Having had a not so good hiking experience in Tivat, I was anxious to try my luck again. This time I decided a great hike up to Arechi Castle in Salerno was definitely worth the effort. Turns out…it was amazing!
Trails
I googled and searched for trails before beginning. I had read that there was a clear trail to the top but I had a lot of difficulty trying to figure out where the trail head was.
Using the AllTrails app, I ended up hiking in the direction that a previous hiker had provided of their hike. By literally bumping myself into their trail, I was able to find the path I needed.
This is the record of my hike.
You want to be able to find is where to cross Via Fra. Generoso. There is a small gate there that allows you to enter the base of the hill, in order to hike up to the Castle.
The only part of this hike that was super sketch was crossing a narrow, two-lane road, with no shoulder and at a point where there is a bend in the road. Traffic is moving fast here, and because of the bend, the visibility is not great in either direction.
But alas, this is the only site I could find to get through the fence and into the trail system up the mountain. Even here, there is a gate, so I’m not sure what you would do if you crossed this road only to find that gate in the photo locked. Lucky for me, it was open.
Paths upward
It is so pretty hiking up to the castle. Soaring up above is a canopy of tall Italian pine trees providing ample shade for the hot walk. The ground is golden with the litter of their long needles. And the air, so beautifully fragrant with the scent of pine baking in the hot sun.
At one point a thoughtful previous hiker had laid an arrow of white stones, so following adventurers will not take the wrong direction at this fork.
I just kept walking in an upwards direction and pausing to catch my breath and let my legs rest a little.
Arechi Castle
The prize! Nearing the top, at approximately 1,000 feet above sea level, you will see the beautiful old stone castle! Built in the 700’s by Lombard Duke Arechi II, it has served the city of Salerno as a defensive fort for many centuries.
I was able to walk freely all around the exterior of the castle. At the front doors, at 9am, I entered and went inside the courtyard.
Located here is a lovely restaurant and cafe should you wish to have a cappuccino and goodie. You can sit at the ‘panoramic terrace’ and see the magnificent views of the city of Salerno. It is absolutely breathtaking and beautiful!
There is a small fee, at the time of writing it is €4, to explore the interior of the castle and see the museum. A lovely gent who was sitting at one of the café chairs, allowed me entry free of charge. How sweet is that!
Interior
Headed up a flight of stairs, I was able to explore the interior and top of the castle. I was the only person in the whole site! It is lovely, ancient, beautiful and all things historical.
Views from all vantage points were incredible of course.
I returned back down Bonadies Hill the same way I hiked up. The sunlight coming through the trees was even more beautiful on the way down as the sun was higher in the sky. I would absolutely recommend this hike to anyone visiting Salerno. It is free, it is fun and you will not find better views of the city than at the top of this castle.
