The Cilentan Riviera near Palinuro

South of Palinuro and the peninsula with the cape of the same name, stretches the kilometre-long sandy beach Spiaggia Mingardo, which, before Marina di Camerota, is separated into individual, spectacularly rock-framed coves by the steep coast moving closer to the sea. Above the brightly coloured rocks stand the ruins of medieval “Saracen towers”, where the population was watched for invaders or pirates. This impressive stretch of coast is also known as the ‘Cilentan Riviera’.

As with almost all beaches in Cilento, the water quality is excellent. Typically Italian, the beach features numerous restaurants and sun lounger rental services with parasols, and beach vendors regularly pass by with sunglasses, beach dresses, necklaces, anklets, or similar items. The region is predominantly frequented by Italian holidaymakers, so while it gets relatively lively around Ferragosto in August, it never becomes overly crowded.

Between the beach and the rocks, and later through several tunnels, runs the coastal road from Palinuro to Marina di Camerota. The beaches are therefore easily accessible by car, but regular bus services also operate along the coast. Further south, within the rocky steep coast, there are many small, wildly romantic bathing coves that can only be reached by boat or on foot, offering solitude depending on the time of day or season.

More pictures in the Cilento Gallery