The Cilento Coast of Italy is considered an area that the Italians have long kept to themselves. This area is a hidden gem with breathtaking sea views and rocky coves, colorful seaside villages, and rich historical sites waiting to be discovered by our guests. The guest of Rosapepe Retreats will be among the newest of visitors to this special area as the Cilento coast is virtually uncharted territory for international tourism. This stretch of coast offers visitors a genuine warm welcome and a trip laden with memories that will last a lifetime.
Paestum
One of the most important historical sites in Italy, Paestum is said to have the best preserved Greek temples in the world. Founded in the 7th century BC, we will observe the three Doric temples here in the company of an exceptional and renowned historical guide. Afterwards, she will take us to visit the Paestum museum –which displays many fascinating artifacts, such as sculptures and tomb paintings discovered during excavations.
Paestum – Mozzerella di Buffalo Farm
After visiting the Greek Ruins, there will be a visit to a production site of the world famous Mozzarella di Bufala. This working farm is in the heart of the Campania region where mozzarella di bufala is still produced in a very traditional way. The farm prides itself on the unique care and humane treatment of the buffalo. It is a certified organic farm where only homeopathic remedies are used to treat the animals. The buffalo are kept in an environment that allows them self-management of showers and brushing, and use of a milking robot that flows with the natural rhythm of the buffalo and is less stressful. Background music enhances the entire experience.
The farm tour also consists of learning about the cheese-making process before sitting down to taste the freshly made cheese.
San Marco di Castellabate
The Cilento Coast is one of Campania’s most beautiful yet remote corners and still relatively undiscovered. The area is listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site due to its importance on the trade route in the Middle Ages. You will visit the charming coastal resort of San Marco di Castellabate and its hilltop counterpart, Castellabate. From this medieval town, you feel like you are on top of the world. There are breathtaking views of the countryside, sandy beaches and turquoise waters that surround it. Wander through the arches and passageways of this village, to the enclosed square at its heart before heading to the lively fishing town below.
Agropoli
Agropoli is a charming mountain village dating back to the fifth century AD. It is said that Agropoli is the perfect mix of history, nature and Italian hospitality. The crowning jewel of this historical village is the Saracen castle which was built by the Byzantines. From the castle are breathtaking views allowing one to imagine how this vantage point became a key defense structure against the Goth invaders of that time. As these castles lost their strategic importance over time, Italian hillside villages have reinvented themselves. Agropoli is one of the finest examples of the marriage of time periods.
A unique fact about Agropoli is that the original city surrounding the hillside fortress is still inhabited. With the good beaches nearby, a significant renaissance has taken place, and one can meander through the old alleys and down cobblestone walkways to find pizzerias and restaurants with mouth-watering Italian cuisine. It is an exciting sequence of must-see places from the castle down to the sea with the beautiful promenade leading to the marina and endless shoreline.
Porta di Fierro Tenuta
Upon arrival to Campania, guests of Rosapepe Retreats will be welcomed with an authentic and savory lunch at the historic D’Angri family estate and farm, Porta di Ferro. Located midway between the Amalfi Coast and the Cilento Coast and on the way to the Hotel Rosapepe, the Tenuta is opening their doors for Rosapepe Retreats guests to see the original manor house and stables, along with a tour through the luscious gardens. The farm specializes in the production of peaches and kiwi, and has acres of seasonal flowers, vegetable plants, and fruit trees, all of which are incorporated in their dining events. Porta di Ferro has been highlighted in many garden magazines, and is a featured location for the tour of Grandi Giardini Italiani (Great Italian Gardens)
Vietri sul Mare
Vietri sul Mare is the doorway to the Amalfi Coast. A village teeming with history, a visit to Vietri allows you to embrace the joy and liveliness of an authentic Amalfi resort town. Wander the streets of this gem of a town and discover the colorful Ceramica di Vietri, renowned the world over. The shopping in Vietri is a “must do” experience as you are greeted at every turn with breathtaking panoramic views of the coast. Once you are ready to take a small break, discover a tucked away restaurant for an unrivaled dining experience featuring fresh caught fish and unique seafood recipes.
Salerno
Salerno is a modern city with an active and bustling waterfront, currently the subject of a new architectural design project. The elegant town center of 19th century buildings is built around a medieval core with a rich history and artistic delights to feast the eyes. The town is dominated by the Arechi Castle, dramatically positioned 263m above the city. Originally a Byzantine fort, it was built by the Lombard duke of Benevento, Arechi II, in the 8th century. There are multi-media and archaeological museums and park nature trails to enhance your visit.
The views of the Gulf of Salerno and the city rooftops are spectacular.
The Centro Storico of Salerno, the “Historical old town Salerno” is believed to be one of the best maintained in the Italian peninsula. There are museums, historical gardens, and the spectacular Duomo to be visited.
Palinuro
Palinuro is an unpretentious little seaside resort on an attractive stretch of coastline on the Cilento Coast. This part of the coastline is generally overlooked by tourists, but is a hidden gem for the Italians.
The principal attraction is the boat ride around Capo Palinuro visiting the caves. If you have been to Capri and “weathered the storm” of floods of tourists to the Blue Grotto, you will be completely enamored to discover Palinuro. It offers everything of the Blue Grotto, and more. The experience is “un-touristy” and very personal. There are a few places to eat, a small beach, and kiosks selling excursions and boat tickets. The boats will set off pretty much on demand, and cruise along the cliffs of the Capo Palinuro. There are several wondrous caves to be visited, each with it’s own theme – the “Blue” Grotto, the Cave of Blood, the Cave of Monks, and the Sulfur Cave, just to name a few. Each cave captures the sunlight and highlights the stalactites and stalagmites in particularly artistic ways to feed your senses. This is a special and memorable excursion.
