Context and surroundings

Salerno lies at the heart of a gulf blessed with stunning natural beauty and artistic treasures of the highest level — not to mention its cuisine and typical products, from fresh fish to buffalo mozzarella.

The city stands at the center of a wide gulf, framed to the north and south by mountains. To the north lies the Amalfi Coast, world-famous for the charm of its landscapes and the extraordinary beauty of its towns and villages, rich in history, art, and breathtaking views. Think of Amalfi and Ravello, with their churches, villas, and medieval cloisters that recall a glorious past of wealth and artistic sensibility.

South of Salerno stretches the great Sele plain, flat and bordered by sandy beaches — the very same coastline where, on September 9, 1943, Allied forces landed to begin the liberation of continental Europe from Nazi-Fascism. At the heart of the plain lies Paestum, ancient Poseidonia, home to its extraordinary Doric temples and one of the world’s most important archaeological museums. In this same fertile area graze the buffaloes whose milk gives us the most prestigious and delicious local delicacy: buffalo mozzarella.

Just a little further south begins another rocky stretch of coast — the Cilento coast — discovered more recently than the Amalfi Coast, which had already enchanted 19th-century travelers. Cilento is equally captivating, boasting some of the best beaches in Italy. In fact, the Cilento area has the highest concentration of Blue Flag beaches in the entire country, including the islands. But Cilento is also, and especially, an inland and mountainous region. Most Cilento towns are small villages where authenticity and a healthy lifestyle are both visible and tangible. Here, studies on the Mediterranean diet were born, revealing how a balanced diet based on olive oil, vegetables, fruit, and fish leads to a better and longer life.

The province of Salerno lacks nothing: sea, art, culture, a vibrant urban center full of history and amenities, along with exceptional food and tradition. And for those who seek it, even the mountains: the Alburni range, the Gelbison and Cervati massifs, and the Picentini mountains offer splendid mountain landscapes. The Lattari Mountains of the Amalfi Coast also feature trails of great interest, suitable both for casual walkers and seasoned hikers. Many of these trails can even be enjoyed in autumn and winter — the Path of the Gods between Agerola and Positano is an unforgettable trek, both demanding and accessible, offering one of the most magnificent views in the world — truly worthy of the gods.