Cilento: 7 places not to be missed

Cilento is a geographical area of ​​Campania, in the province of Salerno, which extends between the sea and the land. This geographical area is known for its millenary history and for hosting some of the most important archaeological sites in Italy. Temples and ancient ruins are found in a unique natural landscape, characterized by timeless villages overlooking the Tyrrhenian Sea and the Cilento National Park, a world heritage site. Cilento offers enchanting landscapes and ancient history.

Cilento National Park, UNESCO World Heritage Site in Italy

The Cilento and Vallo di Diano National Park, declared a UNESCO heritage site, covers an area of ​​about 180,000 hectares, making it the second largest national park in Italy. This green oasis is considered a true natural sanctuary, where it is possible to get lost among rivers, waterfalls and ancient villages. One thing to see in Cilento is the WWF Morigerati Oasis , which can be reached by following a path that starts from the town of Morigerati and which allows you to admire the mountain gorges of the Bussento river, waterfalls and an ancient mill, and the famous Cascata dei Capelli di Venere , a waterfall that has given life to natural pools where you can take a bath in the crystal clear water.

Palinuro, one of the villages to see in Campania

Palinuro is one of the most beautiful villages in Cilento and, according to legend, its name derives from the helmsmman of Aeneas who died here. This small village overlooks the Tyrrhenian Sea and offers white beaches, crystal clear water and several hidden sea caves along the coast, such as the famous Blue Grotto , which takes its name from the intense color of the water when it is filtered by the sun's rays. One of the characteristics of this seaside resort is the promontory of Capo Palinuro with its rocky walls overlooking the sea, while the town is perfect for relaxing, strolling through the paved streets and breathtaking views. The center of Palinuro is easily reachable from the Residence B&B Villamirella. At the top of the Palinuro promontory stands the Palinuro lighthouse, one of the tallest lighthouses in Italy and the second in terms of light range. In clear weather, the light from the Capo Palinuro lighthouse can be seen as far away as Sicily. Among the most beautiful beaches around Palinuro are that of the Natural Arch and that of Marinella.

Marina di Camerota, the Pearl of Cilento near Salerno

Marina di Camerota is a seaside resort in Cilento which boasts some of the most beautiful beaches in the Mediterranean. This place, much appreciated by tourists during the summer, is famous for its beaches , in particular the Baia degli Infreschi, which in 2014 was elected the most beautiful beach in Italy. A visit to the prehistoric caves and the sea museum on the port of Marina di Camerota is recommended. Equally worthy of a visit is the village of Camerota, where it is possible to admire the Marchesale Castle and the small church of Piedigrotta, entirely dug out of the tuffaceous rocks.

Castellabate, the location of the italian film Benvenuti al Sud

Castellabate is one of the most beautiful villages in Italy and is located on top of a hill. Its historic center, recognized by UNESCO as a World Heritage Site, is famous for its narrow cobbled streets, ancient buildings and terraces from which to enjoy a unique panorama, such as that of the Belvedere di San Costabile, which offers a view of the Gulf of Salerno and on the islands of Ischia and Capri. This lively seaside resort was made famous by the 2010 film Welcome to the South and has much to offer, such as the castle, noble houses, the medieval Basilica of Santa Maria de Gulia and enchanting beaches. The Punta Licosa path starts from Castellabate, one of the most famous trails in Cilento. The path is suitable for all trekking lovers but not only because it does not present any kind of difficulty. The path allows you to reach Punta Licosa and the beach while admiring the beauty of the island of Punta.

Acciaroli, the village of Cilento in the stories of Ernest Hemingway

Acciaroli is a fishing village which in recent years has become a renowned seaside destination in Cilento, located on one of the cleanest seas in Italy. The small and charming historic center is a maze of streets and small squares that seem to have stopped in time, with the remains of the Norman tower and the Church of the Annunziata from 1187 which dominate the town. Considered one of the things to see in Cilento, Ernest Hemingway is said to have fallen in love with this place so much that it inspired his novel The Old Man and the Sea . A short distance to the south is Pioppi, another jewel of the Cilento coast, a small village set on the beach, famous for being the place of origin of the Mediterranean diet of Ancel Keys.

Certosa di Padula, the largest monastic complex in Italy

The Certosa di Padula, or San Lorenzo, is one of the largest monastic settlements in Italy and the first to be built in Campania (in 1306). This large religious complex is spread over an area of ​​over 50,000 square meters and includes a church, a courtyard and several cloisters, including the Chiostro Grande, one of the largest in Europe. One of the things to see in Cilento and not to be missed is the suggestive library, with the floor made of majolica, the frescoes kept in the church and the spectacular double ramp elliptical staircase that joins the two levels of the large cloister. The Certosa di Padula has been declared a UNESCO heritage site.

Roscigno Vecchio, one of the abandoned ghost town in South Italy

Roscigno is an abandoned village included in the UNESCO heritage and one of the most interesting places to visit in Cilento. Also known as the "900 Pompeii", this place was abandoned during the twentieth century due to the erosion of the hill on which the town stood, prompting the inhabitants to move to other villages. Today, Roscigno Vecchio is an open-air museum where you can stroll through deserted streets and squares that seem to have stopped in time.

Cilento is a place rich in historical and cultural treasures that tell the story of this area of ​​Campania. Don't miss all that Cilento has to offer during your holiday in Palinuro.