Cilento

Cilento is a historic and geographic region in Campania, southern Italy, stretching along the Tyrrhenian Sea from the lower Sele River in the north to the Gulf of Policastro in the south. Most of Cilento lies in the province of Salerno, with inland portions including mountainous terrain and small villages. The coastline features beaches, coves, and cliffs, while the inland is marked by the Cilento and Alburni mountains and protected valleys. The area is part of Italy’s broader Campania landscape, known for its flora, fauna, and Mediterranean climate.

The Cilento and Vallo di Diano National Park preserves a large swath of the interior and coastal zones, protecting biodiversity and landscapes as well as a number of archaeological sites. The coast includes notable promontories and sea caves around Capo Palinuro, and several historic towns dot the shoreline.

Cilento is notable for its archaeological and cultural heritage. The ancient Greek city of Paestum preserves monumental temples dating to the 6th and 5th centuries BCE, while Velia (ancient Elea) reflects classical antiquity. Inland, the Certosa di Padula and medieval hill towns such as Castellabate, Agropoli, Acciaroli, and Santa Maria di Castellabate contribute to the region’s cultural character. The area is also renowned for traditional cuisines and agricultural products such as olive oil and regional wines, which form an integral part of Cilento’s identity.