Kayaking & exploring the southern coast of the Cilento National Park - KACILS
 |
|
||||||||||||||||||||||
Kayaking along the southern Cilento Coast
From Scario & the Gulf of Policastro along Marina di Camerota & the ‘Infreschi’ Coast to the mythical Cape Palinuro
The region of Campania marks the real starting point of southern Italy. It has been sought after since Roman times when it was labelled the Campania Felix, or ‘happy land’, hardly a surprise considering the fact that it includes the great city of Naples, beautiful countryside, Roman ruins, small islands and stretches of spectacular coast. On the southern side of the Sorrento Peninsula, the Costiera Amalfitana is probably one of Europe’s most well-known and dramatic stretches of coastline, with its towering cliffs and picturesque coves.
But Campania’s real secret is located south of Salerno, and immediately south of the wonderful Greek temples of Paestum. Here the coastline bulges out into an expanse of mountainous landmass known as the Cilento, now a National Park with World Heritage listing, an area which can be considered as the real ‘authentic’ southern Italy.
The Cilento coast is fairly rocky territory, with the crystalline sea lapping at the shore. There is a wild kind of beauty here; rocky ridges set between small picturesque inlets and richly scented pinewoods backing onto wide sandy beaches. Aleppo pines loom over the multicoloured undergrowth of myrtle and cactuses; whilst huge, centuries-old olive trees grow right down to the shore. Inland the Cilento is largely undisturbed by the 21st century and you enjoy visiting medieval and quaint fishing villages where the traditional way of life is still evident.
This tour brings you along the southern coast, along the mythical Cape Palinuro, charming Marina di Camarota, and the pristine Costa degli Infreschi. Starting from beautiful Scario, one of the most beautiful sea side villages of the Cilento Coast, we’ll paddle all the way to Pisciotta, perhaps the most scenic village of the Cilento Coast.
From Scario we will embark in western direction, alternating rocky shores and sandy beaches, heading for Cape Palinuro. We’ll be paddling along one of the most beautiful stretches of coastline of the Cilento National Park, the so-called ‘Costa degli Infreschi’, a virtually untouched coastline, not without reason a protected marine area.
We will go ashore in some of the nicest old fishing villages, like Palinuro Porto, Marina di Camerota and Scario. But you will also have the chance to visit some of the villages inland and enjoy a stroll through attractive countryside, with all their cultural treasures like rural chapels, ancient farmhouses, old watermills and charming medieval villages.
On this amazing kayaking adventure, you will explore the southern coastline of the Cilento National Park, one of the biggest and most diverse of Italy. You will see that some parts, like Marina di Camerota and Palinuro, for a reason have become popular seaside resorts, but also that it takes only a little effort to get ‘off the beaten track’.
At only a few metres away from the villages, you will find yourself on empty beaches, surrounded by nature. On this tour we take you beyond the crowded beaches, and you’ll be lying on isolated beaches and paddling alone with the seagulls…. Out of season we will virtually have the beaches for ourselves. In short, you’ll discover a real Italian paradise.
Please note: this is a moderately easy tour – suitable for those who have experience with sea kayaking and a good general physical condition. Average (net) kayaking times: approx 4-5 hours each day.
Day 1 Arrival – Scario
In the early afternoon you are being picked up from the train station (Policastro) by private car and brought to your accommodation, almost right on the beach at the entrance of the beautiful village of Scario, on the southern coast of the Cilento National Park. The scenic old town is definitely worth exploring!
Towards the end of the afternoon we meet with the whole group and our kayaking guide. After a brief introduction of the tour, we will go down to the beach where our kayaks wait for us and outfit everyone with paddle and PFD and offer some basic kayaking instruction and we go for a short introduction trip. Then we have our relaxed ‘aperitivo’ at the beautiful harbour of Scario and return to our nice hotel. Tonight we’ll have a beautiful meal on the premises of the hotel.
Accommodation: Scario (San Giovanni a Piro)
Day 2 From Scario along the ‘Infreschi’ Coast to the stunning beach of Marcellino
Today’s sea kayaking will take us along one of the most beautiful stretches of coastline of the Cilento National Park, the so-called ‘Costa degli Infreschi’, a virtually untouched coastline, not without reason a protected marine area. First we pass the charming village of Scario and a few nice beaches, after which we reach the medieval watchtower, which marks the beginning of the ‘Costa della Masseta e degli Infreschi’, one of the most unspoilt stretches of coastline in southern Italy, with the cleanest seawater (Blue Flag). There are many beautiful inlets, reminiscent of the isolated beaches on a tropical island. We head for one of the most stunning beaches of the area, dominated by some impressive mountains, the beach of Marcellino. A small restaurant is hidden in the bush here, a good opportunity to have a nice lunch. After lunch there is still time to relax and snorkel in the crystal-clear water, before returning slowly to Scario. Those who do not feel like more paddling, can also opt to return by private boat. At night you’ll have the choice of a number of fine restaurants for dinner. In the evening you can enjoy a nice evening meal in one of the small nearby restaurants.
Accommodation: Scario (San Giovanni a Piro)
Day 3 Along the ‘Infreschi’ Coast to charming Marina di Camerota
Today we’ll make a longer tour, but without going ashore at all beaches we head in a straight line for the Marcellino beach (optional boat transfer). At Marcellino we have a short (coffee) break and perhaps a swim. Another stretch along the beautiful coast brings us then to the Porto degli Infreschi. This is the place which gave its name to the whole coast: a beautiful natural harbour, with a freshwater spring in a grotto. Obviously, this was a place where the Greek and Roman boats would stop too, so there are a few ruins, of top of which we find the small chapel of San Lazzaro (or Santa Maria di Porto Salvo, which means ‘safe harbour’). Of course do we enter the grotto where we can do some sea kayaking in the cool sweet water (and drink directly out of the sea!). Then we can go ashore for a swim – and perhaps have lunch on the beach. In the afternoon we then paddle along some of the ‘most beautiful beaches of Italy’, the Cala Bianca and Cala Pozzallo (a good stop for a drink – at the charming little bar, a little corner of paradise) before arriving in the charming village of Marina di Camerota, our final destination for today. Upon arrival on the beach here we’ll have a drink and make a stroll through the village, before settling in our nice family run hotel, where we dine on local specialties.
Accommodation: Marina di Camerota
Day 4 Exploring the ‘Infreschi’ Coast on foot & by kayak
Today you’ll enjoy both some great kayaking, as well as some nice coastal walking along the Costa degli Infreschi. We start paddling along the charming harbour of Marina di Camerota, and then head for the beautiful beach of Pozzallo, where we can make a short coffee stop, put on our walking shoes and go for a short hike towards one of the most stunning grottoes in the area. You’ll enjoy absolutely superb sightseeing along the ancient footpath which connects the village of Marina di Camerota to the ancient Roman harbour. In about an hour along a beautiful trail we arrive at the Porto degli Infreschi. Just above this beach we’ll stop in a beautiful small country restaurant, which cooks delicious local food. We then head back for the Pozzallo beach where we left our kayaks and slowly paddle back to Marina di Camerota. There still is some time to explore the charming old town, or in alternative you can have a drink and a swim on the beach. In the evening you are free to arrange your own dinner.
Accommodation: Marina di Camerota
Day 5 From Marina di Camerota along the mythical Cape to Palinuro
Today we’ll start paddling along the sequence of beautiful sandy beaches and rocky outcrops west of Marina di Camerota. Follows a long stretch of sandy beach, dominated by sheer cliffs, the scenery for ‘Ulisse’s Landing’ and ‘Jason & the Argonauts’. Here there are several possibilities to go ashore for a drink – if the swell allows. Beyond the mouth of the Mingardo River, the coast becomes rocky again. We pass at the Arco Naturale, a stunning rock formation, and then can go ashore near the ‘Grotta delle Ossa’, where many bones of animals were found. The next stop is the beautiful Marinella Beach, one of the most popular beaches of the southern Cilento, with the possibility to go ashore for a sandwich and a drink. From the Marinella Beach we then continue towards the impressive promontory. A beautiful spot, not to be missed to go ashore, is one of the most beautiful beaches of the Cilento, the ‘Spiaggia del Buondormire’. We do stop here for a short break, before ‘tackling’ what is perhaps the most spectacular part of the journey, the circumnavigation of Cape Palinuro. We’ll paddle underneath the impressive limestone cliffs, surrounded by seagulls. We can enter the Grotta Azzurra, to see it in the most beautiful afternoon light, and also visit a few other sea grottos. The coastline is rocky, with no possibilities to land, until we reach the harbour of Palinuro. We’ll go ashore on the beautiful sandy beach, right in the harbour, where we’ll dock our kayaks and walk to our nice hotel. Those who want can go for a short visit to the small archaeological museum, where all the artefact of Greek and roman navigation long this seashore can be admired. Tonight we’ll stay in a nice hotel, at just a few metres away from the crystal-clear sea. Tonight we’ll enjoy a nice dinner in our hotel.
Accommodation: Palinuro
Day 6 From Palinuro to Pisciotta
Today’s sea kayaking is easy, only a short stretch to go. But it will take us to one of the most beautiful villages of the Cilento. In the morning we might enter the Grotta Azzurra again, to see it in a different light, and then start paddling in northern direction today, heading for the charming village of Pisciotta. We paddle along the area of the Saline, old sand pans, already used in Greek times. We continue in northern direction and soon we reach land on a small sandy beach in the harbour of Pisciotta. We take some time to explore this charming little harbour, where fishermen still catch anchovies with the millennia old Greek system, called la ‘Menaika’, and perhaps have a drink here. We’ll then walk up to the old historical town centre of the small hilltop village of Pisciotta, right above us (in alternative there is a charming open taxi). The very scenic old town, which dominates the surrounding hills covered with olive groves and forests, is one of the most beautiful of the area, worth to be explored! Also does it offer some astonishing views over the coastline where you have paddled. Towards the end of the afternoon, our bus picks us up to bring us back to our hotel in Palinuro. In the evening we’ll can enjoy a great last evening meal in one of the small nearby restaurants.
Accommodation: Palinuro
Day 7 Departure from Palinuro (Pisciotta)
The tour ends in Palinuro after breakfast today (unless you booked an extension –strongly recommended). You can be brought to the railway station of Pisciotta at any time.
ACCOMMODATION & MEALS
All nights are spent in a beautiful characteristic 3 & 4-star hotels (generally our tours are 3/4-star level; we can book superior 4/5-star on request). All rooms have en-suite facilities.
Breakfast is included, in all accommodations. A number of evening meals is included, for which we have selected the best available restaurants.
Also some (picnic) lunches are included in the tour price. On one day we enjoy a picnic on the beach, while on other days we’ll have a nice lunch in a small restaurant on a nice small beach.
INCLUDED
- Private English speaking tour leader for 7 days
- Professional guiding service for each activity
- Accommodation in very good, characteristic hotels
- Meals: 6 breakfasts, 4 dinners, 2 lunches
- All private & public transfers as indicated throughout the entire itinerary
- Rental of high-quality sea kayaks
- Group equipment and technical gear for each activity
- Special activities as outlined in the day by day itinerary
- 24/24 h local assistance
- Luggage transport
- All gratuities for baggage, porters & hotel service
NOT INCLUDED
- Visas & Departure taxes
- Travel Insurance
- Drinks and meals not mentioned in the itinerary
- Optional additional tours or activities
- Tips
- Items of a personal nature
LEVEL OF DIFFICULTY / REQUIRED SKILLS
Moderately easy (level 2): This tour is suitable for those with some sea kayaking experience (no absolute beginners!). The waters of the Mediterranean are calm, and you’ll encounter only short open water crossings. On most days shorter options are available possible (as well as occasional extensions for the more experienced sea kayakers).
Fitness: A good standard of fitness is necessary. You should be able to paddle for up to 3-4 hours.
ARRIVAL & DEPARTURE
Arrival: The tour starts in SCARIO, a small village close to the train station of POLICASTRO, very well connected with Rome and all other major Italian cities by a frequent (high speed) train service. The nearest city with an international airport is NAPLES. The nearest big city is SALERNO. A taxi pick-up service from POLICASTRO train station is included in the tour price. Taxi transfer from Naples (airport or train station) can be arranged on request.
Departure: The tour ends after breakfast on day 7 in PALINURO. A taxi transfer to PISCIOTTA (train station) is included in the tour price. From here a frequent train service can bring you back to Salerno or Naples, from where you travel to your next destination. A taxi service is also available to bring you directly to your next destination.
There are only few scheduled departures for this tour in 2026, but there are also several scheduled departures organised in collaboration with Much Better Adventures.
On request a tour can be planned at any date for private groups. Just contact us!
We can then also personalise the tour with respect to duration and lodging. We can offer you a large selection of ‘Premiere Inns’, very good hotels, many among the world’s best hotels, as acclaimed from Condé Nast Traveler, Travel+Leisure and many others. Genius Loci Travel, as the leading adventure travel company in Italy, can book your room in any hotel you could dream of!
| Trip season | Tour price |
Single suppl. |
|||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
 |
18 May - 24 May 2025 | € 1690 | € 250 | 
| RESERVE YOUR PLACE |
 |
01 June - 07 June 2025 | € 1690 | € 250 |
| RESERVE YOUR PLACE |
|
15 June - 21 June 2025 | € 1750 | € 250 |
| RESERVE YOUR PLACE |
|
07 September - 13 September 2025 | € 1750 | € 250 |
| RESERVE YOUR PLACE |
|
12 October - 18 October 2025 | € 1690 | € 250 |
| RESERVE YOUR PLACE |
N.B. Prices are valid for the seasons as indicated – and based on groups of minimum 4 participants. Private departures (minimum 4 persons) can be planned on any date. In this case it is possible to opt for small changes to the itinerary, an upgrade. Availability & prices on request.
N.B. The 6-day tours also cover the southern part of the Cilento Coast, between Cape Palinuro and Scario, but go in the opposite direction. These departures are organised in collaboration with Much Better Adventures.
| Places available. You can book this tour with a minimum of 1 person. |
| Guaranteed Departure. Still some places available. |
 | There are a very limited number of available places on these dates. Immediate booking is recommended. |
 | Availability and prices on request. |
 | Fully booked. Departure closed. |
- Prices are per person and based on 2 people sharing double or twin accommodation.
- Single rooms (mostly double rooms - single use) are available on all trips. The supplements listed apply.
- Prices are expressed in Euro's. There will never be a currency surcharge.
- Actual exchange rates: GB £ - US $ - CAN $ - CHF - DKK - SEK - NOK - Other currencies.
- A 5 % early booking discount applies for several trips.
It is possible to include some extra nights before or after your tour, in any of the accommodations ‘en route’. For those who love hiking too, a few extra days in the area are strongly recommended. Two of the world’s most famous walks, including the ‘Footpath of the Gods’ can be done from here.
At the beginning or the end of the tour there is the also the opportunity to visit Naples (a unique city and a good base for visiting Pompeii). The tour can easily be extended with a few days here. The tour can also be extended with a few days in a beautiful agriturismo in the Cilento, for some relax in the countryside. Also in SALERNO (a nice city and a good base for visiting Paestum), or ROME several good accommodations are available. Details & prices on request.
UPGRADE
On our ‘standard tours’ we provide accommodation in very good, mostly 3/4-star hotels, with the best possible price/quality ration. On some dates however it is possible to book an upgraded version of this tour, staying in more luxurious 4- or 5-star hotels. Please ask us for details.
SHORTER & LONGER VERSIONS
On some dates we can ‘adapt’ our tours to the kayaking skills of you & your friends. Many tours can be turned into ‘Bespoke adventures‘, organised especially for you.
A longer version of this tour, which includes also the northern part of the Cilento coastline is also available. That tour, from Agropoli to Scario, has slightly longer paddling days.
A shorter version of this tour, offered by Much Better Adventures, is also available, covering the same stretch of the South Coast as this tour, with longer paddling days, and without the short hikes.
Another short kayaking tour along the West Coast, from Agropoli to Castellabate is also possible.
Also longer combined kayaking & hiking trips can be organised on request.
See also our other Kayaking tours !
