Cilento: the complete guide to discover authentic Southern Italy
Cilento is the slice of Southern Italy that most international travellers have yet to discover — and that's a blessing. Between Salerno and Calabria, in the Salerno province, hides a 180,000-hectare National Park recognised as UNESCO heritage. Crystal sea, medieval villages clinging to the hills, a cuisine that gave birth to the Mediterranean Diet: Cilento is the perfect destination for those seeking a real Italy.
Where Cilento is
Cilento sits in southern Campania, between the Gulf of Salerno and the Vallo di Diano. It's 1h 30 from Naples, 1h from Salerno, 3h from Rome. The closest airport is Salerno-Costa d'Amalfi.
When to visit
May, June and September are the ideal months: warm but not scorching, sea already swimmable, lower prices. July and August are stunning but busier on the coast.
Must-see places
Castellabate (set of 'Welcome to the South'), Acciaroli (Hemingway's centenarians), Pioppi (the Mediterranean Diet), the archaeological site of Velia, the caves of Cape Palinuro, the Padula Charterhouse.
What to eat
Cavatelli with tomato sauce, menaica anchovies, buffalo mozzarella, white DOP figs, Cilento DOP olive oil, Aglianico wine. To drink: limoncello, fennel liqueur, artisan nocino.
Where to stay
For groups and families we recommend independent villas like Villa MaLuGio, surrounded by nature but minutes from the beaches. For couples, small B&Bs in historic villages also work well.
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