Discovering Cilento with children

Blue sea, caves and amazing nature, perhaps this is why the Cilento is a beloved region since ancient times, when the ancient Greeks founded the wonderful Paestum.
But Cilento is not just about the sea.
It's picturesque villages clinging to the headland, in which to stroll in the evening after a day at the beach, it's caves to visit on foot or by boat, and above all, it's nature.
Indeed, a vacation in Cilento is an opportunity to discover the unspoiled nature of the Cilento and Vallo di Diano National Park and to admire the local flora and fauna.
And for art and history lovers a short distance away are two Unesco heritages: the Archaeological Park of Paestum and the Certosa di Padula!
But let's start in order.

The sea and beaches of Cilento

Cilento's sea is one of the most beautiful and cleanest in Italy, with crystal-clear waters and a rich variety of marine flora and fauna. Cilento's beaches have received numerous blue flags, as many as 13 in 2022, for the quality of its waters and beaches.
The Cilento coastline is very varied: in some areas there are long beaches of fine sand, in others beaches of white pebbles, and in still others, wonderful small coves and inlets among the sheer rocks.

Cilento's most child-friendly beaches

Among the many beaches in Cilento, these are very suitable for children and families because of the sloping seabed and sandy beach,
💙 The Marina delle Barche beach in Marina di Camerota: golden sand and the shallowest sea floor of the other beaches in Marina di Camerota.
💙The Saline beach in Palinuro: very fine, golden-colored sand and the sea floor is shallow.
💙 The large beach of Acciaroli is one of the most suitable for families with fine golden sand and the very shallow sea bed perfect even for small children
💙 Ascea beach is the longest beach in Cilento: fine sand and shallow seabed make it perfect for toddlers
💙 The beaches of Santa Maria di Castellabate: all characterized by fine sand and shallow water

Cilento's most beautiful beaches

If, on the other hand, the children are older, can swim and love to put on their masks and see the little fish even a few meters from the shore, then I recommend exploring some of the little beaches, which are real gems, perhaps a little more strenuous to reach. It's really worth it!

Here are the most beautiful beaches in Cilento:
💙 Cala Bianca beach in Marina di Camerota: 2013 Legambiente award of Italy's most beautiful beach. A small bay of white pebbles between two tongues of rocks.
The beach can be reached on foot from the Infreschi path, or by boat.
💙 The beach of Baia Infresch in Marina di Camerota: 2014 Legambiente award of Italy's most beautiful beach. A small white pebble beach reachable only on foot or by boat. Here info and reservations for a boat tour at Baia degli Infreschi
💙 The beach of Buon Dormire , on the promontory of Capo Palinuro is a cove with fine golden beach, located a few meters from the Coniglio rock with overhanging rock behind. To get to the beach there is a long staircase of about 400 steps carved into the rock or by boat.
💙 The Natural Arch beach unmissable for the huge natural arch carved by the sea into the rock.
💙 The coves of Punta Licosa a natural paradise reachable only on foot.

Snorkeling in Cilento

Cilento is home to numerous marine protected areas, such as the Cilento and Vallo di Diano National Park, which allow for the protection of marine biodiversity and provide opportunities for snorkeling.

For older kids (ages 12 and up) there are organized snorkeling activities: such as the Scuba Diving Experience in Agropoli or Snorkeling tour at Vallone Bay

The towns of Cilento

The Cilento coast is dotted with small towns and fishing villages that have remained intact over time. The most characteristic are:
💙 Palinuro famous for its beautiful beaches and sea caves.
💙 Agropoli located on a rocky promontory overlooking the Cilento coast, with an evocative historic center and beautiful sea views.
💙 Castellabate famous for its lovely medieval village and beautiful beaches.
💙 Marina di Camerota, on the southern coast of Cilento, with a long beach of fine sand and crystal clear sea.
💙 San Giovanni a Piro, a small village with a privileged position on the sea and a beautiful view of the Punta Licosa peninsula.

The caves

Cilento has numerous caves both inland and sea caves, which can only be visited from the boat.
Among the most famous Cilento caves inland are:
🤎 The Caves of Castelcivita, a karst complex that stretches over 2 km and is home to numerous concretions and limestone formations of great beauty.
🤎 The Pertosa-Auletta Caves are the only caves in Italy where it is possible to navigate an underground river, the Negro, and the only ones in Europe to preserve the remains of a pile-dwelling village dating back to the 2nd millennium B.C.
While visitable from the sea are:
💙 The Caves of Cape Palinuro reachable by boat from Palinuro.
Here for info and reservations
💙 The cave of the Lovers reachable by boat from Marina di Camerota Here for info and reservations
In addition, there are numerous other lesser-known but equally fascinating caves in Cilento, such as those in Castelnuovo, Ogliastro, or Roccagloriosa.

Cilento and Vallo di Diano National Park

The National Park of Cilento and Vallo di Diano is one of the most important protected areas in Italy.The park encompasses a vast area of about 180,000 hectares stretching from the Cilento coast to the Alburni and Cervati mountains.
Within the park it is possible to admire a very rich and diverse flora and fauna, with the presence of numerous endemic and protected animal and plant species. In addition, the park is home to numerous historical and archaeological sites of great interest, such as the Temples of Paestum and the Charterhouse of Padula, as well as numerous protected marine areas, such as the Punta Licosa Nature Reserve and the Costa degli Infreschi and Masseta Marine Protected Area.
So what could be better than taking a walk in the park or a bike ride?

the Temples of Paestum

the Archaeological Park of Paestum is one of the most fascinating vestiges of Magna Graecia in Italy. This site, recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, offers the opportunity to explore ancient temples and discover the life and culture of the ancient Greeks.
The three main temples-the Temple of Hera, the Temple of Neptune, and the Temple of Ceres-are among the best-preserved Greek temples in the world and enchant with their grandeur and perfect proportions. Children will be fascinated as they walk among these majestic columns, imagining life at the time.

A short walk from the archaeological site, the Archaeological Museum of Paestum houses extraordinary artifacts found during excavations. Among the most famous items are the painted slabs from the Tomb of the Diver, unique in their kind, and numerous artifacts that tell stories of worship, trade, and everyday life.

A visit to the archaeological site and museum takes about 3-4 hours.
Open daily; please check the updated hours on the official website before visiting.
For children and young people under 18, admission is free Here the jump tickets for Paestum

The Charterhouse of Padula

The Carthusian Monastery of Padula, located in the heart of the Vallo di Diano in Campania, is a must-see for families who are passionate about art, history and picturesque places.
It is one of the largest monasteries in Italy, with an area of more than 100,000 square meters, which housed more than 300 monks.
Built in 1306, it is a masterpiece of Baroque architecture and has been recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.This complex is not only a place of faith and spirituality, but also a journey into the daily life of Carthusian monks, between work and contemplation.
Strolling through its courtyards and cloisters, you can discover together artistic treasures such as frescoes and decorations that tell stories of the past. In particular:
The Great Cloister, one of the largest in the world, is perfect for being fascinated by the vast spaces and breathtaking views.
The Library preserves ancient manuscripts and precious volumes. It can be an opportunity to explain to children what life was like for monks and how knowledge was passed down without technology.
The Monumental Kitchen, where meals were prepared for hundreds of people, intrigues with its ancient tools and giant fireplace.

A full visit takes at least about two hours. Here are the tickets for the Charterhouse of Padula

The Charterhouse of Padula

Where to sleep in Cilento with children

The Cilento region offers a wide choice of accommodations designed for families, where comfort and fun are at the center of the experience. The variety of options makes it possible to meet every need: from those seeking relaxation on the beach to those who prefer adventure and nature discovery.

Family Hotels by the Sea

Ideal for those who want to spend carefree days, Family Hotels by the Sea offer services dedicated to the little ones, such as mini clubs, children's pools and entertainment. Many facilities are located directly on the beach, facilitating access to the sea for families with strollers or small children.

Resorts and residences

Resorts and residences are perfect for those seeking greater freedom and ample space for children. These facilities often include bungalows or apartments, allowing them to manage meals independently, as well as offering sports activities, play areas, and green spaces.

The best family hotels and resorts

If you are planning your vacation, here you can find a selection of the best Family Hotels and Villages in Cilento, chosen to guarantee comfort and services suitable for families with children.

With facilities to suit every need and an area rich in natural beauty, Cilento is an ideal destination for a family vacation full of relaxation and fun.