Only an hour or so south of the Amalfi Coast, is the Cilento and the delightful little harbour town of Santa Maria di Castellabate which nestles on the coast below the unspoiled medieval hamlet of Castellabate.

With the impressive Palazzo Belmonte dominating the village, Santa Maria still embraces Italian life in the true sense of the word, whilst in the main summer months it comes alive.  The main events of the day revolve around the fishing catch and in the evening the “passeggiata”, with families idly gossiping and strolling arm in arm at their own pace.

Perched high above Santa Maria, with spectacular views down the coastal panorama, Castellabate remains an inhabited Italian community.

The area is designated as National Park for its mountainous, and outstanding beauty. The coastline is also designated as a marine park, and the beautiful Punta Licosa, reached by boat or road, is a haven for guests at the Palazzo to walk through pine scented paths, or swim and picnic in the azure sea.

Day trips can be made down the coast to places like Palinuro with its beautiful grottoes, whilst the Greek temples of Paestum, with its evocative and moving frescoed “Diver’s Tomb”, are only 20 minutes away.