We are on a cruise and have 1 day each in Salerno and Portofino. Doing some research, it looks like Salerno has a nice port to walk around, have some lunch and drinks? I haven't read much about Portofino. Any suggestions, must see's or must do's in these port would be greatly appreciated. We're not into crowds so I'm hoping we can get away from them. We have about 10 hours in each port. Thanks all!
Posted by
Gettysburg PA
9182 posts
From Salerno you could visit Paestum by train or the AC towns by ferry
But Salerno itself is also delightful to walk around, see the historical center, has a nice beach to walk along
Best gelato at Bar Nettune
Portofino doesn’t have much to see other than shops
You could hike up to the church
Posted by
San Diego, California, USA
2003 posts
Salerno offers good access to Paestum, Pompeii and Naples (35 minutes by train) and ferry/bus access to the Amalfi coast.
If you stay in Salerno I would recommend looking to in the art and poetry alleys in the oldest section of town. It is a fun exploring experience. Also Salerno is unusual in Italy because it is a coastal town but also features land based menus because of the connections to the Campania food traditions. Anything made with the tomato sauce will be amazing.
I believe the cruise port will put you in near the Stazione Marittima di Salerno which is probably about 2k away from the train and ferry station that are on the other end of town. It is a pleasant walk in town but there is also many buses that run up and down the coastal road that should help if you need to get back.
Enjoy Salerno,
=Tod
Posted by
Coral Gables, Florida
528 posts
In Portofino you can walk up to Castello Brown and the lighthouse for nice views. The Portofino walk to and from Santa Margherita Ligure is nice.
I would first go to Castello Brown and the lighthouse, then take the bus to Santa Margherita, hang out there for a couple of hours, and then walk back to Portofino along the coast.
Posted by
CA, USA
1425 posts
Portofino has a nice harbor and lots of very expensive yachts parked there, not much else. The town you want to visit is about 3 miles away by foot. Santa Margherita Ligure has nice shops, a pedestrian-only core, great restaurants. We walked between the towns but there may be taxis available. You can find plenty of info about it online and also walking tour videos on YouTube to decide if it's right for you.
Posted by
Gettysburg PA
9182 posts
You can take ferry from Portfono to SML
Some very good restarants there
Pretty harbor, pretty church
Could easily see a bit of both towns in 10 hours
Posted by
847 posts
I wouldn’t want to spend 10 hours in Portofino, so I would get on the bus and go either south to other jam packed towns such as Amalfi, less jam packed town such as Minori, or north to Sorrento and fight the crowds there. The best part may just be the bus ride which can be rather exciting and definitely beautiful. Just be sure to get a seat on the right going south and on the left going north.
Posted by
Gettysburg PA
9182 posts
I wouldn’t want to spend 10 hours in Portofino, so I would get on the
bus and go either south to other jam packed towns such as Amalfi, less
jam packed town such as Minori, or north to Sorrento
bolding mine
Pretty sure this poster means Salerno not Portofino
Posted by
San Diego, California, USA
2003 posts
I think he probably read Portofino as Positano - which makes sense in a discussion of the AC and Salerno.
It happens, but no I can't recommend visiting Amalfi by from Portofino. ;)
=Tod