Hotel Olimpico sits in Pontecagnano Faiano, just south of Salerno, at a point where the Amalfi Coast, the Cilento and the city itself all converge within a short distance. It is one of the few locations along this stretch of coastline where you can reach Amalfi by ferry in half an hour, visit the Greek temples of Paestum in the morning, and be back at the pool by early afternoon, without a car, if you prefer.
Amalfi and Positano by Ferry
The most practical way to reach the Amalfi Coast from Hotel Olimpico is by sea. The hotel’s free shuttle drops guests directly at Salerno port, where regular ferries depart for the coast throughout the day in season.
Amalfi is 8 nautical miles from Salerno and reachable in approximately 30 minutes by ferry, faster than driving the coastal road in high season, and considerably more pleasant. Positano is further along the coast, around 27 nautical miles from Salerno, with a crossing time of approximately 1 hour and 45 minutes.
Taking the ferry rather than a car or bus makes a real difference on the Amalfi Coast. The road is narrow, winding and heavily trafficked in summer; arriving by sea means stepping directly into the village centres, with no parking to find and no traffic to sit in.
Capri is also reachable by ferry from Salerno port, making it a realistic day trip from the hotel.
Paestum: 33 Minutes by Car
Paestum, home to three of the best-preserved Greek temples in the world, is 24 kilometres south of the hotel, about 33 minutes by car along the coast road. It is an easy half-day excursion, often overlooked by visitors who focus exclusively on the Amalfi Coast but consistently rewarding for those who make the trip.
The hotel does not run a shuttle to Paestum directly. Guests with a car can drive independently using the free on-site parking. Paestum is also reachable by train from Salerno station, the hotel’s free shuttle connects to the station, making it a straightforward option for guests without a car.
Salerno Airport: 8 Minutes
Salerno Costa d’Amalfi Airport is 6 kilometres from the hotel, approximately 8 minutes by car. It serves a growing number of European destinations and makes Hotel Olimpico a practical first and last night for fly-drive itineraries across the region. Transfer from the airport can be arranged; contact the hotel directly for current options.
Salerno City Centre: 22 Minutes
The centre of Salerno is 13 kilometres from the hotel, reachable in around 22 minutes. The free hotel shuttle connects guests to both the main train station and the port, covering the two most useful arrival and departure points in the city. From the station, connections run north to Naples and south along the Cilento coast.
Salerno itself is worth an evening. The medieval old town, the seafront promenade and the Cathedral of San Matteo are all within easy reach, and far less crowded than the Amalfi Coast villages in peak season.
Getting Around Without a Car
The shuttle, the ferry network and the train station together make it possible to spend a week at Hotel Olimpico without renting a vehicle. A typical itinerary might look like this: ferry to Amalfi on day one, ferry to Positano on day two, train to Naples or Pompeii on day three, car hire for Paestum on day four. The hotel sits at the centre of all of it.
For guests who do drive, free uncovered parking is available within the hotel grounds throughout the stay.
At a Glance: Distances from Hotel Olimpico
Amalfi: 30 min by ferry from Salerno port (free shuttle to port included)
Positano : approx. 1h 45min by ferry from Salerno port
Paestum: 33 min by car (24 km)
Salerno city centre: 22 min (13 km, free shuttle to station and port)
Salerno Costa d’Amalfi Airport : 8 min (6 km)
Capri: reachable by ferry from Salerno port (seasonal service)
Frequently Asked Questions
How far is the Amalfi Coast from Hotel Olimpico? The closest point of the Amalfi Coast is reachable by ferry in around 30 minutes. The hotel’s free shuttle takes guests to Salerno port, where ferries depart regularly for Amalfi, Positano and Capri during the season.
Can I visit Paestum from Hotel Olimpico? Yes. Paestum is 24 kilometres south of the hotel, about 33 minutes by car. Guests with a car can drive independently using the free on-site parking. Paestum is also reachable by train from Salerno station, which is served by the hotel’s free shuttle.
Is it easy to visit the Amalfi Coast without a car? Yes. The free hotel shuttle connects to Salerno port (for ferries) and the train station. From the port, ferries reach Amalfi in 30 minutes and Positano in around 1 hour and 45 minutes. Most of the main destinations in the region are accessible without driving.
How far is Salerno Airport from the hotel? Salerno Costa d’Amalfi Airport is approximately 6 kilometres away, about 8 minutes by car. Contact the hotel directly for airport transfer options.
Is parking free at Hotel Olimpico? Yes. Free uncovered private parking is available on site for all guests who arrive by car.
