Cilento and Vallo di Diano
Cilento and Vallo di Diano Travel Guide and itinerary tour
Here are some of his reviews of the best attractions that you can book:
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Visiting Cilento and Vallo di Diano
Review by Copywriter Travel Blogger Giuseppe Baldassarri.
Cilento and Vallo di Diano is a beautiful region located in southern Italy, known for its stunning landscapes, rich history, and cultural heritage. Here are some things you can do in the Cilento and Vallo di Diano area:
1. Visit Paestum: Explore the ancient Greek ruins of Paestum, including well-preserved temples such as the Temple of Hera and the Temple of Neptune. The Archaeological Park of Paestum also houses a museum displaying artifacts from the site.
2. Hike in Cilento National Park: Discover the natural beauty of Cilento National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The park offers numerous hiking trails that lead you through picturesque landscapes, including mountains, forests, and coastlines.
3. Explore the Caves of Pertosa: Take a boat ride through the enchanting caves of Pertosa, located in the Vallo di Diano area. Marvel at the stunning rock formations and underground rivers as you explore this unique natural wonder.
4. Relax on the Beaches: Enjoy the beautiful beaches along the coast of Cilento. Places like Marina di Camerota, Acciaroli, and Palinuro offer sandy beaches, crystal-clear waters, and a relaxed atmosphere.
5. Visit Certosa di Padula: Discover the impressive Certosa di Padula, a large Carthusian monastery and one of the largest in the world. Explore the monastery's grand architecture, courtyards, and gardens.
6. Taste Local Cuisine: Indulge in the delicious cuisine of the region, which includes specialties such as buffalo mozzarella, fresh seafood, pasta dishes, and local wines. Don't miss the opportunity to try the famous Cilento figs and extra virgin olive oil.
7. Visit Castellabate: Explore the charming medieval village of Castellabate. Wander through its narrow streets, visit the 12th-century Castello dell'Abate, and enjoy panoramic views of the coastline from the Belvedere viewpoint.
8. Discover Velia Archaeological Site: Explore the ancient ruins of Velia, an important Greek and Roman city. Admire the well-preserved ruins, including the ancient agora, theater, and city walls.
9. Participate in Outdoor Activities: Engage in outdoor activities such as cycling, horseback riding, or kayaking to fully experience the natural beauty of the region.
10. Attend Local Festivals: Check the local events calendar for festivals and cultural events happening in the Cilento and Vallo di Diano area. These festivals often feature traditional music, dance, and food, providing a glimpse into the local culture and traditions.
Remember to check the opening hours and availability of attractions and activities, as they may vary depending on the season. Enjoy your time exploring Cilento and Vallo di Diano!
Here are some of his reviews of the best attractions that you can book:
Tour of Cilento and Vallo di Diano itinerary to discover local food and wine specialties to taste.
Here's a suggested itinerary for a tour of Cilento and Vallo di Diano that focuses on discovering local food and wine specialties to taste:
Day 1: Arrival and Introduction to Cilento
- Arrive in the Cilento region and settle into your accommodation.
- Start your culinary journey with a visit to a local agriturismo, a farm that offers traditional cuisine made from locally sourced ingredients. Enjoy a farm-to-table meal featuring dishes like fresh cheeses, cured meats, and homemade pasta.
- In the afternoon, take a leisurely stroll through the charming streets of Castellabate and stop by a local bakery to try traditional pastries like sfogliatelle or pastiera, accompanied by a cup of Italian espresso.
Day 2: Paestum and Buffalo Mozzarella
- Head to the archaeological site of Paestum and explore the ancient Greek ruins.
- After the visit, visit a nearby buffalo farm to learn about the production of buffalo mozzarella, a local specialty. Enjoy a guided tour of the farm and indulge in a tasting of freshly made mozzarella, accompanied by local wines.
- In the evening, dine at a local trattoria and savor dishes featuring buffalo mozzarella, such as caprese salad, pizza margherita, or baked pasta with mozzarella and tomato sauce.
Day 3: Cilento National Park and Local Delicacies
- Spend the day exploring Cilento National Park. Choose a hiking trail that takes you through the park's picturesque landscapes.
- Along the way, stop at a local shepherd's hut and taste traditional sheep's milk cheese, such as pecorino. Learn about the cheese-making process and the importance of sheep farming in the region.
- For lunch, visit a traditional osteria or agriturismo in the park and enjoy a meal featuring local specialties like wild boar ragu, roasted lamb, or vegetable-based dishes made with seasonal produce.
Day 4: Vallo di Diano and Olive Oil Tasting
- Venture into Vallo di Diano and visit an olive oil mill to learn about the production of extra virgin olive oil, a staple of the region. Take a guided tour of the mill, including the olive groves and the pressing facilities, and sample different varieties of olive oil.
- After the olive oil tasting, visit a local bakery or pastry shop to try desserts made with olive oil, such as olive oil cake or fritters.
- In the evening, dine at a traditional restaurant that specializes in dishes cooked with olive oil, such as bruschetta, grilled vegetables, or fish-cooked "alla piastra" (on a griddle).
Day 5: Wine Tasting and Farewell Dinner
- Explore the vineyards of Cilento and Vallo di Diano and visit a local winery. Take a tour of the vineyards and the wine cellar, and learn about the winemaking process. Taste a variety of wines, including Aglianico, Fiano, and Greco di Tufo.
- In the evening, enjoy a farewell dinner at a restaurant that pairs local wines with traditional Cilentan dishes. Indulge in a multi-course meal featuring specialties like seafood risotto, grilled meats, and traditional desserts like zeppole or cannoli.
Remember to make reservations in advance for visits to farms, wineries, and restaurants to ensure availability. This itinerary provides a sample of the culinary delights that Cilento and Vallo di Diano have to offer, but feel free to customize it based on your preferences and the availability of activities during your visit. Buon appetito!
