The Cilento coast starts where the Amalfi Coast ends — south of Salerno, stretching 100km to Sapri. UNESCO-listed as a National Park (Parco Nazionale del Cilento, Vallo di Diano e Alburni). What the Amalfi had 50 years ago, the Cilento has NOW: crystal water, wild coves, fishing villages that serve the catch at plastic tables, mozzarella di bufala made the same morning you eat it, and PRICES that make the Amalfi Coast look obscene. Acciaroli (where Hemingway allegedly lived — debated — and where residents routinely live past 100, studied by epidemiologists). Palinuro (sea caves, the Blue Grotto of the Cilento). Santa Maria di Castellabate (the film location of Benvenuti al Sud, the most successful Italian comedy of the 2000s).
Santa Maria di Castellabate: Long sandy beach, shallow water, the village of the film. Acciaroli: Fishing harbor, clean beach, the centenarian village. Pioppi: Where Ancel Keys (the American scientist who invented the Mediterranean Diet concept) lived for 40 years — there’s a MUSEUM of the Mediterranean Diet here. Palinuro: The Arco Naturale (a natural stone arch into the sea). The Grotta Azzurra (the Cilento’s Blue Grotto — boat access, €10-15). Cala Buondormire (one of Italy’s most beautiful beaches — boat access only from Palinuro harbor, €15). Marina di Camerota: Caves (Paleolithic inhabitation), turquoise coves, €10 stabilimenti.
From Naples: A3 highway south + exit Battipaglia or Agropoli (1.5-2h). Train to Agropoli-Castellabate (1.5h, €6-8). Car essential for the coast — villages are spread over 100km. Stay 5-7 days: The Cilento rewards SLOW travel. A different beach each day. Buffalo mozzarella for breakfast. Paestum (at the northern edge) for the temples. Budget: Hotels €50-100/night. Restaurant meals €10-20. Half the Amalfi price. Double the space. Secret beaches →