed straight back to our hotel to get some rest, and we suggest that you do the same. Tomorrow is much more focused on exploring Salerno itself, so you’ll want to be fresh for it!

Day 2

Breakfast – Filtro Café

We’re taking things a little slower this morning and spending the day getting to know Salerno itself! Start with breakfast at Filtro Café in the historic center, which opens at 9 am.

If you want to keep things traditionally Italian, grab a pastry and coffee. But if you’re someone who needs a more substantial breakfast to function, there are heartier options too, so you won’t have to survive the morning on caffeine alone!

After breakfast, take some time to wander around the historic center before the walking tour starts. You’ll cover many of Salerno’s main sights in more detail with your guide shortly, but this is a nice chance to get your bearings and enjoy the atmosphere at your own pace.

We definitely recommend stopping by the Medieval Aqueducts and taking a look at the Duomo as you wander. Then make your way over to the walking tour meeting point, which is only around a 10-minute walk from Filtro Café.

One important thing to note: Filtro Café is closed on Mondays and Tuesdays, so if Day 2 falls on either of those days, you’ll need to choose another breakfast spot nearby.

Morning – See Salerno’s best sights and hidden gems with a local

Now that you’ve had a little wander on your own, it’s time to get to know Salerno properly! This walking tour runs from 11 am to 1 pm and is led by a local, so you’ll get much more insight into the city than you would from sightseeing independently.

One of the things we really like about this tour is that it doesn’t just focus on Salerno’s obvious attractions. You’ll explore the historic center and learn how the city has changed over the centuries, but your guide will also show you some of the lesser-known spots that you’d probably walk straight past otherwise.

And we think that’s particularly worthwhile in Salerno. So many travelers use the city purely as a jumping-off point for the Amalfi Coast and Pompeii, but there’s a lot of history here in its own right. Spending a couple of hours with someone who actually lives here is a great way to dig beneath the surface!

The tour is also easygoing and can be tailored towards what you’re interested in, so don’t be afraid to ask questions as you explore. By the time it finishes at 1 pm, you’ll have a much better understanding of Salerno and hopefully a few local recommendations to check out later, too. The glowing reviews certainly speak for themselves!

Lunch – Al Dente Spaghetteria

By the time the walking tour finishes at 1 pm, you’ll definitely be ready for lunch! Fortunately, you’re already in the historic center, so you won’t need to go far to find somewhere good.

We recommend heading to Al Dente Spaghetteria, which specializes in, you guessed it, spaghetti! There are tons of different pasta dishes to choose from, and they focus on using quality local ingredients. Better still, the portions are generous, and the prices are pretty reasonable for the quality, so this is a great place to refuel without blowing your budget.

Don’t rush too much, either. We’ve deliberately kept this afternoon flexible, so you’ve got time to enjoy a nice Italian lunch before choosing your next adventure. Buon appetito! 

Afternoon – Your Choice!

Since this is your only full day dedicated to Salerno itself, you’ll have to pick and choose how you spend the afternoon. Fortunately, there’s something for everyone! 

History lovers can head up to Castello di Arechi, while the Garden of Minerva is perfect if you want something scenic and relaxing. If you prefer your scenery with a dose of adventure, you can take this thrilling paragliding flight over Salerno, or head straight to the beach if you’re ready for some rest and relaxation. 

Castello di Arechi

If you’re up for a bit more adventure this afternoon, head high above the city to Castello di Arechi. This historic fortress overlooks Salerno from its hilltop position, and the views alone make it worth the journey. You’ll be able to look right across the city and the Gulf of Salerno!

Getting here does require some effort. You can hike up from the city, but it’s a steep 45-minute to one-hour climb, so we’d only recommend this if you’ve got plenty of energy left. Otherwise, you can take a bus or hop in a taxi. 

The castle is open from 9 am to 5 pm and closed on Mondays, with entry costing €6. We’d allow around 2-3 hours for the entire outing, including getting there and back. This is definitely our pick for history lovers who want some fantastic views thrown in, too!

Garden of Minerva

If you’re in the mood for something a bit more low-key, the Garden of Minerva is one of our favorite options. This beautiful multi-level botanical garden dates back to the 13th century and has fascinating links to Salerno’s historic medical school, so you’re still getting a dose of history without committing to the trek up to Castello di Arechi.

It’s also much easier to fit into your afternoon. The garden is less than a 10-minute walk from the historic center, although do bear in mind that you’ll still be heading uphill!

We recommend spending around 1-2 hours wandering through the different levels and enjoying the peaceful surroundings. Admission costs €6, and the garden is open from 9:30 am until 8 pm, so there’s no need to rush over straight after lunch. This is an ideal way to combine history and gorgeous Italian scenery while staying close to central Salerno.

Spiaggia Santa Teresa

If you feel like you’ve done enough sightseeing for one day, head to Spiaggia Santa Teresa and spend the afternoon relaxing by the sea.

Now, we’ll be upfront: this isn’t the most spectacular beach you’ll encounter during your time around the Amalfi Coast. However, what it lacks in wow factor, it makes up for in convenience. It’s right by Salerno’s historic center, so you can be on the beach within minutes rather than spending your afternoon traveling somewhere prettier.

We think this is a great option if you’re visiting during summer and just want a few hours to slow down after this morning’s walking tour. The heat can be a lot, so there’s no shame in giving your feet a well-earned rest. Plus, we’ve got dinner plans later, so you don’t need to force yourself to fit in another activity if you’re craving a little downtime in the sunshine. 

Paragliding

Okay, thrill-seekers, this one is for you! If wandering around gardens or relaxing on the beach sounds a little too sedate, you can spend the afternoon on this tandem paragliding flight over Capaccio-Paestum instead.

The flight itself lasts around 30 minutes, and you’ll soar up to 600-700 meters (around 2,000-2,200 feet) above sea level with a qualified instructor. The views look incredible, with the mountains of Capaccio-Paestum on one side and the Cilento coastline stretching out below. Your instructor also films the experience, so you’ll have a pretty epic video to take home afterward – talk about bragging rights! 

The downside is that you’ll need to travel about an hour from Salerno’s historic center to reach the meeting point. The flight starts at 4 pm, and you should arrive 15 minutes early, so make sure you leave plenty of time to get there.

Now, this option definitely does require more effort than our other afternoon options, but if you’ve always wanted to try paragliding, what a place to do it!

Dinner – Ristorante Pizzeria Pinocchio 

Whatever you chose to do this afternoon, head back to your hotel afterward to freshen up before dinner. Tonight, we’re heading to Ristorante Pizzeria Pinocchio, a long-running Salerno restaurant that’s been serving traditional local food since 1973.

As the name suggests, pizza is a big draw here, and after a full day of sightseeing, we think this is the perfect excuse to tuck into a good old-fashioned Italian pizza! There are plenty of other options on the menu too, including seafood and traditional Campanian dishes.

It’s a popular dinner spot, so we’d recommend making a reservation in advance rather than leaving it to chance. We booked a table for around 8 pm to give ourselves plenty of time to chill and freshen up, although you don’t need to dress up to the nines here – it’s pretty casual. Dinner tonight is just a chance to relax and tuck into a well-earned meal, as we packed in a lot today!

Night – Enjoy a nightcap

After dinner, don’t rush back to your hotel just yet! Salerno’s historic center is lovely in the evening, and there are tons of little wine and cocktail bars tucked away among the narrow streets.

We recommend just having a wander and seeing what takes your fancy. We stopped at BARROOM and thought it was a lovely little spot for a nightcap, but somewhere totally different might appeal to you instead.

Grab a glass of wine or a cocktail and enjoy your last few hours in Salerno before calling it a night. Tomorrow, we’re heading back out onto the Amalfi Coast for another big day, only on the water this time! 

Day 3

Full Day Option 1 – Cruise and snorkel along the Amalfi Coast

For your final day, you’ve got two pretty amazing options! If sunshine, swimming, and seeing the Amalfi Coast from the water sound like your idea of a perfect day, we’d go for this full-day boat tour.

The tour departs from Salerno at 10 am and cruises along the coast on a traditional Amalfitan boat. You’ll get a completely different perspective of places you visited on Day 1, passing colorful towns, dramatic cliffs, little beaches, and sea caves that you just can’t appreciate in the same way from the road.

And this isn’t just a sightseeing cruise! There are stops to swim and snorkel in beautiful coves along the way, including spots that are only accessible from the water. Snorkeling equipment is provided, and flotation devices are available if you’re not a confident swimmer.

You’ll also get around 1.5 hours of free time in both Positano and Amalfi. We love that you’re getting the best of both worlds here because there’s still time to explore on land, but a big chunk of the day is spent out on the water.

Drinks and fresh fruit are served on board too, with prosecco, beer, limoncello, and soft drinks included. Honestly, sipping limoncello on a boat off the Amalfi Coast sounds like a pretty fantastic way to spend your last day in Salerno! 

Full Day Option 2 – Visit the stunning Capri Island

Alternatively, use your final day to tick Capri off your Italy bucket list! This small-group boat tour departs directly from Salerno at 9 am, so it’s a really convenient way to visit the island without having to figure out all of the transport yourself.

And you’re not just getting a ride to Capri. The journey is a huge part of the experience! You’ll cruise along the coastline and stop for swims in some amazingly beautiful spots, including the waters around Punta Campanella, Li Galli, and Capri’s famous Faraglioni rocks.

Once you reach Capri, you’ll have around three hours of free time to explore independently. That gives you time to wander around, grab some lunch, browse the shops, or visit somewhere like the Gardens of Augustus. We love that you still get plenty of freedom rather than following a guide around the island all afternoon!

Then it’s back onto the boat for more time on the water before returning to Salerno at around 5-6 pm. If you’re torn between our two options, we’d choose this one if visiting Capri is high on your wishlist. It’s a pretty spectacular way to round off your trip!

Dinner – Osteria dei Sapori

Once you’re back in Salerno, head to your hotel to shower and get cleaned up before one last dinner! Tonight, we recommend Osteria dei Sapori, a cozy little restaurant tucked away on one of the narrow streets of the historic center.

The menu focuses on Italian and Mediterranean cuisine, with lots of fresh seafood and local flavors. It’s also a really charming spot, with tables spilling out into the little alleyway outside.

After such a big day out on the water, we think this is exactly what you’ll want for your final evening. Don’t rush your final meal – take your time and order a glass of wine. This is your chance to enjoy a true Italian feast before wrapping up your trip to Salerno!

Evening – Walk Along Lungomare 

If you’ve still got some energy left, finish your trip with a stroll along Salerno’s Lungomare. It’s a lovely way to enjoy the city one last time, especially in the evening when you can wander along the waterfront and take in the views without any real agenda.

And obviously, we can’t end an Italian itinerary without one last gelato! Stop at Bar Nettuno, a popular gelateria right on the Lungomare that has been serving Salerno since 1975. Grab a cone and take it with you for your walk along the waterfront.

After three days of Amalfi Coast adventures, boat trips, and exploring Salerno itself, we think this is the perfect low-key way to round things off. Buona notte!

Where to Stay in Salerno, Italy

Salerno isn’t huge, but where you stay matters! For this itinerary, we recommend staying in the Historic Center. This area offers some great hotel options, is ultra-charming, and the best restaurants and sights will be at your fingertips. Here are a few hotel recommendations:

Luxury – $$$

Casa Santangelo Suites – Historical Residence is a beautiful upscale stay if you want somewhere with real character in Salerno’s Historic Center. It’s set in a historic residence, so it feels much more atmospheric than a standard hotel, with elegant interiors and a setting that really suits this part of the city.

We think this is a great choice if you want to be surrounded by Salerno’s old streets, restaurants, cafés, and historic sights. You’ll be well placed for exploring the Centro Storico on foot, visiting the Duomo, and heading down to the waterfront when you want sea views or ferry access. It’s polished, charming, and perfect for a romantic stay. Rooms here usually start at around €185 per night and can be booked on Booking.com.

Mid-range – $$

Bonadies64 is a great option if you want to stay right in Salerno’s Historic Center without spending too much. It has a modern, comfortable feel while still keeping you close to the charm of the old town, and it’s reasonably priced! 

The location is the big draw here. You’ll be close to Salerno Cathedral, local restaurants, cafés, and the narrow streets that make the Centro Storico so fun to wander around. It’s not a big hotel with loads of facilities, but that’s pretty normal for Salerno, where B&Bs and guesthouse-style stays are much more common. Rooms here usually start at around €125 per night during the summer and can be reserved on Booking.com.

Budget – $

Palazzo Dogana Room & Suite is a good budget-friendly option if you want to stay in the Historic Center. It’s a simple and cozy base with spacious rooms and comfy beds. Oh, and all-day pastries for guests – that’s a very important detail!

The location is super central, so this place is an ideal base for sightseeing and enjoying Salerno’s old town without spending a fortune. There are tons of great bars and restaurants within walking distance of the property, as well as the waterfront. Rooms here usually start at around €90 per night. Book your stay here on Booking.com!

Thanks for reading!

We loved our time in Salerno, it had a bit of everything! Easy access to the Amalfi Coast’s great sights, without the crowds, and a charming historic feel of its own – Salerno is definitely worth a visit.

Before you go, check out the rest of our Italy blogs! We’ve been all around the country and have tons of resources to help you plan a memorable trip. Here are a few related blogs you might be interested in – cheers!

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