Things To Do
Paestum
If you're traveling from Naples to Santa Maria di Castellabate, consider making a stop in Paestum — a stunning ancient city along the way that's home to some of the best-preserved Greek temples in the world. Located about halfway between Naples and the wedding venue, Paestum is perfect for a half-day visit. You can explore its majestic ruins, stroll through the archaeological museum, and grab a bite at a nearby café before continuing your journey to the coast. It’s a hidden gem that offers a little history, a lot of beauty, and a perfect break on your travel day.
Pompeii
Looking to add a little adventure to your travel day? Pompeii is an unforgettable stop between Naples and Santa Maria di Castellabate. This ancient Roman city, famously preserved by the eruption of Mount Vesuvius, offers an incredible glimpse into life 2,000 years ago. Walk through preserved streets, homes, bathhouses, and amphitheaters — it’s like stepping back in time. Located just outside Naples, Pompeii is an easy stop by car or train before continuing south toward the coast.
National Park of Cilento and Vallo di Diano
If you're craving a bit of nature and adventure, Cilento and Vallo di Diano National Park is one of Italy’s best-kept secrets. A UNESCO World Heritage Site, the park stretches from the mountains to the sea, offering dramatic cliffs, hidden coves, ancient ruins, and lush hiking trails. It’s the perfect place for a scenic drive, a peaceful hike, or a spontaneous picnic with a view. You’ll find charming hilltop villages, wild olive groves, and maybe even a herd of goats along the way. For nature lovers, photographers, or anyone wanting to escape the crowds, Cilento National Park is a must-see while you're in the region.
Boat Tour Along the Cliento Coast
One of our favorite parts of every trip to Italy is spending a day on the water. Every time we visit, we use Click&Boat to rent a small boat with a skipper — and it's always the highlight of our stay. Boating from Agropoli or San Marco di Castellabate is a peaceful and scenic way to explore the Cilento Coast, which is less crowded than the Amalfi Coast but just as beautiful. You'll cruise past dramatic cliffs, hidden beaches, and rocky coves with crystal-clear water. A few local favorites include: Punta Licosa – A protected marine area with calm waters and a mythical island Baia di Trentova – A stunning bay just outside Agropoli, perfect for a swim Ogliastro Marina – A quiet, picturesque stop along the coast with golden sand Your skipper will take care of the boat, so you can relax, swim, and take in the views — maybe even pop a bottle of prosecco onboard. We highly recommend it if you’re staying a bit longer before or after the wedding!
Relax by the Sea
Spiaggia di Santa Maria – A lovely local beach just steps from town Lido Azzurro – Rent a chair, grab a spritz, and enjoy the view Baia di Trentova – A hidden gem with crystal-clear waters near Agropoli
Where to Eat in Santa Maria
You're in Italy — every meal should be a celebration! Santa Maria di Castellabate and the surrounding area are full of incredible restaurants, trattorias, and cafés that serve fresh local seafood, handmade pasta, and the kind of pizza you'll dream about long after the trip is over. Here are some of our favorites: Cantina Belvedere Restaurant - Tucked away in the hills above Santa Maria, this romantic spot lives up to its name — Belvedere means "beautiful view." Expect fresh, seasonal dishes, homemade pasta, and sweeping views of the coastline. It’s a perfect place for a sunset dinner. Ristorante Le Gatte - Elegant seaside dining with incredible views and even better seafood. Perfect for a special night out. Lo Scoglio - A beloved local spot right by the water. Think fresh fish, pasta with clams, and stunning sunset views. Pizzeria Da Nello - Casual, cozy, and absolutely delicious. A must if you’re craving authentic Neapolitan-style pizza.
Taste Authentic Buffalo Mozzarella
You haven’t truly lived until you’ve tasted buffalo mozzarella (mozzarella di bufala) fresh from the source — and lucky for you, the Cilento region is famous for it. Made from the milk of water buffalo raised in southern Italy, this mozzarella is soft, creamy, slightly tangy, and nothing like the store-bought version. Many dairies (called caseifici) near Paestum and along the drive from Naples offer tastings and tours — or you can just stop at a roadside shop and grab a ball with some fresh bread and tomatoes for the best picnic of your life. Don’t miss: – Caseificio Barlotti (near Paestum) – Tenuta Vannulo – an organic buffalo farm with tastings, tours, and a mozzarella museum – Local restaurants in Santa Maria that feature it in Caprese salads or simple pasta dishes Trust us — it’s worth the detour.
Scenic Hikes
Several rewarding hikes start directly in or very close to the center of Santa Maria di Castellabate, ranging from easy coastal strolls to moderate historical trails that climb the hillsides. Easy Coastal Trails The Coastal Trail (Santa Maria to San Marco): A very easy, scenic walk perfect for all skill levels. Path of the Sirens (Partial Walk): This legendary path stretches along the coast. This section is relatively flat, offering frequent, beautiful views of the sea and the nearby island of Licosa. Moderate Historical and Hillside Hikes Santa Maria to Castellabate Old Town (Hill Climb): A more challenging but rewarding hike that takes you from the seaside town up to the medieval Borgo (historic center) of Castellabate. Reach the Castello dell'Abate at the top for spectacular panoramic views of the entire bay and coastline. For maps and details, visit Wikiloc or AllTrails.
Cliento Wine Tasting
