Self-guided walking
8 nights,
hotel-to-hotel
Level: 2+
Moderate plus
Headwater
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Stretching across 65 miles of coastline and bordering the more widely recognized Amalfi Coast, the stunning Cilento National Park - one of Italy's largest nature reserves - still packs as much of a punch as its famous neighbour. This is true and authentic Southern Italy, with a glorious coastline boasting a dramatic beauty of rocky ridges set between small, picturesque inlets and richly scented pinewoods standing sentinel to wide sandy beaches whilst crystal-blue waters lap at pristine shores. Scenic ridges and panoramic headlands dotted with watchtowers are blessed with far reaching vistas - even as far as Sicily on clear days.
Your discovery begins in Paestum, home to the UNESCO 7th century Greek temples, before we take you past old rural chapels, ancient watermills and charming, medieval villages, where time has seemingly stood still, to Marina di Camerota. Explore Acciaroli, a traditional fishing village loved by Hemingway, follow an age-old path to enchanting Infreschi Bay and take a boat trip to the Grotta Azzurra, Cilento's undiscovered version of Capri's famous sea cave.
The area is famous for its delicious olive oil, white figs, buffalo mozzarella and the artichoke of Paestum, all of which you can enjoy sampling!
Moderate walking, with frequent ascents and descents, some of which are steep. The walking is mainly on coastal paths and gravel trails although there are some sections on quiet country lanes. Most paths are well maintained, but these may get overgrown over the course of the season. Routes along the coast are exposed to the sun. You need to be a reasonably fit and confident walker and walking poles are strongly recommended.
Arrive in Paestum. Explore the UNESCO Greek ruins and renowned archaeological museum before dinner.
You stay at Hotel Villa Rita.
HOTEL VILLA RITA, PAESTUM
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Situated in the countryside just outside Paestum, Villa Rita is conveniently located close to the railway station and the famous UNESCO temples. It has a modern elegance and a cosy restaurant as well as an outdoor swimming pool set within an oasis of tranquil leafy gardens. Rooms are contemporary and airy, with amenities including Wi-Fi and air conditioning.
Extra nights: Please contact us for details.
Take the train to Agropoli (6 mins; payable locally) with its charming medieval centro storico and panoramic Aragonese castle, then set off along the pristine headland of Punta Tresino, passing through a lush Mediterranean landscape of forest and scrub, with lovely views of the Gulf of Salerno over to Capri. Pass medieval watchtowers with fantastic sea views before descending to the golden sands at Lago and on to the charming fishing harbour at Santa Maria di Castellabate, where we meet you and take you (30 mins) to your hotel high in the mountains in the fortified village of Rocca Cilento.
You stay at Antico Convento.
ANTICO CONVENTO B&B, ROCCA CILENTO
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Located in the medieval village of Rocca Cilento, the friendly, family run Antico Convento is housed in a former convent. Rooms are rustic yet cosy with ensuite facilties, whilst there's a shared lounge and terrace where guests can enjoy a morning coffee. Your stay at the B&B includes a home cooked evening meal.
Explore the Valley of the Mills today following parts of an historic route that connected this valley to the ancient Greek cities of Paestum and Velia. Enjoy far reaching views as you cross the ridge to the tiny and perfectly preserved medieval village of Lustra before descending into the ‘Valle dei Mulini’, spotting the ruins of ancient mills as you go. An undulating path across the valley leads you to the intriguing, abandoned village of Massacanina, before a short but steep climb takes you back onto the ridge and past the monastery of Mercato Cilento. Continue, with wonderful surrounding views, back to Rocca Cilento.
You stay at Antico Convento.
ANTICO CONVENTO B&B, ROCCA CILENTO
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Located in the medieval village of Rocca Cilento, the friendly, family run Antico Convento is housed in a former convent. Rooms are rustic yet cosy with ensuite facilties, whilst there's a shared lounge and terrace where guests can enjoy a morning coffee. Your stay at the B&B includes a home cooked evening meal.
After a transfer (15 mins) to Perdifumo, head through chestnut forest to a panoramic ridge, where there are stunning, sweeping views from Capri and the Amalfi Coast to Capo Palinuro, and sometimes even as far as the island of Stromboli in Sicily. You pass an abandoned fortress that dates back to pre-Roman times before reaching the Virgin of Monte Stella chapel on the mountain summit (1131m). From here, a long descent towards the coast takes you through several medieval villages, all beautifully located on hilltops overlooking the sea. End the walk at the pretty fishing village of Acciaroli, one of Ernest Hemingway's favourite places. Relax on the sandy beach before we meet you and take you (30 mins) to the village of San Marco di Castellabate, where you stay for the next two nights.
You stay at Hotel Hermitage.
Hotel Hermitage, San Marco di Castellabate
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Offering an outdoor pool and sun terrace with lovely views over the coastline, the Hotel Hermitage sits peacefully amongst gardens on the edge of the village of San Marco di Castellabate. It comes with a bar, restaurant and tennis courts, whilst the bedrooms are traditionally decorated in blue tones with ensuite facilities and air conditioning.
Said to be Cilento’s land’s end and the mythical resting place of the siren Leucosia in Homer’s Odyssey, Punta Licosa is a truly enchanting spot, where the sea breeze makes the trees magically ‘dance’. Make your way through Mediterranean maquis and pine forest up to the ridge with views as far as Calabria on a fine day. Then descend towards the coast and onwards, to the very tip of the headland. A beautiful coastal path dotted with ancient watchtowers brings you back to the picturesque harbour of San Marco.
You stay at Hotel Hermitage.
Hotel Hermitage, San Marco di Castellabate
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Offering an outdoor pool and sun terrace with lovely views over the coastline, the Hotel Hermitage sits peacefully amongst gardens on the edge of the village of San Marco di Castellabate. It comes with a bar, restaurant and tennis courts, whilst the bedrooms are traditionally decorated in blue tones with ensuite facilities and air conditioning.
We drop you off in Palinuro (1hr 15), then you have the day at leisure. Walk up to the lighthouse for sweeping views of Palinuro and the Cilento Coast, before descending to the beautiful sandy Marinella beach. There’s the option to extend the walk to the ruins of the medieval castle on Molpa Hill for a truly spectacular panorama. Alternatively, take a boat tour to the ‘Grotta Azzurra’, Cilento’s undiscovered version of Capri’s famous sea cave blessed with luminous blue waters.
You stay at Albergo Santa Caterina.
Albergo Santa Caterina, Palinuro
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With a prime location on Palinuro's high street, just a short stroll from the piazzetta, the Albergo Santa Caterina boasts lovely sea views over the gulf from its panoramic terrace. It has some fantastic facilities, including a wellness centre, a restaurant and panoramic bar. Rooms here are spacious with brightly coloured majolica tiled floors and pastel coloured furnishings, and are equipped with air conditioning, safe and minibar.
Climb into the hills with spectacular views over the blue Mediterranean. Walk through forest and scrubland, past the ruins of farmsteads and the medieval chapel of San Cono, before descending, with sweeping vistas, back to the coast and a spectacular trail, lined with several lovely beaches, to the charming village of Marina di Camerota, with its clear South American influence.
You stay at BB Casa di Paolo.
B&B Casa di Paolo, Marina di Camerota
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Decorated throughout with the vibrant Vietri tiles that are so typical in this area, the B&B Casa di Paolo offers comfortable, spacious rooms complete with air conditioning and coffee making machine. There's space at the B&B to relax in the garden and it also benefits from its own bar. It is perfectly situated near the village centre, the port and the beaches of Marina di Camerota.
A shorter walk today but spectacular throughout, taking you along one of the most unspoilt stretches of coastline in Italy, the Costa degli Infreschi. Follow the ancient footpath as it meanders past a series of natural caves, deserted beaches and sleepy inlets to Infreschi Bay, a natural harbour used by the Romans for its protection from the elements. Retrace your steps back to the hotel or return by boat.
You stay at BB Casa di Paolo.
B&B Casa di Paolo, Marina di Camerota
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Decorated throughout with the vibrant Vietri tiles that are so typical in this area, the B&B Casa di Paolo offers comfortable, spacious rooms complete with air conditioning and coffee making machine. There's space at the B&B to relax in the garden and it also benefits from its own bar. It is perfectly situated near the village centre, the port and the beaches of Marina di Camerota.
Departure from Maria di Camerota after breakfast.
You stay at BB Casa di Paolo.
Show prices including flights and onward rail?
These tour only prices are based on two people sharing. Single supplement from $381.
These flight inclusive prices are based on two people sharing. Single supplement from $381.
Call now to speak to our specialist team at 0044 1606 720199 or email us at sales@headwater.com for enquiries or to book your trip.
Self-guided walking
8 nights,
hotel-to-hotel
Level: 2+
Moderate plus
Headwater
Navigation App
