Cilento National Park: What to See and Do

The Cilento, Vallo di Diano and Alburni National Park is the largest protected area in Campania: 181.048 hectares, 80 municipalities, all within the province of Salerno. Since 1991, it has protected an area stretching from the Sele plain to the border with Basilicata, between the Tyrrhenian Sea and the Apennines.

It has been a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve since 1997 , a World Heritage Site since 1998 (along with the sites of Paestum, Velia, and the Certosa di Padula), and Italy's first UNESCO geopark since 2010. It is also Italy's second-largest national park, after Pollino.

The beauty of this area is its variety: in half an hour, you can go from beaches to mountain beech forests, from medieval villages to karst caves. Below, you'll find the 10 must-see stops, with pros, cons, and practical advice for each.

1. The Charterhouse of San Lorenzo in Padula

The Certosa di San Lorenzo , in Padula in the Vallo di Diano, is the park's iconic monument and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Founded in 1306 by Tommaso Sanseverino and completed in 1779, it is the largest charterhouse in Italy.

It has approximately 350 rooms and a surface area of ​​51.500 square meters, with a 15.000-square-meter cloister, the largest in the world. Since 1957, it has housed the Provincial Archaeological Museum of Western Lucania.

Don't miss the large cloister , the frescoed refectory, the monumental kitchen, and the wooden spiral staircase that ascends four floors without leaning against the wall. The guided tour lasts about an hour and a half.

Pros : monumental cloister and spiral staircase; museum included in the tour; open year-round.

Cons : It's over an hour's drive from the Cilento coast; a worthwhile visit requires at least two hours.

For opening hours, tickets, and interesting facts about the spiral staircase, read our guide to the Padula Charterhouse . Visitors cite it as one of the most powerful experiences in Southern Italy, on par with the great monumental complexes of Europe.

2. The excavations of Elea-Velia in Ascea

Velia , ancient Elea , is the city of Magna Graecia founded around 540 BC by the Greeks of Phocaea, fleeing from Asia Minor. The Eleatic school of philosophy was born here, with Parmenides and Zeno.

Today the archaeological area of ​​Velia is part of the Archaeological Park of Paestum and Velia: you can visit the Porta Rosa , the Porta Marina, the thermal baths and the residential districts, with the acropolis above and the lower city towards the sea.

The Porta Rosa , with its ashlar arch, is considered one of the oldest examples of a monumental arch in Italy: it cuts across the hill and connected the two districts of the city. A little further on, the Porta Marina preserves its towers and the paved road that descended towards the port.

The site is open daily from 8:30 am to 19:30 pm, with last admission at 18:30 pm. The Parks ticket includes Paestum, Velia, and the Paestum Archaeological Museum and is valid for three days. Reservations are not required.

Pros : Large, uncrowded site; combined ticket with Paestum; sea and pine forest surrounding the excavations.

Cons : The route to the acropolis is uphill; during certain periods, the acropolis is closed and visits are limited to the lower city.

From here, you can reach the complete guide to Cilento and Paestum in just a few minutes , allowing you to combine the temples and the park in the same day.

3. Mount Cervati and the mountain paths

At 1.899 meters, Monte Cervati is the highest peak in the park and in the entire Cilento region. You can climb from Monte San Giacomo or Piaggine through centuries-old beech forests and pastures, with views that extend from the Gulf of Policastro to Basilicata.

The park is a paradise for trekking: the Alburni (1.742 m), Monte Motola (1.743 m) and the Gelbison or Sacro Monte (1.705 m), a pilgrimage destination with a sanctuary at the summit, are the other major hiking destinations.

The woods are home to Apennine wolves , roe deer (introduced since 2003), and deer (reintroduced since 2004); the skies are home to golden eagles , peregrine falcons, lanner falcons, and short-toed eagles. The prairies are home to 254 species of wild orchids.

Mount Bulgheria , which overlooks Marina di Camerota, is also worth the climb: from the summit, the view of Cala Bianca and the gulf is among the most beautiful in the park. This route is suitable for walkers with a minimum level of fitness.

Pros : Authentic nature and isolation; wildlife sightings possible at dawn and dusk; zero queues and zero tickets.

Cons : Routes for trained hikers only; no facilities or equipped refuges; snow in winter requires equipment.

Before setting off, it's a good idea to check the weather forecast at high altitude and consult local guides for routes on the Cervati and Alburni mountains.

4. The coast: from Palinuro to Camerota, between coves and marine reserves

The park's coastline is among the cleanest in the Mediterranean, alternating sandy beaches, cliffs, and coves accessible only by sea. The queen is Palinuro , with its sea caves and picture-perfect beaches.

A little further south, Marina di Camerota is the base for Cala Bianca and the Lovers' Path , a scenic 4-kilometer trail connecting the town to Lentiscosa. Don't miss the Baia del Buon Dormire and Troncone beach.

The Costa degli Infreschi and Masseta marine protected area extends between Marina di Camerota and Scario , established in 2009 over 2.232 hectares of sea: you can get here by boat or on foot, with the famous Cala degli Infreschi set among the rocks.

Pros : Crystal-clear waters and rich seabed; wild coves; perfect for boat trips and snorkeling.

Cons : In August, the main beaches are crowded; many coves have few services; some can only be reached by sea.

To reach the most beautiful coves, boat trips depart from Palinuro, Marina di Camerota, and Acciaroli: you can visit the Grotta del Sangue (Blood Cave) in Palinuro and stop at Cala Fetente and Cala Bianca. Snorkeling enthusiasts will find the best seabed right at the mouths of the park's rivers.

For beaches, caves, and organization, read the guide to Palinuro: what to see, beaches, and sea caves , or the Campania sea for the complete picture.

5. The WWF Oasis of the Bussento Caves in Morigerati

The WWF Bussento Caves Oasis , in Morigerati, is one of the park's most evocative experiences. A path descends from the village along a verdant canyon, past springs, waterfalls, and an ancient mill, to the cave where the Bussento karst river resurfaces.

The guided tour lasts about an hour and a half and winds along equipped walkways. The oasis is open year-round by reservation, with guided tours in Italian. It is closed on rainy days for safety reasons.

Prices: Free admission for children up to 6 years old, €3 for children aged 7 to 12, and €5 for children aged 13 and over. From May to mid-October, the park is open daily (approximately 10:00 am to 5:00 pm); in March and April, it is open only on weekends and holidays.

Reservations can be made by contacting the cooperative that manages the oasis directly, a few days in advance. The meeting point is in the center of Morigerati, and the trail is equipped with walkways. However, closed-toe shoes and clothing suitable for the cave's humidity are required.

Pros : A unique experience combining caving and nature; suitable for children; affordable price.

Cons : Reservations required; closed in bad weather; seats sell out quickly during high season.

The oasis pairs well with Morigerati, one of the most beautiful villages in the park, and the nearby Vallo di Diano guide for the rest of the day.

6. Castelcivita Caves and Pertosa Caves: the underground world

At the edge of the park lie two of Southern Italy's most important karst complexes. The Castelcivita Caves, stretching approximately 4.800 meters of tunnels, are among the region's most extensive speleological itineraries, located at the entrance to the protected area.

The guided tour passes through rooms with stalactites, stalagmites, and columns, along equipped and illuminated walkways. The tour lasts about an hour and is also suitable for children over six. From May, the dark tour is available by reservation only for groups of at least eight people.

The Pertosa Caves , in Auletta, are famous for the underground river that can be crossed by boat: an experience that children love and which ends with the prehistoric settlement discovered inside.

Pros : Cool temperatures even in summer; guided tours suitable for families; can be combined into a half-day.

Cons : Comfortable shoes and warm clothing are required; reservations are recommended on summer weekends.

For opening hours and tickets to the Pertosa Caves, read our guide to the Pertosa Underground River . The Castelcivita Caves will soon be the subject of a dedicated article.

7. The villages of the park, from Castellabate to Roscigno Vecchia

The park is home to some of the most beautiful villages in Italy: Castellabate and its medieval centre, San Mauro Cilento , Pisciotta , Santa Maria di Castellabate and the inland villages such as Caselle in Pittari and San Giovanni a Piro.

The most curious destination is Roscigno Vecchia , a village abandoned at the beginning of the twentieth century after a landslide: today it is an open-air museum, with stone houses re-emerging from the vegetation, reachable with a walk from Roscigno Nuovo.

The park's villages are also the best base for sleeping: from here you can reach both the sea and the mountains, and in the evening you can enjoy authentic Cilento cuisine.

Pros : Authentic, less touristy inland villages; spectacular views of the mountain ridges; lower cost of living than on the coast.

Cons : In many villages, services (ATMs, pharmacies) are limited; the internal roads are narrow and winding.

The complete selection of what to see town by town is in our guide to the most beautiful villages in Cilento.

8. Poplars and the Mediterranean Diet: Museums of the Sea and Ancel Keys

In Pioppi , a hamlet of Pollica, you can experience the history of the Mediterranean Diet firsthand . The American doctor Ancel Keys , who first demonstrated the benefits of the Cilento diet for the heart, lived here for over forty years.

In the village you can visit the Living Museum of the Sea (MUSea), with 13 tanks dedicated to the organisms of the Cilento sea and the Turtle Center for the protection of the Caretta caretta turtle, and the Living Museum of the Mediterranean Diet, housed in Palazzo Vinciprova.

Ancel Keys died in Pioppi in 2004, at the age of one hundred, and rests in the village: his house is still recognizable on the waterfront. In nearby Acciaroli, his main port, the tradition of the Mediterranean diet is also reflected in the shops and restaurants in the town center.

The area is also linked to the memory of the mayor of Pollica Angelo Vassallo , the “fisherman mayor”, a symbol of legality and protection of the territory.

Pros : Small but highly valuable museums; seaside village suitable for children; pairs well with nearby Acciaroli.

Cons : Many tourist services close in winter; museum opening hours should be checked before visiting.

From Pioppi, you can continue towards the coast of Palinuro or head up towards the temples: here's the route among the Greek temples of Paestum to combine culture and the sea.

9. The Silent Way: 600 kilometers on foot or by bike

The Silent Way is the cycling route that runs through the entire park: approximately 600 kilometers in 15 stages, starting from Castelnuovo Cilento and returning to the sea. On average, cyclists cover 35 kilometers per day, for a journey of about two weeks.

The route alternates between villages, chestnut groves, valleys, and coastal stretches, with dedicated signposts and downloadable GPS tracks. It can also be done on foot, in stages, and is designed for those seeking slow tourism.

The best seasons are spring and autumn: the summer heat makes pedaling on the inland climbs tough, while the cold months bring snow to the highest peaks.

Pros : A great way to get to know the park; well-marked trail; stages accessible even for less experienced cyclists.

Cons : Requires planning for sleeping and supplies; some sections involve riding on local roads.

The loop also passes through the Vallo di Diano and the Alburni mountains, connecting the coast to the park's interior. Those who want to explore the protected area in its entirety will find the most complete itinerary here, with villages, charterhouses, and karst gorges along the way.

If you're short on time, you can also do just one stage: many local agencies offer bike rental and luggage assistance in the starting villages.

10. When to go, how to get there and where to stay

The best times are April-June and September-October: mild weather, blooming nature, and few tourists. July and August are perfect for the beach but can be crowded; winter offers quiet villages and snow on Mount Cervati, but many coastal businesses close.

By car, take the A2 Mediterranean motorway (Salerno-Reggio Calabria), exit at Battipaglia, and then take state highway 18 toward the coast or state highways 166 and 517 to the interior.

By train, the Naples-Salerno-Sapri Tyrrhenian line stops at Agropoli-Castellabate, Vallo della Lucania-Castelnuovo, Ascea, Pisciotta-Palinuro, and Centola: local buses and shuttles depart from the stations.

The most convenient airports are Naples Capodichino and Salerno-Costa d'Amalfi, both about an hour and a half from the main towns. The Park Authority headquarters is in Vallo della Lucania , with information on trails and regulations on the official website cilentoediano.it.

As a base, choose the coast (Palinuro, Marina di Camerota, Castellabate) if you're looking for sea and boat trips; the inland villages if you're looking for cool, authentic atmosphere; Padula or Sala Consilina if you're focused on the Vallo di Diano, Certosa, and caves.

Pros : Free park with no entrance fee; you only pay at individual sites (Charterhouse, excavations, caves, oases); short distances between the sea and the mountains.

Cons : Internal public transport connections are limited; some destinations remain difficult to reach without a car.

Inside the park, simple rules apply: only walk on marked trails, no off-road vehicles, dogs must be leashed, and mushrooms and plants may be picked only within the limits set by the Park Authority regulations. In summer, always bring water, a hat, and sunscreen: the distances between stages are often covered in the sun.

Between stops, sample the local delicacies: buffalo mozzarella in Capaccio-Paestum is the perfect way to end the day after a visit to the park.

FAQ

How large is the Cilento, Vallo di Diano and Alburni National Park? It covers 181.048 hectares and encompasses, in whole or in part, 80 municipalities in the province of Salerno. It is Italy's second-largest national park, after Pollino.

Do you need a ticket to enter the park? No, admission is free: you only pay for individual sites, such as the Padula Charterhouse, the Velia excavations, the caves, and the Morigerati Oasis, each with its own fee.

How many days do you need to visit it? Two or three days will take you to the main attractions (Certosa, Velia, a village, and a beach). For the sea, mountains, caves, and the Silent Way, you'll need at least five or seven days.

What's the best time? Spring and autumn for trekking and culture, summer for the beach, and winter for the villages and snow on Mount Cervati. In August, book everything well in advance.

Is the park suitable for children? Yes: the caves, Pioppi museums, beaches, and easy trails like the one to the Bussento Caves are designed for families. For high-altitude hikes, it's best to wait until they're older.