The Cilento Coast is sometimes referred to as the “Anti-Amalfi Coast,” due to its evident lack of 5-star hotels and absence of yacht slips in its quaint seaside marinas. Stretching across 65 miles of coastline extending south from the Gulf of Salerno in Campania, down to the border of the Basilicata Region, the Cilento Coast is much less polished than its more famous sibling Amalfi. But the Cilento Coast nonetheless has a lot to offer, especially to those who are comfortable with a more “off the beaten path” itinerary. The Cilento Coast is home to one of Italy’s largest Nature Reserves, which was designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1991. The region’s natural beauty and authentic southern hospitality and charm are sure to attract tourists who are looking to dig a little deeper and experience a real taste of southern Italy.
Here are some great suggestions of things to do should you ever find yourself in or around this magical region.
Take a Boat Ride Down the Coast
Depart from the small port of Agropoli, and cruise on a sailboat along the Cilento Coast. Enjoy the natural beauty of the coast with its cliffside caves, coves and beautiful sandy beaches. The crystal clear sea is surrounded by lush groves of pine trees, and the pristine, sandy beaches stretch for kilometres on end. Itineraries can be customized to your liking, with plenty of flexibility for stops along the way for swimming and sunbathing on a deserted sliver of coastline. A light lunch can easily be arranged to be served on board.
Visit a Buffalo Mozzarella Farm
Visit one of the Campania Region’s most famous mozzarella farms, considered industry leaders in buffalo mozzarella production situated in the heart of Paestum, one of the only areas in Italy where the well-known buffalo mozzarella is produced. Follow the production of this world-famous cheese, from the milking of the water buffaloes to the salting and packing of the final product. This wonderful visit enables you to enjoy the world’s freshest mozzarella & ricotta cheeses, yogurt, ice cream, and various other buffalo milk products indigenous to the area and produced on this farm.
The Cilento coast is home to a great team of young, dynamic wine producers who have reinvented the image of the Cilento region by refreshing old family traditions and paving the way towards a new era of wine production among the UNESCO-protected grounds of the Cilento National Park. Take a tour of a boutique vineyard, producing under 10,000 bottles per year, and experience the taste of the indigenous varietals of grapes such as Fiano and Aglianico. After your wine tour, you can also taste some of the locally produced olive oils.
Visit Ancient Greek Temples
The city of Paestum is home to the oldest, most fully intact Greek Temples in the world. This is truly one of Italy’s most enchanting archaeological sites. Enjoy a private guided tour of Paestum, discovered around 600 B.C. by Greek colonists who chose to colonize the area for its central location and proximity to the Sea. Your tour will take you through the sites of the impressive Greek temples, Roman structures, and amphitheater. After your tour, enjoy a marvelous lunch prepared with the freshest local ingredients at a nearby estate.
Take an amazing opportunity to discover a new corner of Southern Italy and its truly unspoiled beauty. The Cilento Coast is protected as a National Park and maintains the lowest population density in the Campania Region. Its traditional cuisine, hill-crest views, and quaint seaside villages are sure to make your dreams of Italy come true. Begin your day with a visit to a buffalo mozzarella farm where you’ll be treated to a tour of the production facility and of course a taste of the finished products. Then take a short ride to the famous Greek Temples in Paestum where you will find the oldest, fully intact Greek Temples in the world.
Riding south, continue towards the small medieval hamlet of Agropoli, situated among beautiful landscapes belonging to the Cilento National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and Italy’s second largest and most biologically diverse park. Enjoy its gentle hills, dramatic coastlines, wildflowers, and traces of ancient civilizations and charming villages. Departing from Agropoli you will cycle along the beautiful coastline overlooking the Trentova Bay and Punta Tresina. Your tour ends at San Marco di Castellabate, a precious pearl of the Cilento Coast. Continue along the coast for a wonderful bike ride while enjoying breathtaking views.
Your Private Italy is a luxury destination management specialist to Italy, with an intimate knowledge of the Cilento Coast and the Campania Region.
Contact us today for more information on any of the experiences mentioned in this article.
Your Private Italy also manage one of the largest portfolios of private vacation homes in Italy. Click on the links below for a preview of some of the properties we have to offer on the Cilento Coast.
