The stunning coastline and picturesque towns built into the cliffs of the peninsula, as well as the glamorous resorts, make it a must-see destination. Amalfi Coast Cilento is often overshadowed by Campania’s southern region, which borders Basilicata. This area of rugged beauty has many attractions. Cilento is home to a national park with mountains and hill towns. It also boasts sand beaches, ancient Greek temples and peaceful monasteries. It is also the origin of the Mediterranean Diet.
According to International LivingCilento can be a good alternative to the Amalfi coastline. The Cilento Coast may not be home to the famous cliff-hanging village of Positano but it does have a number of charming seaside towns. They rival the Amalfi Coast for their beautiful beaches and ease of access. Valerie Fortney-SchneiderInternational Living contributor told Travel + Leisure. “A pleasant relaxed vibe, delicious food, lower prices and southern hospitality.
Art historian and travel specialist Danielle OteriThe Cilento region, from where she is originally, is “a heaven for fish eaters”. She recommends it to travelers who are looking to explore a more authentic, laid-back part of Italy.
“Cilento offers the natural beauty, ancient history and extraordinary food that travelers long for in Amalfi. Travel + Leisure. The region offers the best buffalo mozzarella, the freshest vegetables and fish in Italy and is known for its turquoise waters and pristine beaches.
Salerno on the southern Amalfi Coast is the gateway (though technically not a part of Cilento). The area is often compared with a smaller version NaplesSalerno has a hilly terrain. Salerno’s historic centre is a maze of stone-paved roads lined with bars, shops, and restaurants. Last year, my family and I had a great dinner in the area. Botteghelle 65A century-old salumeria has been transformed into a casual restaurant that serves simple homestyle food like baked pastas and local cheeses.
Paestum is the beginning of Cilento and it’s just a little under an hour away. Paestum has a number of well-preserved Greek temples and is interesting to anyone interested in history, especially those who love the Second World War. The first American troops to land on Italian soil in 1943 were on the beaches of Salerno and Paestum, in the bloody battle called Operation Avalanche. On a sunny day in May of last year, my father, sister, and brother-in-law found an abandoned German bunker that was left over from the war.
We also stopped at Tenuta VannuloWe visited the Museum of Farming Culture to view historic farm machinery. Cilento, thanks to the buffaloes that were brought to this area of Italy centuries ago, is famous for its buffalo milk mozzarella. Tenuta Vannulo offers a variety of dairy products, including yogurt, gelato and more. You must order their mozzarella in advance if you wish to buy it.
Oteri also recommends visiting towns like Agropoli and Capaccio. You can also go hiking or foraging for truffles in Capaccio. Capri.
Oteri said that the Amalfi is the best destination if you are looking to be treated like a star, enjoy the quintessential resort, and explore the local culture. Cilento offers all of this and more, for a fraction less than you would pay on the Amalfi. She said that in the small mountain villages of Cilento, there are excellent restaurants and wine-bars, as well as many opportunities to meet Italians who vacation and live there.
