Hi All, We are planning another hopefully epic Italian trip (we've done our fair share of those, thanks to Yours Truly, who pours hours and hours into research, not entirely altruistically!). This time, we don't have tons of time to plan since we booked our flights at relative short notice. We're flying into Rome Fiumicino on June 15 and back on July 3rd. I currently have a skeleton of bookings for the beginning and the end (first night in Anzio, because we land late and don't want to drive far that first day), then two days in Gaeta and the last two nights, one on the way back up and the last night before we fly out in Fiumicino itself, so there is no stress returning the car and getting to the airport etc.).
That leaves us with 12/13 days in between, most of which we would like to spend on the Cilento Coast. We had initially planned to go all the way down to Tropea but have since decided to make Calabria a separate trip. So now we have to figure out where to stay and how long for - we would like some beach time (and recommendations for SANDY beaches with umbrellas etc. appreciated! Unfortunately, we cannot do those beautiful, untouched beaches due to burning easily), but would also like to explore inland a bit (even though I am already fully anticipating some stressful driving, up winding mountain roads....). I think we'd like some accommodations with cooking facilities etc, but would probably also like to be within walking distance to old towns/restaurants for some of the time. We can break up this period into as many stops as needed - we don't mind changing places a few times, but probably at least two nights each (longer, if we find something we really like). If we're staying longer, we would definitely want some outdoor areas - and ideally a small pool, but that's not necessarily a deal breaker. We do love older, charming houses that maybe used to be a farm or something, but can also do a more modern place, provided it ticks the other boxes. And I also wouldn't mind staying for a couple of nights at a small, family-run Italian beach hotel where you get halfboard included - I find that also has its particular charm!
So, if anyone knows of some great places, please do comment here - oh as far as budget...it doesn't have to be dirt cheap, but I also really don't want to spend a fortune on accommodation as we love to go out to eat a lot, which eats into the budget (pun intended). So, if it's a real dream of a place, $200 a night would prob. be our ceiling - otherwise ideally below $150 a night. From what I've seen so far ,that is doable, esp since we're not going to be in high season quite yet.
ALSO - if there are places or beaches you find overrated, please also share those experiences!! We highly appreciate anyone taking the time to comment.
Safe travels everyone!
Kat & Joe
Posted by
Surrey, UK
941 posts
I stayed here, a few years ago, and it was absolutely fabulous.
https://palazzobelmonte.com/en/
Sta Maria de Castellabate is a lovely small town, with a few other hotels and restaurants - it's a real Italian holiday place.
It is south of Naples, and the atmospheric site of Paestum.
Posted by
6 posts
We are spending a few days on the Cilento coast this June at the end of a Rome/Puglia/Matera trip. We are staying in Marina Camerota so we can do some boat trips. Staying at Relais Pian delle Starze https://www.hotelrelaispiandellestarze.it/. In 2024 we spent some time in Paestum and loved it- stayed at Hotel Villa Rita-https://www.hotelvillarita.it/hotel-paestum/index.asp. I wish we had more days in Cilento this June but we are doing a boat tour to Baia degli Infreschi, and the day we drive from Matera we are doing rafting in Calabria (just over the boarder from Campania near Sapri) with Rafting Explorer Lao. Also planning to spend some time in Pisciotta.
Posted by
new york
1585 posts
If you don't want to spring for Palazzo Belmone in Castellabate, VILLA SIRIO is lovely, family run, and gives guests tickets for chairs at the adjacent beach, where swimming is good...