Paestum and the Cilento National Park – CIL3A

Through the Amazing Nature and Rural Landscapes of the Authentic Southern Italy

The region of Campania marks the real starting point of southern Italy. It has been sought after since Roman times when it was labelled the Campania Felix, or ‘happy land’, hardly a surprise considering the fact that it includes the great city of Naples, beautiful countryside, Roman ruins, small islands and stretches of spectacular coast. On the southern side of the Sorrento Peninsula, the Costiera Amalfitana is probably one of Europe’s most well-known and dramatic stretches of coastline, with its towering cliffs and picturesque coves.

But Campania’s real secret is located south of Salerno, and immediately south of the wonderful Greek temples of Paestum. Here the coastline bulges out into an expanse of mountainous landmass known as the Cilento, now a National Park with World Heritage listing. It stretches from the Tyrrhenian coast to the foot of the Apennines, and it includes the peaks of the Alburni Mountains, Mt. Cervati, the regions highest peak, and the coastal mountains Mt. Bulgheria and Mt. Stella. The extraordinary naturalistic richness of the heterogeneous territory goes hand in hand with the mythical and mysterious character of a land rich in history and culture: from the nymphs Leucosia and Kamaraton, to the beaches where Palinuro left Aeneas, from the ruins of the Greek colonies of Elea and Paestum to the wonderful Certosa of Padula. Inland the Cilento is largely undisturbed by the 21st century and you will enjoy visiting medieval and quaint villages where the traditional way of life is still evident.

The Cilento coast is fairly rocky territory, with the crystalline sea lapping at the shore. There is a wild kind of beauty here; rocky ridges set between small picturesque inlets and richly scented pinewoods backing onto wide sandy beaches. Aleppo pines loom over the multicoloured undergrowth of myrtle and cactuses; whilst huge, centuries-old olive trees grow right down to the shore. A large part of this tour is along the coast, intimately linked to the mythical Siren Leucosia and the nymph Kamaraton. This mythical atmosphere, and the marvellous landscape make this area a really enchanting place to visit in every season of the year: in springtime the flowering brooms cover the hills in a golden-yellow hue, and during the summer you can swim in the clean sea. In autumn the sea temperature is still warm and on clear days you can take relaxing walks.

You’ll walk through pristine natural areas and attractive countryside, with dotted with cultural treasures like rural chapels, ancient farmhouses, old watermills and charming medieval villages. When the sky is clear you can enjoy superb views over the Amalfi Coast, Cape Palinuro and Calabria; During the tour you also visit some of the nicest old fishing villages, like Agropoli, Santa Maria and San Marco di Castellabate, Marina di Camerota and Acciaroli.

TOUR HIGHLIGHTS

• Discover the unknown Cilento National Park, one of the biggest and most diverse of Italy
• Visit the impressive Greek Temples of Paestum, among the best preserved in the world
• Walk through villages where time stands still, and enjoy the warm hospitality and genuine food.

Day-to-Day programme

Day 1 – Arrival in Paestum

Arrival at Paestum by train. Settle in your hotel, located only a few hundred meters from the amazing Greek temples, which are among the best-preserved in Europe. Leave your luggage at the hotel and take your time to pay a visit to the archaeological site. Then walk back to the hotel to enjoy a typical dinner of local cuisine.

Paestum – Hotel ***

Extra Days – Paestum & Agropoli

It is also possible to book an extra day in Paestum – recommended in case your arrival in Paestum is late – so that you can dedicate the whole day to the archaeological site and perhaps make a short scenic roundwalk with some ‘mozzarella di bufala’ tasting. It is also possible to then change to a beautifully located hotel in Agropoli, so that you can start walking directly from there the next day.

Agropoli – Hotel ****

Day 2 – From Agropoli along Punta Tresino to Santa Maria di Castellabate

Today you first make a short train ride to Agropoli, where you start a wonderful walk along the headland of Punta Tresino, one of the last remaining stretches of pristine coast. You walk through a genuine Mediterranean landscape, through forests and scrubland, along wonderful beaches and an ancient Roman harbour, with beautiful views over the sea. You then reach the abandoned village of San Giovanni, where some very good white wine is still produced today. Then you’ll descend to the large sandy beach of Castellabate, where it’s worth continuing all the way down the beach until you get to the charming little fishing harbour of Santa Maria. Here you can have a drink or an ice-cream at the harbour, before walking the last short stretch to the small village of San Marco, where you can settle in your comfortable family-run hotel.

San Marco di Castellabate – Hotel ***
Distance: 13 km. Approx. 4-5 h. walking. Ascent & descent: +150 m/- 200 m.

Day 3 – Punta Licosa, the Finis Terrae of the Cilento

You start a circular walk straight from your hotel, passing through typical Mediterranean maquis onto the Monte Licosa headland. This is the point where Cilento reaches furthest out to sea, like a miniature reproduction of the Monte Stella peninsula. It is full of marine charm, a place where the sea breeze makes the trees dance, bound to Ulysses’ myth: people say that the Siren Leucosia drowned herself here after failing to bewitch Ulysses. You first walk up to the ridge through the pine forest. From here you’ll enjoy superb views over the whole area, both the coast and inland, the bay of Salerno and even Calabria!

You then descend towards the coast near Ogliastro Marina, and from here you follow a coastal trail to the very tip of the headland. Also along the coast you can see the ruins of several watchtowers and you will be captivated by the magic of the dancing trees. Of course there are several opportunities for a swim. From Punta Licosa you then continue along the coast and a beautiful path brings you back to the nice harbour of San Marco. In the evening you are free to arrange your own dinner from a wide choice of restaurants in the near surroundings.                           

San Marco di Castellabate – Hotel ***
Distance: 15 km. Approx. 4-6 h. walking. Ascent & descent: + /- 400 m.

Day 4 – Along Velia to Pisciotta & Palinuro

From San Marco you’ll be picked up by your private taxi for a transfer to Pisciotta (slightly more than an hour). You’ll drive past Acciaroli, Pioppi, cradle of the Mediterranean Diet, the resort town of Casalvelino and the Greek excavations of Velia (a stop for a short visit can be made here). Then you drive through the impressive olive groves up to Pisciotta, one of the most beautiful medieval villages of the area, in the middle of the olive groves, overlooking the Mediterranean. Here you should of course make a roundwalk through the old town, have a drink and buy picnic supplies in the old town, before starting the beautiful walk, through forest and olive groves, which brings you down to Palinuro. The last part of the walking route is along the beach, so you’ll have several possibilities for a swim before walking into the village and check in at your hotel. At night you have many options to eat something nice, ranging from simple pizzerias to nice restaurants.

Accommodation: Palinuro – Hotel ****
Total walking distance: 18 km. Approx. walking time: 5 h. Ascent & descent: +/- 450 m. (shorter options available)

N.B. In case you want to visit the excavations of the Greek city of Velia and do a beautiful roundwalk there, you can do this today – and travel on to Pisciotta in the afternoon. Then we’ll book an extra night for you in Pisciotta.

Day 5 – Roundwalk Palinuro

Today’s walk starts directly from your accommodation, and brings you onto the mythical promontory of Cape Palinuro, named after one of the mates of Aeneas who drowned here. First you walk down to the little fishermen’s harbour, from where you then walk up to the light house on top of Capo Palinuro. You will walk through shady pine woods and fragrant Mediterranean shrub lands along well-maintained paths and gravel roads. From the light house you enjoy a magnificent view on the village of Palinuro and the Cilento Coast and part of the inland, with views reaching as far as the headland of Punta Licosa and Monte Stella. You then descend to the beautiful sandy beach of Marinella, a favourite among locals, where you can have lunch and a swim.

Strong walkers may consider extending the Capo Palinuro walk to include the Molpa Hill, on which you’ll come across the ruins of a medieval castle, from where the view over the surrounding area is stunning.

But of course, you should also consider to take a boat tour to the beautiful ‘Grotta Azzurra’, perhaps not as famous as the one in Capri, but arguably more beautiful (and definitely less costly & less touristy!).

Accommodation: Palinuro – Hotel ****
Total walking distance: 18 km. Approx. walking time: 5 h. Ascent & descent: +/- 450 m. (shorter options available)

Day 6 – From Palinuro to Marina di Camerota

Today you’ll head for your next accommodation, in the charming seaside village of Marina di Camerota. Straight from your accommodation you first walk a short stretch through olive groves and along the river, then you start climbing up into the first hills above the coast between Palinuro and Marina di Camerota. This is a beautiful walk, with great views over the blue Mediterranean. You’ll walk partly through forest and Mediterranean scrubland, partly through farmland. You walk along the ruins of old farmsteads and past the medieval chapel of San Cono. Along a stunning trail you descend back to the coast again. The last stretch to the charming village of Marina di Camerota is along the coast again. There are several nice beaches in isolated inlets, so perhaps there is the option for a swim. Or you can opt to go for a stroll in the village itself, with its clear South American influence.

Marina di Camerota – Hotel ***
Total walking distance: 16 km. Approx. walking time: 4-5 h. Ascent & descent: + 450 m./- 500 m.

N.B. In case you want to stay in Palinuro it is also possible to ‘skip’ this walk and have a transfer to Marina di Camerota, to do the daywalk to Porto Infreschi (day 8), after which you return to Palinuro. This shortens your journey with one day.

Day 7 – Along the ‘Costa degli Infreschi’

Today you’ll enjoy a coastal walk along one of the most unspoilt stretches of coastline in southern Italy, with the chance to enjoy its perfectly clean seawater (Blue Flag). This is the so-called Costa degli Infreschi, named after the Roman harbour of Porto degli Infreschi, where you can find a freshwater spring in a grotto. The walk starts from the charming harbour of Marina di Camerota, where you can make a short coffee stop, buy picnic supplies and make arrangements for your (optional) return by boat. Then there absolutely superb sightseeing on the ancient footpath which connects the village of Marina di Camerota to the ancient Roman harbour. The walk starts directly from your hotel in Marina di Camerota. First you walk along its harbour, then, past a series of grottos and beaches, you reach the first medieval watchtower. Afterwards you have to climb a short stretch and continue through olive groves and scrubland. Then you descend to the next little inlet, which is reminiscent of the desolate beaches on a tropical island. Another hour along a beautiful trail brings you to the Porto degli Infreschi. Upon you deserve of course a swim! Lunch can be had at a nice little restaurant just above the beach. Return either on foot or (partially) by boat to Marina di Camerota. In the evening you are free to arrange your own dinner.

Marina di Camerota – Hotel ***
Total walking distance: 7 km. Approx. walking time: 3,5 h. Ascent & descent: +/- 200 m.

Day 8 – Departure

After breakfast you are brought to the train station. From here you return by train to Naples (centre or airport), Salerno or Rome.

TOUR DETAILS

ACCOMMODATION & MEALS

Accommodation is mainly on a half-board basis (only the nights in San Marco and your final night in Marina di Camerota are on a bed and breakfast basis – see inclusions) in very good 3-star hotels and a comfortable guesthouse (comparable to a 3-star hotel). All rooms have en-suite facilities.

You will have most dinners included; on two evenings you will be free to organise your dinner from the wide choice of restaurants in the area.

No picnic lunches are included in the tour price, but these can be prepared for you by the accommodation holders, or materials for picnics can be purchased in the villages where you’ll be staying.

Night 1: The first night is spent in Paestum in a nice 3-star hotel with a big garden & pool, just outside the Greek town walls, at walking distance from the temples.

Nights 2 & 3: For two nights you stay in the small coastal village town of San Marco, on the southern side of a large sandy beach and at the edge of the beautiful promontory of Punta Licosa.

Night 4 & 5: These two nights you’ll stay in Palinuro, in a nice 3-star hotel right in the centre of town or (on request) in a beautiful 4-star sea side hotel with a private beach.

Nights 6 & 7: The last two nights are spent in a comfortable ‘B&B’ or a good 3-star hotel in the small coastal town of Marina di Camerota, gateway to the unspoilt ‘Costa degli Infreschi’.

UPGRADE/CHANGES IN ACCOMMODATION

It is possible to book an upgrade in some of the places en route. Details and prices on request.

LEVEL OF DIFFICULTY

Moderately easy (level 2-3): Mostly moderately easy walks, but with nonetheless some walking uphill, sometimes on paths with rough surfaces. Orientation can be difficult on occasions (but check out our route notes!). On some days extensions or shortcuts are possible.

Fitness: High standard of fitness is not necessary but you should be able to walk for up to 5-6 hours, sometimes also on a day in hot sun on dusty or stony tracks.

FOOTPATHS & WAYMARKING

Footpaths: Most paths are relatively well maintained, but during the season some paths can get overgrown (we are in continuous contact with local authorities to keep the paths clean – please help us by providing you feedback on the quality of the paths).

Waymarking: Only a small part of the route is waymarked (partly by us); elsewhere it is necessary to follow the route descriptions provided together with the maps. With these it is always possible to find your route. In case you don’t feel confident a local guide can be provided for some trails.

INCLUSIONS:

• 1 night Hotel in Paestum*** – HB
• 2 nights in Hotel San Marco di Castellabate*** – 2 BB
• 2 nights Hotel in Palinuro**** – BB
• 2 nights in Hotel in Marina di Camerota*** – 1 HB + 1 BB
• Extensive route notes, with description of the route & tourist information
• Maps at 1 : 25.000 scale
• GPS tracks for each day
• 24/7 assistance
• Luggage transport & private transfers as specified

NOT INCLUDED:

• Visas & Departure taxes
• Travel Insurance
• Tourist taxes
• Drinks and meals not mentioned in the itinerary
• Optional additional tours or activities
• Tips & Items of personal nature

ARRIVAL & DEPARTURE

Arrival: The tour starts in PAESTUM; a pick-up service (not included) can be arranged from Capaccio train station, which can easily be reached from Naples, the nearest city with an international airport.

Departure: The tour ends in MARINA DI CAMEROTA. A short transfer brings you to the station (included), where you travel on to your next destination (Naples, Salerno or Rome can all be easily reached). Several taxi services are available to bring you directly to your next destination..

EXTRA NIGHTS

It is possible to include extra nights in any of the accommodations en route.

8 Days Prices

Details and prices on request, please contact us.

Availability
& Conditions

	You can book this tour with a minimum of 1 person.
	There are a very limited number of available places on these dates. Immediate booking is recommended.
	Not available.
	Availability and prices on request.

• Prices are per person and based on the season within which the first night of the tour falls.
• Prices are based on 2 people sharing double or twin accommodation. Single rooms (double rooms – single) are available on most trips however the supplements listed apply.
• If you are travelling alone then on some trips (which include taxi transfers) a ‘Solo Traveller Supplement’ will be applied instead of the normal single supplement.
• Prices are expressed in Euro’s. There will never be a currency surcharge.
• Actual exchange rates: GB £ – US $ – CAN $ – CHF – DKK – SEK – NOK – Other currencies.

TOUR VARIATIONS

It is also possible to do only a part of this tour – or do the whole tour in two times:

• Paestum & the Coast of Monte Stella –northern Cilento, with Paestum,  beautiful Castellabate and Acciaroli.

• Southern Cilento Explorer –a full immersion in the beautiful southern part of the Cilento.

CONTINUOUS COASTAL CILENTO WALKING ROUTE

This tour shows you the best parts of the Cilento Coast – those parts which are actually accessible on foot. There are plans for a continuous walking route all along the coast of the Cilento National Park, starting in Paestum/Agropoli and ending in Sapri, but unfortunately there are still many ‘missing links’. If you are interested in walking this coastal route already now, please contact us. We will be happy to advise.

(a first part of this route, already described in the Monte Stella Walking Guide is mostly feasible)

EXTRA NIGHTS

It is possible to include extra nights in any of the accommodations en route. As well is it possible to extend your tour with a few days In Salerno, Naples, or along the Amalfi Coast. Details and prices on request.