Cilento Coast
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Latest page update: 2 February 2025
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By: Dion Protani
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Stretching around 175 kilometres from Agropoli in the north to Scario in the south, the Cilento Coast offers spectacular scenery, seaside towns, great beaches and a number of intriguing hill towns.
The beautiful coastal region forms part of the Cilento, Vallo di Diano and Alburni National Park which covers an area of around 1,800 km². Highlights along the coastal region include the aforementioned Agropoli, Palinuro and Marina di Camerota. |
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The region can best be reached by car, heading south from Naples Airport towards Salerno and then past the famous ruins of Paestum.
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Cilento Coast: 175 kilometres of Southern Italian coastline away from the crowds
The Cilento Coast is a coastal area in the Campania region of southern Italy, stretching along the Tyrrhenian Sea in the province of Salerno.
It lies south of the Amalfi Coast and extends to the Gulf of Policastro, forming part of the Cilento and Vallo di Diano National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The coastline is known for its unspoiled beaches, rocky cliffs, and traditional fishing villages.
The main towns include Agropoli, with a medieval old town and a waterfront promenade, and Acciaroli, a small fishing village known for its clear waters and association with Ernest Hemingway. Palinuro is famous for its sea caves, including the Grotta Azzurra, and long sandy beaches. Marina di Camerota has a mix of rocky coves and beach resorts.
The area has a long history, with Greek and Roman influences. Paestum, an ancient Greek city, has three well-preserved Doric temples and a museum with artifacts from the region. The Certosa di Padula, one of the largest Carthusian monasteries in Italy, is located inland. Velia, an ancient Greek settlement, features ruins, including a preserved city gate.
The Cilento Coast is accessible by train, with stations in Agropoli and Pisciotta served by regional and high-speed trains from Naples and Salerno. The coastal road offers scenic views and connects the villages, while ferries in summer link some towns to the Amalfi Coast and Capri. The nearest airports are in Naples and Salerno, with bus connections to the region.
It lies south of the Amalfi Coast and extends to the Gulf of Policastro, forming part of the Cilento and Vallo di Diano National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The coastline is known for its unspoiled beaches, rocky cliffs, and traditional fishing villages.
The main towns include Agropoli, with a medieval old town and a waterfront promenade, and Acciaroli, a small fishing village known for its clear waters and association with Ernest Hemingway. Palinuro is famous for its sea caves, including the Grotta Azzurra, and long sandy beaches. Marina di Camerota has a mix of rocky coves and beach resorts.
The area has a long history, with Greek and Roman influences. Paestum, an ancient Greek city, has three well-preserved Doric temples and a museum with artifacts from the region. The Certosa di Padula, one of the largest Carthusian monasteries in Italy, is located inland. Velia, an ancient Greek settlement, features ruins, including a preserved city gate.
The Cilento Coast is accessible by train, with stations in Agropoli and Pisciotta served by regional and high-speed trains from Naples and Salerno. The coastal road offers scenic views and connects the villages, while ferries in summer link some towns to the Amalfi Coast and Capri. The nearest airports are in Naples and Salerno, with bus connections to the region.
Costiera del Cilento
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Province: Salerno
Region: Campania Length: around 175 km Highlights: Agropoli, Castellabate, Palinuro, Marina di Camerota Fly to: Naples International Airport - 1 hour 30 minutes (120 km) Recommended accommodation: Hotel Myrtus (Agropoli) |
What are the best hotels on the Cilento Coast?
- Grand Hotel Santa Maria: Located in Santa Maria di Castellabate, this hotel offers elegant accommodations with a private beach area, outdoor pool, and panoramic sea views.
- Hotel La Torre: Situated in Palinuro, this hotel features a private beach, wellness center, and a restaurant serving local cuisine, providing a relaxing seaside experience.
- Hotel La Pineta: Located in Acciaroli, this hotel offers modern rooms, a private beach, and a wellness center, set amidst the natural beauty of the Cilento Coast.
- Castello di Rocca Cilento: Situated in Rocca Cilento, this 5-star hotel is housed in a historic castle and offers luxurious accommodations, an outdoor swimming pool, and a restaurant.
- Hotel Caluna Charme: Located in San Giovanni a Piro, this hotel offers comfortable rooms, a seasonal outdoor swimming pool, and stunning views of the surrounding area.
What's the best way to reach the Cilento Coast?
The Cilento Coast, located in the Campania region of southern Italy, is easily accessible through several transportation options. The nearest airport is Naples International Airport (Aeroporto di Napoli-Capodichino), about 1.5 to 2 hours away by car. From the airport, you can rent a car or take a taxi, traveling along the A3 motorway and the SS18 road, which runs along the coast.
The Cilento Coast is also served by rail, with train stations in towns like Agropoli, Vallo della Lucania, and Sapri, offering direct connections to Naples, Salerno, and other regional cities. Local buses also connect the towns along the coast, providing an affordable way to travel between popular destinations such as Paestum, Castellabate, and Palinuro. Driving is a convenient option, but public transport allows easy access to the scenic coastline.
The Cilento Coast is also served by rail, with train stations in towns like Agropoli, Vallo della Lucania, and Sapri, offering direct connections to Naples, Salerno, and other regional cities. Local buses also connect the towns along the coast, providing an affordable way to travel between popular destinations such as Paestum, Castellabate, and Palinuro. Driving is a convenient option, but public transport allows easy access to the scenic coastline.
Where are the best places to eat on the Cilento Coast?
- Tre Olivi: Located in Paestum, this restaurant has earned two Michelin stars for its innovative approach to traditional Campanian cuisine, offering a refined dining experience.
- Perbacco: Situated in the hills of Cilento, Perbacco is renowned for its commitment to Slow Food principles, serving dishes that highlight local ingredients in a rustic, open-air setting.
- La Taverna del Mozzo: In Marina di Camerota, this eatery offers traditional Cilento recipes with a creative twist, complemented by excellent local wines in an informal, family-style atmosphere.
- Ristoro Pozzallo: Accessible by boat, foot, or car, this unique dining spot on the beach serves simple yet exceptional dishes like stuffed anchovies and fried pizza dough, prepared by a local family of fishermen.
- Il Cormorano: Overlooking the sea in Agropoli, this restaurant offers rustic and traditional cuisine, specializing in fresh seafood and local specialties.
