Hiking in Cilento National Park & Paestum

Arrival in Paestum and check-in at the hotel, which is located just a few hundred meters from one of Europe's best-preserved temple areas. Feel free to leave your luggage in your room and head out to see the archaeological site with its magnificent Greek temples, and visit the museum. Then return to the hotel and enjoy a dinner typical of the region.

 Accommodation in Paestum

The day begins with a short train journey to Agropoli, from where the hike along the Tresino headland begins. This is one of the last remaining original stretches of coastline. You walk through a genuine Mediterranean landscape, through forests and scrubland, along beautiful beaches and past an ancient Roman harbor. You arrive at the abandoned village of San Giovanni, where some good white wines are still produced. From here you walk down to the large sandy beach at Castellabate and continue along the beach until you reach the small town of Santa Maria. After perhaps a swim and a delicious ice cream, you are driven to a charming hotel in the old town of Rocca Cilento. 

 Accommodation in Rocca Cilento

Today's hike partly follows ancient paths that were once used to connect the valley with the Greek cities of Paestum and Velia. You begin by walking along the ridge, with beautiful views in two directions, down to the small town of Lustra with its well-preserved medieval center. From there, you descend on a recently restored path to Valle dei Mulini, the valley of the ancient mills. Once down, you can see the remains of at least 17 mills (!) scattered along a streambed. The following hike goes both up and down the ridge in various stretches and leads, among other things, to a charming small village, Valle Cilento, the abandoned town of Massacanina, as well as the Mercato Cilento monastery. The last stretch back to Rocca Cilento follows a gravel road with panoramic views. Tonight's dinner is enjoyed on the hotel terrace with a stunning view.

 Accommodation in Rocca Cilento

A short transfer takes you to Perdifumo. The hike begins in a beautiful chestnut forest and then continues upward to the summit of Mt. Stella, with a wonderful view stretching from Capri and the Amalfi Coast to Capo Palinuro. You continue walking along the ridge, passing the historic Castelluccio. After a number of additional old and beautiful sights, the path descends again toward the coast. On the slopes, you pass several historic small towns, from which the view over the sea is captivating. Finally you reach Acciaroli, a characteristic fishing village with a wonderful sandy beach. From here, a transfer takes you to the small town of San Marco di Castellabate, where you will spend the night. Dinner is enjoyed at the hotel restaurant. 

 Accommodation in San Marco di Castellabate

Today's hike starts at the hotel and passes through typical Mediterranean nature in the Monte Licosa area. The landscape, with its marine charm and rich inland nature, offers you a fantastic experience at any time of year. You walk uphill through a pine forest until you reach the ridge. Along the ridge there are several watchtowers from which you can look out over the entire area. Through a beautiful agricultural landscape, you then make your way down to the coast at Ogliastro Marina, from where you follow a coastal loop to the very tip of the headland. Naturally, there are several opportunities for a swim. From Punta Licosa, the hike then heads back along the coast to San Marco's beautiful harbor. This evening you can choose among a variety of restaurants in the area. 

Accommodation in San Marco di Castellabate

From San Marco you will be picked up by private transfer to Palinuro, where you can leave your luggage at the hotel and then start a fantastic circular walk. This hike starts at your accommodation and takes you to the legendary headland of Capo Palinuro. From the small fishing harbor, you walk up to the lighthouse at the top of Capo Palinuro. From the lighthouse you enjoy a magnificent view over the village of Palinuro and the Cilento coast. You then walk down to the beautiful sandy beach of Marinella. Strong hikers can consider extending the Capo Palinuro hike to include Molpa Hill, where you come across the ruins of a medieval castle. You can also continue to Arco Naturale, making this a full-day excursion. But of course, you should also consider taking a boat trip to the beautiful "Grotta Azzurra", perhaps not as well-known as the one on Capri, but without doubt more beautiful (and definitely cheaper & less touristy!).

Accommodation in Palinuro

Today you make your way to your next accommodation, in the charming coastal village of Marina di Camerota. You first walk a short distance through olive groves and along the river, then you begin climbing up the first hills above the coast between Palinuro and Marina di Camerota. This is a beautiful hike, with magnificent views over the blue Mediterranean. You walk past the ruins of old farms and past the medieval chapel of Sant'Iconio. The last stretch to the charming village of Marina di Camerota is again along the coast. There are several nice beaches in secluded coves, so there may be an opportunity for a dip. Or you can choose to take a walk in the village itself, with its clear South American influence.

Accommodation in Marina di Camerota

Today you hike along one of the most unspoiled stretches of coastline in southern Italy. This is the so-called Infreschi Coast, named after the Roman harbor of Infreschi. The hike is easy and follows an ancient path between Camerota and the Roman harbor. You start right outside the hotel in Marina di Camerota and first walk around its harbor. The hike then continues past several caves and along beaches to a medieval watchtower. After a short uphill walk, you continue through olive groves and scrubland. You then turn downward toward a small bay, reminiscent of an uninhabited beach on a tropical island. After about an hour, a beautiful loop leads to the Roman harbor. On the beach nearby, there is the possibility of having a lunch prepared by a local fisherman. Return to Marina di Camerota, either on foot or by boat. 

Accommodation in Marina di Camerota

The trip ends after breakfast with transport to Pisciotta train station.