Naples and Salerno are only about an hour apart, but to me they felt like two completely different worlds. Naples was loud, crowded, and full of life at every turn, while Salerno felt slower, more open, almost like the city itself was breathing with the rhythm of the sea. Visiting both on the same trip turned out to be one of the best decisions I made in southern Italy.
I didn’t plan it that way at first, but looking back, the contrast between the two cities is what stayed with me the most.
Discovering Naples: A City That Doesn’t Stay Quiet
My first impression of Naples was pure chaos. Scooters weaving through traffic, people talking loudly across the street, the smell of coffee and pizza mixing in the air. It felt overwhelming for the first hour, but then something clicked. Instead of resisting it, I just started walking and letting the city lead the way.
Must-see sights in Naples
Spaccanapoli
Walking down Spaccanapoli felt like walking through a living museum. At one point I stepped into a tiny church just to escape the noise, and inside it was completely silent, with just a few candles burning. Moments like that made the city feel deeper than just the busy streets.
Naples National Archaeological Museum
I wasn’t sure how long I’d stay here, but I ended up spending almost half a day. Seeing objects from Pompeii before actually visiting the ruins gave everything more meaning later on.
Castel dell’Ovo
By the late afternoon, I needed a break from the traffic and crowds, so I walked along the seafront. The light over the bay near Castel dell’Ovo was soft and golden, and for the first time that day, Naples felt calm.
One of my favourite memories was dinner in a tiny local pizzeria with only a few tables. No English menu, no tourists around—just locals eating and talking. The Margherita cost about €6, arrived still bubbling from the oven, and disappeared in a few minutes. Simple, but exactly what I was hoping for.
Salerno: Slowing Down by the Water
Arriving in Salerno felt like someone had turned the volume down. The streets were wider, the pace was slower, and the sea was always in sight. After Naples, it felt almost peaceful.
I remember walking along the promenade early in the morning, before the heat of the day. A few people were jogging, some older men were sitting on benches talking, and fishing boats were gently rocking in the harbour. It wasn’t spectacular or dramatic—just simple and relaxing.
Highlights of Salerno
Arriving in Salerno felt like someone had turned the volume down. The streets were wider, the pace was slower, and the sea was always in sight. After Naples, it felt almost peaceful.
I remember walking along the promenade early in the morning, before the heat of the day. A few people were jogging, some older men were sitting on benches talking, and fishing boats were gently rocking in the harbour. It wasn’t spectacular or dramatic—just simple and relaxing.
Highlights of Salerno
Salerno Lungomare
This became my favourite place for an evening walk. Around 19:30, the light over the water turned golden, and most people were just strolling with a gelato or sitting on the benches facing the sea.
Salerno Cathedral
I stepped inside mostly to escape the sun, but ended up staying much longer than expected. The cloister was quiet and shaded, and it felt like a small oasis right in the centre of the city.
Villa Comunale
A small garden, but very well kept. I sat there for a while watching families and couples passing by. It felt like the kind of place locals use every day, not just something for tourists.
Getting Around Between Naples and Salerno
One thing I was genuinely relieved about was having the airport transfer arranged in advance. After the flight, I was tired and just wanted to get to the hotel without thinking too much about trains, tickets, or crowded bus stops.
We used a direct transfer service, Naples Airport Taxi, and it was very straightforward. The driver was already waiting at the meeting point, took the luggage, and a few minutes later we were on the road. No searching for taxis, no lines, no confusion.
The return to the airport was just as easy. The car showed up exactly when expected, and it was one less thing to worry about on the last day of the trip.
Once we were settled in the city, though, we mostly moved around like everyone else. In Naples, we ended up walking almost everywhere. The historic centre is dense and lively, and many streets are too narrow for cars anyway. For longer distances, the metro and the funicular were practical and surprisingly efficient.
To travel between Naples and Salerno, the regional train was the simplest option. It’s affordable, fairly frequent, and works well if you’re travelling light. On nicer days, ferries along the coast are also a beautiful alternative, especially if you want to enjoy the scenery instead of sitting on a train.
Still, when it came to the airport, both on arrival and departure, the pre-booked private transfer made the whole trip feel more relaxed. Our pick-up for the return flight was at 5:40 in the morning, and at that hour I was just glad the car was already outside and we were moving in a few minutes.
Memorable Experiences Between Naples and Salerno
Pompeii and Herculaneum
Walking through Pompeii felt surreal. At one point I stood in the middle of an ancient street, with Mount Vesuvius in the background, and tried to imagine what that day must have been like for the people who lived there.
The Amalfi Coast
The drive along the coast from Salerno was one of those experiences where you just keep looking out the window. Every turn revealed another view—cliffs, colourful houses, and the sea far below. The road was slow because of the curves and traffic, but every few minutes there was another view worth stopping for.
Mount Vesuvius
The hike up to the crater was dusty and a bit tiring, but the view from the top made it worth it. By the time I reached the crater my shoes were covered in grey dust, and the wind was strong enough to make everyone hold onto their hats.
Tips That Made My Trip Easier
Book transfers ahead of time
Having a service like Naples Airport Taxi already arranged saved time and energy, especially after long travel days.
Start in Naples, end in Salerno
Doing it in this order made the trip feel like a natural progression—from busy and intense to calm and relaxing.
Bring comfortable shoes
Naples is all cobblestones, and you’ll end up walking more than you expect.
Follow the locals for food
Some of my best meals were in places that didn’t look special from the outside. In the end, combining Naples and Salerno in the same trip gave me two completely different sides of southern Italy, and that contrast is probably what I’ll remember most.
