Cilento Coast - Beyond Amalfi

Few tourists venture beyond the Amalfi Coast. Those who do discover one of Italy's seven wonders - a land of friendly people, huge welcomes, ancient history, traditional cooking and breathtaking scenery.

Oh, and the beaches are rated top five in Italy.

They call this enchanting world the Cilento. Visit once and it will forever lure you back.

In all my years living and exploring Italy I can confidently say that these are the friendliest Italians you'll ever meet. You are treated like long-lost family.

The warmth and kindness of people here is so very special. In so much of the world this genuine hospitality is now lost forever, or never existed.

Long may it remain unchanged in Cilento.

The Cilento Beaches & Coastal Towns

Castellabate

Baia degli Infreschi & Cala Bianca

Castellabate

Acciaroli

Agropoli

Not to be Missed

Paestum

Roscigno Vecchia

On the Edge of the Cilento

Castelmezzano by Lorenzo Palazzo

Castelmezzano

Maratea

Scalea

Warning! The Cilento can be life-changing - just read Michelle's incredible story.

Feel @ Home

I've friends who have the most remarkable B&B in the heart of the Cilento. If you want something super special then this is it. Embraced by olive groves and with a view that sets your day to right from the first glimpse each morning. This is what paradise truly means.

Adriana and Oreste spent years, and a small fortune, to lovingly restore it into that dream of Italy we all have.

Here you'll enjoy the Italy of yesteryear...

They call it B&B Baia di Trentova. I call it one of my happiest memories. Make it one of yours too.

Nonna Takes Care of Dinner

La Civetta Restaurant

You'll eat well pretty much anywhere in the Cilento. Food is invariably super fresh and sourced locally.

There's even a Michelin starred restaurant in the area now. It's called Le Trabe and prices are way better than any other Michelin restaurant I've ever eaten at.

The setting, above a river, has to be seen to be believed: watching the water rush by beneath the glass floor of the restaurant is a unique experience indeed.

Still, I prefer simpler and authentic nonna style cooking.

The good news is that Italian nonnas (grandmothers) share their generations old recipes with you at the tiny trattorie found in every town, every village. Each mouthful is a taste of this land, its history and family traditions.

One such restaurant is La Civetta that offers traditional dishes in hearty portions.

The nonna at La Civetta is Alfonsina Falcone and, should you feel you'd like to learn her secret recipes, sign up for a cooking lesson or two, all you need to do is ask.

Barlotti Farm Restaurant

I nearly forgot Buffalo Mozzarella. That would be a HUGE mistake. It's unlike normal old cow variety mozzarella - far creamier and far tastier. They even make gelato (ice-cream) from it down here and a creamier gelato you'll never have. Still, the mozzarella is the cherry on top - try it in a Caprese salad.

The best one to visit is the Barlotti Farm (Barlotti Caseificio), right around the corner from the Paestum site in via Torre di Paestum 1. Meet the buffalo first and then try the mozzarella.

For dessert a slice of their ricotta cake, made with buffalo milk and pears, is out of this world - so light, so delicate, so perfect.

Caprese Salad

Getting Here

You can get here by train from pretty much anywhere in Italy but then it is hard to explore the countryside as local buses aren't that great.

For that reason I'd really recommend a car rental. Best book before you leave and collect it at the airport on arrival - prices are always best like that and you can be sure of availability.

The drive down from Naples, the nearest major airport, is an easy and pleasant one.

Cilento Map

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