Vietri sul Mare
Latest page update: 11 June 2025
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By: Dion Protani
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Where is
Where is Vietri sul Mare?
Situated just a stone's throw from Salerno, Vietri sul Mare marks the eastern extremity of the Amalfi Coast, making it a good place to either end or begin your tour of the region.
While Positano can be considered as the western gateway to the Amalfi Coast, Vietri sul Mare at the opposite end is very much the eastern equivalent. This is another picture postcard location with Salerno's port offering the backdrop to Vietri's historic centre. |
Comune di Vietri sul Mare
What People Ask About Vietri sul Mare, Amalfi Coast
Is Vietri sul Mare worth visiting?
Yes, Vietri sul Mare is worth visiting for its famous ceramics, colourful streets, and coastal views. As the eastern gateway to the Amalfi Coast, it combines artistic tradition with access to beaches and scenic hillside walks.
What are the main attractions in Vietri sul Mare?
Main attractions include the Church of San Giovanni Battista with its tiled dome, the Museo della Ceramica, and local shops selling hand-painted ceramics. The Marina di Vietri beach and viewpoints from the upper town are also popular with visitors.
How do I get to Vietri sul Mare?
Vietri sul Mare has its own train station with regional services from Salerno and Naples. It’s also accessible by car via the SS163 Amalfi Coast road or by bus from Salerno. Ferries to nearby coastal towns operate during the summer months.
What is Vietri sul Mare known for?
Vietri sul Mare is known for its ceramic production, especially brightly coloured tiles and pottery. It’s the traditional ceramics capital of the Amalfi Coast and features artistic façades, workshops, and a heritage of craftsmanship dating back centuries.
When is the best time to visit Vietri sul Mare?
The best time to visit Vietri sul Mare is from May to September, when the weather is ideal for walking, shopping, and beach visits. Spring and early summer are especially good for enjoying the town’s artistic atmosphere and coastal scenery.
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Discover
Discover Vietri sul Mare
The most obvious attraction to Vietri sul Mare is its large sandy beach but the town is more famous for its ceramics which have been produced there since medieval times.
The main shopping streets are dominated by shops selling these ceramics and there's also a museum where you can learn more about it called the Museo della Ceramica Vietrese which opens Tuesday to Sunday from 09:00 to 15:00 (closed on Mondays).
Apart from the ceramics there's also a large seafront with a sandy beach. This is a popular area of the town during the summer with bars and restaurants making for a lively atmosphere both during the daytime and in the evenings.
Attractions within the town include the 17th century Church of St John the Baptist replete with its pretty Majolica tiles.
Vietri is situated a very short distance from Salerno, if you stand at the eastern edge of the beach you'll easily see the shipyards and docks of the neighbouring city which is the provincial capital.
With its train station Vietri sul Mare is one of the easiest places to reach along the Amalfi Coast. The train line connects to Naples in one direction and Salerno in the other. There are also buses running in both directions while visiting by car couldn't be easier with access from the main Amalfi Coast Road.
The main shopping streets are dominated by shops selling these ceramics and there's also a museum where you can learn more about it called the Museo della Ceramica Vietrese which opens Tuesday to Sunday from 09:00 to 15:00 (closed on Mondays).
Apart from the ceramics there's also a large seafront with a sandy beach. This is a popular area of the town during the summer with bars and restaurants making for a lively atmosphere both during the daytime and in the evenings.
Attractions within the town include the 17th century Church of St John the Baptist replete with its pretty Majolica tiles.
Vietri is situated a very short distance from Salerno, if you stand at the eastern edge of the beach you'll easily see the shipyards and docks of the neighbouring city which is the provincial capital.
With its train station Vietri sul Mare is one of the easiest places to reach along the Amalfi Coast. The train line connects to Naples in one direction and Salerno in the other. There are also buses running in both directions while visiting by car couldn't be easier with access from the main Amalfi Coast Road.
Things to Do
Things to Do in Vietri sul Mare
- Centro Storico and Ceramics Workshops form the artistic heart of Vietri sul Mare, known for its centuries-old tradition of hand-painted ceramics. The old town includes narrow streets, tiled façades, and artisan studios selling colourful plates, vases, and decorative tiles, many featuring coastal and floral motifs.
- Duomo di San Giovanni Battista stands at the centre of the historic district and is easily recognised by its bright, majolica-tiled dome. The church dates to the 17th century and features a baroque interior with ornate altars and frescoes. Its bell tower and decorative exterior are typical of local ceramic craftsmanship.
- Spiaggia di Marina di Vietri is the town’s main beach, a wide stretch of sand and shingle at the base of the cliffs. Easily accessible from the town above, the beach includes both free zones and equipped lidos, with calm water suitable for swimming and views toward the Amalfi Coast.
- Villa Comunale di Vietri offers terraced gardens overlooking the sea, decorated with ceramic sculptures, benches, and balustrades. The public garden provides a quiet place to walk and enjoy coastal views, particularly at sunset or during the warmer months.
- Museo della Ceramica Vietrese is housed in the 18th-century Villa Guariglia, located in the nearby village of Raito. The museum exhibits a collection of historical and contemporary ceramic pieces, tracing the evolution of local design and technique. The villa’s terrace also offers views over the Gulf of Salerno.
Vietri sul Mare Tours and Activities
Where to Stay
Where to Stay in Vietri sul Mare
- Hotel Voce del Mare is situated along the coastal road, offering panoramic views of the Tyrrhenian Sea. This hotel features rooms with private balconies overlooking the sea, an on-site restaurant serving Mediterranean cuisine, and a terrace where guests can enjoy the sunset. Its location provides easy access to the beach and the town center.
- Hotel Raito Wellness & SPA is perched on a hilltop in Raito, a hamlet of Vietri sul Mare, offering sweeping views of the Amalfi Coast. The hotel boasts elegantly furnished rooms, multiple dining options, an infinity pool, and a wellness center with a heated indoor pool. Its tranquil setting is ideal for those seeking relaxation while being a short drive from Vietri's ceramics shops and beaches.
- Palazzo Suriano Heritage Hotel is nestled in the historic village of Raito, this 18th-century palazzo has been meticulously restored to offer luxurious accommodations. The hotel features frescoed ceilings, antique furnishings, lush terraced gardens, and rooms with sea-view balconies. Its proximity to local attractions and the beach makes it a perfect blend of culture and leisure.
- Relais Paradiso is located in a secluded area near Vietri sul Mare, this boutique hotel offers contemporary rooms with private terraces overlooking the sea. Amenities include an outdoor pool, a gourmet restaurant, and a complimentary shuttle service to the nearby beach and town center. Its intimate atmosphere is ideal for couples seeking a romantic getaway.
- Hotel La Lucertola is positioned directly on the seafront, this hotel offers modern rooms with floor-to-ceiling windows and balconies that provide uninterrupted sea views. Guests can enjoy the private beach area, on-site restaurant, and proximity to Vietri sul Mare's vibrant ceramics district. Its beachfront location is perfect for travelers looking to immerse themselves in coastal life.
Photo Gallery
Vietri sul Mare Photo Gallery
Places Close to [Place Name]
Places Close to Vietri sul Mare
- Salerno (approx. 5 km northeast of Vietri sul Mare): The provincial capital, Salerno offers a mix of modern and historic attractions. Visitors can explore the medieval Arechi Castle, which overlooks the city, or stroll along the beautiful seafront promenade. The town’s historic centre features charming squares, the impressive Salerno Cathedral, and a range of shops and cafes, making it a lively spot for both culture and relaxation.
- Cetara (approx. 10 km west of Vietri sul Mare): A small, traditional fishing village, Cetara is known for its authentic coastal charm and local seafood dishes. The town is famous for its anchovy-based products, including the renowned “colatura di alici.” With its picturesque harbour, narrow streets, and peaceful atmosphere, Cetara offers a more tranquil alternative to the larger towns on the Amalfi Coast.
- Amalfi (approx. 20 km west of Vietri sul Mare): A historic town famed for its stunning cathedral, the Duomo di Sant'Andrea, and its vibrant seafront. Amalfi offers a mix of narrow streets, charming piazzas, and local shops. The town’s central location makes it an ideal base for exploring the rest of the Amalfi Coast, while its picturesque harbour is perfect for enjoying the coastal views.
- Positano (approx. 40 km west of Vietri sul Mare): Known for its dramatic cliffside setting, Positano is one of the most beautiful and photographed towns on the Amalfi Coast. The town’s pastel-coloured buildings cascade down to the beach, and its narrow streets are lined with boutique shops and cafes. Positano offers a blend of beach relaxation, shopping, and fine dining, with stunning views over the Mediterranean.
- Ravello (approx. 25 km west of Vietri sul Mare): A hilltop town known for its spectacular views of the Amalfi Coast, Ravello is home to beautiful villas and gardens, including the famous Villa Rufolo and Villa Cimbrone. The town also hosts the renowned Ravello Festival, attracting music and arts enthusiasts from around the world. Ravello’s serene atmosphere and breathtaking panoramas make it a perfect spot for both cultural exploration and relaxation.
Campania Top 10 - My Recommended Destinations in Campania
1. Ischia
2. Capri
3. Sorrento
4. Positano
5. Amalfi
6. Pompeii
7. Ravello
8. Naples
9. Royal Palace of Caserta
10. Paestum
👉 Explore the Top 10 Places to Visit in Campania
1. Ischia
2. Capri
3. Sorrento
4. Positano
5. Amalfi
6. Pompeii
7. Ravello
8. Naples
9. Royal Palace of Caserta
10. Paestum
👉 Explore the Top 10 Places to Visit in Campania
How to Get to [Place Name]
How to Get to Vietri sul Mare
By Rail: Vietri sul Mare has its own train station, located on the Naples–Salerno line and served by Trenitalia regional trains. Services run frequently between Naples, Salerno, and Vietri sul Mare, with journey times of approximately 10 minutes from Salerno and 1 hour and 10 minutes from Naples. The station is situated close to the town centre, within walking distance of the beach and local attractions.
By Road: Vietri sul Mare is the eastern gateway to the Amalfi Coast, located just 4 kilometres west of Salerno and around 55 kilometres south-east of Naples. The town is accessible via the SS18 and the coastal SS163 roads. The drive from Salerno takes about 10 minutes, while the journey from Naples takes approximately 1 hour. Public parking is available in and around the town centre, including car parks near the beach and ceramic shops.
Nearest International Airports:
Ferry Connections:
By Road: Vietri sul Mare is the eastern gateway to the Amalfi Coast, located just 4 kilometres west of Salerno and around 55 kilometres south-east of Naples. The town is accessible via the SS18 and the coastal SS163 roads. The drive from Salerno takes about 10 minutes, while the journey from Naples takes approximately 1 hour. Public parking is available in and around the town centre, including car parks near the beach and ceramic shops.
Nearest International Airports:
- Naples Airport (Aeroporto di Napoli-Capodichino): Located around 55 kilometres north-west of Vietri sul Mare, the drive takes approximately 1 hour. The airport offers a wide range of domestic and international connections.
- Salerno Airport (Aeroporto di Salerno-Costa d’Amalfi): Situated roughly 60 kilometres east of Vietri sul Mare, the journey takes about 1 hour and 10 minutes. The airport has limited seasonal services.
Ferry Connections:
- Salerno: Vietri sul Mare is served by seasonal ferry services from Salerno, operated by Travelmar. The ferry terminal in Salerno (Molo Manfredi) is just a short taxi or bus ride from Vietri, with onward connections to Amalfi, Positano, and Capri.
- Amalfi and Positano: Ferries can be boarded in nearby Salerno, with journey times of around 35 minutes to Amalfi and 70 minutes to Positano.
- Capri: Seasonal services from Salerno to Capri are available daily during the summer, with a travel time of approximately 1 hour and 30 minutes. These can be accessed easily from Vietri by first reaching Salerno.