The Best Beaches in Cilento

I've yet to find more beautiful beaches on the Italian mainland than those in Cilento. A couple of them are spectacularly stunning. It is those I wish to share with you...

Baia degli Infreschi & Cala degli Infreschi

About the Beach

The entire bay is part of a nature reserve and the best beach in the bay, Cala degli Infreschi, is regularly voted as the most pristine and beautiful in Italy.

The one that sometimes beats it is nearby Cala Bianca which we'll get to further on.

The Infreschi name refers to the fresh mountain streams that flow into the sea here, adding sparkling mountain spring water to the crystal clear sea.  

Rising up behind the beach are cliffs covered with wild Mediterranean herbs. They add a fragrance to the air which, when combined with that of the sea, is a natural tonic to make anybody feel a whole lot better. 

Along the north-eastern side of the beach you'll find a number of caves, used for centuries by the fisherman who once lived here to keep their catch fresh and cool.

The only down side is that the "sand" is more gravel than soft sand so flip flops are recommended.

Highlight: Everything about the beach is spectacular but the sea color is what makes it world class. The cobalt blue through turquoise hues are not something you'll capture in a photo or explain in words.

You need to come here. You need to see it.

Restaurant on the Beach

There used to be a little restaurant called Il Pirata and their seafood was legendary. However, it has been closed in order to keep the beach as pristine as possible and it seems unlikely that it will reopen any time soon. So best bring a picnic lunch with you. 

Cala Bianca

About the Beach

A few years back, Cala Bianca was officially voted the most beautiful beach in Italy.

I wouldn't go that far and personally prefer some of the east coast beaches in Sardinia but that doesn't take anything away from this beach which is pristine and beautiful. The only negative is that the "sand" is more gravel and, being very narrow, it gets crowded in July and August.

Getting to Cala degli Infreschi & Cala Bianca

Boat is by far the best way, you can organize a boat trip from Marina di Camerota, Palinuro or Scario.

Trips cost anything from 15 to 20 Euros and most include a visit to nearby caves where the water is as blue as the famous Blue Grotto on the Isle of Capri. They then drop you off at the beach and pick you up three or four hours later.

Should you prefer to hike in then follow the trail from the western end of Marina di Camerota. The first half is pretty much all uphill before descending to the beaches with the first stop, after around 90 minutes of walking, being Cala Bianca. From Cala Bianca another 30 minutes will take you to Cala degli Infreschi.

Our Tip: To avoid most of the uphill part of the walk drive to Monte di Luna and join the path from there.

Baia del Buon Dormire

A beautiful little beach of soft sand and gently lapping waves. The sort of beach to really relax and forget about the world beyond.

You can only reach the beach by boat and most people arrive on one of the boat trips from Palinuro.

A cheaper and more fun way of getting to the beach is to take a pedallo from Marinella Beach or swim it if you are a fairly strong swimmer.

Except in July and August, there is seldom anywhere to buy a snack or drink so bring your own and please don't leave anything behind.

Our Tip: Get here early in summer - crowds arrive from around 10 am and the sun goes behind a hill around 3 p.m.

When to Visit These Beaches

May, June or September is best. Being small, all these beaches get crowded in July and August.

The water is warmest in late summer, with the first hardy swimmers to be seen from early May. Even in October it can be warm enough to enjoy a swim.

Map of the Beaches

For your daily dose of ExquisiteCoasts: 

You might like these

  • Everything you need to know about the Cinque Terre walks is right here. From Monterosso to Riomaggiore we have it covered.

    The Loveliest of the Cinque Terre Walks

    Everything you need to know about the Cinque Terre walks is right here. From Monterosso to Riomaggiore we have it covered.

  • The Island of Capri may be famous and it may be crowded in summer, but don't let that put you off - this is one of the world's greatest destinations.

    The Enchanting Island of Capri

    The Island of Capri may be famous and it may be crowded in summer, but don't let that put you off - this is one of the world's greatest destinations.

  • Few tourists venture beyond the Amalfi Coast. Those intrepid souls who do discover one of Italy's seven wonders - a land of friendly people, huge welcomes...

    Beyond Amalfi.... The Cilento Coast

    Few tourists venture beyond the Amalfi Coast. Those intrepid souls who do discover one of Italy's seven wonders - a land of friendly people, huge welcomes...

  • Escaping to Minori from the summer crowds of Amalfi or Positano is a welcome relief. How could such a little gem be overlooked by so many?

    Minori - A Ray of Sunshine

    Escaping to Minori from the summer crowds of Amalfi or Positano is a welcome relief. How could such a little gem be overlooked by so many?

  • Follow the Via dell' Amore and you'll find yourself in a village made from your best dreams of Italy. Join us in exploring Riomaggiore on the Cinque Terre.

    What to See in Riomaggiore on the Cinque Terre

    Follow the Via dell' Amore and you'll find yourself in a village made from your best dreams of Italy. Join us in exploring Riomaggiore on the Cinque Terre.

  • A couple fall in love with Sardinia and each other, sleeping under the stars on remote beaches with only goats for company. Discover for yourself this island and its loveliest beaches...

    A Journey of Discovery Exploring Sardinia

    A couple fall in love with Sardinia and each other, sleeping under the stars on remote beaches with only goats for company. Discover for yourself this island and its loveliest beaches...

New! Comments

Have your say about what you just read! Leave me a comment in the box below.