A local's guide to hidden gems in italy: Cilento
hidden gems in italy
As an Italian myself, I’ve always been proud of the beauty and diversity my country has to offer—but I’ll be honest: some of the most famous spots, like the Amalfi Coast, have been completely taken over by mass tourism. Don’t get me wrong, Amalfi is stunning, but if you’re craving the authentic side of southern Italy—where locals still gather in sleepy piazzas, the beaches are wild and uncrowded, and the food tastes like nonna made it—then let me introduce you to Cilento.
Tucked away just south of the Amalfi Coast, Cilento is a hidden gem that most international visitors skip entirely. And that’s exactly what makes it so special. This lesser-known corner of Campania is where you’ll find crystal-clear waters, ancient ruins, charming hilltop villages, and a pace of life that invites you to slow down and savor every moment.
Heads up: this page may include affiliate links. By clicking and/or purchasing, I may receive a small commission at no extra cost for you. I only recommend tools I have personally vetted.
Practical Information:
Location
Tucked away in the southern part of Campania, the Cilento region is one of Italy’s best-kept secrets. This captivating area offers a harmonious blend of unspoiled beaches, charming hilltop villages, ancient ruins, and timeless Italian character. Nestled within the Cilento and Vallo di Diano National Park—a UNESCO World Heritage Site—it remains a place where nature, history, and tradition come together in a peaceful, authentic setting.
Transportation & Exploration
🚶♂️ On Foot & By Bike: The best way to explore the towns and coastal areas of Cilento—such as Castellabate, Acciaroli, Palinuro, or Marina di Camerota—is on foot or by bike. Many villages have pedestrian-friendly historic centers with scenic viewpoints, narrow alleys, and local artisan shops. For nature lovers, numerous hiking trails traverse the national park, offering stunning sea views and peaceful forest paths.
🚉 By Train: The main railway line connects Naples and Salerno to several towns in Cilento, with stops at stations like Agropoli-Castellabate, Vallo della Lucania, and Pisciotta-Palinuro. However, from there, reaching the coastal or hilltop villages typically requires a local bus or private transfer. I don’t personally recommend relying on public transportation here—trains are infrequent, buses are limited and often unreliable. If you want to fully enjoy the region’s beauty and flexibility, renting a car is by far the best option.
🚐 By Car: Renting a car is highly recommended if you want to fully explore Cilento’s scattered towns, hidden beaches, and rural countryside. The roads are scenic but can be narrow and winding in some areas—so take your time and enjoy the ride. Free parking is common in smaller towns, especially outside the high season. I suggest picking up your car directly at the airport, as it’s often cheaper when booked in advance through platforms like Booking or Rentalcars.
🚌 Local Buses: Local buses connect the main towns, but services can be infrequent, especially on weekends and public holidays. Check timetables in advance if relying on public transport.
✈️ By Plane: The nearest major airports are Naples Capodichino (around 2.5–3 hours by car) and Salerno Costa d’Amalfi Airport (smaller and seasonal, about 90 minutes away).
Weather
Cilento has a Mediterranean climate with warm summers and mild winters, ideal for outdoor activities and seaside relaxation.
- ☀️ Summer (June to August): Expect hot and sunny days with temperatures from 28°C to 35°C (82°F to 95°F). The beaches are at their best, though July and August are also peak tourist months for Italians.
- 🍂 Autumn (September to November): A wonderful time to visit with fewer crowds and pleasant weather (18°C to 28°C / 64°F to 82°F). Great for hiking and exploring inland towns.
- ❄️ Winter (December to February): Coastal areas remain mild (10°C to 15°C / 50°F to 59°F), while the inland hills can be cooler. Some accommodations and restaurants may close for the season.
- 🌸 Spring (March to May): Arguably the best time to visit—temperatures are ideal (15°C to 25°C / 59°F to 77°F), wildflowers are in bloom, and towns feel peaceful but alive. A great season for hiking in the area.
where to stay in cilento italy
Cilento offers a charming mix of family-run agriturismi (farm stays), cozy seaside B&Bs, and boutique hotels with panoramic terraces. Prices are often lower than in Amalfi or Capri, making it a budget-friendly choice for slow travel and local experiences.
👉 I I chose to stay in charming, tucked-away B&Bs that offered peace and quiet—below are some of the places I stayed:
what to see in cilento:
Paestum
A visit to Paestum is like stepping back in time. This ancient Greek city, founded around the 6th century BC, is home to some of the best-preserved Doric temples in the world. Walking through the archaeological site, you’ll be amazed by the grandeur of the Temple of Hera, Temple of Athena, and the majestic Temple of Neptune, all surrounded by wildflowers and open countryside. Beyond the temples, the site includes fascinating ruins of a Roman forum, amphitheatre, and intricate mosaics. Don’t miss the Paestum Archaeological Museum, where you can admire beautifully preserved frescoes, including the famous Tomb of the Diver. Paestum is not only a treasure trove for history lovers but also offers a more tranquil and less touristy experience than other ancient sites in Italy—making it a perfect off-the-beaten-path destination.
👉 You can also book online a guided tour:
- Paestum: Small-Group Tour with an Archaeologist and Tickets
- Paestum: Temples and Museum Tour with Archaeologist Guide
💡 Paestum is renowned for its mozzarella di bufala — a type of mozzarella found throughout Italy, but here, you’ll taste some of the very best. The area is dotted with caseifici (cheese dairies), and I highly recommend stopping at one to pick up some fresh bocconcini, the delicious bite-sized mozzarella balls. I did a mozzarella tasting at Tenuta Vannulo — a bit touristy, but definitely worth the visit. However, I recommend also checking out La Dispensa – Azienda Agricola San Salvatore, a lesser-known spot with a more authentic vibe. Alternatively, you can book a tasting tour:
- SALERNO: Paestum & Mozzarella Experience • Shore Excursion
- Mozzarella Experience: Tour + Lunch in Paestum's dairy
Castellabate
Start your journey in Castellabate, a medieval gem perched high above the sea. Its cobbled streets, panoramic terraces, and quiet piazzas offer a glimpse into a slower, more authentic Italy. Recognized as one of the Borghi più belli d’Italia (most beautiful villages of Italy), Castellabate is all about timeless charm. Don’t miss the view from the Belvedere di San Costabile—you’ll see the entire Cilento coastline unfolding beneath you.
Just a few minutes down the hill from medieval Castellabate lies Santa Maria di Castellabate, a picturesque seaside village with a laid-back, old-fashioned charm. Think pastel-colored houses lining a gentle curve of golden sand, fishermen mending their nets, and families strolling the waterfront in the early evening light. The town offers lovely beaches, crystal-clear water, and a lively but relaxed atmosphere that makes it perfect for slow travel. Grab a gelato, take a dip at Spiaggia Marina Piccola, and enjoy aperitivo as the sun sets behind the fishing boats. Santa Maria is the perfect base if you want to stay by the sea but still be close to the historical heart of Castellabate.
👉 You can also book online a guided tour Dining Experience at a local's Home in Castellabate with Show Cooking
Punta Licosa
Just south of Castellabate lies Punta Licosa, a peaceful cape steeped in myth. Legend has it this is where the siren Leucosia threw herself into the sea after failing to seduce Ulysses. Today, it’s a pristine marine reserve, perfect for long coastal walks, crystal-clear snorkeling, and moments of true solitude. The pine forest trail (it takes around 20 minutes) to the lighthouse feels like stepping into a forgotten Mediterranean paradise.
👉 You can book a boat tour to reach Punta Licosa Agropoli: Punta Licosa Boat tour with Lunch
Pioppi
Pioppi is a small seaside village that became globally famous thanks to Ancel Keys, the American scientist who lived here and coined the term "Mediterranean diet." But beyond science, Pioppi is all about slow living, fresh seafood, and unspoiled beaches. Spiaggia di Pioppi is simple but beautiful—quiet, local, and ideal for relaxing like the Cilentan people do.
Palinuro
Palinuro is a lively coastal town that combines natural wonders with a welcoming local vibe. Named after Aeneas’s lost helmsman, it’s famous for its dramatic cliffs and sea caves. It’s a great base for exploring, offering restaurants, boat tours, and nightlife—without losing its authentic feel.
Capo Palinuro
Capo Palinuro is a dramatic limestone headland that hides one of Italy’s most striking coastlines. Don’t miss a boat trip to the Grotta Azzurra, a glowing sea cave that rivals Capri’s famous one, but without the waiting lines. Along the coast, you'll find:
👉 Here you can book a tour to Capo Palinuro and Grotta Azzurra Boat trip and stop at the Marinella Marechiaro beach
Spiaggia La Marinella & Spiaggia del Buon Dormire
In this area, I recommend visiting Spiaggia La Marinella and Spiaggia del Buon Dormire—both feature crystal-clear waters and tend to be less crowded than other spots. Spiaggia La Marinella is accessible by car via a somewhat rough but manageable road. There’s a small parking area right next to the beach, but a bit earlier you'll find another parking lot that costs €5. This is the most popular beach in the area, featuring a lido where you can rent a pedalò (pedal boat). It’s an easy ride, and in about 10 minutes, you can reach Spiaggia del Buon Dormire. Along the way, you can explore several small "cale" (coves), which are an absolute must when visiting this area.
👉 If you don't have a car you can book a boat tour from Palinuro:
Marina di Camerota
Charming and unpretentious, Marina di Camerota is a fishing village turned seaside escape. It’s a perfect blend of lively harbor life and coastal beauty. Enjoy a stroll through the old town in the evening, then dine al fresco on freshly caught seafood just meters from the water.
From Marina di Camerota, there are several stunning beaches to explore—accessible only by foot or by boat. I chose to join a boat tour, as hiking under the intense summer heat isn’t ideal. The boat also offers a more relaxing way to discover the hidden coves and crystal-clear waters along the coast.
Spiaggia Lentiscelle
Just a short walk from Marina di Camerota, Spiaggia Lentiscelle is an accessible yet stunning beach with clear water and a relaxed atmosphere. Surrounded by cliffs and greenery, it’s a great place to spend a long, sunny afternoon.
Spiaggia Pozzallo
A bit more secluded, Spiaggia Pozzallo is reachable via a short hike or by boat. It's wild and raw, with deep blue water and dramatic rock formations. Bring your own supplies, as there are no services—just you and the sea.
Cala Bianca Spiaggia
Cala Bianca has been repeatedly ranked among the most beautiful beaches in Italy—and for good reason. Tucked between cliffs and reachable only by trail or boat, it offers white pebbles, turquoise water, and an unforgettable sense of serenity. It’s the kind of beach that makes you want to whisper instead of talk.
Baia degli Infreschi
Often called the most beautiful bay in Cilento, Baia degli Infreschi is a protected marine area where nature reigns supreme. The water here is unbelievably clear, and the setting—lush hills, hidden caves, and ancient fishermen's shelters—is pure magic. Access it via boat or hike from nearby trails; either way, it's a highlight you’ll never forget.
👉 You can book a boat tour Camerota: boat tour exploring Baia Infreschi
Pianoro di Ciolandrea
Finish your journey with a visit to Pianoro di Ciolandrea, one of the most breathtaking viewpoints in all of southern Italy. From this panoramic plateau near San Giovanni a Piro, you can see the entire Gulf of Policastro, four different regions (Campania, Basilicata, Calabria, and a glimpse of Sicily), and even catch a sunset that feels like a movie ending.
Planning a perfect day trip doesn't have to be overwhelming. By following these steps and considering your preferences, you can create an unforgettable experience. So, pack your bags, choose your destination, and get ready for an adventure!