The Complete Guide to Cilento, Italy

Uncover Cilento, Italy, an underrated corner of southern Italy where ancient ruins, wild coastlines, hidden beaches and unforgettable food come together.

If you’ve been searching for an alternative to the Amalfi Coast or just a hidden gem in Italy, let me introduce you to Cilento, Italy. Stretching south from Paestum towards the border with Basilicata, this rugged corner of Campania offers everything people dream of finding in southern Italy.

There’s turquoise water, dramatic cliffs, beautiful beaches, charming fishing villages, incredible food, and ancient history, but without the crowds, inflated prices or endless traffic. In many ways, it feels like one of Italy’s last truly under-the-radar coastlines, a place where tourism still takes a back seat to everyday life.

I recently spent several days exploring the Cilento Coast, road-tripping from village to village, hiking coastal trails, taking boat trips through its protected marine reserves and seeking out the region’s best restaurants, boutique hotels and hidden viewpoints.

This guide brings together everything I discovered along the way, from the places that are worth making a detour for to the experiences that make Cilento one of the most rewarding destinations I’ve visited in Italy.

*This ‘Cilento, Italy’ guide may contain affiliate links, meaning I might make a small profit if you choose to book at no extra cost to you. This helps me to keep providing you with top-quality content for free. This article was written in collaboration with Convento Francescano.

Where is Cilento, Italy

Cilento lies in the southern part of Italy’s Campania region, stretching south from Paestum to the border with Basilicata. While much of the area is protected within Cilento, Vallo di Diano and Alburni National Park, this guide focuses on the spectacular Cilento Coast and the hills just above it.

It’s a stretch of coastline that remains refreshingly under the radar, where dramatic cliffs, hidden coves, fishing villages, and crystal-clear water replace the crowds of the nearby Amalfi Coast.

From the colourful harbour town of Agropoli to the seaside villages around Marina di Camerota and Scario, it’s one of Italy’s most underrated yet rewarding coastal road trips.

How Many Days in Cilento?

At an absolute minimum, I’d recommend spending 4 days in Cilento, although a week is ideal if you really want to experience the region.

The distances between villages may not look far on a map, but the winding coastal roads, hidden beaches, long lunches, and countless swimming stops mean you’ll cover far less ground than expected.

A week gives you enough time to explore the coastline at a slower pace, discover lesser-known beaches, enjoy a few boat trips (a must), and venture inland to hilltop villages and archaeological sites without feeling rushed. Cilento is the type of destination to slow down and enjoy fully.

Getting to Cilento, Italy

The easiest way to reach Cilento is by flying into Salerno, which is the closest airport to the region and the most convenient gateway if flights are available.

Otherwise, Naples is the next best option, with a much wider choice of international routes. From there, it’s around a 2 to 3-hour drive to most parts of the Cilento Coast.

One thing I wouldn’t recommend is relying on public transport. To properly explore Cilento, you’ll absolutely need a rental car. Many of the best beaches, boutique hotels, viewpoints, and restaurants are scattered along the coastline or tucked away in small villages that are difficult, if not impossible, to reach by bus or train.

Just be prepared for plenty of winding mountain roads and dramatic coastal drives. They’re slow going in places, but they’re also part of what makes this region so memorable.

For renting a car in Cilento, I recommend using Discover Cars. It makes it easy to compare prices, rental companies, insurance options, and customer ratings in one place, helping you find the best deal before you arrive. I use it for all my trips across Europe and find it to be one of the simplest and most reliable ways to book a rental car. Always use a reputable agency and opt for full insurance.

Where to Stay in Cilento

One thing to know before planning your trip is that Cilento is still catching up when it comes to boutique and luxury accommodation. Compared to regions like Amalfi Coast, Val d’Orcia, or Puglia, the hotel scene is still relatively limited.

The good news is that this is beginning to change, with a handful of beautifully restored properties opening across the region.

If you’re looking for one standout stay, I highly recommend Convento Francescano. Set within a lovingly restored former convent, it’s easily the most memorable boutique hotel I stayed at in Cilento and makes an excellent base for exploring the surrounding coastline and hilltop villages.

Because Cilento covers a surprisingly large area, I’d also recommend splitting your stay between two different bases if you’re visiting for around a week. It will dramatically reduce driving times and allow you to explore both the northern and southern stretches of the coast at a much more relaxed pace.

These are the best hotels in Cilento, Italy:

Convento Francescano – My top recommendation in Cilento. A beautifully restored former convent combining minimalist interiors with historic architecture. Peaceful, curated, design-led, and perfectly positioned for exploring much of the coastline.

Torre Perrotti – One of the most unique stays on the Cilento Coast, occupying a historic seaside watchtower right on the waterfront in Santa Maria di Castellabate. Location doesn’t get much better.

Il Cannito – An elegant countryside retreat near Paestum, surrounded by gardens and rolling hills. Ideal if you want easy access to the Greek temples while staying somewhere quiet and refined.

Palazzo Mazziotti – A beautiful historic palazzo in the medieval village of Celso. Expect character-filled rooms, period details, and sweeping views over the surrounding countryside.

Palazzo Belmonte – A grand historic residence with private beach access, expansive gardens, and one of the finest settings in Castellabate. A classic choice for a more traditional luxury stay.

Best Things to Do in Cilento, Italy

One of the things I loved most about Cilento is how varied it is. One day you can be wandering through ancient Greek ruins, the next hiking above turquoise coves, tasting buffalo mozzarella straight from the farm, or taking a boat into sea caves that rival anything on the Amalfi Coast.

This is a region best explored slowly, leaving plenty of time for long lunches, scenic detours, and spontaneous swims along the way. These are the best things to do in Cilento that cannot be missed.

Visit the Archaeological Park of Paestum

One of southern Italy’s greatest archaeological sites, Paestum is home to three remarkably preserved Greek temples dating back over 2,500 years. The vast site also includes an amphitheatre, ancient streets, defensive walls, and an excellent museum housing beautifully preserved frescoes and artefacts.

Arrive early or late in the afternoon to avoid the heat and crowds.

Visit a Buffalo Farm at Tenuta Vannulo or Barlotti

No trip to Cilento is complete without tasting authentic buffalo mozzarella right where it’s made.

Both Tenuta Vannulo and Barlotti are outstanding family-run farms (although I personally preferred Tenuta Vannulo) where you can watch the cheese-making process before sitting down to incredibly fresh mozzarella, ricotta, yoghurt, gelato and buffalo-based dishes.

If you’re planning to visit, be sure to book tours and tastings in advance, especially at Tenuta Vannulo, where you’ll learn about every stage of production as well as the exceptional standards of animal welfare the farm is known for. The buffalo are incredibly well cared for, with innovative practices that have made the farm something of a benchmark for ethical dairy farming in Italy.

If you’d like to buy mozzarella to take away, you’ll also need to call a few days ahead to reserve it, as daily production sells out before they even open. If they are sold out, head to Barlotti to buy some, as they produce a lot more. It’s one of the region’s signature experiences.

Take a Boat Trip through the Costa degli Infreschi e della Masseta Marine Protected Area

If you only do one thing in Cilento, make it this. The Costa degli Infreschi e della Masseta is, in my opinion, the region’s greatest natural treasure. This protected stretch of coastline is completely wild, with towering limestone cliffs, hidden coves, sea caves and tiny beaches that remain inaccessible by road.

It’s the side of Cilento that makes you realise just how untouched this part of Italy still is.

The only way to truly experience it is from the sea. Boat trips weave along the rugged coastline, stopping at turquoise swimming spots and secluded beaches where the water is astonishingly clear. Bring a snorkel if you have one, as the marine reserve is home to abundant sea life and exceptional visibility.

For this experience, I highly recommend Aleboats Experience, which operates from the harbour in Scario and offers both small-group and private excursions along this extraordinary coastline. The skippers know every hidden cove, cave and swimming spot, making it one of the best ways to discover this protected marine reserve.

If you’re staying at Convento Francescano, there’s no need to organise everything yourself. The hotel can arrange boat tours with trusted local operators, including Aleboats Experience, making it incredibly easy to add this unforgettable day on the water to your itinerary.

If a guided tour isn’t for you, you can also hop aboard one of the local water taxis that run along the coastline. They’ll drop you at secluded beaches that can’t be reached by road, allowing you to spend the day beach hopping at your own pace before collecting you later in the afternoon.

Explore Castellabate

Officially listed among Italy’s most beautiful villages, Castellabate is all cobbled lanes, honey-coloured stone buildings and spectacular sea views. Lose yourself in its quiet streets, browse artisan shops and stop for lunch in one of the small piazzas before wandering towards the panoramic viewpoints overlooking the coastline.

Stop at Punta Licosa Scenic Viewpoint

One of the prettiest viewpoints along the Cilento Coast, Punta Licosa offers uninterrupted views across the sea towards the protected marine reserve.

It’s an easy stop while driving the coast and especially beautiful in the softer light of late afternoon.

Visit Acciaroli

Acciaroli is one of Cilento’s most attractive fishing villages, with colourful boats bobbing in the harbour, waterfront seafood restaurants and a relaxed atmosphere that makes it easy to linger for an afternoon.

It’s also home to some of the clearest water along this stretch of coastline.

Taste Olive Oil at Fattoria Ambrosio

Cilento produces some exceptional extra virgin olive oil, and a tasting at Fattoria Ambrosio offers a fascinating introduction to the region’s olive-growing traditions.

You’ll learn about the production process before sampling different oils alongside local cheeses, bread, and seasonal produce.

Explore Pisciotta

One of my favourite villages in Cilento, Pisciotta remains wonderfully untouched. Built into the hillside above the sea, it’s a maze of narrow alleyways, weathered stone houses, flower-filled staircases and tiny piazzas where daily life continues much as it always has. It has a wonderfully authentic atmosphere that feels increasingly rare along Italy’s coastline.

I especially recommend visiting in the early evening. Wander through the quiet streets as the golden light settles over the rooftops, stop for an aperitivo in one of the little piazzas, then stay for dinner at one of the village’s excellent restaurants.

Hike the Sentiero degli Innamorati

This short coastal hike near Ascea (location here) is one of the easiest ways to appreciate Cilento’s wild coastline.

The trail winds above dramatic cliffs and hidden coves with constant sea views before reaching several panoramic viewpoints overlooking the Mediterranean.

Cape Palinuro & Blue Grotto Boat Trip

One of the absolute highlights of visiting Cilento is getting out onto the water around Palinuro. This dramatic stretch of coastline is famous for its towering limestone cliffs, sea arches and brilliantly blue grottoes that can only be reached by boat.

During the excursion you’ll cruise past some of the region’s most spectacular scenery, visit six different sea caves, stop to swim in crystal-clear water and pass secluded beaches hidden beneath the cliffs.

I did the tour with Blu Palinuro Da Alessandro, booking my tickets on arrival from the kiosks at Porto Beach before departure. I’d happily recommend them, but be aware that the tours are conducted entirely in Italian. The guides were knowledgeable, the route was fantastic, and there was plenty of time to admire the coastline, including Cilento’s own Blue Grotto, and stop for a swim at Spiaggia del Buon Dormire, one of the best beaches in Italy.

Back on dry land, the main beach in Porto is a great place to spend the rest of the day. I’d also recommend Lido Mijeo a little further up the coast for relaxation and lunch.

Explore Agropoli

Often considered the gateway to Cilento, Agropoli combines a lively seafront with a charming medieval old town perched above the harbour.

Wander its narrow streets, climb to the castle for sweeping coastal views, and finish with an aperitivo overlooking the marina before continuing south.

Spend Time in Marina di Camerota

Marina di Camerota has a livelier atmosphere than many of Cilento’s villages, with a bustling marina, sandy beaches, waterfront restaurants and plenty of boat excursions departing throughout the day.

It’s a good base if you’re planning to spend time on the water.

Watch the Sunset from Pianoro di Ciolandrea

Widely regarded as one of the finest viewpoints in southern Italy, Pianoro di Ciolandrea sits high above Scario, offering one of the most breathtaking panoramas in the entire region.

On a clear day, the views stretch far beyond the Cilento coastline. You can look across to Maratea, where the towering Christ the Redeemer of Maratea stands proudly on the hillside, as well as the dramatic cliffs of San Nicola Arcella and the mountains of Calabria.

On exceptionally clear days, the views extend even further across the Tyrrhenian Sea to the distant silhouettes of the Aeolian Islands and, beyond them, the northern coast of Sicily.

Sunset is undoubtedly the best time to visit. As the sun sinks into the sea, the coastline is bathed in warm golden light, the surrounding mountains glow pink, and the entire landscape becomes one of the most memorable scenes you’ll experience anywhere in southern Italy.

Visit the WWF Oasis Grotte del Bussento

Hidden away in Cilento’s interior, this protected nature reserve is one of the region’s best-kept secrets. A network of hiking paths and small wooden bridges leads through a cool, moss-covered forest to the dramatic point where the Bussento River re-emerges after flowing underground through an extensive cave system.

The constant shade, lush vegetation, and sound of rushing water make it a refreshing escape from the summer heat.

Along the trail you’ll also pass the atmospheric ruins of an abandoned watermill, now partially reclaimed by nature, with a small waterfall cascading directly through the old stone structure.

It feels wonderfully untouched and is easily one of the most unique places to visit in Cilento. Just avoid visiting during the hottest part of the day, especially in midsummer.

For another hidden gem of a hike, make sure to also check out Oasi Cascate Capelli di Venere, where a series of moss-covered waterfalls, crystal-clear pools and shaded woodland trails create one of the most beautiful natural landscapes in southern Cilento.

Explore Roccagloriosa

Perched high above the surrounding valleys, Roccagloriosa is a beautifully preserved medieval village with spectacular views across southern Cilento.

Wander its quiet lanes, admire centuries-old churches and soak up a side of the region that many visitors never experience.

Explore Scario

Scario is a picturesque harbour town tucked into the Gulf of Policastro, known for its palm-lined promenade, colourful fishing boats and laid-back atmosphere.

It’s a lovely place to end the day with seafood by the water or to catch a boat to nearby hidden beaches only accessible from the sea.

If you’re heading out to explore the Costa degli Infreschi e della Masseta, chances are your boat trip will depart from Scario’s harbour. Plan to stay afterwards for lunch, as the waterfront is lined with excellent seafood restaurants and makes the perfect place to relax after a morning on the water.

Visit the Certosa di Padula

One of the most impressive cultural landmarks in southern Italy, the Certosa di Padula is the largest monastery in Italy and one of the biggest in Europe.

A UNESCO World Heritage Site, this vast 14th-century Carthusian monastery is renowned for its magnificent Baroque architecture, grand cloisters, ornate staircases and beautifully preserved frescoes. Allow at least a couple of hours to wander its enormous courtyards, peaceful gardens and lavishly decorated interiors.

Even if religious sites aren’t generally your thing, the sheer scale and beauty of the complex make it one of Cilento’s most worthwhile inland excursions.

Visit the Velia Ruins

Often overshadowed by nearby Paestum, the ancient ruins of Velia are one of Cilento’s hidden gems. Founded by Greek settlers in the 6th century BC, the city of Elea later became an important Roman settlement and was home to the famous Parmenides and Zeno of Elea, founders of the Eleatic school of philosophy.

Today you can wander through remarkably peaceful ruins, exploring ancient streets, Roman baths, temples and the impressive Porta Rosa, widely considered the oldest surviving stone arch in Italy.

Set across a hillside overlooking the sea, the site is far less crowded than Paestum and rewards with beautiful views as well as a fascinating glimpse into the region’s ancient past.

Where to Eat in Cilento, Italy

One of the biggest surprises of visiting Cilento was just how good the food is. This is the birthplace of the Mediterranean diet, where buffalo mozzarella, exceptional olive oil, fresh seafood and seasonal vegetables take centre stage.

Whether you’re looking for finer dining or family-run trattorias serving generations-old recipes, these are the restaurants I recommend most.

Osteria del Convento (Cuccaro Vetere) – Located within Convento Francescano (a must when staying), this is one of the region’s most memorable dining experiences. The kitchen is led by Patrizia, Alberto’s mother, whose Pugliese roots bring a wonderful mix of both Puglian and Cilentan influences to the menu. Expect seasonal, farm-to-table cooking using produce from the convent’s gardens and local farms, served in the beautiful cloister during the warmer months.

Al Gelso D’Oro da Nonna Sceppa (Paestum) – A wonderful traditional trattoria serving generous portions of regional classics in a relaxed, family-run setting. Comfort food at its best.

Osteria 1861 (Santa Maria del Castelabate) – One of the region’s standout contemporary osterias, combining beautifully executed local dishes with an excellent wine list in an atmospheric historic building.

Genuini Cilento (San Mauro Cilento) – A traditional restaurant championing Cilento’s incredible produce through creative, seasonal cooking that never loses sight of local traditions.

Perbacco Enoteca Osteria (Pisciotta) – An absolute must. This charming wine bar and osteria in Pisciotta pairs fantastic regional cooking with one of the area’s best selections of Campanian wines. Perfect for a leisurely evening.

Ristorante Angiolina (Pisciotta) – One of the best places along the coast for impeccably fresh seafood, served with beautiful views over the water.

Malabar (Pisciotta) – Set on one of Pisciotta’s prettiest village squares, Malabar is a charming restaurant serving elevated Cilentan cuisine with a creative touch. Dine outdoors beneath the palaces as the square comes alive in the evening, and expect beautifully presented dishes showcasing fresh local seafood, seasonal produce and regional flavours.

Ristorante Aquadulcis (Vallo della Lucania) – Refined seafood dishes, polished service and an elegant setting make this an excellent choice for a more special dinner.

La Chioccia D’Oro (Vallo della Lucania) – Worth seeking out for authentic inland Cilento cooking, with homemade pasta, slow-cooked meats and warm hospitality.

Zi Filomena (Caselle in Pittari) – One of the best places in inland Cilento for a long, traditional lunch. Located in the village of Caselle in Pittari, it’s the perfect stop after exploring the nearby WWF Oasis Grotte del Bussento. Expect handmade pasta, locally reared meats, superb seasonal vegetables and warm Cilentan hospitality.

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