Paestum & the coast of Cilento

Explore the stunning, culturally-rich region of Campania and the Cilento National Park on this 6-day self-guided cycling tour.

The region of Campania has been known as a paradise on earth since ancient times. The Greeks built some of their most impressive temples here and under the Romans, it became known as Campania Felix or the Happy Land. When travelling through this region one becomes overwhelmed by its wealth of cultural and natural attractions, from the great city of Naples to the well-known Costiera Amalfitana, with its towering cliffs and picturesque coves.

But Campania’s real secret is located south of Salerno. Here the coastline bulges out into an expanse of a mountainous landmass known as the Cilento, now one of Italy’s biggest National Parks, with World Heritage listing.

Inland, the Cilento is largely undisturbed by the 21st century and you will encounter few other tourists along your way. You will cycle past world-famous cultural sites, through pristine natural areas and dreamy coastal scenery. Your trip will take you on small country roads passing through rough mountain scenery, as well as attractive countryside, with vineyards and olive groves.

During the whole tour, you will stay close to the coast, so you’ll have many occasions to alternate the cycling with a swim or relax on an empty beach. You will cycle past the archaeological site of Paestum on your way to a genuine mozzarella farm and climb up to some nice viewpoints on the coastal plain. Further on you will cycle around Monte Stella, dotted with several typical medieval hamlets, and continue along the coast towards the tiny fishing villages of Acciaroli and Pioppi to the Greek site of Velia. From here the coastal route goes a bit higher up, passing through the charming medieval towns of Ascea and Pisciotta, before descending to the sea close to Cape Palinuro again.

The last part of your route takes you along the stunning coast to one of the pearls of the southern coast, Marina di Camerota. A great panoramic ride along the lower slopes of the Bulgheria Mountain – and perhaps a last swim off one of the wonderful beaches is the superb ending to this great cycling tour.