Paestum and the Cilento National Park – CIL3L

Walking along the pristine coast of southern Italy

The region of Campania marks the real beginnings of southern Italy. It has been sought-after since Roman times when it was tagged 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, like the Sorrento Peninsula, and the ‘Costiera Amalfitana’, the Amalfi Coast, probably one of Europe’s most famous coastlines.

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 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

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. When the sky is clear you’ll enjoy superb views over the Amalfi Coast, Capri, Basilicata and Calabria – and sometimes Sicily!

But you’ll have the chance also to discover some of the inland of the Cilento, where you will enjoy visiting medieval and quaint villages where the traditional way of life is still evident. 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.

During the tour you will of course do some of the best hikes of southern Italy, but you’ll have the time also to visit some of the nicest old fishing villages, like Agropoli, Castellabate, Acciaroli, Pisciotta, Marina di Camerota and Scario.

And of course, perhaps the key feature of this tour: you’ll sleep in some stunning places!

Average walking times: from 4 – 5 hours each day.

Please note: this is a moderately easy tour which is suitable for those who have some experience with walking and a good general physical condition. Most of the walks are on good paths, some of them just recently restored by the local authorities. Part of the path is waymarked. Elsewhere it is necessary to follow the route notes provided together with the maps.

Tour Highlights

• Visit the Greek temples of Paestum, stunningly preserved ancient architecture
• Walk along some of Italy’s most beautiful beaches.
• Enjoy local specialties like mozzarella di bufala, pizza cilentana and much more
• If you wish you can opt for some beautiful boat tours to integrrate the walking tour. With a visit to some stunning sea grotto’s!

Day-to-Day programme

Day 1– Arrival and visit to Paestum

Arrival at Paestum by train and reach the hotel, located only a few hundred meters from the temples area, which are amongst the best preserved in Europe. Leave your luggage in the hotel and take your time to pay a visit to the archaeological site with its amazing Greek temples and the museum. Then walk back to the hotel to enjoy a typical dinner of local cuisine.
Hotel ****/***** – Paestum

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.
Accommodation: Agropoli – Hotel ****

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

Today you have a private transfer 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 settling in your stunning accommodation for the night, the royal palace of Belmonte. In the evening you are free to arrange your own dinner from a wide choice of restaurants in the near surroundings.

Accommodation: Santa Maria di Castellabate – Hotel ****
Total walking distance: 13 km. Approx. walking time: 4-5 h. Ascent & descent: + 150 m./- 200 m.

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

You make a circular walk today, starting right from your hotel. First you walk a short stretch along the beach to the small village of San Marco, where you can have a last coffee, before starting the uphill section. Then, passing through typical Mediterranean maquis you’ll hike up the Monte Licosa Promontory. 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. You can then decide to be picked up from here, or walk back the short stretch along the coast.

Accommodation: Santa Maria di Castellabate – Hotel ****
Total walking distance: 15 km. Approx. walking time: 4,5 h. 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)

Extra Days – Acciaroli, Pioppi, Velia & Pisciotta

In case you want to pay a longer visit to Acciaroli, visit the Museum in Pioppi, and take more time to visit the excavations of the Greek city of Velia and do a beautiful roundwalk there, you can do this also – and then travel on to Pisciotta in the afternoon. Then we can book an extra night for you in Pisciotta. You will then also have the time to enjoy some of the best fish restaurants in the area.
Accommodation: Pisciotta – Hotel ****

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. Also could you continue to the Arco Naturale, making this into a whole day excursion.

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.

Accommodation: 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 directly from your hotel in Marina di Camerota. First you walk along its harbour, where you can make a short coffee stop, buy picnic supplies and make arrangements for your (optional) return by boat. Then, past a series of grottos and beaches, you reach the first medieval watchtower. Now follows a stretch of absolutely superb sightseeing along the ancient footpath which connects the village of Marina di Camerota to the ancient Roman harbour. You can descend to a first little inlet, Cala Pozzallo, which is reminiscent of the desolate beaches on a tropical island, just like the next beach, Cala Bianca, deemed to be one of Italy’s most beautiful beaches.

Another hour along a beautiful trail brings you to the Porto degli Infreschi. Return either on foot or by boat to Marina di Camerota. In the evening you are free to arrange your own dinner.

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

Day 8 – From Licusati to San Giovanni a Piro

A short transfer brings you to the small mountain hamlet of Licusati. Here you pick up your picnic supplies before embarking on a great walk along the slopes of the Monte Bulgheria. There are several options, either along the real ridge, or along the lower slopes first. Part of the walk goes up gently through the olive groves and orchards, past a nice rural chapel and through the meadows. Towards the ridge the scenery becomes more mountainous and rockier, with great views both towards the south over the clear Mediterranean (often it’s possible to see Sicily from here) and towards the rugged inland. You have the option to climb up to the real top, which on clear days rewards you with amazing views over the whole Cilento, the Gulf of Policastro and Calabria. Then you descend through the forest towards the beautiful small village of San Giovanni a Piro, set in a stunning location overlooking the Gulf of Policastro. You have the time for a stroll and a drink in the old town, before settling in your welcoming family run agriturismo. If you wish you can have dinner is on the premises of your hotel tonight.

Accommodation: San Giovanni a Piro – Boutique Agriturismo
Total walking distance: 10 km. Approx. walking time: 4-4,5 h. Ascent & descent: + 450 m./- 250 m.

Extra Day – Licusati & Monte Bulgheria

It is possible to walk from Marina di Camerota to the beautiful village of Licusati, a small hamlet completely off-the-beaten-track, which yet boasts one of the oldest Byzantine churches as well as stunning mountain scenery, and stay overnight there. The perfect integration for the beautiful coastal walks already featured in this tour, to give you the ‘complete pictures’ of this beautiful part of Italy’. The next morning you then walk on to San Giovanni a Piro. Prices & availability on request.

Day 9 – Between Monte Bulgheria & the beaches of the Masseta

Today you have several options for a great roundwalk or a more relaxed day. We recommend however to go for the roundwalk along the ancient church of Pietrasanta, standing alone on a sheer cliff above the old village, from where you can easily reach the area of Ciolandrea, for some superb views over the Gulf of Policastro and the mountains of Calabria. This walk brings you first through the alleys of the medieval town, then along ancient steps you’ll head to the church. After a pleasant walk through the forest and maquis you will be in a more mountainous and rocky landscape, with great views both towards the south over the clear Mediterranean (often it’s possible to see Sicily from here) and towards the rugged inland. From here there are several paths down to the coast: you can opt to hike down to one of the stunning remote beaches (and return by boat), or you can opt for the nice walk down to the charming seaside village of Scario, one of the prettiest villages of the area. From here you can either walk back up to San Giovanni, or relax on the beach and use the (optional) transfer back up.

Accommodation: San Giovanni a Piro – Boutique Agriturismo
Total walking distance: 10 km. Approx. walking time: 4-4,5 h. Ascent & descent: + 250 m./- 650 m. (several options available)

Day 9 – Departure

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

TOUR DETAILS

ACCOMMODATION & MEALS

Accommodation is on a bed & breakfast, so that you can choose from the large choice of restaurants in the surroundings. 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 historical 4-star hotel with a big garden & pool, just outside the Greek town walls, at walking distance from the temples. In alternative you can stay in a luxurious 5-star hotel, near the beach – with a Michelin-starred restaurant on its premises.

Night 2 & 3: For two nights you stay in the stunning castle of Belmonte, right in beautiful coastal village of Santa Maria di Castellabate. You’ll enjoy its lush gardens, the private pool, and the large sandy beach, as well as the position, although secluded, right in the heart of the medieval village, with plenty of bars and restaurants.

Night 4 & 5: These two nights you’ll stay in Palinuro, in a beautiful 4-star sea side hotel with a private beach.

Night 6&7: These two nights are spent in a beautiful small ‘Boutique Hotel’ & in the small coastal town of Marina di Camerota, gateway to the unspoilt ‘Costa degli Infreschi’.

Night 8 & 9: The last two nights are spent in a beautiful agriturismo, in the middle of the centuries old olive grove, just below the small village of Bosco (San Giovanni a Piro), overlooking the Gulf of Policastro.

UPGRADE/CHANGES IN ACCOMMODATION

The above is our standard tour. It is also possible to book alternative accommodations (on request). Also is it possible to shorter or prolong the tour. Details and prices on request.

LEVEL OF DIFFICULTY

Moderately easy (2-3): Mostly easy walks, but with nonetheless some walking uphill, sometimes on paths with rough surfaces. On some days extensions or shortcuts are possible.

Fitness: High standard of fitness is not necessary but clients should be able to walk for up to 5 hours a day in hot sun on dusty or stony tracks

FOOTPATHS & WAYMARKING

Footpaths: Most paths are 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; elsewhere you have to follow the route descriptions provided together with the maps. With these you will always be able to find your route.

INCLUSIONS

• 8 nights in good Hotels**** – 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 private taxi (included) will bring you from the train station to your hotel. Private transfers can be arranged also Salerno or Naples, the nearest city with an international airport (not included).

Departure: The tour ends in SAN GIOVANNI A PIRO. A short private transfer brings you to the nearest train 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.

9 Days Prices

Please contact us for the latest prices.

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.

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.

EXTENSIONS

It is possible to extend the tour with one or more nights in Scario or any other town along the coast. A nice – contrasting – extension to your trip can also be a city tour in either Salerno or Naples. This tour can also be extended with one of our existing tours in the heart of the Cilento. We strongly suggest a few days in what is perhaps the most authentic part of the Cilento, the area of Morigerati and the ‘Capelli di Venere’ Waterfalls.

Optional extension SCARIO

If you want some more relax at the end of the trip you can extend your tour with one or more nights in the charming seaside village of Scario. From here you can explore by boat the beautiful beaches of the Infreschi/Masseta Coast, among the most unspoilt in southern Italy, a real treat out of season. It is possible to make a stunning walk to one of the beaches, have a great lunch there, and then be picked up by boat and brought to Scario. 

Accommodation: Scario – Hotel ***/****

Optional extension MORIGERATI & ‘CAPELLI DI VENERE’ WATERFALLS

Day 10 – Into the wild valley of Morigerati

A private transfer brings you inland today, into the heart of the genuine authentic Cilento, featuring a spectacular pristine landscape and villages where time seems to have stood still. The landscape is of a wild karstic nature, with grotto’s, sinkholes, where complete rivers disappear, and beautiful mountain springs. You are brought to the mountain hamlet of Caselle in Pittari. Here you pick up your picnic supplies before embarking on a beautiful walk along the slopes of the Monte San Michele, featuring one of the great chapels of St. Michael. Here views open up and are stunning to say the least! After a short visit to the chapel, you continue down into the wild valley of Morigerati. It’s here that the river Bussento comes to the light again, after having flown underground for several kilometres. The area of its reappearance, which features also a number of ancients watermills is a fairytale like landscape, and now an important WWF Nature Reserve. Take your time to visit the grotto’s, the mills and perhaps put your feet in the water, before descending along the river to your beautifully located agriturismo. Here you’ll have a great meal tonight, based on local organic produce.

Accommodation: Morigerati – Hotel/Agriturismo*** – HB

Day 11 – Round walk Morigerati – Casaletto Spartano

This day will be a day full of surprises, walking through un unreal landscape of breathtaking rocky canyons with freshwater pools, streams and sparkling waterfalls. After buying some picnic supplies you head east, towards the villages of Tortorella and Casaletto Spartano. You’ll walk through one of the deepest canyons in southern Italy and you’ll touch some of the most authentic villages. One of the highlights of the walk will be the stroll along the river at Casaletto where you’ll encounter the Cascata Capelli di Venere, a waterfall named the “Hair of Venus”, made up of delicate cascades. This is a truly spectacular spot, with a spectacular waterfall, which flows over a cave covered with moss. Take your time as well to stroll through the charming villages and perhaps have a drink with the locals in a small café. Here tourism has not yet compromised the natural interest in ‘foreigners’ and locals will be happy to see you around. Tonight, you can opt to have dinner at your agriturismo again, or you can opt to go and eat in one of the most renowned ‘trattorie’ of the area, offering great genuine food – and if you wish some good pizza too!

Accommodation: Morigerati – Hotel/Agriturismo*** – BB

Day 12 – Departure

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