Cilento Towns and Villages: Agropoli to Pisciotta

Harbours below, historic centres above

Climb to an old town above the sea, have lunch beside a working harbour and wander down to the beach. Along the Cilento coast, hilltop villages and seaside settlements offer different pleasures, often within the same day.

This guide follows the coast from Agropoli through Castellabate, Acciaroli, Pioppi and Pisciotta, before looking towards Palinuro and Marina di Camerota. Enjoy one stretch at a time, leaving room for a town walk, lunch and a few hours by the water.

Agropoli: the old town above the harbour

Agropoli is a useful first stop in the northern Cilento. The historic centre occupies the higher ground, while the harbour and modern town spread below. That difference becomes clear as you climb the broad Scaloni steps towards the monumental gateway.

Continue through the old centre towards the castle and the Church of Santa Maria di Costantinopoli. Defensive walls, closely grouped houses and gardens overlook the water, with changing views as you follow the streets around the headland.

Agropoli–Castellabate station serves Agropoli; its name does not mean that Castellabate’s hilltop village is within a short walk. If arriving by rail, plan the onward connection separately. For a substantial archaeological visit nearby, use our Paestum guide.

Castellabate, Santa Maria and San Marco

Castellabate’s old centre stands above the sea, around the castle from which it takes its name. Its monastic origins are associated with Abbot Costabile Gentilcore and the twelfth century. The municipality’s castle page explains its defensive role and visiting arrangements.

Below are Santa Maria and San Marco, separate coastal settlements within the same municipality. Santa Maria combines a seafront centre with beaches; San Marco has a harbour. Both sit well below Castellabate’s hilltop old town.

Choose the hilltop centre for stone lanes and broad views, then the coast for time by the water. Allow for the journey between them. Parking, steps and the climb through the old centre are worth considering when deciding how much to include.

Acciaroli and Pioppi: harbour life and food culture

At Acciaroli, the square tower and Church of the Annunziata form a clear backdrop to the harbour. Walk along the quays, explore the compact streets behind them and stay for a meal beside the harbour.

Pioppi brings a different subject into view. Palazzo Vinciprova houses the Mediterranean Diet Museum on its first floor, alongside the building’s marine museum. The collection includes Ancel Keys’ personal library, donated by his family, and exhibits on the area’s food culture and biodiversity.

Palazzo Vinciprova has arched openings and a terrace facing the sea. Outside, Pioppi’s promenade makes a short coastal walk. Check the museum’s opening arrangements before visiting.

Pisciotta: village streets and anchovy fishing

Pisciotta’s houses climb above the coast in closely packed tiers. Within the old centre, narrow lanes and stone doorways create a more enclosed setting than the waterfront towns. Marina di Pisciotta is the separate settlement below; leave time to travel between village and shore.

The area is associated with alici di menaica, anchovies caught using a traditional net that selects fish by size. Slow Food’s presidium supports this fishery and its producers. The catch is also preserved in salt, a local speciality to look for on menus and in food shops.

Contact a producer in advance if you would like to arrange a visit or learn more about the fishing and salting process.

Further south: Palinuro and Marina di Camerota

Palinuro and Marina di Camerota lie farther south, along a coast of limestone headlands and coves. Cala Bianca is east of Marina di Camerota, with a pale beach enclosed by rocky slopes.

Boat excursions depend on sea conditions and the operator’s route. For a walk to one of the coves, check the trail and return distance, and take water and suitable footwear.

Choose a stretch of coast

These places reward different kinds of stops: Agropoli and Castellabate for historic centres; Acciaroli for its harbour; Pioppi for food culture; Pisciotta for village streets and its connection with fishing. Beaches and boat days need their own time.

For architecture and countryside inland, read about Padula, Sassano and Teggiano. For the choice of base, hotels and the wider itinerary, use our Cilento holidays page. We match accommodation and travel arrangements to the places you want to explore.