Centola

Centola is a villagein the province of Salerno, located in the heart of Cilento,Campania. The area offers a diverse and enchanting landscape, characterized by a rocky and unspoiled coast, fine sandy beaches, and a hinterland rich in nature and culture.

Centola-Palinuro in Campania

Centola is a municipality located ina strategic position in the southern area of Cilento, in Campania. It extends on the coastal side of the region, between Mount Rondinella and Mount Bulgheria, and comprises a wide range of natural landscapes. The slopes of Mount Rondinella are covered by oak forests, olive groves, vine yards, and fig trees, while Mount Bulgheria is one of the most fascinating mountains in Cilento. Here, one can still find intact forests and a unique flora.

The area of the municipality of Centola is very extensive and also includes the renowned seaside resort of Palinuro, with its white sand beaches and wild cliffs. But the area also offers a rich mountainous area, still rich in forests, and fields cultivated by invisible farmers, dotted with ancient stone houses now uninhabited. In this way, Centola offers a wide variety of natural landscapes, each with its own unique beauty.

Where to stay in Centola

Centola and its hamlets offer numerous accommodation options, suitable for all needs and budgets. Here are some lodging options to choose from:

1. ‍B&BCentola: Bed and Breakfasts are a perfect choice for those seeking affordable and comfortable accommodation. There are severalin Centola and its hamlets, offering rooms furnished in rustic styleand equipped with all comforts. Casale del Borgo is a B&B located in the center of the medieval village of San Severino di Centola, at the foot of the old village.
2. ‍Residence Centola: For those seeking mid-range accommodation, Residence Villamirella is an excellent choice. It is a residence located in Palinuro, a hamlet of Centola, just a short walk from the sea. Rooms and apartments are tastefully furnished and equipped with every comfort,such as air conditioning and free Wi-Fi. The resort also has an outdoor pool, a restaurant, and extensive and well-maintained Mediterranean gardens with play areas for children and relaxation areas for adults.
3. ‍Holiday apartments in Centola: For those seeking independent and flexible accommodation, holiday apartments are a perfect choice. There are several in Centola and its hamlets, such as the apartments in Palinuro, which offer spacious and comfortable spaces, equipped kitchen, and free Wi-Fi.

In conclusion, Centola and its hamlets offer numerous accommodation options for every taste and budget. The choice of accommodation depends on individual needs, but it is safe to say that anyone choosing to stay in Centola will be welcomed with the warm hospitality of southern Italy.

What to do in Centola

Centola is a perfect tourist destination for lovers of the sea, nature, culture, and history. Here are some activities not to be missed during yourstay in Centola.

1. Explore nature: Cilento, Vallo di Diano and Alburni National Park offers a wide range of outdoor activities for visitors, including trekking,mountain biking, horse riding, and kayaking. The park also hostsnumerous rare and protected animal and plant species, including the Marsican bear, the Apennine wolf, and the southern beech. If you love nature, don't miss the visit to the Garden of Nature, an interactive nature trail that allows you to discover the beauties of the territory.
2. Visit historical sites: Centola is a city rich in history and monuments ofgreat artistic interest. The Mother Church of Centola, dedicated to Santa Maria della Visitazione, is a building of great architectural beauty, dating back to the 18th century, which is definitely worth avisit. In addition, the medieval bell tower of Centola, 28 meters high, is one of the symbols of the city. Other places of religious interest include the Serra Chapel and the Capuchin Convent.
3. Visit San Sergio Castle: Located a few kilometers from Centola, San Sergio Castle is one of the most important monuments in the area. Its construction dates back to the 10th century and over the centuries it has been expanded and modified by the various rulers of the area. Today, the castle is open to visitors and offers a breathtaking viewof the surrounding hills.
4. Visit the Palinuro's beaches: Centola offers some of the most beautiful beaches inSouthern Italy. Among the most famous beaches are Troncone Beach,Natural Arch Beach, and Infreschi Beach. The latter, located inMarina di Camerota, has been awarded several times as one of the mostbeautiful beaches in Italy.
5. Taste local cuisine: Cilentan cuisine is famous for its simplicity and genuineness. Try typical dishes such as linguine with clams, fishsoup, and buffalo mozzarella. Also, don't miss the tasting of typical products such as olive oil and Centola wine.

In conclusion, Centola is a tourist destination that offers many opportunities for leisure, discovery, and historical and religious exploration. The city is a must-visit for those who want to learn about the culture of Cilento and Vallo di Diano.

Centola's Culinary Delights and Local Wine

Cilentan cuisine is a gastronomic experience not to be missed when visiting Centola and the surrounding area. It is characterized by the use of simple and genuine ingredients such as vegetables, meats, cheeses,fish, and extra-virgin olive oil.

In particular, there are numerous restaurants in Centola and its surrounding areas that offer typical Cilentan dishes such as fish soup, pasta with Menaica anchovies, porcini mushroom-based dishes, and handmade pasta such as cavatelli. Among the most renowned restaurants are Ristorante Brigantessa in Palinuro, Ristorante Pizzeria La Pergola on the promenade of Palinuro, and Ristorante Core a Core located in the lighthouse area of Palinuro.

For wine lovers, the territory of Centola offers numerous vineyards and wineries that produce the famous Cilento DOC wine, an intense redwine with fruity and spicy flavors. Centola is an extraordinary village in the Cilento region that offers visitors a combination of art, culture, nature, food, and wine. In the heart of the Cilento Park, in fact, some of the most renowned wines of Southern Italy are produced. Cilento wines are known for their high quality, and since1989 they have been recognized as DOC (Controlled Designation of Origin). This designation applies to wines obtained from native grape varieties of the region, including Aglianico, Fiano, Piedirosso, Primitivo, Sangiovese, Tuscan Trebbiano, Greco, and Malvasia Bianca.

The production of Cilento wines must comply with rigorous quality standards, and wine making and aging operations must take place in the grape-growing region. This area includes all or part of the various municipalities in the province of Salerno that fall within the Cilento region. Therefore, visiting Cilento also means having the opportunity to taste local wines, which represent one of the region's excellences. Among the wineries to visit in the Palinuro area is the Albamarina winery in Foria.

In conclusion, Cilentan cuisine is a real gastronomic treasure, and Centola and its surrounding areas offer numerous possibilities to taste local cuisine and Cilento DOC wine. Whether you decide to dine in a local restaurant or visit a winery, it is safe to say that the flavors and aromas of Cilentan cuisine will make every visitor's culinary experience unforgettable.

How to get to Centola Palinuro in Cilento

Centola is located in the Campania region, in the province of Salerno, and can be reached by various means of transportation.

By car, the SS18 Tirrena Inferiore is the main road that crosses the area and connects Centola to nearby cities such as Salerno and Potenza. Additionally, the SP562 road connects Centola to Palinuro and its marina.

By train, the nearest train station to Centola is Pisciotta-Palinuro, located on the Tirrenica Meridionale railway line. From here, it is possible toreach Centola by bus or taxi.

By plane, the nearest airport to Centola is Naples International Airport, located approximately 150 km away. From the airport, it is possible to rent a car or take a train to reach Centola-Palinuro.

Furthermore, for those arriving by sea, the nearest port is Salerno, which offers connections to the main islands of the Mediterranean and to ports throughout Southern Italy. The small port of Palinuro is ideal if you have a small boat or a dinghy and decide to anchor in the waters near the Scoglio del Coniglio.

In summary, there are several options to reach Centola, whether you choose to travel by car, train, plane, or boat. Thanks to its strategic location, Centola is easily accessible from many parts of Italy and the world.