Ten Things to see and do in the Cilento National Park
We had a wonderful June break in Santa Maria di Castellabate for 11 days in this unspoiled Italian gem. We had a hire car, drove just under 2 hours south from Naples to reach here and explored the Cilento area. Just wanted to share some things that are possible to do, many of which we enjoyed on our trips out.
ONE
[S]pend a day in Santa Maria, explore the town with its alleyways, shops, and bars and then head for the beautiful sandy beach, have a pasta or fish lunch at the Lido Azzuro beach cabin
TWO
[D]on’t drive all the way up to the hilltop of Castellabate, take time to walk up and explore the cobbled alleyways and quaint piazzas for an aperitif. Watch the sunset up here and look down on the fabulous coastline before having diner in one of the many restaurants up here.
THREE
[S]troll along the beach all the way to San Marco and have an ice-cream at the harbourside. Take a boat out to the small island of Licosia and look across to the summer plaace of the Prince of Belmonte.
FOUR
[P]aestum is a must in this area, just some 25km away. Three huge Greco-Roman temples in a field to explore. On the way back lookout for the buffalo in the fields and stop at one of the local factories and taste freshly made mozzarella, it just melts in the mouth!
FIVE
[A] trip further afield to Padula is also worthwhile, you can spend a good few hours exploring the huge monastery, but take some time to explore the old town up on the hill too
SIX
[F]avourite trip was to explore the abandoned village of Roscigno Vecchio – deserted after a malaria outbreak. Now just home to the odd cat kittens and a lone hermit inhabitant who tends a small museum there.
SEVEN
[E]xplore the many hill villages of the Cilento National Park, it’s so easy by car
EIGHT
[T]ake a drive down the coast to the ruins of Velia and explore the site there, bit of climbing involved but worth it for the views.
NINE
[A] trip to Pailinuro about 90 minutes away to another beautiful sandy beach, very popular and wonderful beachside tavernas for pizza!
TEN
[Y]ou can get married here!! I know the best wedding planner here and there are a variety of places to get married, the beach, a palace tower and then party the night away!
Just ask for details and we can chat!