Cilento is a territory of natural and artistic treasures that can be seriously called wonderland. Since 1998, it has been included in the list of UNESCO world heritage sites to honour its unique beauty and historical importance.
This charming region is located in Campania, precisely in a rocky stretch of coast including countless bays and coves. Situated in front of a chain of high mountains, the area is bordered by the Gulf of Salerno and by that of Policastro, which offer some lovely panoramic views. Also, it is well known for the splendid Cilento National Park, set up to preserve the wild nature, woods, lakes and the rich fauna that inhabits this magic place.
However, nature isn't the only great thing to appreciate in Cilento, as there are lots of things to do and see ! Discover the unmissable sites to visit during a wonderful tour of Cilento and check out all the important archaeological sites, dream villages and architectural masterpieces to spot in this region!
The first of the unmissable archaeological sites is Paestum, one of the most important polis of Magna Graecia. Originally called Poseidonia in honor of the god Poseidon, Paestum preserves three splendid temples of the Doric order in excellent condition, which are dedicated to the gods Neptune, Athena and Hera. Don't miss the National Archaeological Museum, which houses countless splendid artifacts!
Instead, the archaeological site of Velia contains the remains of a city-state founded in the 6th century BC. It still retains a beautiful look, as the harbor, the Hellenistic Baths, the Acropolis, the Agora, the Southern and the Archaic District are almost intact. It was an intellectual and cultural center of great fame, since the Eleatici Philosophical School was born here.
Finally, you must see the charming "Certosa di San Lorenzo di Padula", which is the largest in Italy and the one with the largest cloister of the world (15,000 square meters)! Today, this Charterhouse houses the Provincial Archaeological Museum of Western Lucania, which contains the archaeological finds coming from the necropolis of Sala Consilina and Padula.
After leaving the archaeological sites, don't forget to visit the most picturesque villages of Cilento!
Agropoli contains a magnificent Aragonese castle and some beautiful beaches, such as Baia di Trentova, Punta Licosa is built around a thirteenth-century castle, while Castellabate is known for being the set of the successful Italian film "Benvenuti al Sud"! The tour then continues in the fishermen village of Acciaroli, which inspired Hemingway to write some of his books, passes through Palinuro and its splendid Blue Grotto, and it ends in Camerota, where you can find a rich Byzantine art heritage. Do you love mysterious and legendary places? Then you can't miss a visit to Roscigno, a totally abandoned town where time has stopped two hundred years ago!
The tour is over...but do you really want to leave Campania without tasting a delicious buffalo mozzarella? The streets of Cilento are dotted with dairies, especially in Paestum and in the Sele valley. These authentic mozzarellas have an excellent quality, thanks to the long tradition of buffalo breeding that characterizes these areas. Don't forget to make a stop!
Now, are you ready to book your holiday in Cilento? Book one of our magnificent properties for rent in Campania, like the beautiful Villa Rupe Alta and start planning your memorable trip!
© Alice Pilastri
