Discover Cilento, a region whose beauty rivals that of the nearby Amalfi Coast, with superb coastal walks, numerous glorious beaches and the ancient site at Paestum
Stretching across 65 miles of coastline and bordering the more widely recognized Amalfi Coast, the stunning Cilento National Park - one of Italy's largest nature reserves - still packs as much of a punch as its famous neighbour. This is true and authentic Southern Italy, with a glorious coastline boasting a dramatic beauty of rocky ridges set between small, picturesque inlets and richly scented pinewoods standing sentinel to wide sandy beaches, whilst crystal-blue waters lap at pristine shores. Scenic ridges and panoramic headlands dotted with watchtowers are blessed with far reaching vistas - even as far as Sicily on clear days.
Your discovery begins in Paestum, home to the UNESCO 7th century Greek temples, before we take you past old rural chapels, ancient watermills and charming, medieval villages, where time has seemingly stood still, to Marina di Camerota. Explore Acciaroli, a traditional fishing village loved by Hemingway, follow an age-old path to enchanting Infreschi Bay and take a boat trip to the Grotta Azzurra, Cilento's undiscovered version of Capri's famous sea cave.
The area is famous for its delicious olive oil, white figs, buffalo mozzarella and the artichoke of Paestum, all of which you can enjoy sampling!
Activity Areas
Self-Guided Walking
Walking & Trekking
Walking & Trekking
Walking & Trekking
Walking & Trekking
Walking & Trekking
Walking & Trekking
Region & Country & City
Europe: Italy
Included in the Price
- Hotel-to-hotel accommodation in a mix of HHH, *** and **** hotels - All breakfasts and 3 evening meals - Luggage transfers between hotels - Walk transfers on days 2, 4 and 6 - Transfer to Centola railway station on day 9
Not Included In The Price
- Travel insurance - Visas or vaccinations
Itinerary
Day 1 ARRIVE IN PAESTUM
Arrive in Paestum. Explore the UNESCO Greek ruins and renowned archaeological museum before dinner (included).
Day 2 PAESTUM / AGROPOLI TO ROCCA CILENTO 14km/8.7mi
Take the train to Agropoli (6 mins; payable locally) with its charming medieval centro storico and panoramic Aragonese castle, then set off along the pristine headland of Punta Tresino, passing through a lush Mediterranean landscape of forest and scrub, with lovely views of the Gulf of Salerno over to Capri. Pass medieval watchtowers with fantastic sea views before descending to the golden sands at Lago and on to the charming fishing harbour at Santa Maria di Castellabate, where we meet you and take you (30 mins) to your hotel high in the mountains in the fortified village of Rocca Cilento.
Day 3 VALLE DEI MULINI LOOP WALK 13km/8.1mi
Explore the Valley of the Mills today following parts of an historic route that connected this valley to the ancient Greek cities of Paestum and Velia. Enjoy far reaching views as you cross the ridge to the tiny and perfectly preserved medieval village of Lustra before descending into the 'Valle dei Mulini', spotting the ruins of ancient mills as you go. An undulating path across the valley leads you to the intriguing, abandoned village of Massacanina, before a short but steep climb takes you back onto the ridge and past the monastery of Mercato Cilento. Continue, with wonderful surrounding views, back to Rocca Cilento.
Day 4 ROCCA CILENTO/PERDIFUMO TO ACCIAROLI / SAN MARCO DI CASTELLABATE 20km/12.4mi
After a transfer (15 mins) to Perdifumo, head through chestnut forest to a panoramic ridge, where there are stunning, sweeping views from Capri and the Amalfi Coast to Capo Palinuro, and sometimes even as far as the island of Stromboli in Sicily. You pass an abandoned fortress that dates back to pre-Roman times before reaching the Virgin of Monte Stella chapel on the mountain summit (1131m). From here, a long descent towards the coast takes you through several medieval villages, all beautifully located on hilltops overlooking the sea. End the walk at the pretty fishing village of Acciaroli, one of Ernest Hemingway's favourite places. Relax on the sandy beach before we meet you and take you (30 mins) to the village of San Marco di Castellabate, where you stay for the next two nights.
Day 5 PUNTA LICOSA LOOP WALK 15km/9.3mi
Said to be Cilento's land's end and the mythical resting place of the siren Leucosia in Homer's Odyssey, Punta Licosa is a truly enchanting spot, where the sea breeze makes the trees magically 'dance'. Make your way through Mediterranean maquis and pine forest up to the ridge with views as far as Calabria on a fine day. Then descend towards the coast and onwards, to the very tip of the headland. A beautiful coastal path dotted with ancient watchtowers brings you back to the picturesque harbour of San Marco.
Day 6 PALINURO LOOP WALK 15km/9.3mi
We drop you off in Palinuro (1hr 15), then you have the day at leisure. Walk up to the lighthouse for sweeping views of Palinuro and the Cilento Coast, before descending to the beautiful sandy Marinella beach. There's the option to extend the walk to the ruins of the medieval castle on Molpa Hill for a truly spectacular panorama. Alternatively, take a boat tour to the 'Grotta Azzurra', Cilento's undiscovered version of Capri's famous sea cave blessed with luminous blue waters.
Day 7 PALINURO TO MARINA DI CAMEROTA 16km/9.9mi
Climb into the hills with spectacular views over the blue Mediterranean. Walk through forest and scrubland, past the ruins of farmsteads and the medieval chapel of San Cono, before descending, with sweeping vistas, back to the coast and a spectacular trail, lined with several lovely beaches, to the charming village of Marina di Camerota, with its clear South American influence.
Day 8 MARINA DI CAMEROTA TO INFRESCHI BAY (distance doubled if walking back) 7km/4.3mi
A shorter walk today but spectacular throughout, taking you along one of the most unspoilt stretches of coastline in Italy, the Costa degli Infreschi. Follow the ancient footpath as it meanders past a series of natural caves, deserted beaches and sleepy inlets to Infreschi Bay, a natural harbour used by the Romans for its protection from the elements. Retrace your steps back to the hotel or return by boat.
