There’s something sacred about the Cilento Coast. Not in a dramatic, showy way like the Amalfi Coast with its glossy hotels and endless traffic—but in the way the light hits the water at sunset, or the way locals greet you like you’ve always belonged there. It’s Italy’s coast without the chaos.

If you're craving a summer escape where you can walk barefoot to the beach, stay in a faded pink villa in a fishing village, and eat spaghetti alle vongole caught that morning, then Cilento might be your place. It’s under the radar, still deeply local, and full of surprises—especially in June, before the Italian summer holidays kick in.

Here’s your personal Cilento Coast travel guide for a slow, soulful trip that gives more than it takes.

Cilento Coast is a hidden gem you need to explore if you’re tired of the usual instagram posts from Italy

Why Choose Cilento Over Amalfi?

Let’s be real: Amalfi is stunning, but it’s also packed. Buses crawling around cliff corners, overpriced Aperol, and selfie-stick season by mid-June. Cilento, just a bit further south, feels like a secret Italy hasn’t told the world yet.

It’s wilder. Simpler. More spacious. You get the same cinematic coastline, pastel villages, and lemon trees, but without feeling like you're on a conveyor belt of tourism. And the people? They're not there to perform hospitality—they just live it.

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

The best way to do Cilento is to base yourself in one of the quiet coastal towns, ideally where you can walk to the sea and hear it at night. This isn’t a resort coast. It’s more about rustic charm, balconies full of geraniums, and linen sheets that smell like salt and sun.

Acciaroli: This tiny port town is rumored to have inspired Hemingway. It’s romantic, uncrowded, and walkable. Perfect for early morning swims and lingering dinners by the water.
Santa Maria di Castellabate: It has just enough going on—a gelato spot, a piazza with locals playing cards, and family-run guesthouses that feel like home.
Marina di Pisciotta: My personal favorite. Sleepy, poetic, and the kind of place where you can sit by the dock for hours and nobody asks why.

Look for stays that are family-run—they’re often the best. Expect handwritten notes, homemade limoncello, and tips from the owner that are better than anything online.

Quiet Beaches That Still Feel Wild

In June, Cilento’s beaches are warm enough to swim but still mostly empty. And they’re the good kind—pebbled coves, golden stretches, cliffs that tumble into the sea. No booming beach bars. Just the sound of the tide and maybe a church bell in the distance.

Baia degli Infreschi: Reachable by boat or hike. Crystal-clear water, limestone caves, and not a sunbed in sight. Feels like a secret cove from a novel.
Spiaggia del Pozzallo: A short trail leads you here. No umbrellas. Just a crescent of sand, shady trees, and water that looks filtered.
Marina di Camerota: A bit livelier but still chill. Great if you want to swim, grab a seafood lunch, and nap under a tree.

Tip: Bring your own towel, water, and maybe a sandwich from the local panetteria. You’re not here for convenience. You’re here for beauty ;)

Sea-to-Table Food Without the Fuss

The food here doesn’t need to try hard. The anchovies are famous, the mozzarella is local, and even the tomatoes seem to taste better. But it’s the lack of pretense that stands out. Nobody’s turning your plate into art. You’ll eat the freshest fish of your life, but it might come with a paper napkin. Perfect.

Lo Sparviero (Pioppi): Small trattoria right by the water. Sit outside, order the seafood pasta, and don’t skip dessert.
Ristorante Da Carmelo (Santa Maria di Castellabate): Simple dishes, gorgeous view, and the kind of olive oil you want to smuggle home.
Agriturismo San Giorgio (Casal Velino): For a long, lazy lunch inland. Everything grown on-site, and you'll leave full in every sense of the word.

Ask for house wine. It’s usually fantastic.

Cliff Walks, Hilltop Views & Time to Just Be

Cilento is a national park too—Parco Nazionale del Cilento. That means trails, quiet hilltop monasteries, and lookout points where you can watch the sea turn from blue to gold.

Take a morning to walk the Sentiero del Mediterraneo between villages, or visit Velia, an ancient Greek city with ruins you can have all to yourself. There’s magic in just walking and not being in a rush. That’s where you hear your best thoughts.

You could also just sit by the sea with a notebook and a coffee. That counts, too.

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 beach clubs, nightlife, and luxury shopping, this isn’t the spot. Cilento is for introverts, writers, hikers, and those who find joy in long dinners, soft evenings, and real conversations. It’s for anyone who’s tired of following the crowds on vacation and just wants to feel like themselves.

It’s also incredibly solo-travel friendly. Safe, kind, and the kind of place where nobody bats an eye if you’re eating alone and smiling into your wine.

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