Cilento is the perfect destination for those travelling by camper with their family, offering crystal-clear seas, authentic villages, and untouched nature. The panoramic roads, equipped areas, and warm local hospitality provide the ultimate freedom. From golden beaches to hiking in the Cilento National Park, and visiting the historical sites of Paestum, Velia, and Castellabate, every stop offers unique experiences. Travelling through Cilento in a campervan means discovering breathtaking landscapes, tasting traditional cuisine, and enjoying a vacation without restrictions, immersed in the culture and beauty of this extraordinary area of the South of Italy.
Perched on a hill more than 280 meters above sea level, Castellabate is the historical heart of the town. This medieval village, famously known as the filming location for the movie “Benvenuti al Sud“, is also recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage site, preserving the authentic charm of the past with narrow alleys, picturesque arches, and breathtaking panoramas. Key points of interest include the Castello dell’Abate, the Basilica of Santa Maria de Gulia, and the ancient defensive walls. Walking through the historical town center, you can feel the unique atmosphere, rich in local traditions and culture.
Santa Maria di Castellabate is one of the most renowned seaside resorts in Cilento, perfect for families and travellers seeking a carefree holiday. Its golden beaches and crystal-clear waters, repeatedly awarded the Blue Flag, make it an ideal destination for those wanting to spend their beach holidays in complete relaxation. The seafront promenade and main street are filled with restaurants, bars, and shops, making Santa Maria the vibrant heart of the town’s tourism. It offers a perfect mix of nature, traditions, and hospitality, ensuring an unforgettable stay.
San Marco di Castellabate, renowned for its tourist and fishing port, is the starting point for ferries, excursions, and fishing trips. Thanks to its port, this location offers a charming coastal landscape, with the typical Mediterranean scrub extending all the way to the sea. Here, you can enjoy traditional cuisine or have an aperitif at the bars and restaurants by the port, immersing yourself in a relaxing atmosphere.
Immersed in the Cilento National Park, Ogliastro Marina and Punta Licosa offer a unique natural setting, with a blend of sea, forests, and rugged cliffs. Punta Licosa is famous for its legendary islet, linked to the myth of the siren Leucosya, and is one of the most fascinating destinations for those who enjoy trekking and snorkeling. The crystal-clear sea and Mediterranean vegetation make this area a paradise for nature lovers.
Less than 50 meters from the campervan parking area, you’ll find Giglio Bianco Beach, also known as Rocchi Beach, named after the rocks that, in ancient times, were used as a quarry for the extraction of the columns of the Paestum temples. Listed by Legambiente among the most beautiful beaches in Italy, it is characterized by golden sand and crystal-clear waters, stretching from Santa Maria to the foot of Monte Tresino. Immersed in the Santa Maria di Castellabate Marine Protected Area, it’s a true paradise, perfect for relaxing and spending a day surrounded by sun, sea, and unspoiled nature.
Mount Tresino offers one of the most fascinating trekking routes in Cilento, with trails immersed in nature and spectacular views of the entire Castellabate coastline. The path passes through the ruins of the ancient San Giovanni Village and Monastery, a rural settlement abandoned in the 18th century that still tells the story of this land. Surrounded by Mediterranean scrub and ancient stone structures, the trail provides a unique experience where nature and tradition meet, offering a stunning landscape that accompanies every step.
One of Italy’s most extraordinary archaeological sites, Paestum preserves three impressive Doric temples dating back to the 6th century BC, among the best-preserved in the world. The National Archaeological Museum houses unique artifacts, including the famous Tomb of the Diver, with its extraordinary frescoes. Walking through the ruins of the ancient Greek city, visitors can breathe in, relive, and immerse themselves in the grandeur of Magna Grecia, embarking on a journey through time, history, art, and archaeology. A must-see experience for anyone visiting Cilento.
Punta Licosa is one of the most scenic and natural spots in Cilento. A vast pine forest stretches along the coast, reaching the Isola di Licosa, linked to the legend of the sirens Leucosia, Ligea, and Parthenope. Immersed in the Cilento National Park’s Marine Protected Area, its trails are perfect for trekking enthusiasts or those who enjoy long walks. The area can be accessed via the main trail starting from Ogliastro Marina, continuing along the coast, or from the opposite side via the Vallone Alto trail, which begins at San Marco port. This path winds through dense Mediterranean vegetation, leading to the Licosa islet, offering a unique experience of unspoiled nature and breathtaking views.
Agropoli is the largest town in the area, a place rich in history and charm. Its medieval historic center, perched on a promontory, offers spectacular views and picturesque alleys overlooking one of the largest tourist ports in Cilento.
Famous for its Greek Temples, Paestum is a world-renowned archaeological site that takes visitors on a journey through time, between the ruins of an ancient Greek city and the Archaeological Museum, which houses unique treasures and artifacts of Greek culture.
Acciaroli is a charming seaside village that immerses visitors in an authentic and picturesque atmosphere. Just a few kilometers away, Pioppi is famous for having hosted Ancel Keys, the scholar who developed the concept of the “Mediterranean Diet”.