Walking holidays Campania is a wonderful walking tour between century old olive trees, crystal clear blue sea, Roman temples and medieval watch towers. Explore gorgeous scenery and magnificent temples in an undiscovered area.
A wonderful walking tour between century old olive trees, crystal clear blue sea, Roman temples and medieval watch towers. This is the coast along which Ulysses and his sailors were lured away from home by the singing of the Sirens and the capes along this coast still bear thel ovely Siren names – Tresina, Licosa, Camarota. This walking holiday would be within the capabilities of most people of average fitness,walking 4 to 6 hours per day.
Price:
£850 per person (March-May & October), based on 2 people sharing.
Single supplement £225. Solo walker £385
£895 per person (June & September)
Single supplement £250. Solo walker £410
£950 per person (July)
Single supplement £295. Solo walker £460
£1,075 per person (August)
Single supplement £330. Solo walker £490
Included:
8 nights bed and breakfast, 3 dinners, transfers as needed for the holiday, luggage transfers, Maps and route notes and local assistance:
see details under additional information
Suggested Extras: Extra night in Paestum – the ancient Greek and Roman city is wonderful or extra night in Palinuro – see itinerary
Not Included:
Flights and anything not specifically mentioned in the programme.
Departures:
Daily according to accommodation availability.
Day 1: Arrival in Paestum
Arrival at Paestum. Visit the temples area, which are amongst the best preserved in Europe. Overnight in a hotel a short distance from the temples. Overnight in Hotel*** in Paestum.
Day 2: Agropoli to Castellabate
Today you first take a short train ride to Agropoli, from where you start a wonderful walk along the headland of Punta Tresino, one of the last remaining stretches of pristine coastline. Walk through a genuine Mediterranean landscape, through forest and heathland, along wonderful beaches and an ancient Roman harbour, with beautiful views across the sea. Reach the abandoned village of San Giovanni, where excellent white wine is produced (optional tasting possible); then descend to the large sandy beach of Castellabate, continuing to the fishing harbour of Santa Maria, from where you are collected and taken to the fortified village of Rocca Cilento.
Approx. 4.5 hours walking. 550m ascent/550 descent. (+ 300m extra to Monte Catiello). Accommodation in B and B in Rocca Cilento (for 2 nights).
Day 3: Rocca Cilento
From Rocca Cilento you walk directly from your accommodation to discover some of the most interesting villages in the area, among them Lustra, which has one of the best preserved old town centres in the area. Part of the path goes along the old route that once connected this valley with the Greek cities of Paestum and Velia. There are wonderful views on both sides of the ridge. Climb to the charming hamlet of Valle Cilento, with its beautiful bell-towers. Pass the abandoned village of Massacanina, then the monastery of Mercato Cilento and follow a panoramic trail back to Rocca.
Circular walk 13.5 kms/8.5 miles. Between 4 and 5 hours. Up 650m and down 650m. Accommodation in d B in Rocca Cilento.
Day 4: Rocca Cilento to Acciaroli and on to San Marco di Castellabate
Today you will do a panoramic walk along the ridge of Monte Stella, surrounded by a number of charming villages. A short transfer brings you to Perdifumo, where you start the walk in chestnut forest. You walk along a ridge with views to Capri and the Amalfi Coast and even sometimes to Stromboli, near Sicily. Pass an abandoned fortress aandd descend towards the coast, passing through several historic villages, including Galso and Pollica. Walk down to Acciaroli, a characteristic fishing village much loved by Ernest Hemingway, and perhaps enjoy a swim before you take the public bus to San Marco di Castellabate, where you stay in a comfortable family-run hotel.
18 kms/11.25 miles. 5.30 hours. Accommodation in hotel*** in San Marco di Castellabate (2 nights)
Day 5: San Marco di Castellabate
Walk directly from the hotel to do a circular walk passing through typical Mediterranean maquis into the area of Monte Licosa. The headland of Licosa is the point where Cilento reaches out to the sea. It is full of marine charm, a place where the sea-breeze makes the trees ‘dance’ and closely connected with the legend of Ulysses. You walk along a ridge where there are several watchtowers, from where you can see the whole area. With a bit of luck you might be able to have superb views over the whole bay of Salerno and even Calabria and have time for a swim. Continue along the coast back to San Marco.
18.5 kms/11.5 miles. 5.5 hours. Up 350m/down 350m. Accommodation in hotel*** in San Marco di Castellabate
Day 6: Palinuro
From San Marco you’ll be picked up by your private taxi for the transfer to Palinuro, drop off your luggage at the hotel and go on a great circular walk. This walk starts directly from your accommodation, and brings you onto the mythical promontory of Cape Palinuro, named after one of the mates of Aeneas who drowned here. From the little fishermen’s harbour you walk up to the light house on top of Capo Palinuro. You will walk through shady pine woods and fragrant Mediterranean shrub lands along well maintained paths and gravel roads. From the light house you enjoy a magnificent view on the village of Palinuro and the Cilento Coast and part of the inland, with views reaching as far as the headland of Punta Licosa and Monte Stella. You then descend to the beautiful sandy beach of Marinella, a favourite among locals, where you can have lunch and a swim. Strong walkers may consider extending the Capo Palinuro walk to include the Molpa Hill, on which you’ll come across the ruins of a medieval castle, from where the view over the surrounding area is stunning. Also could you continue to the Arco Naturale, making this into a whole day excursion. But of course you should also consider to take 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!).
Hotel *** – Palinuro Distance: 18 km. Approx. 5 h. walking. Ascent & descent: +/- 450 m. (shorter options available)
If you want to visit the excavations of the Greek city of Velia and do a circular walk there, you can do this today instead of the walk above and we will book an additional night for you in Palinuro.
Day 7: Palinuro to Marina di Camerota
Today you’ll head for your next accommodation, in the charming seaside village of Marina di Camerota. Straight from your accommodation you first walk a short stretch through olive groves and along the river, then you start climbing up into the first hills above the coast between Palinuro and Marina di Camerota. This is a beautiful walk, with great views over the blue Mediterranean. You’ll walk partly through forest and Mediterranean scrubland, partly through farmland. You walk along the ruins of old farmsteads and past the medieval chapel of Sant’Iconio. Along a stunning trail you descend back to the coast again. The last stretch to the charming village of Marina di Camerota is along the coast again. There are several nice beaches in isolated inlets, so perhaps there is the option for a swim. Or you can opt to go for a stroll in the village itself, with its clear South American influence.
Hotel *** – Marina di Camerota
Distance: 16 km. Approx. walking time: 4-5 h. Ascent & descent: + 450 m./- 500 m.
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 integrate this tour with an extra night in Palinuro. Prices on request.
Day 9: Marina di Camerota
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.
Hotel***in Marina di Camerota – BB
Day 9: Departure
Departure after breakfast with included transfer to railway station. Trains available to Naples.
