While many travelers tend to overlook Salerno in favor of Naples, the more popular tourist destination to its west, Salerno also has a lot to offer in terms of sightseeing and cultural experiences. The city of Salerno is the capital of Salerno province and it lies inside the Gulf of Salerno on the Tyrrhenian Sea. The city offers many beautiful beaches as well as a wealth of historic buildings and locations.
Salerno’s claim to fame is that it was the location of the world’s first-ever medical university, Schola Medica Salernitana. The city also became a hub for learning, culture, and art after it was destroyed during World War II and then rebuilt. For tourists who just want to relax and soak up some sun, Salerno has some incredible beaches, many gorgeous gardens, and a vibrant promenade that’s great for walking. If you want to get the most out of your time in Salerno, the very best way to do so is by hiring a motor scooter and driving through the city at your own pace.
Here is everything you need to know about renting a scooter in Salerno. Most things here can also be applied if you are renting a motorcycle. This guide includes:
- Where to rent a scooter in Salerno
- Whether it’s safe to drive a motor scooter in Salerno
- Whether you need an international driving permit to hire a scooter in Italy
- The price of scooter hire in Salerno
- The best things to do in Salerno by scooter
Where Can You Find Scooter Hire in Salerno?
If you plan on flying in Salerno Costa d’Amalfi Airport, the main international airport serving Salerno, you probably won’t be able to find a scooter rental shop at the airport terminals. If you want to hire a scooter, you’ll have to go into the city of Salerno and find a shop or book your scooter online and have them deliver it to your accommodation.
If you’re looking for scooter rental within the city of Salerno, the best place to look is the area around the Porto Turistico Masuccio Salernitano, the main port in the city. If you walk around this area, you’ll surely walk by several rental shops. Many of the hotels in Salerno also offer scooter hire, so you may not even have to leave your accommodation to find a rental scooter.
Is Driving a Scooter Around Salerno Safe?
If you plan on driving in Salerno, you should be aware that Italian drivers have a tendency to drive very fast and aggressively. If it’s your first time driving in Italy, make sure to drive slowly and cautiously at first until you get used to the rules of the road. The roads around the city are typically in fairly good condition and the signage is good, but you should always be aware of your surroundings while driving in Salerno.
Many tourists like to do the drive from Sorrento to Salerno by themselves, as the route takes you along the beautiful Amalfi Coast. While Amalfi Drive, the road that goes from Sorrento to Salerno, offers some of the most beautiful vistas in the world, the driving conditions on the road are very dangerous. Many parts of the road sit along steep cliffs with hairpin turns, and drivers along the route are nothing short of reckless. If you plan on making this drive yourself, exercise extreme caution and drive defensively. And even though it’s hard to keep your eyes off the stunning views, never lose sight of the road.
Do You Need an International Driving Permit to Rent a Scooter in Italy?
Unless you are an EU citizen and have a valid driver’s license from an EU country, you will have to obtain an international driving permit if you want to hire a motor scooter anywhere in Italy. Foreign drivers must also carry a copy of their valid driver’s license from their home country in addition to their IDP at all times while operating a motor vehicle in Italy.
If you want to apply for an international driving permit, you can submit your application online here. The application fee is $20 and the permit typically takes about two weeks to arrive in the mail, so you should submit your application at least two weeks prior to departing for Italy. Once you have your permit, it’s valid for one full year.
What Does Scooter Hire Cost in Salerno?
In general, scooter hire in Salerno is fairly affordable compared to other more popular Italian cities. You should be able to find a basic scooter, such as a Kymco People 150, you should be able to find one for under €40 per day. If you want to get the real Italian experience and hire a Vespa, you’ll be looking at paying somewhere around €50 per day.
If you’re looking for something with a bit more power, many of the rental shops around Salerno offer motorcycle rental and car rental as well. Whatever kind of vehicle you choose to drive, check to see with your rental shop that insurance is included in the stated rental price. Driving in a foreign country without insurance can cost you a pretty penny if you get into an accident.
What Are the Best Things To Do in Salerno by Motor Scooter?
Now that you have all the information you need to rent a scooter in Salerno, here are some of the best things to do in the city while you’re there:
Salerno Cathedral
More commonly known as the Duomo, the Salerno Cathedral is one of the most important cultural sites in all of Salerno. The church was built in the 11th century and was dedicated to Saint Matthew, the patron saint of the city of Salerno. The cathedral is an architectural marvel that features impressive facades and ornate arches in the Romanesque style.
The Duomo is located just a 4-minute drive from the center of the city. There is ample parking in the area around the cathedral and there is no admission fee. Once you’re inside, you’ll be in awe of the many religious artifacts and detailed artworks. Also, don’t forget to visit the crypt, which is said to contain the remains of Saint Matthew himself.
Trieste Lungomare
One of the most endearing aspects of Salerno as a city is its location along the coast. One of the best places in the city to feel the Mediterranean breeze and get some great views of the water is the Trieste Lungomare, an impressive promenade that is pristinely maintained. The promenade takes you along the water and stretches right through another popular tourist spot, the Porto Turistico.
To get to the Trieste Lungomare, you just have to take a short drive south from the center of Salerno toward the coast. Once you’re there, you can safely park your scooter and take a leisurely walk through the palm trees, statues, and fountains of the promenade. There are also several food vendors and restaurants in the area, so you can easily find something to eat if your stomach starts to rumble.
Giardino della Minerva
If you’re looking to find some nature within Salerno’s city limits, the Giardino della Minerva. Named after the Roman goddess of wisdom, schools, and art, this public garden is the perfect place to sit down and enjoy a book and a picnic. There are plenty of food vendors in the area, so you can pick up some authentic Italian food and treat yourself to a sunny afternoon among the Giardino della Minerva’s many terraces and botanical gardens.
The garden as a whole contains over 200 different species of plants, and each of the terraces has a unique theme based on a different part of the world. For those who love nature, the Giardino della Minerva is the place to go. The garden is located just a 6-minute drive from the center of the city.
Scooter Around Salerno Like a True Italian
There’s no better way to get a truly authentic Italian experience than to rent a motor scooter and drive around the streets of Salerno. You won’t run into the massive crowds of tourists like you would in Naples, and Salerno still has a ton to offer in terms of culture and history.
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