The Cilento is an outstanding cultural landscape and Villa Tina Holiday Homes is a starting point for many explorations.

Since the Cilento was the boundary between the Greek colonies of Magna Graecia and the indigenous Etruscan and Lucanian peoples, you can easily visit the remains of two major cities from classical times, Paestum – and its incredibly well preserved Greek temples – and Velia, with its Greco-Roman ruins.

From Castellabate you can arrange full days trips to visit: the 14th century “Certosa (Charter House) di San Lorenzo” at Padula, in the Vallo di Diano, which is one of the most impressive monastic structures in the world; the legendary archaeological sites of Pompeii and Herculaneum; the magnificent Royal Palace of Caserta; the city of Naples rich in history, churches, monuments and museums such as the Royal Palace and Capodimonte Museum.

From either the port of Agropoli or San Marco hydrofoils can take you to the glorious Amalfi Coast, with towns such as Vietri sul Mare and its ceramics known world-wide, Ravello with its lovely Villa Rufolo and Villa Cimbrone, and Positano. The island of Capri, as well as Naples, can be reached by hydrofoil.

Closer to Villa Tina Holiday Homes, there is the unspoilted area of Licosa which consists of a beautiful islet, too. According to the legend, the siren Leucosia lived in these waters and was turned into stone, making the shape of the island of Licosa, when she threw herself to death after failing to lure Ulysses with her enchanting music.

The National Park of Cilento is encompassed not only by crystal clear sea but also by hills and mountains that make it a real paradise for lovers of nature and extraordinary outdoors.

There are numerous trials where visitors can take excursions on foot, on horseback or by mountain bike.

The most popular trekking route connects San Marco di Castellabate to Punta Licosa, offering spectacular views over the bay of Santa Maria, the Amalfi Coast and even the Capri island, in the horizon.

If you want to discover the National Park of Cilento wild herbs and flowers and learn how to use them, a pleasant walk in the fields, accompanied by the vibrant lady Dionisia, will disclose to you cooking secrets and therapeutic property of this heritage. At the same time, the aim of these walks is to raise environmental awareness and then protect the biodiversity treasure the Cilento is particularly rich in. Indeed in 1997 the Cilento has been included in the prestigious list of UNESCO Program on Man and the Biosphere (MAB).

Other activities available nearby are snorkeling, scuba diving, sailing and windsurfing.

History and archeological enthusiasts can enjoy the Doric Temples of Paestum and the archeological sites of Pompei and Herculaneum.

Gourmet food lovers will find in the Cilento the cradle of the “Mediterranean Diet”, recently inscribed by UNESCO on the Representative list of the intangible cultural heritage of humanity. Here you will discover fresh “mozzarella di bufala”, sweet white figs, tasty artichokes, and fresh fish caught daily, in a triumph of local and genuine flavors.

In the small town of Pioppi stands the Museum of the Mediterranean Diet which has a room for the homemade pasta, cooking classes by the Cilento housewives and provides guided excursions across trails, orchards and mills of the territory.

Castellabate is a picturesque and quiet medieval village, located on the gentle hills between Paestum and Velia, in the heart of the Cilento National Park. Time seems to have come a standstill in Castellabate, made of ancient walls and houses, cobbled lanes and stone stairs leading to the majestic 12th century Castle of the Abbot and to the viewpoint from where you can admire the Gulf of Policastro – from Punta Tresino cape to Licosa island – and romantic sunsets that fascinate visitors from all over the world.

Castellabate is divided in few villages: Santa Maria, San Marco, Ogliastro Marina and Lago. Santa Maria is the most important one, with a 12th century ancient area just a few steps from the port of “Le Gatte”, with a shopping street called “Corso” by the residents, and with crystal clear sea touching the fine sandy beaches.

San Marco is a lively fishing village. Since its origins, its old port was a safe harbour for Roman ships, as proved by archeological findings.

In Ogliastro rare flora and fauna grows so that visitors can get back in touch with nature. It is also known for its beaches where a loggerhead sea turtle laid the eggs.

Villa Tina Holiday Homes is situated on a marvelous stretch of coastline from Positano to Punta Licosa, in the very heart of Cilento.

The National Park of Cilento, Vallo di Diano and Alburni extends over 180,000 hectares filled with extraordinary natural and anthropic treasures in the province of Salerno, less than two hours from Naples. It has been declared UNESCO site since 1998 because of its universal outstanding value, therefore it is a protected area and an international tourist attraction.

The Cilento is an enchanting land, deep in the Mediterranean bush: olive groves, fig trees and vineyards dominate it. More over, the landscape is sprinkled by numerous villages and hamlets which maintain at least a fortress, a church, a castle, a palace, a monastery of their past. There also are small ports with old fishermen and wooden boats evoking the novel “The old man and the sea” by Hemingway.

Time slows down in these villages perched on hilltops, with terraces overlooking the seaports, in a quaint atmosphere that touches deep inside.

If there’s a place in Italy with the most complete Doric temples, it’s definitely Paestum. This city is currently at the centre of attention especially amongst archaeology and Greek history lovers who will be able to enjoy its impressive city walls, temples and museum.

Paestum, or Poseidonia as the city was originally called after Poseidon, the Greek god of the sea, was founded in the 6th century BC by Greek settlers and fell under Roman control in 273 BC. Decline later set in following the demise of the Roman Empire. Savage raids by the Saracens and periodic outbreaks of malaria forced the steadily dwindling population to abandon the city altogether.

The temple of Athena

The temple is dedicated to Athena, the goddess of crafts and warfare. It’s situated at the highest point of the city, overlooking the north area.

The first generation of colonists constructed a small building in honour of the goddess, then, in about 500 BC, a monumental temple was built. The inner part ,which is higher than the surrounding colonnade, was accessible through a large antechamber decorated with Ionic columns.

The Temple of Neptune

This is the largest temple at Paestum and is the best preserved.

The temple is built in about the mid-fifth century BC of enormous blocks held together with simple dowels without the use of mortar: this building technique has enabled the building to withstand earthquakes and other natural calamities.

The inner part of the temple was divided into three naves by two high colonnades on two levels which can still be admired. The roof was held up by wooden beams, and  its tiles and eaves were made of terracotta with elaborate colourful decoration.

The Temple of Hera

The temple of Hera is the oldest of the three large buildings. It’s the only Greek temple dating to a period of crucial importance to the formation of Greek architecture to have been preserved in such good condition.
The pediments are missing and the layout is not the standard one; the inner part is divided by a row of central columns, as was customary in ancient works of architecture built of wood.
In June 2016 an experimental itinerary was created which removed the architectural barriers, enabling all visitors to enter the temple.

The Museum. The Tomb of the diver

The Tomb of the Diver is the only evidence for large-scale Greek painting, other than on vases, prior to the fourth century BC. It is also unique in terms of the theme portrayed on it: a naked young man dives into the ocean, a visual metaphor for the transition from life to death. The tomb was found 2km south of Paestum inside a small cemetery dating to the sixth-fifth centuries BC. After the funeral, which was held in about 475 BC, the fresco remained in darkness for almost two and a half millennia until the discovery in 1968. The walls of the box tomb, made of travertine slabs, are decorated with scenes of a banquet.

How to reach:

Paestum is located on the Mediterranean coast 42 kilometers (26 miles) southeast of Salerno, 100 kilometers (62 miles) southeast of Naples. It is easily reached from Salerno by car. The quickest route is to take the A3/E45 to Battipaglia, then follow the S18 til you reach the turn-off for Paestum.

If you are traveling by train, the Stazione (railway station) di Paestum is only 800 yards from the ruins. Access can be gained through the perfectly preserved archway Porta Sirena, or—if driving—through the northern gate of Porta Aurea.

Can you get used to beauty? Maybe sometimes, then you must see Capri with its splendor that makes this island unique. Then you’ll realise that it’s impossible or, at least, very difficult!
Here is our guide for those who have a day or even just a few hours.

Capri is a beguilling island with lots of caves, coves and steep cliffs overlooking the crystal blue waters of the Mediterranean Sea. If you’ve only got a couple of hours to visit Capri and want to take that classic (always charming) shot of the sea in front of the Faraglioni before you leave, move towards the panoramic Gardens of Augustus: a gorgeous botanic garden with Mediterranean plants. Another place absolutely not to miss is Villa San Michele, a house that belonged to a Swedish physician who collected Roman, Etruscan and Egyptian precious antiques, now turned into museum. Touch the Egypthian Sphinx with your left hand and make a wish looking at the sea, your wish will come true.

The most famous sight of Capri is unquestionably the Grotta Azzurra with its dazzling blue sea and silver reflections. At least once in lifetime you should float on this stunning water!
Among the most beautiful beaches in the island we suggest La Fontelina, a beach complex so close to the Faraglioni, with a breathtaking view you’ll fall in love with. The Marina Piccola bay is the best beach spot to take a dip even in winter, as it’s protected by wind.
At the famous La Canzone del Mare you’ll breathe the air of Capri dolce vita. Here you can relax in the amazing infinity pool overlooking the sea!

Every terrace, street or garden in Capri are perfect for dinner in enchanting surroundings. At Paolino tables are set in the middle of 130 lemon trees. At Michel’angelo you can enjoy cooking lessons with a local chef and learn how to cook a traditional Caprese made from genuine ingredients.

If you want to get a great meal at an affordable price stop by Da Aldo and try the panino-caprese, a sandwich with tomato, oregano and buffalo mozzarella. Wanna eat a unique ice cream? Try the delicious “Caprilù” flavor at Buonocore gelateria.

Even shopping experience is very special in Capri.

You wish to bring home a handmade souvenir? At L’Oasi Ceramiche you’ll find lots of colorful and original artisans ceramics. If want to wear a piece of the island history and get a touch of Jaqueline Kennedy Onassis‘ charm, you should try on Canfora sandals made to measure.

Capri is famed throughout the world for its win over artists, intellectuals, members of the aristocracy and the Hollywood jet set.

To run into international stars make the classic evening “passeggiata”, a route that runs from the Piazzetta to the Quisisana, and then Via Camerelle.

If you want to have a front row view of the passeggiata and spot a celebrity, reserve a table at the Quisisana outside terrace.

Pompeii is still a super coveted destination not only for those who love history and archeology in general but also for everyone who will enjoy the ruins of this city, buried under several feets of ash and rocks when Mount Vesuvius erupted in the summer of A.D. 79.                              Pompeii remained frozen in time until it was discovered in 1798 and the objects laying beneath the city have been well-preserved for centuries because of the lack of air and moisture. These artifacts provide an extraordinarily detailed insight into the vibrant Roman life of the city two thousands years ago.
Here is our guide for those who have a day or even more, our favorite spots and suggestions to live a day to the fullest in this extraordinary UNESCO site and one of the most popular tourist attractions in Italy with approximately 2.5 million visitors every year.

The Stabian Baths are the city’s most ancient bath building (2nd cent. BC). To the east there are the porticoed palestra and the bathing rooms, divided into women’s and men’s sections: frigidarium (with tub for cold bath), apodyterium (dressing room), tepidarium (warm room), caldarium (hot bath), furnaces (to produce heat). To the north is a large latrine, to the west a swimming pool. At the entrance and in the palaestra there are elegant decorations of mythological subjects.

Just ouside the city walls, there is a villa with farm, Villa of the Mysteries. It includes a residential section overlooking the sea and a servants’section next to the winery rooms (here stands a rebuilt grape press). Along the walls of the triclinium (dining room, where people seated on couches along three sides of the room) is the most famous Pompeian wall painting: a large fresco depicting a mystery ritual scene (whence the name of the villa), maybe a woman’s initiation to marriage.

The Amphitheatre, which was built in on the outskirts of Pompeii, is one of the oldest and best preserved amphitheaters in existence, and held over 20,000 spectators. The auditorium is divided into three sectors: the ima cavea (front row) for important citizens, and the media and summa, higher up, for everyone else. Like the Colosseum in Rome, gladiators had bloody battles with wild animals. Two gates opened onto the main axis of the arena: participants in the games paraded in through one gate, while the dead or injured were carried away through the other.

The Necropolis of Porta Herculaneum is the city’s best known, with buildings dating from the 1st cent. BC to the 1st cent. A.D. During this period deceaseds were cremated and the ashes stored in urns walled into the tomb, or buried and indicated with a marker in the shape of a human bust.

The House of the Tragic Poet at the entrance features the mosaic with a chained dog and the message “CAVE CANEM” (“Beware of the dog”), typical of other dwellings in Pompeii.

The House of the Faun with its 2,970 squared meteres it’s the largest one in Pompeii. The ruins of the house suggest a huge complex, with rooms, environments, and areas dedicated to different tasks. The entrance on the left leads directly into the public section, the door on the right to the private rooms: an atrium whose roof is supported by four columns, stalls, latrine, baths, kitchen. In the center of the impluvium (a low basin in the center of a household atrium, into which rainwater flowed down from the roof ) is a bronze statue of the dancing ‘faun’. The walls decorations, the mosaic paintings on the floor, columns and capitals of this majestic house highlight the richness of the Roman ruling class of Pompeii.

The Lupanare (Lupa in Latin means prostitute) is the best organized of Pompeii’s brothels and the only one designed specifically for this purpose: the others were single rooms or part of the top floor of a shop.  The Lupanare consists of five rooms with paintings depicting erotic games. The prostitutes usually were Greek or Oriental slaves.

The Forum was located at the intersection between the two main streets of the Pompeii center. It was the city’s main square, where cart traffic was forbidden: it was surrounded on all sides by religious, political, and business buildings.

The Grain Stores (produce market) took the form of porticoed rooms and it’s now used to store various archeological materials from Pompeii (amphorae, architectural elements, marble garden furniture). A few plaster casts of Vesuvius victims are on display.

The Garden of the Fugitives was a large space of vineyards, where were created the plaster casts of thirteen Vesuvius victims. The plaster cast method consists of liquid plaster poured into the cavity left in the bed of ashes by the gradual decomposition of the victim’s body. As the plaster solidifies, it reproduces the body’s shape.

Getting there

• By train: to reach Pompeii use the Circumvesuviana. On the Naples – Sorrento line, use the Pompei Scavi-Villa dei Misteri stop. On the Naples – Poggiomarino line, use the Pompei Santuario stop.
• By bus: Pompeii can be reached by bus from Naples or Salerno on SITA. The stop is Pompei – Piazza Esedra.
• By car: Pompeii can be reached on the motorway A3 Napoli-Salerno (exit Pompei ovest) or motorway A3 Salerno-Napoli (exit Pompei est).

Start in the back. To avoid the crowds, move from the farthest temples toward the front. It’s best to enter Pompeii from the Porta Marina entrance. Here there’s a storage room for bags, strollers, and anything else you might not want to lug around Pompeii.

Wear flats. The site is huge: forty-four hectares have been excavated, but not all are accessible. The streets are very uneven and heels or even wedges are completely unsuitable for walking around the site.

Bring bottled water and some sunscreen. In summer you’ll be glad you did it, with the sun blazing on all those ruins.

Watch out for closings. Not all the attractions are open as they say they are.

Download the Pompeii app, a great guide right on your iPhone.

Limited time? Do a guided tour. Guided tours are very knowledgeable. and you can ask questions that can further explain things.