Cilento

Italy is an incredibly beautiful and diverse tourist destination, full of different climates, interesting histories and spectacular landscapes. One of the most beautiful places to visit in Italy is Cilento. It is a natural paradise in the province of Salerno that offers unparalleled natural grandeur to all who travel there, an area that has much to offer, from crystal-clear waters to refined cultural heritage.

Cilento: a land of beauty and history

Cilento is a territorial area full of natural, historical and cultural riches, best known for its pristine beaches and breathtaking landscapes. Cilento has always been a focal point for Mediterranean culture. There are numerous archaeological testimonies documenting human presence in this territory since prehistoric times.

One of the most important and well-known sites is certainly the Archaeological Park of Paestum, whose Temples are among the most important architectural works inherited from Magna Graecia. Here one can admire the three Greek temples dedicated to Neptune, Ceres (Athena) and Hera. Other archaeological sites in Cilento include the little-known but very curious Civitella Archaeological Park. The Civitella Excavations have unearthed further evidence of Greek colonies in Cilento. In Moio della Civitella, on the excavation hill, there is also a shrine linked to the Cilento Marian cult.

The region is also famous for its rich history and folk traditions. From a naturalistic point of view, Cilento offers a wide range of habitats, from the mountains to the sea coast. There are numerous marine protected areas that represent the region's most important resources. Among the most famous is the National Park of Cilento, Vallo di Diano and Alburni, established in 1991 with the aim of preserving the unique ecosystem of the Cilento area and since 1998 declared a World Heritage Site - UNESCO.

Villages in the Cilento

Numerous are the villages and towns that characterize Cilento, an area that starts from Agropoli until Sapri and includes as many as 80 municipalities.
Among the most beautiful villages of Cilento stands out among all Agropoli, whose medieval charm can be admired in its historic center. The small streets of the center, characteristic and well-preserved, are in summer the scene of events that sometimes recall the daily life of the village in other eras.

How not to mention Castellabate, an ancient village of medieval origins recognized among the Most Beautiful Villages in Italy, made famous thanks to the film "Benvenuti al Sud". A wonderful Cilento jewel located in the heart of the National Park of Cilento, Vallo di Diano and Alburni, the town situated about 300 meters above sea level is characterized by narrow cobbled alleys, ancient buildings that hide elegant courtyards and terraces that know how to give wonderful landscapes.

Palinuro, a hamlet of Centola, is a small seaside village known for its sea caves, such as the famous Blue Grotto. The crystal blue waters and rugged coastline are a strong tourist attraction for scuba diving enthusiasts.

Acciaroli is another wonderful village in Cilento, a hamlet of the municipality of Pollica, known as a fishing village and a much-loved destination for tourists in the summertime thanks to its clear waters. In this small village it is possible to admire the Norman Tower, built in 1233 by Frederick II as a defense against pirate raids, and the Church of the Annunziata located next to the tower.

Moving away from the sea, toward the Cilento hills is the village of Terradura di Ascea, the smallest of Ascea's hamlets. Surrounded by tranquility and nature, this small village, which now has less than a hundred inhabitants, offers a truly unique atmosphere.

Also far from the sea is Cuccaro Vetere placed in the Cilento and Vallo di Diano National Park. An enchanting place located 629 meters above sea level. This town sits on a hill in eastern Cilento and is part of the Lambro and Mingardo Mountain Community. A rural village that has taken on the appearance of a traveling museum of peasant civilization and offers visitors the chance to renew experiences of past centuries and live moments of the daily life of a people who knew how to preserve themselves in harmony with nature. If you are looking for a place to relax and enjoy nature, Cuccaro Vetere is the perfect choice. Here you can stroll through the ancient streets of the village, admire the breathtaking views and enjoy the delicious local cuisine

The beaches of Cilento

Ihe Cilento is characterized not only by its historical heritage but also by its breathtaking and unspoiled beaches. Thanks to the variety of its natural landscapes, its vegetation, its clear and clean sea and its wonderful unspoiled beaches, Cilento holds a good number of blue flags.
These are largely free beaches accessible to all with numerous sandy stretches belonging to bathing establishments equipped with all the necessary services for an unforgettable Cilento vacation.

Among the many beaches, Baia degli Infreschi, Cala Bianca and Troncone beach in Camerota stand out. In Palinuro renowned is the beach of Buondormire, known for its intense and incredible colors, where the sea water is clear, deep and emerald colored and the sand golden and very fine. In front of the beach, moreover, is the so-called Scoglio del Coniglio (Rabbit Rock), a curious rock that seems to look just like a lying rabbit.

Trentova beach is another little corner of paradise located in Agropoli, considered one of the most popular and loved beaches in Cilento by tourists. Apparently, one of the caves on the beach hid 30 sea turtle eggs, hence the name Trentova. This beach is especially recommended for families, as it has a particularly shallow seabed, thus suitable for children.

The flavors of Cilento

Homeland of the Mediterranean Diet, born in the seaside village of Pioppi, near Acciaroli, a vacation in Cilento would not be complete without being able to taste the tasty typical dishes prepared with local products thanks to the countless excellent raw materials and ancient farming traditions such as extra virgin olive oil, fresh vegetables and cheeses.
Among Cilento's best-known pasta dishes are Lagane e Ceci, a fresh pasta made from durum wheat semolina and water, wider and shorter than tagliatelle that is cooked together with previously stewed chickpeas.
"Cavatieddi" or cavatelli with meat sauce, are another of Cilento's best-known dishes. Prepared with water and flour and seasoned precisely with meat sauce, they represent the typical Sunday dish par excellence.
Also very tasty is Fusillo di Filetto, another Cilento Slow Food Presidium, handmade using a ferretto, it is an egg pasta made with durum wheat semolina and extra virgin olive oil.
Undisputed queens of southern Italy but especially of Cilento tables, the "stuffed eggplant". The filling includes fresh eggs and aged goat's ricotta cheese, topped with plenty of sauce and a basil leaf.
Cannoli Cilentani are another delicacy not to be missed! The typical holiday dessert, filled half with white cream and half with cocoa cream.

So many events are organized every month of the year to make people know and fully appreciate the food and wine culture of this area by tasting the best traditional dishes, authentic witnesses of the historical path and specificities of each village.

Events and manifestations in Cilento

Cilento is also a place rich in folkloric traditions that attract thousands of tourists from all over Italy every year. One can participate in various festivals and events such as the Paestum IGP Artichoke Festival in Capaccio-Paestum or the patronal festivals that are celebrated in all the main seaside towns during the summer.

Every year various cultural and musical events are held in the Cilento area, such as the International Classical Music Festival in Velia or the International Book Festival at the Aragonese Castle in Agropoli, not to mention the many folkloric events organized in recent years by Cilento municipalities that attract visitors from all over the world.

Places not to miss in the Cilento region

In addition to being an area rich in history, cultural heritage, art, and folklore, Cilento also offers a selection of beautiful places to visit, and one of the main attractions is the Charterhouse of Padula.
The Charterhouse of Padula or Certosa di San Lorenzo is the largest monastic complex in southern Italy and one of the most interesting in Europe for its architectural appearance. Since 1998 the Carthusian Monastery has been listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Another great attraction is the Angevin Aragonese Castle of Agropoli, once a fortress and military garrison but also a noble residence. A place so evocative and poetic that it has been a source of inspiration for writers, such as the Frenchwoman Marguerite Yourcenar in her novel "Anna, soror" and Giuseppe Ungaretti himself, who visited Cilento in 1932 and was struck by the beauty of Agropoli and its village, as we read in the "Mezzogiorno" section of the volume "The Desert and After."

Another place not to be missed are the Pertosa-Auletta Caves, the only caves in Italy where it is possible to navigate an underground river, the Negro, and the only ones in Europe that preserve the remains of a pile-dwelling village dating back to the second millennium B.C.

Among the many beauties that Cilento gives us, one cannot fail to mention the Oasis of the Cascate dei Capelli Di Venere, located in the town of Casaletto Spartano. The name comes from the name of the plant that covers the rock above which the falls flow. It is a fern named Capelvenere, hence the origin of the name.

In short, Cilento has much to offer those visiting the region. From ancient monasteries to spectacular beaches, Cilento is undoubtedly a natural paradise with breathtaking views and unforgettable experiences to enjoy.