From the port of Salerno to the heart of Cilento

Sailing along the Sibilla Route begin your adventure in Salerno by arriving at the Tourist Port, the perfect starting point to discover the wonders of Salerno and its hinterland. From here, continue your day with a walk in the heart of Salerno. The starting point can only be the beating heart of the city: the suggestive historical centre. The first obligatory stop is the magnificent Duomo of Salerno, dedicated to San Matteo, the patron saint of the city, a masterpiece of Norman architecture. As soon as you enter, you will be fascinated by the imposing crypt that houses the saint's relics and the mosaics and frescoes that decorate the walls, testifying to medieval grandeur and splendour. Continuing your exploration, a few steps from the Cathedral, you can lose yourself in the tranquillity of the Minerva Garden, one of the oldest botanical gardens in Europe. Walking along its terraces, you will feel as if you are in a time warp, where medicinal plants have been cultivated for medicinal purposes since the Middle Ages.

After visiting the historic centre, it's time to visit another of Salerno's wonders: the Arechi Castle. This imposing medieval fortress, perched on a hill, dominates the city from above, offering a panoramic view that encompasses the entire gulf and stretches as far as the Amalfi Coast. Inside its walls you can visit a small but fascinating museum with medieval artefacts and weapons. After visiting the castle, it's time to head down to the town for an afternoon of culture. The Museo Archeologico Provinciale di Salerno (Provincial Archaeological Museum of Salerno) is an essential stop for those who want to learn about the millennial history of this region, such as the bronze head of Apollo, a masterpiece of Greek art that will amaze you with its beauty and perfection. As the day draws to a close, what better way to end it than by relaxing and strolling along the seafront? Here the hustle and bustle of the city gives way to the tranquillity of the waves. The modern Piazza della Libertà, with its grandeur and open spaces, is the perfect starting point to admire the fusion of ancient and modern that characterises Salerno. From here you can reach the Maritime Station, a work of contemporary architecture designed by Zaha Hadid. Its sinuous shape, reminiscent of a wave or a sea creature, is a fascinating contrast to the city's millenary history, a symbol of a Salerno that looks to the future without forgetting its glorious past.

What better way to start the day than by visiting the magnificent Church of San Michele Arcangelo. This architectural jewel is famous for its fresco depicting San Michele, a work that captures the attention and imagination of every visitor. But that's not all: a few steps from the church, the imposing Olevano Castle awaits you. This Norman-Swabian fortress, which rises majestically over the valley below, is much more than a simple historical monument. Walking through its ancient walls is an opportunity to immerse yourself in the history and culture of a region that has seen centuries of change and conquest.

In the afternoon, continue your day with a walk through time, immersing yourself in the millennial history of the Archaeological Park of Paestum, one of the most fascinating and important sites of Greek antiquity in Italy. Here you can admire three of the most impressive Doric temples ever built: the Temple of Hera, the Temple of Neptune and the Temple of Ceres, exceptionally well preserved. Each temple tells an ancient story of gods, rites and mysteries. These are not just ruins, but a real journey through the traces of a glorious past. The cobbled streets, walls, houses and temples will take you back to a time when Greek culture, philosophy and art flourished in southern Italy. After enjoying the magic of the temples, the journey through history does not end here. A few steps from the park, you can continue your exploration at the National Archaeological Museum of Paestum. This is not just a museum, but a window to the past that will allow you to better understand the daily life, beliefs and traditions of the ancient inhabitants of Paestum. Here you can admire one of the most enigmatic and evocative works of Greek funerary art: the Tomb of the Diver, with its symbolic and mysterious frescoes that evoke the passage from life to death. In addition to the Tomb of the Diver, the museum houses a rich collection of artefacts, including sculptures, vases, weapons and tools, which give a complete picture of life in ancient Paestum.

In the morning, start your day exploring Agropoli, a pearl on the Cilento coast. One of the first unmissable stops is the majestic Angevin-Aragonese Castle, an imposing fortress that dominates the town from above, offering a breathtaking view of the Cilento coast and the sea that stretches to the horizon. Climbing up to the castle, you will feel the call of history: the stone walls tell of centuries of events, battles and dominations, from its mediaeval construction to the subsequent modifications desired by the Angevin and Aragonese rulers. After visiting the castle, take a stroll through the historic centre of Agropoli, a true jewel of mediaeval town planning. Here, every step brings you closer to the ancient heart of the city, a place full of charm and mystery, where the medieval city gates, such as the Porta di Terra, will welcome you with their grandeur and beauty. Continue on to the Church of Santa Maria di Costantinopoli, a religious building full of history and spirituality, situated on a terrace overlooking the sea. Inside the church are sacred works of art and symbols that testify to the deep attachment of the Agropoli community to faith and tradition.

What better way to end the day than by immersing yourself in the timeless charm of the historic centre of Castellabate, a jewel of the Cilento and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The medieval village winds through picturesque alleys, hidden courtyards and small squares that seem to have stepped back in time, offering an authentic and enveloping atmosphere. Walking slowly, your footsteps will lead you to the San Costabile belvedere. The panorama that opens up before your eyes is simply spectacular. The view takes in the coast, the crystal clear sea that stretches to the horizon and, on a clear day, the distant islands. But a visit to Castellabate would not be complete without a visit to the Castello dell'Abate, a mediaeval fortress that dominates the village and the surrounding valleys. Built in the 12th century by order of San Costabile Gentilcore, the castle has a fascinating history, marked by political and military events that have shaped its appearance and soul. In addition to its historical importance, the visitor is struck by the breathtaking panorama that stretches from the inland hills to the coast, offering an extraordinary view of the entire Gulf of Salerno.

The perfect way to start the day is to immerse yourself in the eternal charm of the National Park of Cilento and Vallo di Diano. This vast protected area is a paradise for nature and history lovers. Exploring the Park means immersing yourself in an extraordinary biodiversity, among majestic mountains, limpid rivers and luxuriant forests. But it is not only nature that attracts your attention: inside the park are some of the most important archaeological sites in the region, evidence of ancient civilisations that have left their mark on these lands.

If you are looking for an unforgettable adventure in the midst of natural beauty, do not miss the spectacular Caves of Pertosa-Auletta. This karst complex, a true jewel of nature, offers a unique experience. Imagine entering a fascinating underground world where stalactites and stalagmites create breathtaking natural sculptures and secret tunnels tell ancient stories of millions of years. Every corner of these caves is a masterpiece of beauty and mystery that will leave you breathless. But the natural beauty doesn't stop there! A few steps away from the caves, the Fiume Alento Oasis awaits you to offer you a regenerating break immersed in the tranquillity of nature. The oasis is an ideal refuge for those seeking peace and quiet, but also for lovers of nature and local fauna, who will find an ideal habitat here.