When most travelers land in Salerno, their eyes are set firmly west—toward the glimmering Amalfi Coast, the pastel towns hugging the cliffs, and the siren call of Capri. But what if you turned the other way? What if, instead of chasing the coastline, you pointed your car inland and followed the scent of wood smoke, wild herbs, and quiet mountain air?
Welcome to the lesser-known Italy, where life slows down, landscapes shift from sea to forest, and every hilltop hides a story.
Why Go Inland from Salerno?
Salerno is more than just a springboard to the sea. Nestled between the Tyrrhenian coast and the Apennine Mountains, it's the perfect base for spontaneous road trips into the heart of Campania.
And here’s the magic: within 30 minutes of leaving Salerno, you’ll find yourself driving through green valleys, ancient olive groves, and villages that feel untouched by time. No crowds. No overpriced espresso. Just the rhythm of rural life—and a whole new side of southern Italy.
If you're arriving without a car, finding a car hire in Salerno Italy is easy, with several reputable providers offering affordable daily rates and unlimited mileage—ideal for exploring these lesser-known gems at your own pace.
Head ten minutes north of Salerno, and you’ll stumble upon Cava de’ Tirreni, a medieval town with a long central street shaded by porticoes. It's like a miniature Bologna but with the scent of lemons and the echo of distant church bells.
Stop for a slow coffee at a café under the arches, then hike up to the Abbey of La Trinità della Cava, a hidden monastery nestled in the hills since the 11th century. Monks still live here, and their silence adds weight to the air.
As you drive east along winding roads, the air changes. Cooler. Earthier. You’ve entered Monti Picentini, a protected mountain park full of chestnut woods, mountain goats, and rivers so clean you can see trout darting beneath the surface.
This is a place to slow down and wander.
Stop in villages like Giffoni Valle Piana, best known for its international film festival but quietly proud of its hazelnuts, or Acerno, where forest paths lead you into silence and birdsong.
If you're hungry (and you will be), follow the scent of wood ovens and grilled sausage to Calvanico, a village of less than 2,000 people where every nonna seems to bake bread and make wine.
Ask for cavatelli con cinghiale (pasta with wild boar), and if you're lucky enough to be here in autumn, join a chestnut festival in nearby Montella—the unofficial chestnut capital of Italy.
Not all surprises inland are sweet. Some are eerie. Romagnano al Monte, once a thriving village, was completely destroyed by the 1980 Irpinia earthquake. Today, its abandoned buildings sit on a mountainside like an open-air museum of tragedy.
Walking through the cracked facades and silent streets is sobering—but also strangely beautiful. Nature has crept back in. Ivy climbs the ruins. Wind whistles through empty windows.
And while it's not on most tourist maps, it’s a reminder of how Italy’s past still lingers in the land.
Unlike the packed hotels of Amalfi, inland Campania offers family-run farmhouses (agriturismos) that blend rustic charm with homemade pasta and local wine.
Try:
Tenuta Montelaura (Forino) – a great base for wine lovers and close to both mountains and Salerno.
If you're still looking for a reliable rental option, addCar has convenient locations and offers flexible pick-up times—perfect for impromptu road trips that start in the city but end somewhere magical in the hills.
It’s easy to see why most travelers flock to the Amalfi Coast—and if that’s what you came for, go ahead and enjoy it. But don’t stop there. Inland Campania offers a raw, real, and utterly rewarding Italian experience, far from the postcard crowds.
So next time you land in Salerno, consider turning your wheel toward the mountains. Follow the winding roads, the scent of roasting chestnuts, and the laughter echoing through stone alleys. The unexpected adventures are waiting—just a short drive away.
