Discover the Cilento Coast: 10+1 places to visit on the road

The first captivating stop along the Cilento Coast is Paestum with its enchanting millennia-old history. You can admire the majestic Greek temples, including the renowned Temple of Hera dedicated to the goddess of marriage and maternity, and the magnificent Temple of Neptune, a symbol of power and grandeur. While strolling among the ancient ruins, you will discover imposing walls and a suggestive amphitheatre that tell centuries-old stories.

Paestum is a unique destination for history enthusiasts, offering an exciting journey into the past. Discover everything this wonderful location has to offer and be captivated by its timeless cultural heritage along the splendid Cilento Coast. In addition to its rich cultural heritage, there are also many other attractive destinations just a stone's throw away from Paestum, such as the towns of Battipaglia, Eboli, and Campagna, which bridge the gap between the past and the present.
Before continuing our tour of the Cilento Coast proceeding south, you deserve a shopping break. Speaking of that, Cilento Outlet, located at the gateway to this on-the-road tour, is a must stop. With a wide selection of famous brands and great discounts, Cilento Outlet offers you a unique shopping experience, less than 30 min drive from the beating heart of Paestum.

South of Paestum and the renowned archaeological site, Agropoli is the most populated center of the Cilento Coast. Famous for its folkloric traditions of a religious nature, such as the cult of San Francesco d'Assisi, and for the local carnival (together with the municipality of Castellabate), Agropoli is a tourist destination mainly for the places of interest that overlook the town: not you can pass through the city without visiting the historic center, which through the so-called "scaloni" (great stairs) will lead you to cross the threshold of the ancient village up to the seventeenth-century Angevin-Aragonese Castle, which imposingly observes the horizon of the promontory it overlooks. But Agropoli is not only this: south of the historic center and the port, you can reach the Bay of Trentova, a bathing area bordered at both ends by two rocks immersed in the sea.

If you are in Agropoli an interesting detour if you love mountain villages and art is Orria. Orria is a charming village located somewhat inland. This charming gem is located in an unspoiled natural environment and offers a perfect vacation for those seeking tranquility and authenticity. Its picturesque cobblestone streets, old stone houses and breathtaking views capture the attention of artists and art enthusiasts. It's no wonder that CilentoLab, a creative workshop where you can create unique objects and learn the wonderful art of ceramics while having fun. A magical place immersed in the natural beauty of Cilento, where art and craftsmanship come together in a unique experience.

A marine hamlet in the municipality of Castellabate, Santa Maria is home to the homonymous Marine Protected Area established in 2009, which also includes the promontory of Licosa and its small island. The varied indented coastline peculiar to the entire Cilento Coast hosts, given its kilometric extension, numerous sandy and golden beaches together with secret places to be discovered continuing south, after having naturally strolled along the seafront that has become, following the increase in tourism at the end of the first decade of 2000, location of film shooting of "Benvenuti al sud", one of the 10 highest-grossing films in Italy of all time. A few steps from the seaside destination, do not miss the medieval village on the hill above.

Acciaroli is a delightful coastal town located along the picturesque Cilento Coast, a seaside fraction of the municipality of Pollica. Known for its natural beauty and authentic charm, Acciaroli is a perfect destination for those seeking a relaxing and authentic vacation. Its sandy beaches, washed by the crystal-clear waters of the Tyrrhenian Sea, are ideal for sunbathing and enjoying the sun, awarded with "5 sails" for their excellent water quality. In addition to the wonders of the sea, Acciaroli boasts a charming historic center with its narrow cobbled streets, colorful houses, and characteristic restaurants offering delicious dishes of Cilento cuisine. Acciaroli is also famous for its longevity, having been the subject of scientific studies due to the presence of an exceptionally long-lived elderly population. With its authentic atmosphere and breathtaking panorama, Acciaroli is a destination not to be missed along the Cilento Coast.

Continuing south you will arrive at Pioppi, the second largest hamlet of the municipality of Pollica which has acquired national and international notoriety for being the World Capital of the Mediterranean Diet, a nutritional model that tends to enhance typical and common products of the entire Mediterranean basin. Characterized by tourism already in the low season, given the alternation of both free and equipped beaches, Pioppi is a small paradise for lovers of relax and tranquility. Worthy of note is the Vinciprova Castle seat of the "MuSea" or the Living Museum of the Sea, inside which you can admire on the first floor interesting faunal elements residing in the waters of Cilento and continue on the second floor for an interesting tour dedicated to the Diet Mediterranean.

Home to numerous resorts and vacation homes, the seaside village of Casalvelino has experienced significant tourism growth in the last decade following the attainment of the Blue Flag status. This achievement has allowed for the continuous enhancement of the tourism sector, focusing on the maintenance of the promenade, the adjacent main square, and the harbor that borders the expansive coastline with its characteristic golden sands, uninterrupted until the nearby Marina di Ascea. Marina di Casalvelino is a hidden gem along the stunning Cilento Coast. With its sandy beaches, crystal-clear waters, and serene atmosphere, it is the perfect destination for a relaxing and quiete vacation.

Home to the ancient philosopher Parmenides, the district of Marina di Ascea is the most complete center of the Cilento Coast: with an archaeological site, interesting hiking trails to explore, the Paradox Museum, culinary and folk traditions, and kilometers of beaches. It is one of the gems nestled in the Cilento Coast with its pristine golden sandy beaches, kissed by crystal-clear waters and awarded the Blue Flag. This enchanting destination offers a wide range of activities, including water sports, coastal hikes, and panoramic walks. Immerse yourself in its rich history by visiting the archaeological site of Velia and let yourself be captivated by its traditional restaurants offering delicacies of the Cilento cuisine. Discover the authentic beauty of Ascea Marina, a hidden treasure along the magnificent Cilento Coast.

At the foot of a promontory and with as many as 32 surveyed surface and submerged cavities, Palinuro is the place par excellence for naturalistic discoveries: natural works of art that over time have become real tourist attractions of international interest. Just think of Grotta d’Argento, Grotta Azzurra, Cala delle Ossa, Grotta dei Monaci and many other secret places to explore independently for the more adventurous or through guided explorations. Linked to the myth of Aeneid, Palinuro still finds space for all kinds of needs, proposing, together with the renowned sea and submarine caves located around Capo Palinuro, a small archaeological museum (Antiquarium), kilometers of free beaches that go as far as Marina di Camerota, secret beaches wedged in natural elements and suggestive excursions on the promontory that forcefully pushes towards the Tyrrhenian Sea, above which the famous lighthouse of the same name rises.

Nestled along the coastal strip of Camerota, at the foot of the Cilento hills and rich in the typical Mediterranean bush, Marina di Camerota marries the natural context in which it's located with numerous monuments and places of interest: on the one hand it carefully preserves beaches ranging from fine sand with pebbles that continue for kilometers up to the Marine Protected Area "Costa degli Infresci e della Masseta", on the other hand it hosts villas and palaces in the historic center and the presence of palaeontological caves in the surroundings of which there're ruins and the famous telegraph towers, present on the entire Cilento coast starting from the cliff of Ascea Marina.

With its authentic atmosphere and breathtaking landscape, this destination offers the perfect balance between relaxation and adventure. Take a stroll along the promenade, explore the sea caves, and savor the delicious Cilento cuisine in the charming restaurants.

Scario is a small hamlet on the outskirts of the Gulf of Policastro. It achieves notoriety as a result of the growth of the entire coastal area when the strategic place in which it's located is noticed: to the north it embraces the "Costa degli Infresci e della Masseta" Marine Protected Area which hosts uncrowded natural beaches (such as the Masseta or Sciabica), karst caves, coves accessible by sea and Saracen watchtowers; while to the south it easily connects to the locality of Policastro Bussentino, very receptive in summer especially for rail and road connections, as well as the quality of the water and the presence of campings. Poor urbanization and the establishment of the Marine Protected Area have allowed Scario to emerge given its remarkable landscape value and a low level of pollution that are difficult to find in other coastal locations.

Continuing the journey south and passing through the village of Villammare, Sapri is the final inhabited center of the Cilento Coast in the Campania region. Bordering Basilicata, Sapri is characterized by its main urban settlement on the unique concave coast, making it one of the most fascinating places in terms of natural beauty and beachfront scenery.

Located in the Gulf of Policastro, known for its elegance and natural beauty. With its sandy beaches, turquoise waters, and picturesque promenade, Sapri invites visitors to immerse themselves in its tranquility and enjoy the gentle rhythm of Mediterranean life. Explore the historic center with its narrow streets and admire the panoramic view. An ideal place to unwind and experience the allure of the Cilento coast.