Cilento Holidays

Embrace the captivating coast on your Cilento holiday

Holidays in Cilento introduce you to one of Italy’s best kept secrets. Located on the west coast, Cilento is one of the more remote parts of the Campania region but is not far from Naples.

Cilento, unlike some of its flashier neighbours, is unpretentious but that’s its attraction. Literary greats such as Shelley, Goethe and Hemmingway all found inspiration here.

If you’re looking for a sunshine holiday with a simple, relaxed atmosphere, in a region of outstanding beauty with mountains and beaches, sheltered coves and pastel harbours, then look no further than Cilento.

With plenty of activities to be enjoyed for all ages, Cilento is a perfect choice for an Italian family adventure.

Panoramic view in Agropoli with the sea in the background. Cilento, Campania, southern Italy.

Why Cilento?

Cilento is a hidden gem that offers so much to visitors that take the time to explore it.

Follow in the footsteps of literary greats and discover a world of adventure not far from Naples.

DISCOVER OUR GUIDE TO CILENTO

Things to do in CilentoBlue Grotto

Close to the peaceful Blue Flag beach resort of Palinuro, Cilento’s Blue Grotto is a spectacular karst cave, with a magical secret only visible from within. Due to the way the sunlight refracts when it shines through the cave’s turquoise waters, visitors inside are treated to spectacular blue illuminations.

You can book on to one of the local boat tours which can take you around numerous caves along the spectacular Cilento coast.

Things to do in CilentoExplore the National ParksCilento is largely made up of national parks, boasting an unspoilt landscape that few other regions in Italy can rival. At the heart of the region is the vast Cilento and Vallo di Diano National Park, which is one of the biggest national parks in Italy.

The region has been awarded UNESCO World Heritage Status, mostly thanks to several unique places of interest including the Padula Charterhouse and the archaeological sites of Paestum and Velia. This extraordinary site, originally Poseidonia, named in honour of Poseidon the Greek god of the sea, is home to three Doric temples still in good condition. The rest of the region is largely mountainous, with the dramatic peaks and valleys cultivating some 1,800 plant species, and many dozens of unique fauna, including the majestic Golden Eagle, and the adorable Corsican Hare.

Things to do in CilentoTry Buffalo MozzarellaBuffalo mozzarella is a world away from the simple taste of standard mozzarella, and Cilento is known for producing the finest money can buy. In fact, the region’s buffalo mozzarella is so good that it’s now trademarked. Made with the milk from water buffalo rather than cows, buffalo mozzarella is more flavoursome than its bovine counterpart, and considered by foodies to be superior in general.

Most Campania restaurants will feature this premium ingredient on their menus, whether it’s used within Caprese salad or served with just olive oil. The fresher the mozzarella, the better the taste, and because the cheese is produced within Cilento and Campania, you are unlikely to find fresher, better tasting buffalo mozzarella anywhere else in Italy.

Things to do in CilentoVisit the Valley of OrchidsThe splendid Valle delle Orchidee (Valley of the Orchids) in Sassano, a pretty little village in the national park, is well worth a visit. With over 100 varieties of orchids, which generally begin to bloom in April, the area is awash with colour.

Every year in May Sassano holds the Festival of the Wild Orchid, with guided walks, food tastings, and other cultural activities on offer.

Things to do in CilentoDon't forget to seeAscea is one of Cilento’s most beautiful beach resorts, featuring a picturesque town set high above the sea, and a dramatic four-mile swathe of beautiful sandy beachfront. Situated close to the Velia Archaeological Site, Ascea’s two halves create a dramatic effect, with the higher town dominating the landscape, high above Marina di Ascea below. Crowned by an ancient watchtower at one end, and the sleepy town of Marina at the other.

Santa Maria di Castellabate, which lies on the Gulf of Salerno, is a great place to use as a base. You could spend the day on the beach or if you prefer to promenade, the small shop-filled corso is just the place. The waterfront and piazza are home to a small selection of bars and restaurants. Add the rugged hilly backdrop and the view across the Gulf and it is picture perfect.

Ready to explore Cilento?

Have a look at the destinations in Cilento and discover some wonderful hidden gems.

Palinuro A peaceful town known for its coastal grottos and Blue Flag beaches

Santa Maria di Castellabate Exceptionally preserved history and charming character

Handpicked Hotels in Cilento

Discover the real Cilento while staying in one of our carefully selected hotels

Hotel Saline

Cilento, Palinuro

A good family friendly hotel located near the centre of Palinuro
Art Deco style building with panoramic views of the bay

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Hotel Sonia

Cilento, Santa Maria Di Castellabate

A traditional, family-run hotel in the centre of Santa Maria di Castellabate
Beachfront location close to the picturesque harbour

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Every road takes you into history during your Cilento holiday

In a tousled landscape awash with colour, Cilento’s quieter roads lead to Greek temples, Saracen towers and historic villages. Families can enjoy delving into ancient worlds at Museo Archeologico Virtuale, which takes you on an interactive, virtual journey back through time to discover the ancient Roman city of nearby Herculaneum.

If you prefer an outdoor family adventure then there are a number of excellent walking trails to explore on your Cilento holidays, some within the national park. The enticingly named Via dell'Amore (Path of the Lovers) starts at Ascea’s beach and climbs to the Torre del Telegrafo (watchtower), where you can enjoy a fantastic view over Cape Palinuro.

Padula’s impressive 14th century Carthusian monastery, Certosa di San Lorenzo, is a UNESCO World Heritage site with over 350 rooms. To make the most of your visit take a local guided tour. It’s one of Europe’s largest Carthusian monasteries, also known as charterhouses.

The Mediterranean Diet is also worth talking about. The people in Cilento live to remarkable ages which scientists believe is down to their healthy diet. You can also unearth the wisdom of ancient medicine at a wonderfully interactive museum, Scuola Medica Salernitana Museo Virtuale, located in Salerno.

Dive into the history of Cilento and Italy further by taking our Jewels of Southern Italy tour or if you’d like to visit two destinations in one trip, why not try a multi-centre and add Puglia to your Cilento adventure?

Recommended tours and multi-centres

Jewels of Southern Italy Small Group Escorted Tour

8 day suggested trip

At a glance

Take part in a cooking class using local ingredients
Exclusive to Citalia
Explore the historic sights of Naples and its fascinating architecture
Maximum group size: 18
Visit Pompeii, Herculaneum and compare its Roman ruins to the ancient Greek history of Paestum
Explore stunning Amalfi, Ravello, Positano and more

From £2119 per person

ATOL Protected

Find out more about Jewels of Southern Italy Small Group Escorted Tour

Cilento and Puglia

11 day suggested trip