Road.Travel Road.Travel
    13 Activities

    Explore the Cilento, Home to the Charming Medieval Mountaintop Hideaway of Castellabate

    Explore the Cilento, Home to the Charming Medieval Mountaintop Hideaway of Castellabate
    Starts from

    Naples

    Transportation

    By Car

    Guidance

    Self-Guided

    Activities

    13

    Duration

    13 hours

    Length

    59 mi

    Guide details

    Starts from

    Naples

    Transportation

    By Car

    Guidance

    Self-Guided

    Duration

    13 hours

    Length

    59 mi

    Natural AttractionsHistory and CultureGastronomy
    Map preview
    Darcy Tuscano

    Darcy Tuscano

    Travel Expert

    • Visit a medieval castle with a panoramic view of the Amalfi.
    • Explore clusters of winding lanes and piazzas filled with flowers.
    • Discover the source of mozzarella with a tour to the buffalo farm and dairy.
    • Eat some of Italy's award-winning gelato in Santa Maria di Castellabate.
    Those in the know don't head to the Amalfi Coast for a day out, they go to the Cilento. This gorgeous stretch of southern coastline, far from the maddening tourist crowds, holds many hidden gems.
    If you're ready for the perfect day trip combining culture, castles, seaside escapes and gourmet food, this is the trip for you!
    From a working farm for buffalo mozzarella to award-winning gelato, crumbling down medieval castles to pristine harbors, this day in the Cilento will surprise and delight you with its many treasures. It's a feast for all senses.
    So, what are you waiting for? Let's go explore the Cilento today!
    The perfect season for this trip is April – October.

    Categories

    Those in the know don't head to the Amalfi Coast for a day out, they go to the Cilento. This gorgeous stretch of southern coastline, far from the maddening tourist crowds, holds many hidden gems.
    If you're ready for the perfect day trip combining culture, castles, seaside escapes and gourmet food, this is the trip for you!
    From a working farm for buffalo mozzarella to award-winning gelato, crumbling down medieval castles to pristine harbors, this day in the Cilento will surprise and delight you with its many treasures. It's a feast for all senses.
    So, what are you waiting for? Let's go explore the Cilento today!
    The perfect season for this trip is April – October.
    Darcy Tuscano

    Darcy Tuscano

    Travel Expert

    • Visit a medieval castle with a panoramic view of the Amalfi.
    • Explore clusters of winding lanes and piazzas filled with flowers.
    • Discover the source of mozzarella with a tour to the buffalo farm and dairy.
    • Eat some of Italy's award-winning gelato in Santa Maria di Castellabate.

    Day Itinerary

    13 Activities
    Map preview

    Day 1

    59 mi1 mi

    Ancient Castles, Seaside Gelato and...Buffalos? That's right!

    Drive from Naples down the coast to the Cilento where you'll find Paestum, home of the DOP Buffalo Mozzarella and the seaside jewel of Santa Maria di Castellabate.
    This day trip will show you the true side of the Italian summer holiday with stops to discover local foods, beautiful beaches and ancient castles.
    So pack a beach bag with swimwear and let's go!
    Castello di Arechi
    09:5045 min

    Castello di Arechi

    Castle
    Open Details
    Who wants to start their day by visiting a castle? You do! And with views like these, who wouldn't?
    Just about an hour outside of Naples, is the Medieval Castle of Arechi, high on the hill above Salerno.
    If you'd like to take a look inside, there is a lovely small museum in the castle with artefacts discovered during the excavation with plenty of signage detailing the history.
    However, it's also completely possible to take the small walk to the top, admire the exterior and appreciate the expansive views before you.
    27.3 mi
    1 hr
    Barlotti
    12:001 hr 30 min

    Barlotti

    Farm
    Open Details
    Have you ever had buffalo mozzarella straight from the source? Well, all of that is about to change as you visit the farm and dairy of Barlotti in Paestum.
    For over a century the same generations of farmers have continued to make their cheese in the traditional way with over 1,200 buffalos. This is the place of DOP “Mozzarella di Bufala Campana”. It's the best there is, and you'll have the opportunity to try it and also purchase other cheese and yogurts to take with you from the company store. After the visit with the buffaloes and guided tour, you'll be invited to have your lunch under the pergola where you can taste the chef's incredible creations.
    To schedule your private tour with lunch, check the official website.
    14 mi
    40 min
    14:305 min

    Car Park

    Parking
    Open Details
    Park here for your time in Castellabate. You will have a walk in this adorable town exploring the old sights of this area.
    0.1 mi
    5 min
    Castello dell'Abate
    14:4530 min

    Castello dell'Abate

    Castle
    Open Details
    One of the best castles in all of the Cilento, the Castello dell'Abate was built in 1136 as a fortress against the invading Saracens.
    At that time, the surrounding land was all owned by a Benedictine monastery and therefore the castle was named after the Abbot "Abate".
    Today, this is a privately-owned building and opening hours are erratic. But even if you're not able to get a glimpse of the inside, it's still a marvel to admire the architecture from the exterior and gaze at the aquamarine sea spread before you.
    0.1 mi
    5 min
    Belvedere San Costabile
    15:3015 min

    Belvedere San Costabile

    Scenic Lookout
    Open Details
    One of the best things about visiting medieval villages is to simply wander the cobblestoned streets, the winding alleys, the mysterious stairways and porticos.
    Castellabate is a small, quiet village but with plenty of tiny lanes to explore as you make your way to the stunning vista at Belvedere San Costabile.
    This is a photo you don't want to miss.
    0.1 mi
    5 min
    Cantina Belvedere Restaurant
    15:5045 min

    Cantina Belvedere Restaurant

    Restaurant
    Open Details
    This restaurant and wine bar has one of the best views in all of Castellabate.
    Take a seat on the expansive outdoor terrace and enjoy a glass (or two!) as you gaze out at the luminous blue sea and Santa Maria di Castellabate nearly 300 meters below.
    While the main kitchen closes between lunch and dinner, the bar stays open all day and Il Chiostro also serves up small plates and tapas if you're feeling like a bite to eat with your drinks.
    0.1 mi
    5 min
    Basilica Pontificia Santa Maria De Gulia
    16:4515 min

    Basilica Pontificia Santa Maria De Gulia

    Church
    Open Details
    In the streets leading to the Basilica Pontificia Santa Maria De Gulia, it seems as if time has stood still. This is the charm of Castellabate.
    The church, built in the 12th century, has Roman and Baroque styles with many paintings from the 15th and 16th centuries and an impressive tower.
    Take a moment to relax in the picturesque small square directly in front of the church as you step back in time.
    0.2 mi
    5 min
    17:1515 min

    Car Park

    Parking
    Open Details
    After exploring Castellabate, return to your car to drive down the hill to Santa Maria di Castellabate.
    3.2 mi
    15 min
    17:455 min

    Car Park

    Parking
    Open Details
    Park here for your time exploring Santa Maria di Castellabate. If you're planning to take a swim at the beach, grab that beach bag!
    0.3 mi
    5 min
    Il Gelatiere
    18:1530 min

    Il Gelatiere

    Ice Cream Shop
    Open Details
    You scream, I scream, we all scream for ice cream!
    Except in Italy we scream for gelato and not just any gelato but some of Italy's best creamy, frozen dessert.
    Since 2000, Pasquale D'Angelo, a pastry chef with over 30 years of experience in making artisan gelato, has been serving up his famous flavors everyday, all year long.
    At Il Gelatiere, you can sample many flavors before deciding which one to choose. Don't leave without tasting their award-winning flavor "ricotta cheese and pistachio" which is spectacular!
    0.3 mi
    10 min
    Marina Piccola Beach
    18:5545 min

    Marina Piccola Beach

    Beach
    Open Details
    The gorgeous, golden-sand beach of Marina Piccola, in the main town center, is the hive of activity in the warm summer months.
    Take a chair from the lido or settle into the sand. Santa Maria di Castellabate is the kind of gorgeous place where nothing really happens and yet everything is happening, so relax, it's been a busy day!
    If you've brought swimwear, there are changing stalls and showers on the beach.
    0.4 mi
    10 min
    19:505 min

    Car Park

    Parking
    Open Details
    Collect your car from the lot in Santa Maria di Castellabate.
    15 mi
    40 min
    Antiche Mura Grill and Wine
    20:501 hr 30 min

    Antiche Mura Grill and Wine

    Italian Restaurant
    Open Details
    Antiche Mura Grill and Wine is an old-fashioned Italian restaurant located in the heart of the city. It has a cosy atmosphere, with an open kitchen and a wide selection of fine wines, making it perfect for special occasions and romantic dinners. The menu features authentic Italian cuisine with fresh, locally sourced ingredients.
    To book the table, check the official website.
    Map preview
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