The region of Campania marks the real beginnings of southern Italy. It has been sought-after since Roman times when it was tagged the Campania Felix or ‘happy land'. There is the great city of Naples, beautiful countryside, Roman sites such as Pompeii, beautiful islands, such as Capri and Ischia and stretches of spectacular coast. On the southern side of the Sorrento Peninsula, the Costiera Amalfitana is probably one of Europe's most well-known and dramatic stretches of coastline, with its towering cliffs and picturesque coves. But Campania's real secret is located South of Salerno, and immediately south of the wonderful Greek temples of Paestum. Here the coastline bulges out into an expanse of mountainous landmass known as Cilento, now a National Park with World Heritage listing. The Cilento coast is fairly rocky territory, with the shoreline lapped by a crystal sea. There is a wild kind of beauty here; rocky ridges set between small picturesque inlets and richly scented pinewoods backing onto wide sandy beaches. Aleppo pines loom over multicoloured undergrowth of myrtle and prickly pear; whilst huge, centuries old, olive trees grow right down to the shore. Inland the Cilento is largely undisturbed by the 21st century and we enjoy visiting mediaeval and quaint fishing villages where the traditional way of life is still evident. But perhaps the main attraction of the Cilento National park are its stunning beaches. Some of Italy's most beautiful beaches can be found along the south coast of the Cilento: the beautiful Cala Bianca, the Bay of Infreschi and the beach of Marcellino, only to mention a few. Many beaches can only be reached on foot or by boat. For which reason they are often, with the exception of the short Summer season, almost empty. This tour will make you discover all the most beautiful beaches of this area, as a large part of the tour is along the coast. But you will also walk through pristine natural areas and attractive countryside, with all their cultural treasures like rural chapels, ancient farmhouses, old watermills and charming medieval villages, like San Giovanni a Piro, Marina di Camerota and Scario. Please note: this is a moderately easy tour which is suitable for those who have some experience of walking and a good general physical condition. Most of the walks are on good paths, some of them just recently restored by the local authorities. Parts of the paths are waymarked. Elsewhere you have to follow the route notes provided together with the maps. Average walking times: approx. from 4 to 6 hours each day.

Day 1: Arrival at Pisciotta/Palinuro by train.
Short transfer to the hotel, located at only a few meters from the tempting Mediterranean. Leave your luggage in the hotel and take your time to look arounfd and perhaps go for a swim. 

Day 2: After breakfast you start walking straight from your hotel. You'll make a stunning roundwalk onto the mythical headland, named after one of the mates of Aeneas who drowned here. The walk will bring you to the very tip of the headland, partly through forest, partly through Mediterranean scrubland. Views from the headland reach from Capri to Stromboli. You can then descend to the beautiful sandy beach of Marinella, a favourite among locals. From here you can return to the hotel, after some relax on the beach, or you can opt to climb up towards the small headland of Molpa, on which you'll come across the ruins of a medieval castle. Of course you should also do a boat tour to the beautiful ‘Grotta Azzurra', perhaps not as famous as the one in Capri, but arguably more beautiful (and definitely less costly & less touristy!).
(Distance: 18 km. Approx. 5 h. walking. Ascent & descent: +/- 450 m.) (shorter options available) N.B. For those who want to enjoy some more of the stunning scenery of Capo Palinuro and perhaps want to visit the famous ‘Blue Grotto' (Grotta Azzurra) and take the time for a swim on one of the great beaches   it is recommended to book an extra night in Palinuro. Prices on request.

Day 3: From Palinuro you walking high above the coast to Marina di Camerota today. A beautiful walk, which climbs gently up into the first hills above the coast, with great views over the blue Mediterranean. You'll walk along the ruins of old farmsteads and along the chapel of Sant'Iconio, through forest and Mediterranean scrubland. You can have a nice picnic lunch in a shaded area, before descending to the charming village of Marina di Camerota, with its clear South American influence. The last stretch of the walk is along the coast and several nice beaches, so perhaps there is the option for a swim. 
(Distance: 16 km. Approx. 4-5 h. walking. Ascent & descent: + 450 m./- 500 m.) (longer options available)

Day 4: Today you'll enjoy a coastal walk along one of the most unspoilt stretches of coastline in southern Italy, with the cleanest seawater (Blue Flag). This is the so-called Costa degli Infreschi, named after the Roman harbour of Porto degli Infreschi, where there is a freshwater spring in a grotto. Easy and absolutely superb sightseeing on the ancient footpath which connects the village of Camerota to the ancient Roman harbour. The walk starts directly from your hotel in Marina di Camerota. First you walk along its harbour then along a series of grottos and beaches you reach the first medieval watchtower. Now you have to climb a short stretch and continue through olive groves and scrubland. Then you descend to a next little inlet, which reminds the desolate beaches of a tropical island. Another hour along a beautiful trail brings you to the Porto degli Infreschi. Upon arrival on the beach here a lunch can be cooked by local fishermen(optional). Return either on foot or by boat (optional) to Marina di Camerota. In the evening you are free to arrange your own dinner. (Distance: 7 km. Approx. 3,5 h. walking. Ascent & descent: +/- 200 m.) (longer options available)

Day 5: A short transfer brings you to the small mountain hamlet of Licusati. Here you pick up your picnic supplies before embarking on a great walk along the slopes of the Monte Bulgheria. The first part of the walk goes up gently through the olive groves and orchards, past a nice rural chapel and through the meadows. Gradually the scenery becomes more mountainous and rocky, with great views both towards the south over the clear Mediterranean (often it's possible to see Sicily from here) and towards the rugged inland. You have the option (on clear days) to climb up to the real top. Then you descend through the forest towards the beautiful small village of San Giovanni a Piro, set in a stunning location overlooking the Gulf of Policastro. You have the time for a stroll and a drink in the old town, before settling in your welcoming family run hotel.
(Distance: 10 km. Approx. 4-4,5 h. walking. Ascent & descent: + 450 m./- 250 m.)

Day 6: Today you have several options for a great roundwalk or a more relaxed day. We recommend however to go for the roundwalk along the ancient church of Pietrasanta and to the area of Ciolandrea, for some superb views over the Gulf of Policastro and the mountains of Calabria. This walk brings you first through the alleys of the medieval town, then along ancient steps you'll head to the church. A pleasant walk through forest and maquis will bring you comes more mountainous and rocky, with great views both towards the south over the clear Mediterranean (often it's possible to see Sicily from here) and towards the rugged inland. From here there are several paths down to the coast: you can opt to hike down to one of the stunning remote beaches (and return by boat), or you can opt for the nice walk down to the charming seaside village of Scario, one of the prettiest villages of the area.
(Distance: 10 km. Approx. 4-4,5 h. walking. Ascent & descent: + 250 m./- 650 m.) (several options available)

Day 7: After breakfast you are brought to the train station. From here you return by train to Naples (centre or airport), Salerno or Rome.