Salerno Cruise Ship Port Guide

How to get to the port, by air, train, road

Getting to Salerno’s port is simple with its good transport links.

If you’re flying in, head to Naples International Airport (NAP), roughly 65 km away. You can catch a shuttle bus or taxi from there to Salerno port – it usually takes about an hour.

For train travel, there are regular services from Rome (2 hours), Naples (40 minutes), and other big Italian cities to Salerno’s central station. From there, it’s a 15-minute walk to the port, or you can grab a taxi if you prefer.

If you’re coming by car, take the A3 motorway between Naples and Salerno. Take the “Salerno Centro” exit and follow the signs to “Porto di Salerno.” You’ll find both short-term and long-term car parks at the port if you’re going on a cruise.

Port Parking Options

Parking at Salerno’s cruise port is straightforward, with good choices for both quick stops and longer stays. The main car park sits right opposite the Maritime Station, with both covered and open-air spaces at reasonable daily prices.

If you’re heading off on a cruise, these safe parking spots will let you relax:

1. Maritime Station Garage – The nearest place to your ship, with round-the-clock security cameras and bright lighting, brilliant for cruise parking
2. Porto di Salerno Lot – A cheaper outdoor option with a shuttle bus to the terminal, just 400 metres from the passenger area
3. Via Porto Parking – A new facility with indoor and outdoor spaces, featuring online booking discounts and free help with your luggage

It’s worth booking your parking space ahead of time during busy cruise periods to make sure you get a spot.

Local Transport & Transfers

Getting around Salerno’s cruise port is quite straightforward. Taxis wait outside the terminal and will take you to the city centre for about £8-12. The train station is a quick 10-minute walk away, roughly 800 metres from the port.

You’ll find public buses near the cruise terminal that go to all the main sights and nearby towns. A bus ticket costs £1.10 and lasts 90 minutes. If you’re planning to visit the Amalfi Coast, the ferry from the next-door maritime terminal is your best bet – it’s the quickest way to get to Positano and Amalfi. For Naples International Airport, you’ve got a few choices: book a private shuttle, hop on a direct SITA bus, or take the train with a change in Naples.

Port Terminal Facilities

Salerno’s cruise terminal has all the basics you’ll need as a passenger. The modern building comes with air conditioning, plenty of comfy seats in the waiting area, spotless loos and a helpful tourist desk where staff speak English. You can use free Wi-Fi throughout the building to keep in touch while you wait for your ship.

Though not as big as other Mediterranean ports, the terminal still has everything sorted:

1. A good gift shop selling local goods, including Amalfi Coast limoncello and handmade ceramics
2. A nice little café with proper Italian coffee, pastries and light bites
3. A handy luggage storage space – brilliant if you fancy wandering around Salerno before leaving or after arriving

The massive windows running from floor to ceiling give you lovely views of both the harbour and the old part of town.

Things to Do Before Your Cruise in a Day

With only a day before your cruise, Salerno’s old town centre has lots of brilliant spots you can see quickly. Take a wander down Via dei Mercanti, the main shopping street, packed with local shops and lovely cafés. The gorgeous Salerno Cathedral is a must-see – this 12th-century beauty is where you’ll find Saint Matthew’s tomb.

Pop along to Lungomare Trieste, a lovely seafront path that’s brilliant for morning walks or watching the sunset. Have a look at the Medieval Aqueduct (the locals call it “Devil’s Bridge”), or nip into Minerva’s Garden, the first botanical garden in Europe. If you fancy some history, the Provincial Archaeological Museum has some fascinating Roman bits and pieces. When you’re peckish, head to the restaurants near the Duomo for proper Campanian food – they do amazing fresh seafood and local pasta dishes.

Walks near the port

The port area has lovely walking paths worth your time. The waterfront promenade runs for about two kilometres, with beautiful views across the Gulf of Salerno and the Amalfi Coast. It’s a quick 15-minute walk from the cruise terminal to the old town centre along Via Roma, where you’ll pass local shops and cafes.

1. Wander through the medieval quarter’s winding alleys – you’ll find quiet courtyards, old churches, and catch the lovely smell of bread from family-run bakeries
2. Take on the walk up to Arechi Castle – it’s a bit steep and takes 40 minutes, but you get amazing views of the bay that are worth every step
3. Take a walk on the Lungomare Trieste around sunset – the golden light makes the seafront look gorgeous, and you’ll see lots of locals out for their evening passeggiata

Dining and Shopping

Food fans and bargain lovers will find loads to enjoy near the cruise port. Along Via Roma, you’ll come across proper Italian trattorias where you can tuck into local pasta and fresh seafood. Make sure to pop into the traditional pastry shops for sfogliatelle and other Campanian sweet treats.

For a bit of shopping, wander down Corso Vittorio Emanuele, Salerno’s main shopping street. You’ll spot Italian fashion shops, leather goods and local artisan spots selling ceramics and handmade items. The Mercato San Giovanello, an indoor market near the historic centre, has fresh produce, cheeses and local specialties. If you’re around on Saturday, take a look at the weekly market at Lungomare Trieste – it’s brilliant for clothing, accessories and household bits at good prices.

Accommodation near the port

Several great hotels are a short walk from Salerno’s cruise terminal. You’ll find places to stay for all budgets – from simple B&Bs to fancy waterfront spots – making it dead easy to get to both the port and city centre. Most of the popular ones are along Via Lungomare Trieste, where you’ll get lovely morning views of the Gulf of Salerno.

If you want to stay near the port, these are brilliant choices:

1. Plaza Hotel – A 4-star spot with panoramic terraces and quiet rooms just 400 metres from the terminal
2. Hotel Centro – A mid-range place with free breakfast and round-the-clock reception, 5 minutes from the port
3. B&B Mini Hotel – A wallet-friendly boutique choice with modern rooms and friendly staff within a 10-minute walk

Tips for First-Time Cruisers from The Port

Coming on your first cruise from Salerno? A bit of planning will make things much smoother. Get to town at least a day before sailing to avoid any last-minute stress if your travel plans go wrong. The main port entrance is on Via Molo Manfredi – you can drop your bags with the porters there before sorting out your car.

Get the port’s app on your phone for live updates about when your ship comes and goes. Pop your passport, boarding pass and cruise papers in a waterproof folder where you can grab them easily. Keep any medicines in your hand luggage. Get some euros before you arrive – the queues at port cash machines can be quite long. If you’re driving in, book your parking space through the port’s website ahead of time – it’s cheaper and you’ll know you’ve got a spot waiting.

Customs & Immigration at The Port

Getting through customs and immigration at Salerno’s cruise terminal needs to be done before you can board your ship. Have your passport, cruise papers and any visas ready for the officers to look at. It usually takes between 15-30 minutes, but this depends on how busy it is.

To make things easier at customs and immigration, keep these things in mind:

1. Get there at least three hours before your ship leaves – this saves you from rushing about and possibly missing your boarding time.
2. Don’t bring banned items like fresh fruit, meat or weapons in your bags – you’ll get big fines and might not be allowed to travel.
3. Put your travel papers in a waterproof holder or folder where you can grab them quickly – you’ll need to show them several times while boarding.

The Italian customs staff know basic English and tend to work quickly.

Local Currency & Payment Options

Money is simple at Salerno’s cruise port – the euro (€) is used everywhere, and most places take both cash and major credit cards.

You’ll find plenty of cash machines (called “Bancomat” in Italy) near the port, including UniCredit and Intesa Sanpaolo banks. Give your bank a heads-up before using your cards abroad to avoid any hassle. While cards are common, some small shops and taxi drivers prefer cash, so it’s smart to keep both handy.

For better rates, skip the currency exchange spots at the port and just get euros from cash machines instead. Keep in mind that many Italian shops won’t take notes bigger than €50, so try to get smaller ones when you can.

Emergency Contacts

Save these emergency numbers before you get to Salerno – keep them in your phone and write them on a piece of paper for your wallet too. While you can use 112 anywhere in Italy for emergencies, the local Salerno numbers might work quicker when you need help fast.

Main emergency numbers for Salerno:

1. Police (Polizia): 113 – They can help with crimes and safety issues, and some officers speak basic English
2. Medical Emergencies: 118 – Gets you straight through to ambulances and emergency medical help
3. Port Authority (Capitaneria di Porto): +39 089 2587911 – Important if you’re having trouble at the port or need help with cruise-related problems

Worth noting: Most Italian emergency operators mainly speak Italian, so it’s smart to have a translation app ready just in case you need it during an emergency.

History of The Port

The story of Salerno’s port goes back to Roman times in the 4th century BC, when it was already a busy trading spot in the Mediterranean. The place really took off in the Middle Ages under Lombard and Norman rule – it even had a rather famous medical school that drew clever types from all over Europe.

The port got a proper makeover in the 1800s when they made it much bigger. Things went pear-shaped during World War II when the harbour took quite a beating, but it ended up being dead important for the Allies when they landed in Italy in 1943. These days, it’s turned into a popular stop for cruise ships. When Zaha Hadid’s Maritime Terminal opened in 2016, it changed things quite a bit – now bigger ships can dock there, and more tourists can come through.

Environmental Initiatives at The Port

Building on its history, Salerno’s port has gone all-in on being environmentally friendly. You’ll spot modern waste management systems and electric charging points across the terminal, making it one of Italy’s most eco-conscious ports.

The port’s green schemes include:

1. A brilliant “Cold Ironing” system where cruise ships can use shore power instead of their engines, cutting emissions by up to 90% while they’re docked
2. A clever water treatment plant that cleans and reuses all ship wastewater, looking after the Tyrrhenian Sea’s sensitive ecosystem
3. Solar panels on 40% of terminal buildings, creating clean power for daily port work

You can join in with the port’s environmental work too – just use the recycling bins dotted about and pick green transport options when you head into town.

Accessibility Information for Disabled Passengers

The cruise terminal at Salerno has plenty of features to help disabled passengers get around easily. You’ll spot wheelchair ramps at all doors, and lifts to every floor of the building.

If you need a wheelchair to get from the terminal to your ship, the port will sort this out for free – just let them know two days before you arrive. There are disabled parking spots right by the main entrance, and a place to drop people off that’s level with the terminal door.

The building has disabled toilets on all floors, broad corridors that are easy to move through, and lower counters for check-in. For anyone with sight problems, there are raised guidance strips on the floor and Braille signs all over the building.

Cruise Insurance and Medical Facilities at The Port

The port’s medical centre and its easy-to-access facilities mean you’ll get proper care when you need it. There’s a well-equipped clinic near Terminal 2 with multilingual doctors and nurses ready to help with medical problems. It’s really important to get proper cruise insurance before you travel, as Italian healthcare can be quite dear for tourists.

1. Get cruise insurance that includes emergency medical evacuation – it could cost more than £40,000 without proper cover
2. Keep your holiday plans safe from unexpected medical costs – simple travel insurance starts from just £4 per day
3. You’ll feel much better knowing the port’s medical team can work with your insurance company and local hospitals

If you need urgent help, ring the port’s round-the-clock medical emergency number: +39 089 2588.

Families: Child-Friendly Services and Activities

The cruise terminal has three brilliant family areas to keep your kids happy during their stay. There’s a watched-over play space with toys for different ages, gaming spots with consoles, and a small cinema showing cartoons all day.

You’ll spot family loos with baby changing tables and special toilets for little ones. Grab a free pushchair from the info desk, and mums can use a private nursing room. The restaurant serves up child-sized meals and has high chairs ready.

To keep everyone safe, the terminal uses a child tracking system – just ask for a wristband when you arrive. If you fancy a walk into Salerno, there are plenty of family-friendly spots nearby, including the Interactive Maritime Museum and Minerva Gardens.

Local Cultural Highlights and Events

Beyond the family stuff, you can dive right into Salerno’s fantastic cultural scene. The city brims with medieval history, art and lively local customs. The historic centre really comes to life during big festivals, especially during the Luci d’Artista light show from November to January.

1. Watch the incredible Festival of San Matteo in September – thousands of locals celebrate their patron saint with parades, fireworks and traditional music that will make your heart soar.
2. Pop into Teatro Verdi to see brilliant opera shows in a gorgeous 19th-century theatre that feels like stepping back in time.
3. Wander through the monthly antique market in the old town – you’ll spot unique bits and bobs while taking in the lovely mix of street musicians and local craftspeople.

Best Times of Year to Cruise from The Port

Thinking about when to set sail from Salerno? The main cruise season runs from April to October – that’s when you’ll get lovely warm weather without too much rain. It gets properly hot in July and August, hitting about 85°F (29°C), but these months are packed with people and the prices go through the roof.

If you fancy better value and nicer weather for walking about, try spring (April-May) or autumn (September-October) when it’s around 70-75°F (21-24°C) and there aren’t as many tourists about. These months are brilliant for both your wallet and comfort.

Winter cruises between November and March are a bit thin on the ground. Some tourist spots cut their opening hours, and it gets cooler at around 50°F (10°C). Still, if you’re watching the pennies and don’t mind throwing on an extra layer, winter could be right up your street – the prices are at their lowest then.

Frequently Asked Questions

What Is the Average Water Depth at Salerno’s Cruise Ship Berths?

The cruise ship berths at Salerno have about 35-40 feet of water depth, plenty deep enough for most modern cruise ships to dock without any bother. Both mid-sized and larger passenger vessels can easily pop in and out of these berths.

Are There Any Ship Size Restrictions for Vessels Docking at Salerno?

There’s a 300-metre length limit for cruise ships coming into Salerno’s berths. The port can handle most modern cruise vessels, but it’s best to get in touch with the port authorities to know the exact requirements.

Which Cruise Lines Regularly Use Salerno as a Port of Call?

Salerno welcomes more than 50 cruise ships yearly, with MSC Cruises, Costa Cruises and Royal Caribbean making regular stops here. You’ll also see posh cruise lines like Viking, Azamara and Silversea popping in quite often at this lovely Italian harbour.

What Is the Maximum Number of Cruise Ships That Can Dock Simultaneously?

Salerno’s cruise port has room for 2 big cruise ships to dock at the same time at its main terminal. The port was built with this two-ship limit in mind.

How Many Passengers Does Salerno’s Cruise Port Handle Annually?

The port in Salerno welcomes about 500,000 cruise passengers each year. It’s getting busier all the time as more holidaymakers fancy sailing through the Mediterranean on their travels.