Amalfi is famous for its beauty, but by summer it can feel like a theme park — buses jostling on narrow roads, crowded piazzas, and long waits just to snap a photo. Drive a bit further south from Salerno and you’ll reach the Cilento Coast, tucked into the quieter part of Campania between Paestum and the Gulf of Policastro.

Here, the hills roll gently into sleepy fishing villages, the beaches stretch out uncrowded, and the pace is shaped by locals, not tourists. The views are every bit as cinematic — jagged cliffs, pastel houses, and blue water — but you can take them in without the crush of crowds. And the people? Warm and welcoming, sharing their everyday rhythm rather than putting on a show.

The Cilento feels like the Italy most travelers assume doesn’t exist anymore. Fewer crowds, more space, and a kind of easy energy that reminds you why you came. It’s exactly what a slow, summer trip should feel like.

Where to Stay: Fisherman's Villages and Family-Owned Villas

The best way to experience the Cilento Coast is to pick one of its small coastal towns and settle in for a few days. This isn’t a coast of big hotels or resorts — it’s about staying somewhere where you can walk barefoot to the beach, hear the waves at night, and enjoy simple comforts like linen sheets that smell of salt and sun. The villages here are welcoming without being polished for tourists. Expect rustic charm, balconies full of flowers, and slow evenings where there’s nothing on the agenda except a good meal and a sea breeze.

Acciaroli — This small port town is often said to have inspired Ernest Hemingway, and it’s not hard to see why. It has a certain romantic, untouched feel that makes you want to stay longer than you planned. The town is compact and easy to explore on foot. Early mornings are perfect for a swim before breakfast, and the evenings invite you to linger over dinner at one of the quiet trattorias by the water. The beach here is long and sandy, and even in high season, you can find a peaceful spot.

Santa Maria di Castellabate — If you want a bit more life without losing the slow pace, this town strikes a nice balance. There’s a small but lively piazza where locals play cards or chat over coffee, a handful of gelato spots, and family-run guesthouses where the owners greet you like an old friend. The town feels lived-in and authentic — you’ll find children playing in the alleys, fishermen mending nets, and shopkeepers who take time to chat. It’s a great base if you want to explore nearby villages or take short day trips but still come “home” to a place that feels relaxed.

Marina di Pisciotta — A personal favorite for travelers who want real quiet. Marina di Pisciotta is the kind of place where the days seem to blur together in the best possible way. There’s a small dock where you can sit for hours, watching the fishing boats come and go. The village itself is small, with just a few places to eat and stay, but that’s all part of its charm. It’s ideal if your idea of a holiday is reading, swimming, eating fresh seafood, and enjoying the kind of peace that’s hard to find elsewhere.

Wherever you choose, the beauty of Cilento is that you don’t have to do much to feel connected to the place. It’s the simple things — the scent of lemon trees, the sound of church bells in the distance, the taste of clams caught that morning — that stay with you.

Quiet Beaches That Still Feel Unspoiled

By June, the water along the Cilento Coast is warm enough to swim, and most beaches are still fairly empty. These spots are low-key — you won’t find loud beach clubs or big crowds, just simple places to swim, relax, and dry off in the sun.

Baia degli Infreschi — You can get here by boat or by a short hiking trail. It’s a small cove with clear water and rocky surroundings. Bring what you need for the day — there are no cafés or umbrellas to rent — and plan to spend a few hours swimming and relaxing.

Spiaggia del Pozzallo — A short trail leads to this quiet beach. It’s mostly sandy, with some shaded spots under the trees. Again, there are no services or beach chairs, so pack a towel and some snacks before you go.

Marina di Camerota — The most accessible of the three, with a bit more going on — a few restaurants, places to buy drinks, and small stretches of beach where you can easily swim and then find a shady bench for a break. It’s a good option if you want a beach day without worrying about supplies.

Each of these spots is easygoing, scenic, and great for a simple day by the sea without the crowds.

Tip: Bring your own towel, water, and maybe a sandwich from the local panetteria to the beach!

Sea-to-Table Food Without the Fuss

In Cilento, the food is straightforward and local. Anchovies come straight from nearby boats, mozzarella is made a short drive away, and even the tomatoes taste like they were picked that morning. Nothing’s overcomplicated, and that’s what makes it good — meals often arrive on simple plates with paper napkins, and nobody’s trying to impress you with fancy presentation.

Lo Sparviero (Pioppi) — A small trattoria set right by the sea. Eat outside if you can, order whatever seafood pasta is on the menu, and don’t leave without trying one of their homemade desserts.

Ristorante Da Carmelo (Santa Maria di Castellabate) — This is the kind of place that feels like it hasn’t changed in decades. The menu is simple — grilled fish, pasta with clams — and the terrace looks straight out over the water. Don’t forget to try the local olive oil, it’s some of the best you’ll find.

Agriturismo San Giorgio (Casal Velino) — Head inland for a leisurely lunch at this family-run farm. Everything is grown or raised on-site, so the dishes are as fresh as they come. Meals tend to stretch out over a few hours, and you’ll leave completely satisfied.

And a tip for any of these spots — just order the house wine. It’s local, good value, and always goes perfectly with the food.

Cliff Walks, Hilltop Views & Time to Just Be

The Cilento coast sits inside the Parco Nazionale del Cilento, so there are plenty of trails, quiet hilltop villages, and lookouts where you can take in the landscape at your own pace.

One good option is to spend a morning on the Sentiero del Mediterraneo trail, which links small coastal villages and passes through olive groves and pine forest. Another is to visit Velia, an ancient Greek city with scattered ruins and very few visitors — it’s the kind of place where you can wander around and feel like you have it mostly to yourself.

And if that all feels like too much, skip the hiking and find a quiet bench or café by the water. Bring a coffee and a notebook, watch the light shift across the sea, and do nothing at all for a while. In Cilento, slowing down is part of the plan.

Getting There and Getting Around

The easiest way to reach Cilento is by train from Naples to Agropoli or Vallo della Lucania, followed by a local bus or rental car. Renting a car gives you more freedom to explore the coastline and the hill villages, but if you’re staying in one town and taking it slow, it’s doable without.

Naples is the nearest major airport, and from there it’s about a 2-3 hour journey total. And yes—the trip is worth it.

Who Cilento Is For (And Who It’s Not)

If you want high-end beach clubs, designer shops, and a packed social scene, this probably isn’t your place. Cilento isn’t flashy or polished — and that’s its charm. It’s for people who’d rather take a quiet trail than queue up for a photo, who appreciate a glass of local wine at a family-run restaurant, and who feel happiest with a long dinner, a slow walk home, and a good night’s sleep.

Cilento is especially good for solo travelers. It’s safe, laid-back, and easy to navigate — most towns and villages are small enough that you’ll recognize the same friendly faces after a day or two. Sit on a piazza with a coffee, hike a coastal path in the morning, and chat to locals at the market — you’ll rarely feel out of place. And if you do go for dinner alone, don’t be surprised if the owners come over for a chat or send an extra taste of dessert your way.

This is also a great destination if you want to take a train and explore at your own pace. The regional line that runs along the coast from Salerno is simple and affordable — jump off at Castellabate or Pisciotta for a wander, then hop back on to see the next village. Or catch a local bus up into the hills for sweeping views and trails through pine forests.

Ultimately, Cilento is for people who appreciate a more grounded kind of travel — one where you can leave your phone in your bag, take your time deciding what to do next, and come home feeling a little lighter, clearer, and more like yourself.

FAQ: Cilento Coast Travel Guide 2025

Where is the Cilento Coast?
South of the Amalfi Coast in Campania, Italy. It’s part of the Cilento and Vallo di Diano National Park.

When is the best time to go?
June is perfect. Warm seas, wildflowers, and not too many people. Avoid August unless you love crowds.

How do I get to Cilento?
Fly into Naples, then take the train to Agropoli or Vallo della Lucania. From there, rent a car or take local buses.

Is it good for solo travelers?
Absolutely. It’s safe, slow, and locals are welcoming without being pushy.

Are there sandy beaches?
Yes—both sandy and pebbled. Many are unspoiled and quiet.

Can I work remotely from there?
Yes, if you choose the right accommodation. Wi-Fi isn’t lightning fast everywhere, but it’s decent in most guesthouses.

What’s the food like?
Local, fresh, and unfussy. Expect lots of seafood, fresh vegetables, mozzarella, anchovies, and lemons.

Is Cilento worth visiting in 2025?
Completely. It’s still flying under the radar and perfect for mindful travel.

Skip Amalfi: Why the Cilento Coast Is Italy’s Best-Kept Secret in 2025