Coastal Cilento Walk

Arrive in Paestum. Explore the UNESCO Greek ruins and renowned archaeological museum before dinner (included).

Take the train to Agropoli (6 mins; payable locally) with its charming medieval centro storico and panoramic Aragonese castle, then set off along the pristine headland of Punta Tresino, passing through a lush Mediterranean landscape of forest and scrub, with lovely views of the Gulf of Salerno over to Capri. Pass medieval watchtowers with fantastic sea views before descending to the golden sands at Lago and on to the charming fishing harbour at Santa Maria di Castellabate, where we meet you and take you (30 mins) to your hotel high in the mountains in the fortified village of Rocca Cilento (stay on HB).

Explore the Valley of the Mills today following parts of an historic route that connected this valley to the ancient Greek cities of Paestum and Velia. Enjoy far reaching views as you cross the ridge to the tiny and perfectly preserved medieval village of Lustra before descending into the ‘Valle dei Mulini’, spotting the ruins of ancient mills as you go. An undulating path across the valley leads you to the intriguing, abandoned village of Massacanina, before a short but steep climb takes you back onto the ridge and past the monastery of Mercato Cilento. Continue, with wonderful surrounding views, back to Rocca Cilento (stay on HB).

After a transfer (15 mins) to Perdifumo, head through chestnut forest to a panoramic ridge, where there are stunning, sweeping views from Capri and the Amalfi Coast to Capo Palinuro, and sometimes even as far as the island of Stromboli in Sicily. You pass an abandoned fortress that dates back to pre-Roman times before reaching the Virgin of Monte Stella chapel on the mountain summit (1131m). From here, a long descent towards the coast takes you through several medieval villages, all beautifully located on hilltops overlooking the sea. End the walk at the pretty fishing village of Acciaroli, one of Ernest Hemingway’s favourite places. Relax on the sandy beach before we meet you and take you (30 mins) to the village of San Marco di Castellabate, where you stay for the next two nights (BB).

Said to be Cilento’s land’s end and the mythical resting place of the siren Leucosia in Homer’s Odyssey, Punta Licosa is a truly enchanting spot, where the sea breeze makes the trees magically ‘dance’. Make your way through Mediterranean maquis and pine forest up to the ridge with views as far as Calabria on a fine day. Then descend towards the coast and onwards, to the very tip of the headland. A beautiful coastal path dotted with ancient watchtowers brings you back to the picturesque harbour of San Marco (BB).

We drop you off in Palinuro (1hr 15), then you have the day at leisure. Walk up to the lighthouse for sweeping views of Palinuro and the Cilento Coast, before descending to the beautiful sandy Marinella beach. There’s the option to extend the walk to the ruins of the medieval castle on Molpa Hill for a truly spectacular panorama. Alternatively, take a boat tour to the ‘Grotta Azzurra’, Cilento’s undiscovered version of Capri’s famous sea cave blessed with luminous blue waters. (Stay on BB)

Climb into the hills with spectacular views over the blue Mediterranean. Walk through forest and scrubland, past the ruins of farmsteads and the medieval chapel of San Cono, before descending, with sweeping vistas, back to the coast and a spectacular trail, lined with several lovely beaches, to the charming village of Marina di Camerota, with its clear South American influence. (Stay on BB)

A shorter walk today but spectacular throughout, taking you along one of the most unspoilt stretches of coastline in Italy, the Costa degli Infreschi. Follow the ancient footpath as it meanders past a series of natural caves, deserted beaches and sleepy inlets to Infreschi Bay, a natural harbour used by the Romans for its protection from the elements. Retrace your steps back to the hotel or return by boat.(Stay on BB)

Departure from Maria di Camerota after breakfast.