CME Cruises Visiting Salerno, Italy (Amalfi Coast)

Salerno is less a primary destination and more the most strategic gateway to the sublime beauty of the Amalfi Coast and the historical treasures of Campania. Its value lies in the world-class options it unlocks for a day in port. The most popular choice is, of course, the Amalfi Coast. We strongly recommend taking a ferry directly from the port area. It’s the most scenic and practical way to bypass the notoriously congested coastal roads, offering breathtaking views as you approach the iconic towns. The first stop is often Positano, a near-vertical cascade of pastel houses and chic boutiques tumbling down to a pebbled beach. Further on, the historic maritime republic of Amalfi presents its magnificent Arab-Norman cathedral and a charming central piazza. For an equally profound but often less crowded experience, consider heading south to the archaeological park of Paestum. Here, three of the world's most astonishingly well-preserved ancient Greek temples stand in a tranquil field. Walking among these Doric masterpieces, which predate the Parthenon, is a powerful and unforgettable journey into Magna Graecia. Should you prefer a more relaxed day, Salerno itself is a genuinely pleasant city. Its medieval old town (Centro Storico) is a delightful labyrinth of narrow lanes, and the impressive Duomo di Salerno houses the crypt of Saint Matthew. A leisurely stroll along the Lungomare Trieste, a grand tree-lined seaside promenade, offers a perfect, authentic slice of southern Italian life.