Coastal Cilento Walk
Experience Overview
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!
Trip For You
This holiday has 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.
Group Description
As this is a self-guided holiday there is no group and no leader. A local agent is on hand to assist you and will meet you at the beginning of the trip to go through the routes and point out particular places of interest.
Eating Drinking
All breakfasts and 2 dinners included.
Cilento has many dishes that stem from cucina povera (cuisine of poverty) with simple dishes made from quality, locally grown products. Expect to see the local pasta, cavatelli - usually served with a mutton ragu - on menus as a primo (the traditional Italian first course), as well as cicci ammaretati - a soup made with chickpeas, lentils and chestnuts. Some of the best-know local products include olive ammaccate (bruised olives), caciocavallo cheese, white artichokes and white figs - traditionally dried and covered in chocolate.
Transportation
Your luggage is transported from hotel to hotel for you.
Joining Instructions
The tour normally begins at the start hotel in PAESTUM.
Weather Information
Southern Italy is hot and dry in summer, with cooler but slightly damper spring and autumn periods; expect mild, damp winters at coastal levels. Rainfall is more common in the winter months with an average of one day in three affected. Unseasonable cold spells are possible at any time of year, during which time you will need warm clothes. It is very important to be equipped for cooler weather in early- and late-season departures.
Highlights
— Discover the UNESCO recognised Cilento National Park - crystal clear seas, dramatic coastline, pristine sandy beaches, the spectacular Grotta Azzurra — Visit the ancient Greek city of Paestum and its perfectly preserved temples — Authentic and untouched Southern Italy, with spectacular scenery to rival the nearby Amalfi Coast
Trip Details
Product Code: 22692
Tour Type: Small Group
Accommodation: Moderate
Transport: for you.
Guide Language: English
Tour Operator:
Exodus Travel
Supplier Code: W08CT
Starts: Paestum, Italy
Finishes: Paestum, Italy
Duration: 9 days
Departures: Not Guaranteed
Physical Rating:
Average
Includes
— Hotel-to-hotel accommodation in a mix of HHH, *** and **** hotels — All breakfasts and 3 evening meals — Luggage transfers between hotels — Walk transfers on days 2, 4 and 6 — Transfer to Centola railway station on day 9Accommodation
These are the standard hotels for our trip. If you'd like to extend your time at any of these or, if you'd like to enhance your stay with an upgraded room, just let us know at the time of booking. Early booking is advised as during busy times we may have to substitute individual hotels for one of an equal or superior standard. Hotel Villa Rita, Paestum 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. Antico Convento B&B, Rocca Cilento 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. Hotel Hermitage, San Marco di Castellabate 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. Albergo Santa Caterina, Palinuro 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. B&B Casa di Paolo, Marina di Camerota 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.
Price
Price per person: (Double Occupancy) CAD $2,140 ($238 /day)
Itinerary
Arrive in Paestum. Explore the UNESCO Greek ruins and renowned archaeological museum before dinner (included).
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Departure from Maria di Camerota after breakfast.
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Tour Operator
Exodus Travel
It’s all about adventure That is what Exodus was founded upon 50 years ago, and what the company is still all about. Discovering countries, cultures, environments, cities, mountain ranges, deserts, coasts and jungles; exploring this amazing planet we all live on. At Exodus, we know what makes you tick when it comes to holidays. It’s a desire shared by so many others. A yearning to visit new places and come home with a real sense of what they’re all about. This means delving into local traditions, cultures, cuisine, lifestyles – anything that contributes to its unique identity. At the same time, we always remember that we are only guests. So we travel courteously and respectfully, in smaller groups to minimise our impact, to ensure that every Exodus holiday is a beneficial experience for everyone involved. This is a philosophy we take with us around the world, helping you reach some incredible destinations on 500 itineraries across over 90 separate countries. We also strive to provide as much flexibility and choice as we possibly can, making it simple for you to experience a very different holiday. Exodus started life on 4 February 1974 when two friends got together to provide an overland truck to travel to the Minaret of Jam, deep in the heart of the Hindu Kush, the most inaccessible of the world’s great monuments. See our history page for more details about how we began and how we have grown over the past 50 years. Never travelled with Exodus before? Visit our New to Exodus page for some useful, first-timer information.
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