Travel Journal

Located in the southern part of Italy’s Campania region, the Cilento Coast is one of the country’s most captivating yet often overlooked coastal gems. Stretching from the Gulf of Salerno down to the Gulf of Policastro, this area forms part of the Cilento and Vallo di Diano National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Unlike the more touristed Amalfi Coast to the north, Cilento offers a quieter, more authentic experience of southern Italy, where rugged mountains meet crystalline seas.

The Natural Landscapes of Cilento

The Cilento Coast boasts an astonishing variety of landscapes that make it a paradise for nature lovers and those in search of tranquility. Towering cliffs plunge into the Tyrrhenian Sea, where hidden coves and sandy beaches are framed by olive groves and Mediterranean maquis. Inland, the terrain shifts to rolling hills, wooded valleys, and the forested peaks of the Apennines. This diversity gives the region a rich ecological character, with clean air and unspoiled coastlines. Driving or hiking along the Cilento Coast reveals an endless string of breathtaking vistas, where wildflowers bloom in spring and early summer, and the sunsets are consistently spectacular.

Discovering Cilento’s Quaint Seaside Towns

What truly sets Cilento apart are its small towns and villages, each one with its own character and history. Places like Castellabate, Acciaroli, and Marina di Camerota offer a glimpse into traditional Italian coastal life, away from the crowds found in more famous destinations. These towns are characterized by narrow, winding streets, charming piazzas, and ancient stone houses. In these villages, visitors can enjoy local seafood, handmade pasta, and the region’s renowned buffalo mozzarella, often served in family-run trattorias. With few large hotels, the area favors smaller guesthouses and a typical form of accommodation, known as agriturismo, that allows visitors to experience life as the locals do.

Historical sites in Cilento: Paestum

One of the most compelling reasons to visit the Cilento Coast is the remarkable archaeological site of Paestum, located in the northern part of the region. Founded by Greek settlers around 600 BCE, Paestum is home to some of the best-preserved ancient Greek temples in the world. The three massive Doric temples, dedicated to Hera and Athena, stand as silent witnesses to centuries of history and are a powerful reminder of the area’s strategic and cultural importance in antiquity. The site also includes an excellent museum, which displays frescoes, pottery, and the famous Tomb of the Diver, a rare example of Greek painting from the period.

Cilento and Vallo di Diano National Park

Another highlight of the region is the Cilento and Vallo di Diano National Park, a vast protected area that spans over 1,800 square kilometers. Recognized by UNESCO for its exceptional cultural and natural value, the park is a haven for biodiversity, with numerous species of flora and fauna thriving in its varied ecosystems. It encompasses mountains, forests, rivers, and coastline, offering countless opportunities for hiking, birdwatching, and outdoor adventure.

But the park is more than just a natural wonder. Scattered throughout its territory are monasteries, medieval villages, and ancient ruins that tell the story of human settlement in the region for thousands of years. Sites such as the Certosa di Padula, a monumental Carthusian monastery, and the remains of ancient roads and Roman settlements, reflect the deep historical roots of Cilento and its role as a crossroads of civilizations.

Shopping at Fiumicino Airport

As you get ready to discover the fascinating region of Cilento, remember that passing through Rome Fiumicino Airport poses the opportunity for a great shopping experience: with Shop&Fly , you can buy everything you need online and pick it up on the day of departure. And that’s not all: take advantage of a 10% discount on your online purchases (not combinable with other offers) to make your journey even more enjoyable. With a wide range of wines and spirits available in the airport shops, don’t miss out on the opportunity to bring home some great Italian products, like a delicious bottle of Limoncello , a traditional Italian liqueur made with lemons from the Amalfi Coast and Sorrento.

The Cilento Coast remains one of Italy’s best-kept secrets, a place where natural beauty, rich history, and traditional life converge to offer an experience that is both enriching and restorative. Its untouched landscapes and authentic charm make it an ideal destination for travelers seeking something more meaningful than the typical tourist itinerary.

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