Gusta Marina

A culinary village overlooking the sea

Gusta Marina is the food and wine festival that, at the end of summer, brings life and aromas to the seaside village of Marina di Vietri sul Mare, in the municipality of Vietri sul Mare, in the province of Salerno (Campania). For three evenings, Piazza Monsignor Attilio Della Porta fills with food stalls, outdoor seating, and a stage for live music, just a short walk from the beach and the pier where ferries to Salerno and the Amalfi Coast dock.

The concept behind the event is simple and well-loved in Campanian coastal towns: showcasing local excellence in an informal, popular setting where tasting goes hand-in-hand with entertainment and the rediscovery of the village. The first edition, held from September 12 to 14, 2025, immediately attracted residents, end-of-season tourists, and curious visitors from Salerno.

Tasting specialties

The culinary offering combines the sea, the land, and local pastry traditions, with dishes prepared by local vendors and participating restaurateurs. Specialties served during the first edition included:

• Totani e patate (squid and potatoes), a signature dish of the local maritime cuisine;
• Tubetti con la ricciola (pasta with amberjack) and other seafood pasta dishes;
• Cuoppo fritto (fried seafood cone) and street-food style fried snacks;
• Dunderi vietresi, typical local gnocchi;
• Focaccia and mortadella sandwiches;
• Tagliatelle with cuttlefish and zucchini, seafood risotto, and pasta e fagioli with mussels;
• Spumone, cakes, and artisanal gelato from local pastry shops.

The dishes are paired with draft beer and native Campanian wines, particularly Aglianico and Greco di Tufo: two labels that perfectly reflect the region's hinterland and pair beautifully with the coastal seafood and garden-fresh cuisine.

Music, entertainment, and children's area

Gusta Marina is about more than just food. Each evening features a live music program designed for a wide audience, with tribute concerts, local bands, and themed nights that continue late into the night. In the inaugural edition, the stage hosted the Come Max tribute, the band Vaskom, and a night dedicated to the 1990s.

Next to the performance area, a Kids Area is set up with games and entertainment, making the event suitable for families with children. Access to the square and the shows is free: you only pay for the tastings via tickets purchased on-site.

Who organizes the event

Gusta Marina is promoted by the Pro Loco of Vietri sul Mare, with the patronage of the Municipality of Vietri sul Mare, the UNPLI (National Union of Pro Loco of Italy - Salerno committee), and the Association of Restaurateurs of the City of Vietri Costa d'Amalfi. It is precisely this collaboration between volunteers, the local administration, and restaurant operators that ensures the quality of the food and the organizational success of the event.

Vietri sul Mare, the gateway to the Amalfi Coast

Known worldwide for its artistic ceramics, Vietri sul Mare is the first town on the Amalfi Coast for those arriving from Salerno. Its majolica-tiled domes, pottery workshops, and alleys overlooking the gulf make it a highly attractive destination, while the Marina district retains the identity of a small fishing village, complete with the Due Fratelli beach and the promenade. Participating in Gusta Marina means combining a culinary experience with a stroll through one of the most photographed places in Campania, during a period—mid-September—when the weather is still mild and the summer crowds have already dispersed.

When it takes place

The event takes place in September, on the weekend that ideally closes the beach season. The dates for the new edition have not yet been made official: it is best to follow the social media channels of the Pro Loco of Vietri sul Mare to learn about the program, artists, and access methods as soon as they are announced.