Hiking in Cilento National Park & Paestum

Arrival in Paestum and check-in at the hotel which is only 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 look at the archaeological site with its fantastic Greek temples and visit the museum. Then return to the hotel and enjoy a dinner typical of the region.

 Accommodation in Paestum

The day starts with a short train journey to Agropoli, from where the hike along the Tresino headland begins. This is one of the last remaining pristine coastal stretches. You hike through a genuine Mediterranean landscape, through forests and scrubland, along beautiful beaches and past an ancient Roman harbor. You reach the abandoned village of San Giovanni, where some good white wines are still produced. From here you descend to the large sandy beach at Castellabate and walk 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 the hike takes place partly on ancient paths that were once used to connect the valley with the Greek cities of Paestum and Velia. You start by walking along the mountain ridge, with beautiful views in both directions, down to the small town of Lustra with its well-preserved medieval town center. Then it's downhill on a recently restored path to Valle dei Mulini, the valley of the ancient mills. Once down there you can see the remains of at least 17 mills (!) scattered along a stream. The following hike goes both up and down the mountain ridge in various stages and leads among other things to a charming little village, Valle Cilento, the abandoned town Massacanina, as well as the monastery Mercato Cilento. The last stretch back to Rocca Cilento goes via a gravel road with panoramic views. The evening's dinner is eaten on the hotel's terrace with fantastic views.

 Accommodation in Rocca Cilento

A short transfer takes you to Perdifumo. The hike starts in a beautiful forest with chestnut trees and then continues upward to the top of Mt. Stella with a wonderful view that stretches from Capri and the Amalfi Coast to Capo Palinuro. You continue hiking along the mountain ridge and pass the historic Castelluccio. After several more old and beautiful sights, it goes downhill again towards the coast. On the slopes you pass several historic small towns, from which the view over the sea is enchanting. 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's restaurant. 

 Accommodation in San Marco di Castellabate

Today's hike starts at the hotel and goes through typical Mediterranean nature in the Monte Licosa area. The landscape with its marine charm and rich inland nature offers you a fantastic stay at any time of the year. You hike upward through a pine forest until you reach the mountain 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 path to the outermost tip of the headland. Naturally, there are several opportunities for swimming. From Punta Licosa the hike then goes homeward along the coast to San Marco's beautiful harbor. This evening you can choose from a variety of restaurants in the surroundings. 

Accommodation in San Marco di Castellabate

From San Marco you are picked up by private transfer to Palinuro, where you can leave your luggage at the hotel and then start a fantastic circular hike. This hike starts at your accommodation and takes you to the mythical headland 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 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 famous as the one on Capri, but undoubtedly 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 start climbing up the first hills above the coast between Palinuro and Marina di Camerota. This is a beautiful hike, with fantastic views over the blue Mediterranean. You walk along 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 along the coast again. There are several fine beaches in isolated coves, so there might be an opportunity for a dip. Or you can choose to take a stroll in the village itself, with its distinct South American influence.

Accommodation in Marina di Camerota

Today you hike along one of the most unspoiled coastal stretches in southern Italy. It 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 just 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. Then you turn downward towards a small bay, which resembles an uninhabited beach on a tropical island. After about an hour a beautiful path leads to the Roman harbor. On the adjacent beach there is an opportunity to have 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.