Salerno Cruise Port Guide: Top Things to Do & Travel Tips
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Salerno is a port city in southern Italy’s Campania region, about an hour’s drive southeast of Naples.
For many cruisers, it’s the starting point to explore the Amalfi Coast with its postcard villages of Amalfi and Positano, the city of Sorrento, or the world-famous ruins of Pompeii.
Its location and more affordable prices compared to the Amalfi Coast make Salerno a popular stop on Mediterranean cruise itineraries.
I visited Salerno on a rainy day during a cruise and still managed to walk around and enjoy the old town and waterfront.
In this Salerno cruise port guide, I’ll share practical tips about the terminal and getting around, the best things to do near the port, and some of the most popular day trips you can take from Salerno.
Salerno Cruise Port & Ferry Terminals
The port of Salerno (Stazione Marittima di Salerno – Salerno Maritime Terminal) is located on the western side of the city, just a 10-minute walk from the old town.
The modern, oyster-shaped terminal overlooks the bay and the vast Liberty Square (Piazza della Libertà).
This is where cruise ships dock, and it’s also home to Molo Manfredi, one of Salerno’s two main ferry piers.
⚓ Molo Manfredi (Maritime Station)
Right beside the cruise terminal, Molo Manfredi is the departure point for ferries to Capri, Amalfi, and Positano.
In summer, services are more frequent, and you’ll also find longer routes to Sicily (Palermo and Catania). The location is very convenient for cruise passengers, since it’s just steps away from the ship.
⛴️ Masuccio Salernitano Tourist Port (Piazza della Concordia)
About 2 km south of Molo Manfredi, less than a 10-minute walk from Salerno’s central train station, lies the Masuccio Salernitano Tourist Port.
This is another major hub for ferries to the Amalfi Coast, including Amalfi, Positano, Cetara, and Maiori, as well as seasonal sailings to Capri and Sorrento.
If you’re arriving by train or planning to park nearby, this is the most practical departure point.
A large parking area at Piazza della Concordia makes it convenient for day trips.
Travel Times
- Salerno – Amalfi: ~55 minutes
- Salerno – Positano: ~70 minutes
- Salerno – Capri: about 1 hour
- Salerno – Palermo (Sicily): ~9 hours (overnight ferry)
👉 Tip: In peak season, ferries fill up quickly. If you’re visiting on a cruise stop or during summer, it’s best to book in advance through operators like Travelmar or aggregators like Ferryhopper.
🎥 Watch the Video
Check out my video where I cover everything you need to know about Salerno cruise port, from the city highlights within walking distance to practical tips on getting to Amalfi, Positano, Pompeii, Sorrento, and Naples!
Getting Around Salerno Cruise Port
♿ Walking and Accessibility
The port area is flat and wheelchair accessible. The Villa Comunale park, Liberty Square, and the waterfront promenade are all flat and easy to walk.
The old town is about a 10-minute walk from the terminal, though some parts are hilly.
🚆 Salerno Train Station
The Stazione di Salerno (Salerno Central train station) is about a 30-minute walk east of the port, along the scenic waterfront and Corso Giuseppe Garibaldi.
If you don’t want to walk, you can catch a taxi or local bus from the Pertini Scuola Barra stop, located just behind Piazza della Libertà (about a 10-minute walk from Molo Manfredi). Buses #2, #4, #5, #6, and #9 all stop here. Ride just a few stops and get off at the Concordia stop, then walk an additional 400 meters to the train station.
Salerno has direct train connections to Rome, Naples, and other Italian cities, and trains are operated by Trenitalia – check schedules at trenitalia.com.
🚍 Salerno Bus Station
Located next to the train station, the bus station serves both local and regional routes.
Local buses operated by Busitalia run roughly every 20 minutes, and tickets cost €1.30, which you can buy at kiosks, tobacco shops, or at the station. You can check the timetables here.
There are also SITA buses that connect Salerno with Amalfi, Positano, and other towns along the coast (timetables at sitasudtrasporti.it). However, these buses are not the best option for cruise passengers, as the narrow coastal roads often mean heavy traffic and long travel times.
⛴️ Ferry Connections
Ferries are the quickest and most scenic way to reach the Amalfi Coast. From Salerno, you can sail to Amalfi, Positano, Capri, and even Sicily.
Services run from both Molo Manfredi (by the cruise terminal) and Masuccio Pier (Piazza della Concordia, near the train station).
The ride takes about 55 minutes to Amalfi, 70 minutes to Positano, and just over an hour to Capri. For more details, see the Salerno ferry section above.
✈️ Salerno Costa d’Amalfi Airport
The Costa d’Amalfi Airport is the second largest in Campania after Naples Capodichino. It sits about 23 km (13 miles) southeast of Salerno port, around a 30-minute drive from the cruise terminal.
👉 For convenience, you can book a private transfer in advance.
Practical Information for Cruise Visitors
💶 Money
The local currency is the euro (€). Cards are widely accepted, and you’ll find plenty of ATMs and exchange offices in town.
🚐 Tours, Transfers & Rentals
- 👉 If you want to see more in a short time, the easiest way is to join a guided tour to Pompeii, Amalfi, or Positano. Cruise lines often charge a lot for excursions, so I recommend checking Viator or GetYourGuide instead. I’ve booked with them many times and always had an amazing experience.
- 👉 You can also book a private ride from the port or airport, which is the most comfortable option.
- 👉 If you’re staying longer in Salerno, a car rental gives you flexibility, though I wouldn’t suggest driving along the Amalfi Coast, as the roads are extremely narrow and traffic can be heavy.
🛏️ Accommodation
For those spending the night, Salerno has a good mix of hotels and apartments, from places in the old town to modern stays near the waterfront.
It’s also a much cheaper option than staying on the Amalfi Coast, which is a smart choice if you plan to explore the area for a few days.
📘 Mediterranean Cruise Port Guide
If you’re planning a cruise in this part of Italy, my Mediterranean Cruise Port Guide ebook might come in handy. It covers 45 ports across the Med, with insider tips, shore excursion ideas, and printable checklists.
👉 Note: Salerno is not included in the guide, but you’ll find nearby ports like Naples, Civitavecchia (Rome), and Livorno (Florence/Pisa), which are often part of the same itineraries.
Best Things to Do in Salerno Cruise Port
Whether you want to stroll around the old town and enjoy sights within walking distance of the terminal or head out on a full-day excursion, Salerno offers plenty of options for cruise visitors.
Below you’ll find the best things to do both in the city and on day trips from the port.
🚶 Attractions Within Walking Distance
Salerno is a lively city with roots stretching back to ancient times. Its medieval old town, seaside promenade, and beautiful squares make it a rewarding stop for cruise visitors.
Below are the highlights you can easily explore on foot from the port.
Salerno Cathedral (Duomo di Salerno)
Dedicated to Saint Matthew, this magnificent medieval cathedral is one of the city’s main landmarks. Inside, you’ll find impressive architecture, a richly decorated crypt, and a small museum.
The cathedral’s bell tower and grand bronze doors also make it a striking sight from the outside.
It’s about a 20-minute walk from the cruise terminal through the old town.
Salerno Old Town
Wander through narrow cobblestone streets, colorful buildings, and medieval squares filled with shops and cafés.
Don’t miss Via dei Mercanti, the bustling main shopping street, and Piazza Portanova, a lively square lined with boutiques and coffee bars.
Lungomare Trieste
The city’s scenic waterfront promenade is perfect for a leisurely stroll. It begins right at Liberty Square, just a 5-minute walk from your ship, and stretches along the coast with palm trees, flowers, and sea views.
Piazza della Libertà (Liberty Square)
One of Italy’s largest squares, Liberty Square connects the cruise terminal with the city. It’s a popular gathering place for locals and visitors alike and often hosts events and markets.
Villa Comunale
Located across the street from Liberty Square, this public park offers fountains, palm trees, and shaded benches.
Giardino della Minerva
Europe’s oldest botanical garden, tucked into the hillside above the old town, is an oasis of medicinal plants and herbs once used by the city’s medieval medical school.
Arechi Castle (Castello di Arechi)
Towering above Salerno, this 8th-century fortress offers spectacular panoramic views of the city and coastline. Inside, you’ll find a small museum and even a café at the top.
Entry costs €4 and a visit takes about 45 minutes.
To get there, take bus #19 from the city center (about 20 minutes), but it only runs once per hour, so it’s important to check the schedule in advance.
This is not really within walking distance, but it’s definitely worth seeing. I visited on a rainy day and it was still amazing.
Just keep in mind that taxis weren’t available when I returned, and with buses running rarely, planning ahead is essential.
👉 Check out Salerno tours and activities
🚌 Day Trips from Salerno Cruise Port
If you have a full day, Salerno is the perfect gateway to some of southern Italy’s most famous destinations:
Amalfi Coast
The Amalfi Coast is one of Italy’s most breathtaking stretches of coastline, and even with just half a day you can experience some of its highlights.
From Salerno, the easiest way to visit is by ferry or guided boat tour, which saves you from the narrow, winding roads and heavy traffic.
Positano is the star of the coast, with pastel-colored houses tumbling down the cliffs. You can stroll its steep lanes, shop in chic little boutiques, and admire the dome of Santa Maria Assunta.
If time allows, hike the Path of the Gods or relax on Spiaggia Grande or Fornillo Beach.
While Positano is about 1 hour 40 minutes from Salerno by road, ferries and guided tours are much better options than driving or taking the slow SITA bus.
Amalfi is another favorite stop, with its 9th-century cathedral, lively Piazza del Duomo, and a beach right in the center of town.
From Salerno’s harbor, the ferry takes just 55 minutes, which is the fastest and most scenic way to get there.
If you have more time, head up the hill to Ravello, famous for its gardens and incredible coastal views from Villa Rufolo and Villa Cimbrone.
👉 The most convenient option is to book a guided tour or boat trip, which often includes both Amalfi and Positano in one day. Check Amalfi Coast tours here.
Pompeii Archaeological Park
A visit to Pompeii is like stepping back in time. Buried by the eruption of Mount Vesuvius in 79 AD and preserved under volcanic ash, this UNESCO World Heritage Site offers a fascinating look at daily life in a Roman city.
Walking its ancient streets, you’ll see remarkably preserved houses, temples, frescoes, and even plaster casts of the eruption’s victims at the Garden of the Fugitives.
Highlights include the Amphitheatre, the Forum, the Villa of the Mysteries, the House of the Vettii, and the Temple of Apollo.
The site is vast, so a guided tour or skip-the-line ticket is highly recommended, especially in summer.
From Salerno, the easiest way to get there is by regional train from the central station (about 40 minutes). Get off at Pompei station, then walk 20 minutes or take a short bus/taxi ride to the entrance. Schedules are available on Trenitalia.
Sorrento
Sorrento is a charming coastal town famous for its lemon groves, sea views, and colorful streets.
Its historic center is a maze of narrow lanes filled with shops and cafés, while Piazza Tasso, the lively main square, is always buzzing with activity.
Don’t miss a look at Sorrento Cathedral, then head down to Marina Grande and Marina Piccola for sweeping views of the Bay of Naples.
The town is compact and easy to explore on foot, which is perfect for a half-day visit.
From Salerno, the best way to reach Sorrento is by guided tour, private transfer, or taxi (about 1 hour 15 minutes). There are no direct trains between Salerno and Sorrento.
👉 Check out Sorrento tours and activities from Salerno
Archaeological Site of Paestum
About an hour southeast of Salerno lies Paestum, an ancient Greek city founded in the 6th century BC as Poseidonia and later taken over by the Romans.
The site is famous for its three magnificent Doric temples: the Temple of Hera (Basilica), the Temple of Poseidon (Neptune), and the Temple of Athena (Ceres), some of the best-preserved in the world.
You can also see the remains of the city walls, the Roman Forum, and a museum with artifacts, sculptures, and beautifully painted tombs.
The easiest way to reach Paestum from Salerno is by train, which runs about once per hour and takes 30–40 minutes. From Paestum station, it’s a 10-minute walk to the site.
👉 Check out Paestum tours and activities from Salerno
Salerno Cruise Port FAQ
❓ Where do cruise ships dock in Salerno?
Cruise ships dock at Molo Manfredi, a modern terminal just a short walk from Liberty Square and Salerno’s old town.
❓ How do I get from Salerno cruise port to Amalfi or Positano?
The fastest and most scenic option is by ferry. From Salerno’s two terminals, Molo Manfredi (near the cruise port) and Masuccio Pier (by the train station), it takes about 55 minutes to Amalfi and 70 minutes to Positano.
❓ How do I get from Salerno cruise port to Pompeii?
Take a regional train from Salerno Centrale (about a 30-minute walk or a short bus/taxi ride from the port). The journey takes 40 minutes, with a short transfer or walk to the archaeological site.
❓ Is Salerno a good base for the Amalfi Coast?
Yes. Salerno is cheaper and less crowded than Amalfi or Sorrento, yet well connected by ferry and train. It is an ideal base to explore the Amalfi Coast and Pompeii.
❓ How far is Salerno cruise port from the city center?
The terminal is about a 10-15 minute walk to the old town, promenade, and main attractions.
Helpful Resources for Salerno Cruise Port
🌐 Useful Websites
- Find Salerno Cruise Port on Google Maps
- Salerno Cruise Ship Schedule
- Salerno Tourism Office
- Local Weather Forecast
- Port Authority Official Website
⚓ Ports Often Included with Salerno
The port of Salerno is a frequent stop on Mediterranean itineraries. With fewer crowds than nearby Naples, it offers a more relaxed gateway to southern Italy and the Amalfi Coast.
Cruises that call in Salerno often include:
- Barcelona – a major homeport, famous for Gaudí’s architecture.
- Valencia – home to the City of Arts and Sciences.
- Livorno – gateway to Florence and Pisa.
- Cagliari – Sardinia’s capital with history and beaches.
- Palermo – Sicily’s vibrant capital, rich in culture.
- Civitavecchia – the main port for Rome.
- Taormina – perched in Sicily with views of Mount Etna.
- Kefalonia – a Greek island with stunning beaches.
- Corfu – historic old town and island culture.
- Kotor – a dramatic bay and medieval walled town.
- Split – Roman ruins and a lively seafront.
- Villefranche – gateway to the French Riviera.
- Marseille – access to Provence and coastal France.
You may also like our cruise port guides to the Mediterranean, Caribbean, Northern Europe, USA & Canada, Middle East, Australia & New Zealand
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