Carinaro(Italy) Travel 2026: Cheap Flights, Hotels & Top Attractions

In Cilento, recommend staying at Hotel Villa Margherita, a boutique hotel blending Mediterranean charm with modern comfort, just 20 minutes from the Amalfi Coast. The property features family rooms, a children’s play area, and a private garden offering fresh Italian breakfasts. Guests can stroll to quiet seaside paths, while nearby restaurants like Ristorante da Michele serve authentic seafood and handmade pasta, perfect for experiencing local Campania cuisine.

The best area for lodging in Cilento is the Old Town (Centro Storico), located near the Church of the Assumption and Piazza Municipale. This historic district retains traditional southern Italian architecture and offers easy access to coastal alleys and artisan markets. Stay at small, family-run inns like B&B La Palma, which provides personalized service, sea-view balconies, and a peaceful atmosphere—ideal for immersing in genuine Campania culture.

Don’t miss the annual Festa della Madonna Assunta procession during summer, a major religious celebration featuring traditional costumes, music, and decorated streets. Visit the Cilento Archaeological Museum to explore ancient Roman relics, or join a hands-on ceramics workshop led by local artisans, where you’ll craft blue-glazed pottery unique to Campania, deeply rooted in regional heritage and craftsmanship.

For solo travelers, La Casa del Sole B&B is ideal—nestled on a hillside with panoramic sea views, private terraces, and a tranquil garden. Run by an artistic couple, it offers homemade lemon tea and handwritten travel tips. Nearby hiking trails lead to Positano, perfect for morning walks. Its serene reading nook and peaceful ambiance make it a haven for introspection and connection with nature along the Amalfi Coast.

Must-try dishes include grilled octopus alla Calabrese—slow-cooked in olive oil, garlic, and chili—and lemon sfogliatella, a flaky pastry made with fresh Salerno lemons. Visit Mercato di Piazza San Giuseppe to sample street food, or book a private dinner at Trattoria Il Faro, where the chef crafts menus based on daily catch, paired with Chianti wine, delivering a true taste of Campania’s land and sea.

Cilento’s rocky coastline is perfect for snorkeling and exploring tide pools, especially after low tide when marine life becomes visible. Designated safe zones have lifeguards. Rent an oak boat to visit the hidden Blue Grotto (Grotta Azzurra)—a lesser-known but equally stunning cavern with ethereal light beams. Some retreats, like Wave Zen Retreat, offer sea-view yoga sessions, combining wellness with breathtaking ocean views.

Though a small town, Cilento has good connectivity. Regional trains from Naples take about 1 hour to reach Cilento Station, with shuttle buses to the center. The town is pedestrian-friendly; rent an electric bike to explore. For trips to other Amalfi Coast destinations, book private drivers like Cirillo Tours, who know mountain roads and provide multilingual guides for safe, scenic journeys.

Couples should consider Villa Aurora Sea View, a 19th-century white villa with cliffside terraces and floor-to-ceiling windows overlooking the Tyrrhenian Sea. Each room features a spa bath and curated wine selection. Enjoy candlelit dinners on the private garden terrace, or book a private sunset cruise with a local skipper, gliding through hidden coves—perfect for unforgettable moments amidst the beauty of the Amalfi Coast.

The best time to visit Cilento is from May to June and September to October. Temperatures range from 20–26°C, sea is warm, and crowds are minimal. Spring brings blooming fields, while autumn offers grape harvest festivals and olive oil tastings. Avoid July and August to dodge peak season prices and congestion, securing better bookings at boutique stays and intimate dining spots.

Cilento’s nightlife is calm and cultural. Evening strolls at Piazza del Mare café bars offer espresso or arancello liqueur, accompanied by live acoustic music. Bars like Bar Lido host summer Sea Breeze Concerts with local bands. The town’s small theater regularly stages Commedia dell’arte performances, where guests enjoy wine and comedy under the stars—a charming, authentic glimpse into Campania’s theatrical tradition.