Self-guided Cilento Antico and the Coast of Sirens Bike Tour

Welcome to the Cilento! Your tour begins in Paestum, home to some of Italy’s best-preserved Greek temples and long stretches of unspoiled coastline.

After arriving at the Paestum train station you will be brought to your hotel near the world famous Temples of Paestum. Your bicycles will be waiting for you at the hotel. If you want you can already make a first ride, of course past the temples and around the Greek city walls, or down to the beach for a quick swim.

In case you have arrived early you can visit the temples already, leaving more time for a longer trip tomorrow. In the evening you enjoy a nice dinner in a local restaurant in Paestum.

Your first full day of riding takes you inland through quiet country roads and rolling farmland. Ease into the adventure with a day that blends ancient history and gentle cycling. Begin with a visit to the UNESCO-listed archaeological site of Paestum, home to remarkably preserved Doric temples, Roman ruins, and an impressive museum.

Don’t miss the famed Tomba del Tuffatore (Diver’s Tomb), a rare example of ancient Greek painting. From there, you pedal through the fertile Sele River plain, a landscape dotted with orchards, farmland, and the crystalline springs of Capo di Fiume. You can keep the ride relaxed or challenge yourself with a scenic climb into the hills above, passing through the peaceful villages of Giugnano and Cicerale. Along the way, enjoy a visit to a traditional buffalo farm and sample creamy, fresh mozzarella straight from the source. The ride finishes back in Paestum, giving you time to relax and take in more of its historic charm before your next adventure begins.

You can opt for a longer and harder one taking you to some nice medieval hamlets in the foothills and offering some amazing views shall account for 70kms of riding.

Elevation: +150m / -150 mm

Today you leave the Paestum plain and pedal into the heart of Cilento’s countryside. Quiet backroads wind through fragrant maquis, olive groves, and hilltop villages. Climb gently through Prignano and Torchiara, enjoying sweeping views of the coastline. Continue to Laureana and Vatolla, where you can stop to visit the 16th-century Palazzo Vargas. A final push brings you to Mercato Cilento before descending through peaceful Perdifumo and onwards to stunning Castellabate, perched dramatically above the sea.

After exploring the village, coast downhill to the fishing port of San Marco di Castellabate, where wooden boat craftsmanship still thrives. Settle into your hotel, then stroll or cycle to Punta Licosa and its enchanting islet of Leucosia, part of a protected marine reserve. Alternatively, enjoy a relaxing swim or aperitivo in the nearby town centre. For a gentler option, follow a scenic coastal route via Agropoli and the beach at Trentova.

Elevation: +550m / -600m

Today, get ready for a rewarding loop around Monte Stella, starting with a scenic climb to the fortified village of Castellabate. Pause to explore its medieval castle and enjoy sweeping views over San Marco and Santa Maria below. From there, continue upwards through quiet countryside to Perdifumo and Mercato Cilento. You can either loop fully around Monte Stella or follow a shorter western route—both offer magnificent vistas stretching toward the Amalfi Coast, Capri, and, on clear days, even Sicily.

Your ride weaves through enchanting medieval hamlets like Serramezzana, Celso, Galdo, and San Mauro Cilento. These sleepy villages invite you to linger—sip an espresso in a local bar and soak up the timeless charm. The road meanders through chestnut forests, revealing glimpses of the inland Cilento mountains. End your ride by either returning directly to San Marco via Castellabate or taking a scenic detour through the peaceful fishing village of Agnone along the coast.

Elevation: +600m / -760m

Set off along the Cilento coastline, following quiet roads through pine woods and fragrant Mediterranean maquis. Your first stop is the charming seaside village of Acciaroli, where Ernest Hemingway once stayed—locals still recall his presence and claim the village inspired The Old Man and the Sea. Take time to explore its pretty port before pedaling on to Pioppi, home to a Sea Life Museum and the legacy of Ancel Keys, pioneer of the Mediterranean Diet.

After a seaside coffee, continue through Casalvelino Marina and the Alento River plain. If you wish, pause to explore the ancient Greek site of Velia—birthplace of philosophers like Parmenides—or save it for tomorrow and enjoy a swim at the beach instead.

The final stretch includes a rewarding climb to Ascea and a glorious coastal ride into Pisciotta, a medieval gem perched above the sea. Prefer to end by the water? You can descend further to Palinuro.

Elevation: +500m / -450m

Today’s round trip takes you through some of the Cilento’s most unspoiled terrain. Cycling from Pisciotta inland toward Ceraso, you’ll pass quiet villages and rural landscapes where time seems to have stood still. If you missed the archaeological site of Velia yesterday, you’ll have a second chance to visit its ancient ruins—including the famed Porta Rosa, one of the earliest known Greek arches.

From there, climb into the forested hills to reach Ceraso, where elegant palazzi line cobbled lanes. Enjoy a cappuccino in the sleepy main square before continuing through shady oak and chestnut woods to the high-perched villages of Santa Barbara, Mandia, and Rodio. From Rodio, a scenic descent leads you through ancient olive groves with sweeping views toward Monte Stella and Capo Palinuro. If you have energy to spare, take a short detour to Marina di Pisciotta before settling in for a relaxing evening in the village.

Elevation: +600m / -600m

Today’s ride is pure coastal beauty. From Pisciotta, enjoy an easy downhill warm-up toward the legendary Capo Palinuro, a dramatic promontory named after Aeneas’ helmsman. The towering cliffs, turquoise coves, and the famed Grotta Azzurra sea cave make this a highlight of the Cilento. Ride through the village and perhaps stop at the port for a refreshing swim or even a boat trip to explore the caves.

From Palinuro, continue east along a stunning stretch of coastline, passing fragrant maquis and quiet beaches. If you're up for a challenge, take the optional climb to Lentiscosa for sweeping sea views. Next, ride through the historic village of Camerota, with its castle and medieval core, before descending to your destination: Marina di Camerota. Here, relax at the harbor with a cold drink before settling into your hotel. In the evening, enjoy a delicious seafood dinner in this charming seaside town.

Elevation: +200m / -300m

Longer route elevation: +500m / -600m

Fuel up with an early breakfast before heading out along a short, flat stretch of coast. Soon, the climb begins—rewarding your effort with breathtaking views of the wild Costa degli Infreschi, one of southern Italy’s most untouched coastlines. Ascend to the tiny hamlet of Lentiscosa, then on to San Giovanni a Piro, spectacularly perched between the Gulf of Policastro and the limestone cliffs of Monte Bulgheria.

Before reaching the village, make a detour to Ciolandrea, a panoramic viewpoint that’s easily one of the Cilento’s most jaw-dropping. Continue through the scenic villages of Bosco and Acquavena, circling the impressive massif of Monte Bulgheria. An optional detour brings you to the historic hilltop village of Roccagloriosa. Later, descend toward the Mingardo canyon and visit the ghost town of San Severino, a haunting and beautiful stop. Ride back through the dramatic canyon, returning to Marina di Camerota by the sparkling coast.

Elevation: +650m / –600m

After breakfast, your journey through the stunning Cilento region comes to a close. A private transfer, included in your tour, will take you from Marina di Camerota to the nearest train station. From there, you can catch a train back to Naples or Salerno for your onward travels. If time allows, take a final stroll along the seafront and soak in the peaceful coastal atmosphere before saying goodbye to southern Italy’s hidden gem.