Latest news with #Campania
Times
2 days ago
- Times
The coastal city that shows off Amalfi without the crowds (or prices)
A thriving port city where elaborate pastel villas back a tree-lined promenade, Salerno is a down-to-earth introduction to the otherwise very swish Amalfi coast in Campania, southwest Italy. Its old town is a neat web of winding, narrow streets, steps and hills, where wine bars, pizzerias and boutiques all vie for your attention. Wealthier than Rome by the 11th century thanks to its strategic trading location, Salerno has prehistoric foundations and a Greek legacy, as can be seen at the well-preserved, Unesco-listed ruins of Paestum. 'Salernum' was founded by the Romans in 197BC, then ruled by the Byzantines, Normans and Napoleon, among others. It was here that the West's first medical school was founded in the 9th century and, in 1943, the base from which the Allies launched Operation Avalanche, their invasion of Italy. It's lively yet laid-back, with the grit of a working city, where fine food, local wines (a crisp white fiano, please), plenty of cycling and hiking, and genuine good value lie within a twisty drive of Amalfi's tumbledown towns. So, why battle busy Naples when Salerno, with its tiny airport, welcoming atmosphere and greater affordability, offers a far smoother gateway to this revered coastline? • Morning Explore museums and galleries• Eat at Vicolo della Neve• Afternoon Arechi Castle• Drink at Dolci Ricordi• Evening Salerno's 11th-century cathedral• Eat at Volta del Fuenti • Morning Take a cruise• Eat at Filtro• Afternoon Beach time• Drink at BAI craft beer• Evening Shopping in the old town• Eat at Embarcadero ● Salerno's story unfolds through the prehistoric, Roman and Hellenistic finds at the compact Archaeological Museum, with its ancient pottery and columns (free; while artwork spanning some 500 years, including a Madonna and Child by Andrea Sabatini, can be found at the hidden away Salerno Art Gallery (free; The Virtual Museum of Salerno's Medical School offers an immersive examination of Europe's first such institution (£4.25; while the medieval aqueduct is an engineering masterpiece. ● Take the No 19 bus or follow the twisting road on foot to reach the remains of the hilltop Arechi Castle. This looming stone construction, dating from the 6th century, houses a small museum within its thick walls, plus plenty of opportunities to wander the ramparts for the spectacular views of the Gulf of Salerno (£4). ● The understated stonework in the courtyard of Salerno's 11th-century cathedral belies an internal medley of marble, sculptures and frescoes. There is also a dazzling collection of gold-leafed Renaissance artwork, medieval artefacts and the city's famed carved ivories in the cathedral's Diocesan Museum (£6; ● Make the most of the city's great location with a few hours of beach time. Find your spot on Scaramella beach, backed by the promenade, amenities and mountains. Loungers are available to rent (£3.50) on the mixture of dark sand and pebbles that gives way to the shallow expanse of the Tyrrhenian Sea. ● As the heat of the day fades, shutters creak open on shop fronts across the old town, where, among some imported tat, there are some great local products. You might be tempted by zesty lemon goods, lace and leatherwork or affordable handmade ceramics, such as those at Sorrentino,which come carefully packaged for the journey home ( ● Pack swimmers and a towel for a six-hour cruise on board Euphoria from Salerno Molo Manfredi port to Positano and back. Bounce along the rocky coastline, taking in the likes of colourful Amalfi and Cetara, passing yachts, historic towers, luxury hotels and coves. Dive into the deep before tucking into the pasta lunch and glass of fizz on board (from £61pp; • 15 of the best tours of Italy for your next getaway Proof, if needed, that you should always ask a local for the best pizza place, this tucked-away trattoria was recommended by a waiter at a neighbouring bar. Ice was once sold beneath its exposed brick arches, but today there is a warm family feel. Renowned for its obscenely good hand-stretched dough, the succulent tomato-based mussel 'soup' and Salerno's signature scazzetta cake seal the deal (pizza from £6; It's near impossible to walk past this inviting wine bar on Via Mercanti without being lured in by its rows of bottles, ceiling covered with hanging ham legs, and outside tables. Ask its enigmatic owner, Ciro Ascione, for a board of freshly sliced prosciutto and Italian cheeses to accompany a local glass or two of fiano (wine from £5; The airy, whitewashed interior of this restaurant, where you can sample the local chef Michele de Blasio's innovative creations, has been chiselled into the side of a cliff and has just a hint of Bond villain lair. To see just why it's been awarded a Michelin star, choose the eight-course Riflessioni tasting menu; it features Campania's finest ingredients, with perfectly al dente ravioli and succulent lamb with pine nuts (tasting menu £166, mains from £30; Behind rustic forest-green metal shutters in the old town lies the café Filtro, the envy of all street corners. Opened in 2024, this minimalist neighbourhood coffee shop serves buttery house-baked pastries and healthy brunches while brewing the silkiest flat whites in town (mains from £8; • 21 of the best places to visit in Italy Choose from a vast array of bottled and draught Italian craft beers at this independent cavelike bar in the throng of the old town. Colourful seating outside makes for a fabulous spot from which to watch the world go by, pint in hand (drinks from £4; Pop down to the promenade for a waterfront table at this contemporary Mediterranean seafood restaurant. Start with the lavish seafood sharing platter, followed by linguine with clams, which pairs perfectly with wine selected by the sommelier. There's a buzzing rooftop bar for afters too (mains from £17; This article contains affiliate links that will earn us revenue Best for shoppingLocated in the vibrant pedestrianised area of the city, close to the railway station, harbour and high street shops, this historic family-run hotel has rooms to suit all budgets. Choose the Terrace Room for a boudoir with an outside view over the terracotta rooftops and be sure to take advantage of the generous continental breakfast buffet (B&B doubles from £160; Sleep like a kingThis characterful apartment in the old town has centuries of history. The stylish interiors here complement the original exposed brickwork, wooden beams and restored floor tiles of what was an 8th-century royal residence. The well-equipped kitchens, shower rooms and floating double beds add a distinctly modern touch (B&B doubles from £59; The suites at this opulently restored 19th-century palazzo in Salerno's old town offer a wild ride back in time. The baroque-style rooms have chandeliers, frescoes and gold walls. Book a room with a balcony for city views before heading into the cool, calm embrace of nearby Salerno Public Gardens, which opened in 1874 (room-only doubles from £156; There are twice-weekly easyJet flights from Gatwick to Salerno Costa d'Amalfi airport. There is a 40-minute bus from the airport to the centre of town for about £4 one way. • How to escape the crowds on the Amalfi coast Walking is the best way to get around Salerno but there are also plenty of buses. If you're exploring Campania, including Pompeii, consider getting a Campania Artecard 3, which includes entrance to two big sites and public transport in Salerno and the wider region (£36; Henton was a guest of easyJet ( Vinto House ( Volta del Fuenti ( Embarcadero ( For more information see Have you visited Salerno? Share your memories in the comments
Yahoo
3 days ago
- Sport
- Yahoo
Ex Juventus & Barcelona Midfielder Predicts ‘Inter Milan & Napoli Lead The Race' For Serie A Title
Former Juventus and Barcelona midfielder Miralem Pjanic believes that Inter Milan and Napoli are the top contenders for the Serie A title. The Bosnian gave his thoughts on the upcoming title race in an interview in today's print edition of Milan-based newspaper Gazzetta dello Sport, via FCInterNews. Last season, the title race in Serie A came down to Napoli and Inter Milan. The Partenopei and the Nerazzurri fought it out until the final day of the campaign. In the end, just a point separated the pair at the top of the table, with the Campanian team prevailing. That suggests that it could be another close-run race next season as well. On the other hand, both Napoli and Inter have been very active in the transfer market this summer. The Partenopei have reinforced with big name signings like Kevin De Bruyne, Noa Lang, and Sam Beukema. And they are likely to make one or two more at least. Meanwhile, Inter have signed the likes of Petar Sucic, Luis Henrique, and Ange-Yoan Bonny, as well as bringing Francesco Pio Esposito back. Furthermore, the Nerazzurri are pushing to sign Ademola Lookman from Atalanta. They will also likely sign a defender before the transfer window ends. Miralem Pjanic: 'Inter & Napoli Leading The Race' For Serie A Title SEATTLE, WASHINGTON – JUNE 21: Cristian Chivu, Head Coach of FC Internazionale Milano, looks on during the FIFA Club World Cup 2025 group E match between FC Internazionale Milano and Urawa Red Diamonds at Lumen Field on June 21, 2025 in Seattle, Washington. (Photo by) There are also other factors to consider. Inter have changed coach, with Cristian Chivu replacing Simone Inzaghi following the latter's decision to step down and earn considerably more at Al-Hilal. Then, Napoli will have to navigate the new challenge of Champions League football after playing just one match per week for all of last season. Then, it is not as though Inter and Napoli are the only team with a credible chance of winning the title. The likes of AC Milan, Juventus, Atalanta, and Roma could certainly have their say. But midfielder Miralem Pjanic replied 'yes' as far as whether Napoli are the favourites. 'They're coming off the back of a brilliant season,' said the 35-year-old. 'Conte worked a miracle.' 'Last season, with the squad they have, Inter should have won the Scudetto.' 'Now the Nerazzurri have changed coach,' noted Pjanic. 'But the team is more or less the same, and that's a positive.' 'And if Lookman comes in it will shift the balance,' added the Bosnian. 'Inter will start again at the front of the race once again, alongside Napoli.'
Yahoo
4 days ago
- Sport
- Yahoo
Legendary Ex AC Milan Coach Predicts ‘Napoli Favourites For Serie A Title – But Inter Milan Closing The Gap With Lookman'
Arrigo Sacchi feels that Napoli are the favourites for the Serie A title, but Inter Milan are 'closing the gap' by signing Ademola Lookman. The legendary former AC Milan and Italy coach gave his thoughts on the upcoming title race in today's print edition of Milan-based newspaper Gazzetta dello Sport, via FCInterNews. Last season, the title race in Serie A came down to Napoli and Inter Milan. The Partenopei and the Nerazzurri fought it out until the final day of the campaign. In the end, just a point separated the pair at the top of the table, with the Campanian team prevailing. That suggests that it could be another close-run race next season as well. On the other hand, both Napoli and Inter have been very active in the transfer market this summer. The Partenopei have reinforced with big name signings like Kevin De Bruyne, Noa Lang, and Sam Beukema. And they are likely to make one or two more at least. Meanwhile, Inter have signed the likes of Petar Sucic, Luis Henrique, and Ange-Yoan Bonny, as well as bringing Francesco Pio Esposito back. Furthermore, the Nerazzurri are pushing to sign Ademola Lookman from Atalanta. They will also likely sign a defender before the transfer window ends. There are also other factors to consider. Inter have changed coach, with Cristian Chivu replacing Simone Inzaghi following the latter's decision to step down and earn considerably more at Al-Hilal. Then, Napoli will have to navigate the new challenge of Champions League football after playing just one match per week for all of last season. Sacchi: 'Napoli Favourites For Serie A, But Inter Closing The Gap With Lookman' TURIN, ITALY – MARCH 09: Ademola Lookman of Atalanta celebrates scoring his team's fourth goal during the Serie A match between Juventus and Atalanta at the Allianz Stadium on March 09, 2025 in Turin, Italy. (Photo by) Former AC Milan coach Arrigo Sacchi writes that 'I'll start by saying I still consider Napoli the favourites for the title.' 'I say this because I'm taking several factors into account,' he continues. 'Napoli are ahead. But Inter could close the gap if they sign Lookman, and have a spectacular title race.' Sacchi writes that Lookman's 'technical and athletic ability are beyond question.' 'He's shown that at Atalanta.' Then, the former Milan coach writes that 'I appreciate Chivu for what he's done at Parma, a team that are particularly dear to me.' 'He kept them up by quickly giving them a clear identity: Organization, determination, a spirit of sacrifice, and great defensive quality.' 'But at Inter it will be a different story,' Sacchi anticipates. 'The Nerazzurri will have to take control of the game, and not just play on the counterattack.' 'So Chivu will have to make some changes compared to what we saw at Parma.' Meanwhile, Sacchi believes that an attacking trident of Lautaro Martinez, Marcus Thuram, and Ademola Lookman is possible. 'But to get that trio on the pitch, the forwards need to work hard in the press,' he warns. 'Otherwise the team will struggle.'
Yahoo
6 days ago
- Sport
- Yahoo
Juve Stabia Preview Official Announcement Of Inter Milan Teenage Sensation On Loan
Serie B club Juve Stabia have previewed the official announcement of Inter Milan forward Giacomo De Pieri signing on loan. The Campanian club have made a social media post hinting at the teenage forward's imminent arrival. Teenager striker Giacomo De Pieri has enjoyed an outstanding season at youth level. View this post on Instagram The 18-year-old was one of the shining lights of Inter's Under-19, or Primavera, team over the course of the campaign. In fact, De Pieri's performances were so impressive that he even earned call-ups to the Nerazzurri's senior squad. And De Pieri was able to make his first team debut for Inter. he came off the bench in a Champions League match against Monaco. Juve Stabia Preview Official Announcement Of Giacomo De Pieri Loan NOVARA, ITALY – OCTOBER 07: Giacomo De Pieri However. Therefore of Italy looks on during the friendly match between Italy U16 and Austria U16 at Novarello Training Center on October 06, 2021 in Novara, Italy. (Photo by) Inter's plan is not to make De Pieri a part of their new Under-23 team next season. Rather, the Nerazzurri will send him out on loan. They feel that he is ready for a season in Serie B to start finding his feet in the senior game. That would be similar to the development of Francesco Pio Esposito. He spent two seasons at Spezia in the second division. And it is now very clear which club will bring De Pieri in next season. Serie B side Juve Stabia have already completed the agreement with Inter. And they have strongly hinted at the imminent arrival of the 19-year-old on Instagram.
News.com.au
6 days ago
- News.com.au
Travel influencer disses popular European city, slamming it as ‘chaotic' and ‘full of trash'
A travel influencer has slammed a popular Italian city, describing it as 'trashy'. Marek Pukas, 28, shared a 13-second video on social media showing the streets of Naples littered with rubbish and overflowing planters, questioning: 'Most disappointing city in Italy?' Pukas, who praised Italy's 'beauty, charm and care,' said Naples stood out for all the wrong reasons. 'I've seen a lot of places across this country, but I've never seen streets so full of trash,' he said. 'It was messy, chaotic, and, honestly, hard to enjoy.' The influencer was on a June road trip with friends, visiting Bari, Polignano a Mare, Alberobello, Positano, and Sorrento before arriving in the historic foodie destination. 'I was super excited, because Naples is the capital city of pizza,' he explained. 'So we got there, and it was quite chaotic. Italy is chaotic, but this city was all over the place.' It was so bad that his group left after two hours due to safety concerns. 'We were already kind of scared, because in that parking spot there were a few cars with broken windshields, so it made us think,' Pukas said. 'But we still went to explore a bit. And that's where all the dirt began.' He admitted that he might have been in the wrong area of the city, but it wasn't for his group. 'I don't know what part of the city we were in, but it wasn't like the Italy I knew,' he said. 'It was dirty, trash everywhere, people selling pretty much everything at some random markets.' Instead, the group decided to head back to their stay in Pompei. 'All of the cities we visited before were stunning, but that one place just wasn't it,' Pukas said.
