Cilento: Southern Italy's undiscovered treasure

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Cilento National Park: discover the hidden gem of southern Italy, with its ancient villages, archaeological sites, and stunning natural beauty

  • Photo of Cilento: Southern Italy's undiscovered treasure
  • >Photo of Cilento: Southern Italy's undiscovered treasure
  • Photo of Cilento: Southern Italy's undiscovered treasure
  • Photo of Cilento: Southern Italy's undiscovered treasure
  • Photo of Cilento: Southern Italy's undiscovered treasure
  • Photo of Cilento: Southern Italy's undiscovered treasure
  • Photo of Cilento: Southern Italy's undiscovered treasure
  • Photo of Cilento: Southern Italy's undiscovered treasure
  • Photo of Cilento: Southern Italy's undiscovered treasure
  • Photo of Cilento: Southern Italy's undiscovered treasure

The Cilento is a great destination for a relaxing beach vacation, an active outdoor adventure, or a cultural experience.

The Cilento National Park, Vallo di Diano and Alburni is located in the southern part of Campania, in the province of Salerno. It stretches from the Tyrrhenian coast to the foothills of the Campania-Lucanian Apennines, covering 80 municipalities and 8 mountain communities. The park has a lot to offer visitors, including the beautiful archaeological sites of Paestum and Velia, two ancient Greek cities, the archaeological area of Marina di Camerota with its prehistoric caves, historic centers such as Castellabate, Castel San Lorenzo, Teggiano and Agropoli, and medieval villages such as San Severino and Pisciotta. The natural wonders of the park include spectacular caves, such as those of Castelcivita and Capo Palinuro, which offer a unique underground exploration experience.

There are also natural oases of great beauty, such as the Foce Sele - Tanagro nature reserve, which protects vital habitats for many species of birds and animals. The Cilento coast stretches along a stretch of sea of about 100 kilometers, dotted with a wide variety of inlets, bays, beaches of fine sand and pebbles, jagged cliffs, and suggestive sea caves. The beauty of the Cilento coast lies in its variety and the alternation of natural landscapes, which offer spectacular and breathtaking scenery, with crystal-clear waters that invite relaxation and swimming. In addition, many of the beaches of the Cilento have been awarded the "Blue Flag" for their excellent quality of water and services offered to tourists. The most famous beaches, such as the "Bay of Buondormire", the "Bay of Infreschi", the "Cala Bianca" beach, and Punta Licosa, are real pearls that deserve to be visited. A special mention is due to the coastal stretch of Palinuro. Here, the beaches are surrounded by high cliffs that offer a spectacular view of the Gulf of Palinuro. Among the most famous sea caves in the area are the Blue Grotto, which is accessible only by sea, and the Cave of Bones, which takes its name from the remains of prehistoric animals that have been found inside.

The Cilento is a perfect destination for outdoor sports enthusiasts. Its unspoiled nature and geographical location make it ideal for many sports activities, such as trekking, mountain biking, canyoning, and rafting. Trekking is one of the most popular activities. The numerous trails, which wind through breathtaking landscapes, allow visitors to discover the natural beauty of this area, from the mountains to the hinterland, from historic villages to archaeological sites. One of the most famous bike routes is "La Via Silente", a route of over 100 kilometers that crosses forests, mountains, and rural landscapes. Canyoning is another exciting activity to try in the Cilento. One of the most suitable areas for this activity is the Calore Valley, which extends between the municipalities of Felitto, Magliano Vetere, and Castelcivita. Here, it is possible to dive, walk along the rivers, and rappel down waterfalls. The Cilento is a true paradise for gourmets and food lovers. Its traditional cuisine is based on fresh, high-quality ingredients, including olive oil, vegetables, meat, and fish, which are used to create tasty and flavorful dishes. The area is famous for its production of cheeses such as mozzarella di bufala, ricotta, and caciocavallo, which are used in many of the local recipes. In addition, the Cilento is known for its production of fine wines, such as Aglianico del Cilento, which can be tasted at the numerous wineries in the area. The Cilento also offers a wide range of food and wine festivals throughout the year, where visitors can taste traditional local dishes and discover the culinary delights of the area. Each municipality has its own festival or fair dedicated to a typical product, such as the white fig, the fusilli pasta, or fish, offering a unique and authentic culinary experience.

Where to stay in Cilento

Accommodations for holidays in Cilento.

Villa Paola

villas in Casal Velino

Holiday villa in the Cilento hills with sea views, garden, terrace and parking near the coast.

  • hotel Rooms 2
  • group Guests 6
  • beach_access Beach 2500m
  • place Center 3000m
  • tv
  • local_laundry_service
  • yard
  • local_parking
  • chimney
  • equipped kitchen
  • hi-fi system
  • linen on request for a fee
  • solarium terrace
  • tv
  • washing machine
  • garden
  • reserved parking
  • panoramic terrace
  • pets allowed in the garden

Il Nido della Rondine

residences in Pollica

Apartments in Pollica village, South Italy, near Acciaroli. Panoramic views, historic center location and easy access to the Cilento Coast.

  • beach_access Beach 6000m
  • place Center 20m

from € 57 to € 128 per night

  • ac_unit
  • air conditioning
  • dishwasher
  • linen on request for a fee
  • phon
  • refrigerator
  • tv
  • washing machine

Residence Hotel Santa Clara

residences in Marina di Camerota

Stay at the Hotel & Residence Santa Clara in Marina di Camerota. Comfortable rooms and villas, surrounded by nature and just a short distance from the sea...

  • beach_access Beach 250m
  • place Center 900m

from € 40 to € 60 per night

  • ac_unit
  • local_parking
  • local_bar
  • pets
  • child_friendly

Mezzatorre

apartments in San Mauro Cilento

Apartment for rent in Mezzatorre di San Mauro Cilento, just 30 meters from the sandy beach and a two-minute drive from the center of Acciaroli. It can comfortably accommodate up to 6 people, making it ideal for families or groups of friends.

  • hotel Rooms 2
  • group Guests 6
  • beach_access Beach 30m
  • place Center 1500m
  • ac_unit
  • wifi
  • tv
  • local_laundry_service
  • local_parking
  • air conditioning
  • bathrooms (2)
  • bed and bath linen available upon request (for a fee)
  • dishwasher
  • free wifi
  • fully equipped kitchen
  • sofa bed
  • terraces
  • tv
  • washing machine
  • parking space

Where to stay in Cilento: view holiday homes, hotels, bed and breakfasts and farmhouses where you can spend your holidays.

Cilento: Southern Italy's undiscovered treasure: useful information

The Cilento is an ideal tourist destination all year round, but the best seasons to visit are spring and autumn, when the climate is mild and the temperatures are pleasant. In summer, the climate can be very hot and humid, but it is the perfect time to enjoy the sea and the beaches. If you want to visit only the main tourist attractions such as the beaches, the archaeological sites and the historic villages, a stay of 3-4 days may be sufficient. However, if you want to explore the national park in depth, go hiking, do outdoor activities and discover the small hidden villages, then it is advisable to plan a longer stay, of at least a week or more. In any case, it is important to plan your trip carefully and choose the attractions to visit carefully, so that you can make the most of your time.

Cilento Park: www.cilentoediano.it
Archaeological areas of Velia and Paestum: www.museopaestum.beniculturali.it
Padula Charterhouse: www.certosadipadula.org
Castelcivita caves: www.grottedicastelcivita.com

The Cilento is an ideal tourist destination all year round, but the best seasons to visit are spring and autumn, when the climate is mild and the temperatures are pleasant. In summer, the climate can be very hot and humid, but it is the perfect time to enjoy the sea and the beaches. If you want to visit only the main tourist attractions such as the beaches, the archaeological sites and the historic villages, a stay of 3-4 days may be sufficient. However, if you want to explore the national park in depth, go hiking, do outdoor activities and discover the small hidden villages, then it is advisable to plan a longer stay, of at least a week or more. In any case, it is important to plan your trip carefully and choose the attractions to visit carefully, so that you can make the most of your time.

Cilento Park: www.cilentoediano.it
Archaeological areas of Velia and Paestum: www.museopaestum.beniculturali.it
Padula Charterhouse: www.certosadipadula.org
Castelcivita caves: www.grottedicastelcivita.com

Geographic location

The best way to reach the Cilento depends on your starting point and your travel preferences. In general, you can reach the Cilento by car, train, or plane. By car, you can take the A3 Salerno-Reggio Calabria motorway, exit at Battipaglia, and then follow the signs for the Cilento. By train, you can take the train to the stations of Agropoli or Paestum, which are located in the Cilento area. If you want to arrive by plane, you can take a flight to Naples or Salerno airport, and then take a train or bus to the Cilento. Once you arrive in the area, it is advisable to rent a car to get around easily and visit all the attractions that the Cilento has to offer.

Distance from Salerno: 55 km, approximately 1 hour by car
Distance from Naples: 100 km, approximately 1 hour and 48 minutes by car

Information request

The request is for the owners of the structures of Cilento: Southern Italy's undiscovered treasure

Other lodgings nearby

Check out other available accommodations in Cilento: Southern Italy's undiscovered treasure: rooms and apartments for rent for holidays in Cilento.

  • Dominella

    apartments in Casal Velino

    Apartment with pool, terrace and air conditioning near the sea in Cilento National Park, ideal for discovering South Italy....

    • Rooms: 1 -
    • Guests (max): 4 -
    • Dist. from the beach (m.): 350
  • Nerea 3

    apartments in Casal Velino

    Holiday rental in Casal Velino Marina: air-conditioned apartment for 4 people with reserved parking space....

    • Rooms: 1 -
    • Guests (max): 4 -
    • Dist. from the beach (m.): 100
  • Il Capriccio

    apartments in Casal Velino

    Seafront apartment in Casal Velino Marina, South Italy. Sea-view terrace, air conditioning, beach nearby and port within walking distance....

    • Rooms: 2 -
    • Guests (max): 5 -
    • Dist. from the beach (m.): 20
  • Nerea Apartments

    villas in Casal Velino

    Seaside apartments in Casal Velino Marina, South Italy. Just steps from the beach, ideal for families, with parking, Wi-Fi and air conditioning....

    • Rooms: -
    • Guests (max): 21 -
    • Dist. from the beach (m.): 80
  • Il Giardino dei Filosofi

    villas in Ascea

    Sea-view apartments in Marina di Ascea, Cilento, surrounded by nature and history, just minutes from beaches and the ancient city of Velia....

    • Rooms: 9 -
    • Guests (max): 27 -
    • Dist. from the beach (m.): 1000
  • Verde Vietri

    apartments in Acciaroli

    Nestled in the picturesque town of Acciaroli, this charming studio apartment features Vietri tiles and a private terrace with stunning views of the sea. Guests enjoy access to a shaded space, a parking space, and a private beach....

    • Rooms: 1 -
    • Guests (max): 2 -
    • Dist. from the beach (m.): 400

Houses, land and buildings for sale

Ads of real estate properties for sale in Cilento.

Towns to visit in Cilento

Cilento is a region rich in natural landscapes and history, and its villages are a testimony to its beauty. There are towns on the sea, such as Acciaroli, Palinuro and Marina di Camerota, where it is possible to enjoy the beach and the crystal clear sea. Other towns such as Castellabate, Casal Velino and Pollica are located on the hills and offer breathtaking panoramic views of the coast.

Discover the main tourist destinations of Cilento.