Road trip along the Cilento Coast: 10+1 must-see stops to discover

Explore the mesmerizing beauty of the Cilento Coast on an unforgettable road trip. Discover the must-see attractions along this enchanting Italian coastline. From the captivating beaches and crystal-clear waters of Palinuro to the picturesque cliffs and hidden coves of Marina di Camerota, the Cilento Coast offers a natural paradise waiting to be explored. Immerse yourself in the majestic Cilento, Vallo di Diano, and Alburni National Park, where awe-inspiring hiking trails and breathtaking landscapes await.

Don't miss the chance to visit the ancient ruins of Paestum, featuring remarkable Greek temples, and the fascinating archaeological site of Velia, where history comes alive. The Cilento Coast is an adventure seeker's dream, providing a perfect blend of natural wonders and cultural heritage.

Let yourself be enchanted by its timeless magic, immersing yourself in breathtaking beaches, discovering authentic fishing villages, and embracing the beauty of the cultural heritage of this charming area of Campania.

Chosen every year as a summer tourist destination by thousands of Italians, and rich in unspoiled naturalistic beauties, millenary histories and archaeological sites, the Cilento Coast proudly holds numerous awards relating to the quality of the waters with the highest honor conferred by the FEE (Foundation for Environmental Education) and Legambiente.

Entirely viable through a road system that crosses every small seaside tourist destination of the Cilento and Vallo di Diano National Park, the Cilento Coast can certainly be one of the ideas to consider for your next summer.

The first captivating stop along the Cilento Coast is Paestum, with its enchanting millennia-old history. You can admire the majestic Greek temples, including the renowned Temple of Hera dedicated to the goddess of marriage and maternity, and the magnificent Temple of Neptune, a symbol of power and grandeur. While strolling among the ancient ruins, you’ll discover imposing walls and a suggestive amphitheater that tell centuries-old stories.

Paestum is a unique destination for history enthusiasts, offering a captivating journey into its extraordinary past. Discover everything this wonderful location has to offer and be mesmerized by its stunning Archaeological Park, one of the most fascinating attractions along the splendid Cilento Coast.

In addition to its rich cultural heritage, there are also many other attractive destinations just a stone's throw away from Paestum, such as the towns of Battipaglia, Eboli, and Campagna, which represent a bridge between the past and the present.

Before continuing our tour of the Cilento Coast heading south, you deserve a shopping break. Speaking of that, Cilento Outlet, located just a few kilometers from the coast, is a must-visit stop. With a wide selection of famous brands and great discounts, Cilento Outlet offers you a unique shopping experience, less than 30 min drive from the beating heart of Paestum.

South of Paestum and the renowned archaeological site, Agropoli is the most populated center of the Cilento Coast.

Famous for its folkloric traditions of a religious nature, such as the cult of San Francesco d'Assisi, and for the local carnival (together with the municipality of Castellabate), Agropoli is a tourist destination mainly for the places of interest that overlook the town: you cannot pass through the city without exploring the old town, where the so-called "scaloni" (great stairs) will lead you through the gateway into the ancient village, up to the 17th-century Angevin-Aragonese Castle, which imposingly observes the horizon of the promontory it overlooks.

But Agropoli is more than this: the inland offers equally fascinating surprises, and from Agropoli, it's easy to immerse yourself in the green hills and picturesque villages of Cilento. From Agropoli South, follow the SS 18 var road to Perito, and then proceed along winding roads that lead to a charming and untouched landscape, reaching the nearby village of Orria.

The picturesque cobbled streets, ancient stone houses, and breathtaking views of Orria attract artists and art enthusiasts. It's no coincidence that CilentoLab, a creative workshop for making unique objects and learning the wonderful art of ceramics while having fun, is located here. A magical place immersed in the natural beauty of Cilento, where art and craftsmanship blend into a unique atmosphere.

Just beyond Orria lies the hamlet of Piano Vetrale, the village of murals: the houses and streets of this village are adorned with colorful paintings that tell local stories and traditions. This open-air museum will undoubtedly captivate you with its visual art intertwined with the surrounding natural beauty, creating an unforgettable sensory experience.

A marine hamlet in the municipality of Castellabate, Santa Maria is home to the homonymous Marine Protected Area established in 2009, which also includes the promontory of Licosa and its small island. The jagged coastline typical of the Cilento Coast, with its extensive stretch, is home to numerous sandy, golden beaches, alongside hidden spots waiting to be discovered.

If you're wondering what to do in Cilento around Santa Maria, a unique experience is walking along the seafront. Following the rise of tourism in the early 2000s, it became the filming location for the movie "Benvenuti al Sud”, one of the 10 highest-grossing films in Italy of all time. A few steps from the seaside destination, do not miss the medieval village on the hill above.

Acciaroli is a delightful coastal town located along the picturesque Cilento Coast, a seaside fraction of the municipality of Pollica. Known for its natural beauty and unspoiled charm, Acciaroli is a perfect destination for those seeking a relaxing and authentic vacation.

Its sandy beaches, washed by the crystal-clear waters of the Tyrrhenian Sea, are ideal for sunbathing and enjoying the sun, awarded with "5 sails" for their excellent water quality. In addition to the wonders of the sea, Acciaroli boasts a charming old town, with its narrow cobbled streets, colorful houses, and characteristic restaurants offering delicious dishes of Cilento cuisine.

This beautiful Cilento village is also renowned for its longevity. It has been the subject of scientific studies due to the particularly long-lived elderly population residing there. With its authentic atmosphere and breathtaking panorama, Acciaroli is a destination not to be missed along the Cilento Coast.

Continuing south you will arrive at Pioppi, the second largest hamlet of the municipality of Pollica which has acquired national and international notoriety for being the World Capital of the Mediterranean Diet, a nutritional model that tends to enhance typical and common products of the entire Mediterranean basin.

Characterized by significant tourism even during the off-season, given the alternation of both free and equipped beaches, Pioppi is a small paradise for lovers of relax and tranquility. Worthy of note is the Vinciprova Castle seat of the "MuSea" or Living Museum of the Sea. On the first floor, visitors can explore fascinating displays of marine life from the waters of Cilento, while the second floor offers an insightful tour focused on the Mediterranean Diet.

Home to numerous resorts and vacation homes, the seaside village of Casalvelino has experienced significant tourism growth in the last decade following the attainment of the Blue Flag recognition.

This achievement has allowed for the continuous enhancement of the tourism sector, focusing on the maintenance of the promenade, the adjacent main square, and the harbor that borders the expansive coastline with its characteristic golden sands, uninterrupted until the nearby Marina di Ascea.

Marina di Casalvelino is a true hidden gem along the stunning Cilento Coast. With its sandy beaches, crystal-clear waters, and serene atmosphere, it is the perfect destination for a relaxing and quiet vacation.

Home to the ancient philosopher Parmenides, the district of Marina di Ascea is the most complete center of the Cilento Coast: with an archaeological site, interesting hiking trails to explore, the Paradox Museum, culinary and folk traditions, and kilometers of beaches.

It's one of the gems nestled along the Cilento Coast, with its pristine golden sandy beaches, kissed by crystal-clear waters and awarded the Blue Flag. This enchanting destination offers a wide range of activities, including water sports, coastal hikes, and panoramic walks.

Immerse yourself in its rich history by visiting the Velia archaeological site, and let yourself be captivated by its traditional restaurants offering delicacies of the Cilento cuisine. Discover the authentic beauty of Ascea Marina, a hidden treasure along the magnificent Cilento Coast.

At the foot of a promontory and with as many as 32 surveyed surface and submerged cavities, Palinuro is the ultimate destination for naturalistic discoveries: natural works of art that over time have become real tourist attractions of international interest. Just think of Grotta d’Argento, Grotta Azzurra, Cala delle Ossa, Grotta dei Monaci, and many other secret places to explore independently for the more adventurous or through guided explorations.

Linked to the myth of Aeneid, Palinuro still finds space for all kinds of needs, proposing, together with the renowned sea and submarine caves located around Capo Palinuro, a small archaeological museum (Antiquarium), kilometers of free beaches that go as far as Marina di Camerota, secret beaches wedged in natural elements and suggestive excursions on the promontory that forcefully pushes towards the Tyrrhenian Sea, above which the famous lighthouse of the same name rises.

There’s an incredible amount of secret, hidden places immersed in nature, accessible only by boat. Enhancing and allowing tourists to discover what to in the Cilento area of Palinuro is the task of local businesses, which through opportunities and services offer a 360° holiday.

At the Lido "Da Alessandro", located on the beach of the Port of Palinuro, you will be able to rent boats by contacting Escursioni in Barca da Alessandro: thanks to the boat, motorboat and dinghy rental service offered, you can independently visit the most beautiful places on the Cilento Coast, from Agropoli to Sapri, such as Pisciotta, a charming Cilento village located just a few kilometers north of Palinuro.

Nestled along the coastal strip of Camerota, at the foot of the Cilento hills and rich in the typical Mediterranean bush, Marina di Camerota blends seamlessy with its natural surroundings, offering numerous monuments and places of interest.

On one hand, it carefully preserves beaches ranging from fine sand with pebbles that continue for kilometers up to the Marine Protected Area "Costa degli Infresci e della Masseta"; on the other, it hosts villas and palaces in the old town. In the vicinity, you can find various paleontological caves and the famous telegraph towers, which are spread across the entire Cilento Coast, starting from the cliff of Ascea Marina.

With its authentic atmosphere and breathtaking landscape, this destination offers the perfect balance between relaxation and adventure. Take a stroll along the promenade, explore the sea caves, and savor the delicious Cilento cuisine in the charming restaurants.

Scario is a small hamlet on the outskirts of the Gulf of Policastro. It gained notoriety due to the growth of the entire coastal area, as its strategic location was recognized: to the north it embraces the "Costa degli Infresci e della Masseta" Marine Protected Area, which hosts uncrowded natural beaches (such as the Masseta or Sciabica), karst caves, coves accessible by sea and Saracen watchtowers.

To the south, it connects easily to Policastro Bussentino, which is particularly well-equipped during the summer months due to its excellent rail and road connections, as well as the quality of its waters and the presence of several campsites.

Low urbanization and the establishment of the Marine Protected Area have allowed Scario to emerge, given its remarkable landscape value and a low level of pollution that are difficult to find in other coastal locations.

Continuing the journey south and passing through the village of Villammare, Sapri is the final inhabited center along the Cilento Coast in Campania. Bordering Basilicata, Sapri is characterized by its main urban settlement on the unique concave coast, making it one of the most fascinating places in terms of natural beauty and beachfront scenery.

Located in the Gulf of Policastro, known for its elegance and natural beauty. With its sandy beaches, turquoise waters, and picturesque promenade, Sapri invites visitors to immerse themselves in its tranquility and enjoy the gentle rhythm of Mediterranean life. Explore the old town with its narrow streets and admire the panoramic view of this place, perfect to unwind and experience the allure of the Cilento Coast.