After Palermo, Salerno was next — our last port of call.

The Unsung Town of the Amalfi Coast

At the southern base of the Amalfi Coast sits Salerno. When researching this port of call, the vast majority of tours went to various places along the Amalfi Coast or to Pompeii. Having already been to the Amalfi Coast and not wanting a tour with a long drive to Pompeii, we elected to explore Salerno on our own — the unsung town of that coastline. It was very non-touristy and unspoiled. We had a great day despite iffy weather.

Lungomare Trieste: A Seaside Promenade

The first thing you notice as you walk from the pier into town is the lovely Lungomare Trieste — a seaside promenade lined with palm trees, about a mile long. We cut off the promenade up into the town itself, working our way through the streets toward two churches.

The Duomo di Santa Maria degli Angeli

The first was the Duomo di Santa Maria degli Angeli. Unassuming from the outside, the interior was pleasant and lovely, but to be fair seemed somewhat average. Or maybe

The Crypt of Saint Matthew

Underneath is the crypt of Saint Matthew. The church was built on the tomb of St. Matthew, and the crypt is the shrine. There were very few people touring the church and crypt. It was beyond stunning — from the mosaic walls of marble to the frescoes in the ceiling depicting biblical scenes and miracles. We stayed mesmerized for a long time. Breathtaking is an understatement.

Rettoria di San Giorgio

The ticket included another church, Rettoria di San Giorgio. Located in the side of a building, you’d never know it was a church. Beautiful, though partially restored.

Lunch at Pizzeria Giagiu

After the churches, we wandered through the beautiful streets and had lunch at Pizzeria Giagiu. The fried dough appetizer was a great starter to probably some of the best pizza we’ve ever had — light as a feather.

Completely sated, we made our way back to the ship on our last port of call.

Quick Tips for a Salerno Port Day

• Skip the Amalfi Coast or Pompeii tours if you’ve done them before — Salerno itself is walkable, non-touristy, and worth a self-guided day.
• Start with a walk along the Lungomare Trieste — the mile-long, palm-lined promenade is right from the pier.
• Don’t miss the crypt of Saint Matthew under the Duomo di Santa Maria degli Angeli — it’s far more impressive than the church above it, and for us nearly empty.
• Check if your ticket includes Rettoria di San Giorgio — it’s tucked into the side of a building and easy to walk right past.
• Save room for pizza at Pizzeria Giagiu — everything is tasty but don’t skip the pizza itself.