Baia del Silenzio

You’ll certainly want to see some of the Cilento National Park bordering the site – it’s the second largest nature reserve in the country, and its mix of sea caves, limestone karsts and woods of Aleppo pines, olive trees and chestnuts have led to it being designated a World Heritage Site. Bike trails and hiking routes run throughout the park, and there’s a chance to cool off at the Venus Hair Waterfall, 45 minutes away. There are plenty of spots for a swim along the coast too, of course, and sights to see along the way. The natural stone arch at Palinuro (20 minutes’ drive) and Infreschi Bay (an hour away) are a couple of local faves, and often feature on boat trips along the craggy coastline. Given the area’s extreme gorgeousness, it’s little surprise to hear that folks have been settling here for many an era. Historic attractions to visit nearby include the ancient Greek city of Velia (half an hour’s drive), the once-inhabited caves of Pertosa (an hour and 20 minutes) and the temples at Paestum (an hour and 15 minutes).