Cilento
An area of outstanding natural beauty, Cilento lies at the southern end of the Gulf of Salerno offering visitors unspoilt rural landscapes, remote mountainous interiors and dramatic coastal scenery. Quieter than Amalfi, it is characterised by its rugged shores, long sandy beaches and the marine waters that are a designated National Park. Cilento is a region unblemished by modernity, blessed by a sunny Mediterranean climate, strong southern Italian traditions and hospitable people. This remotest part of Campania, with its thick woods of pine and glorious coast line still enjoys a traditional way of life. At the “lost city” of Paestum, once a thriving Greek colony, still stands three well preserved Greek temples. Delightful Santa Maria di Castellabate nestles on a promontory, its quaint harbour and neighbouring fishing village of San Marco is still embroiled with ancient legends.
Further south Palinuro is probably the most cosmopolitan spot on the Cilento coast however, the fishing harbour retains a certain authenticity.Whilst in this region, visit the 6th Century ruins of Paestum. The Greek temples are beautifully preserved and very representative of Magna Grecia. The Greek colonies established in southern Italy are also the site of a well appointed archeological museum. The interesting archaeological sites continue at the Phoenician ruins at Velia. Visit the medieval town of Castellabate. Explore the dreamlike grandeur of the Certosa of Padula, or the Royal Palace at Caserta.
