Sea Kayak Italy's Cilento Coast
Paddle the wild shores and turquoise coves of Cilento – the Amalfi’s 'sister coast' with all the beauty, but none of the crowds
What's Included?
Activities & Certified Guides
All itinerary activities with expert, local, English-speaking kayaking guidesHotel & Guesthouse
5 nights in locally-run guesthouses and hotelsMeals
All breakfasts, 2 lunches and 2 dinnersTransport
Transfers from Naples Airport (Day 1) and to Policastro Train Station (Day 6)Equipment & Porterage
All your kayaking equipment is provided, with porterage of your overnight bag between hotelsSmall Like-minded Groups
Solo-friendly by design, join our small n’ sociable groups of up to 12 like-minded, active and outdoorsy people…
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What's it like?
Kayak to remote beaches, swim in sparkling seas and explore azure grottoes along the ruggedly beautiful coastline of Cilento National Park
Kick back in the sun, soak in the epic scenery and savour Italian feasts in a region rivalling the famed but far busier Amalfi Coast
Bed down in comfortable hotels and boutique guesthouses located in authentic Italian villages, steeped in history and charm
Key Information
Day 1
Welcome to Italy!
Driving
Kayaking
Meet your host at Naples Airport, then drive south towards the Cilento National Park. This southernmost part of Campania offers the same wonderful scenery and charm as the Amalfi Coast, but without the crowds. Picturesque, historic towns dot the entire coastline, with beaches, hidden coves and wild majestic cliffs overlooking the blue sea – a perfect playground for your kayaking adventure. This afternoon, you'll check into your guesthouse in the historic hilltop village of Pisciotta, which has astonishing views over the coastline you will explore over the coming days. Meet your guide and fellow travellers for a welcome briefing, then head down to the harbour for your equipment fitting and a short introductory paddle, which will prepare you for the week ahead. This evening, head back to town and tuck into a delicious Italian feast in a nice local restaurant. Buon appetito!
Day 2
From Pisciotta along Punta Telegrafo to Greek Velia
Kayaking
Enjoy a leisurely breakfast on the terrace of your guesthouse, then head down to the beach to hit the water for your first day of kayaking. Today, you'll follow the coastline in a northern direction, heading for the rocky headland of Punta Telegrafo. Paddle and explore a number of sea grottoes and isolated beaches, and reach the long sandy shores of Ascea Marina, where you'll stop for lunch and a swim. This afternoon you'll paddle back to Marina di Pisciotta to explore the charming little harbour, where fishermen still catch anchovies following a millennia-old Greek system called 'la menaika’. Head back to your hilltop base by open taxi and opt for a nice meal in one of the excellent local restaurants in this charming village.
Day 3
Paddle the mythical Palinuro Cape via blue grottoes
Kayaking
Today you'll leave Pisciotta behind and kayak south, heading for the mythical headland of Palinuro, named after one of the shipmates of Aeneas. This stretch of coastline is characterised by sheer limestone cliffs cut with many sea grottoes, including the spectacular Grotta Azzurra which you'll enter and explore in your kayak. Today's route will bring you along rocky shores, covered with forest, maquis and olive groves, with the occasional pebbly beach – perfect for refreshing swim stops. You’ll dock your kayaks in Palinuro's harbour and join your guide for a short panoramic hike (optional), which climbs up to the top of the headland for stunning views over to the whole coastline – with the Amalfi Coast and Capri in the background. Alternatively, relax on the beach and settle in at your comfortable hotel, enjoying the views from the rooftop jacuzzi for an Italian dolce vita experience – bliss!
Day 4
From Palinuro to Marina di Camerota
Kayaking
Enjoy a delicious Italian breakfast at your hotel, then prepare for what is perhaps the most spectacular part of your journey – the circumnavigation of Cape Palinuro! Paddle underneath the impressive limestone cliffs, perhaps choosing to enter Grotta Azzurra again to see it in a different light, before heading for one of the most beautiful beaches of the whole Cilento Coast: Buondormire Beach. Continue in southerly direction along wild and secluded beaches, stopping for a short (optional) hike to the headland of La Molpa, with the remains of a medieval castle. The next stop is a pretty beach underneath a stunning arched rock formation, and then on to your final destination for the day – the vibrant coastal town of Marina di Camerota. You may decide to visit the hilltop hamlet of Camerota, or just spend the rest of the day treating yourself with some amazing food and Italian aperitifs by the beach.
Day 5
Along the Infreschi Coast to charming Scario
Kayaking
Get an early start to make the most of your final day of kayaking. Today you'll navigate one of the most beautiful stretches of coastline of the Cilento National Park, the so-called ‘Costa degli Infreschi’ – virtually untouched and a protected marine area, awarded a Blue Flag for its clean seawater. Paddle along some beautiful inlets, reminiscent of isolated beaches on tropical islands, to reach Porto degli Infreschi – once an ancient Roman harbour, with a freshwater spring hidden in a grotto. Kayak along the wildest part of the coast, making a stop for a light lunch at Marcellino Beach, and then on to the charming village of Scario, your last stop and the final destination of the kayaking tour. Stroll through the village before visiting one of the most stunning viewpoints of the whole Cilento National Park, with views stretching out to Basilicata, Calabria and sometimes even Sicily on a clear day. Spend your final night at a friendly, family-run hotel, where you'll dine on local specialities and toast the end of your adventure.
Day 6
Goodbye Italy!
The tour ends after breakfast today. Your host will provide you with a transfer to the the local railway station of Policastro Bussentino. From here, you can travel back to Naples in approximately two hours by direct train, or alternatively you may wish to travel elsewhere in Italy, perhaps heading to the Amalfi Coast, Paestum or exploring more of the Cilento National Park.
The Area
Logistics
Starts
Naples Airport
13:00 on Day 1
Ends
Policastro Train Station
Any time on Day 6
Transfers
Your host will meet you at Naples International Airport on Day 1 and transfer you to Pisciotta (approximately 2.5hrs) – the starting point of your kayaking adventure along the Cilento Coast. To join the group arrival transfer (usually scheduled at 13:00), please book a flight that lands in Naples no later than 12:30.
On Day 6, your host will transfer you from your accommodation in Scario to the local train station in Policastro Bussentino, which is well connected by train to Naples. There are regular direct trains to Naples Central station (2.5 hr journey, €12-15 per ticket), and from there you can then reach the airport by shuttle bus (30 mins, €5) or by taxi (€20 approx.). Given the long journey time, we recommend booking a flight departing no earlier than 16:00 on Day 6 to give yourself ample time to reach Naples airport by public transport.
Your host will advise you of the exact transfer arrangements and timings prior to your departure, so please provide your flight details upon booking.
If you require further information about your travel options or wish to book a private transfer, just reach out to your host and they'll be able to help out.
Travel options
There are regular direct flights to Naples Airport from major airports across the UK and Europe.
Day 1
Breakfast
Lunch
Dinner
Day 2
Breakfast
Lunch
Dinner
Day 3
Breakfast
Lunch
Dinner
Day 4
Breakfast
Lunch
Dinner
Day 5
Breakfast
Lunch
Dinner
Day 6
Breakfast
Lunch
Dinner
What is the food like?
Each region of Italy has its own distinct cuisine that reflects its history as well as local ingredients, and the Campania region is no different. This sunny and fertile area is famous for its freshly grown produce, as well as for some of the best seafood in the country. In fact, it was in Cilento that Ancel Keys, the father of the Mediterranean Diet, settled down and devised the principles of this now-famous diet. It is based on rich and generally healthy foods such as bread, pasta, fresh vegetables and fruit. Cheese, fish and olive oil are favoured over dairy products and meat. Recipes are usually simple but delicious, making use of seasonal vegetables such as tomatoes, aubergines, artichokes and more. Although the region is commonly known as the birthplace of pizza, there are plenty of other local specialities you'll get to try during the trip. There are two light lunches and two dinners included in the trip, and for the remainder of the meals you'll get to try a great variety of local restaurants recommended by your host.
Vegetarians, vegans and other dietary requirements and allergies can be catered for – please just request this on your passenger info form.
What is the accommodation like?
Pisciotta
You'll spend the first two nights of the trip at the charming La Casa sul Blu, offering twin-share rooms and apartments in various locations within the medieval village of Pisciotta, part of the UNESCO-protected Vallo di Diano and Cilento National Park. The property consists of three buildings, one with sea views, the second a charming historical building and the third amidst olive groves. Known as an 'Albergo Diffuso', it is a type of hotel where guestrooms are spread out in various buildings within a small town or community, generally of historical significance. The concept was launched in Italy in the early 1980s as a means of reviving historic Italian villages and town centres off the usual tourist track.
Palinuro
Spend one night at the comfortable 4-star Hotel Santa Caterina, right on the main street and by the vibrant central square of Palinuro, filled with restaurants and shops. The twin-share rooms come with all comforts and are decorated with the bright and coloured Vietri ceramics. The property also includes a panoramic terrace with jacuzzi, and a wellness centre with sauna, steam bath, an ice fountain and a wide range of beauty treatments and massages. The hotel's restaurant serves delicious local and traditional food, combining local aromas and spices with traditional dishes of Mediterranean cuisine.
Marina di Camerota
In Marina di Camerota you'll spend a night at La Casa di Paolo, an intimate boutique guesthouse built in Mediterranean style. The comfortable twin-share rooms are arranged across two floors and are equipped with air conditioning, TVs, WiFi, a safe, minibar, Nespresso coffee machine and a kettle.
Scario
On the final night of the trip you'll usually stay at the family-run Hotel Il Giardino, a few steps from the sea and the charming harbour of Scario. The property also includes a great restaurant serving fresh regional specialities, as well as a swimming pool, immersed in a lush garden.
Upgrades
For solo travellers looking for their own space, an optional private room can be booked for an extra charge, see Optional Extras for the price. Please request this at the time of booking (this is subject to availability).
Occasionally your host may use an alternate property of a similar style and standard during the itinerary. Your host would advise you pre-departure of any required changes.
This trip has been rated as Moderate
This trip is suitable for intermediate level sea kayakers and above. You should be comfortable swimming in open water. You will cover approximately 10-16km per day which equates to approximately four hours of paddling daily, plus breaks along the way, depending on the group and the weather & sea conditions. The waters of the Mediterranean are usually calm, but can be changeable and swells can form quickly. Generally, you will not be far from the beautiful coastline as you explore the rocky shores, sea grottoes and beaches, but there will be a few short open water crossings. On some days there will be stretches of coast (up to 3km) without the possibility to make land. Your guide(s) will adapt the route and distance based on the overall group's abilities.
From May to October the daytime temperatures in the Cilento Coast range from 22–35°C and cool off to 11–20°C at night. The hot weather in summer (between July and September) can make some of the paddling more strenuous, however, you'll have plenty of opportunities for refreshing swims and relaxing breaks. Rain is possible at any time of year, although the weather is generally dry so you'll have plenty of sunshine to enjoy.
What will I need to carry?
You'll be provided with a drybag where you can store your phone, wallet, camera and essential pesonal belongings you'll need during the activity. Your main luggage will be transported between the hotels for you by vehicle.
An amazing location
The beautiful Cilento Park has a wonderful coastline, rivalling Amalfi’s, and seeing it from kayak level was an unmissable experience. Good hotels, great food and stimulating company made this a unique holiday. There were some kayaking safety concerns linked to this first expedition which MBA are aware of and are addressing.. hence the 3 stars. But 5 stars for the experience…
Unique Cilento Coast, Italy
An unforgettable adventure A fantastic group of people from all over the world experienced the coastal highlights of beautiful Cilento. Starting from the charming medieval village of Pisciotta to the stunning cliffs, grottos and caves of Palinuro. Sandy beaches of Marina di Camerota, it really is a glorious way to see Cilento. Highlights were the group dinners, relaxing and reminiscing about each day at beach cafes along the way. Making friends Swimming in crystal clear waters, could even see the fish! Staying in comfortable hotels, the best part was my luggage magically arriving at each destination 😊 I have kayaked in many places and this is by far my favourite for stunning scenery and character villages to explore each day.
Peters knowledge of the area is extensive
For ultimate enjoyment, I reccomend for confident kayakers that have experienced coastal paddling before.
The whats app group was great for connecting with everyone and sharing photos from the trip.
Excellent trip, beautiful coastline
This was a well-organised, relaxing adventure, along some of the beautiful coastline of the Cilento National park. Peter, our local guide, was so knowledgable about the culture, history and environment of the area. He had a wonderful network of local contacts in all the towns we visited and was full of good tips for us to explore during our free time. The accommodation on the trip was excellent and we felt that the accommodation & the guiding meant that the trip was excellent value for the price we paid.
The group we kayaked with were absolutely lovely, like-minded people. We were a variety of ages from 20's through to 70's and pretty-much everyone had previous kayaking experience.
All-in-all this was a wonderful experience and I would recommend it to people that enjoy being active, have some kayaking experience and love to meet new people.
Beautiful area with amazing people.
Beautiful area with amazing people. This was a good adventure with an amazing group of travellers from all of the world.
Given the nature of local are and the Mediterranean Sea I would not recommend this trip for beginners. I have been sea kayaking before and there were times the water currents/waves were tricky to negotiate.
Cilento Sept 24
As written below this was a super trip and all ended well…but with reservations linked to safety and difficulty level. You’ll get better photos than mine from other group members…!
Thank you Joan for your review. Having spoken with your host after the trip we were pleased to hear how much the group enjoyed being the first Much Better Adventurers to paddle along the Cilento Coast. We have reconfirmed with them that our kayaking groups will always operate on a 1:6 Guide:Participant ratio and clarified the Difficulty Rating information on the trip page, this point-to-point itinerary being suitable for intermediate kayakers and above, requiring approx. 16km/4hrs of paddling per day with some sections of open water crossings (up to 3km) without possibility to make land.
- James, MBA Operations Team
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What's included?
- Double sea kayak with or without rudder (single kayak on request)
- Personal floating device
- Spray skirt
- Paddle
- Dry bags for personal belongings
What do I need to bring?
BAGS
- Soft overnight duffel bag or luggage
CLOTHES FOR KAYAKING
- Long sleeve quick dry shirt(s)
- Short sleeve quick dry shirt(s)
- Sun hat and sunglasses
- Water shoes/thin neoprene boots to wear in the kayak and during breaks
- Swimwear including swimming shorts
OTHER CLOTHES
- T-shirts or lightweight shirt
- Lightweight trousers, skirts or shorts for the evenings
- Underwear and socks
- Lightweight fleece jacket
- Trainers for exploring
- Clothes for sleeping in
OTHER
- Snorkel (optional)
- Universal travel plug adapter
- Power bank or solar charger
- Passports (and visas)
- Travel insurance documents
- Ear plugs
- Insect repellent
- Suncream
- Personal first-aid kit (inc. blister treatment)
- Personal items (biodegradable toiletries, sanitary wear etc)
- Quick-dry towel
- Reusable water bottle (min. 1 litre)
- Biodegradable wet-wipes
- Energy bars and snacks
Optional Private Room Upgrade (June & September)
Payable Before Departure
Optional Private Room Upgrade (June & September)
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Optional Private Room Upgrade (May & October)
Payable Before Departure
Optional Private Room Upgrade (May & October)
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We partner with the World Land Trust to ensure this trip achieves Net-Zero emissions. We also support their Buy an Acre programme, helping local communities to buy and protect natural habitats in perpetuity.
What's the number?
It works out on average at 184kg of CO2 emissions per person, including all local transport, accommodation, food, activities, guides, staff and office operations.
The only thing it doesn’t include right now is flights and travel to the destination. We do make an overall estimate across all our customers separately, but as we don’t book flights, have customers from all corners of the world, and no way of reliably knowing their travel plans, we simply can’t include an individual number in the figure on display here. We’ve got a goal to fix that, so that when you book, there is a way to measure and mitigate the carbon emitted by your flight too.
But what does the number mean?
Yep, hard to picture eh? To give you an idea:
- Driving 1000miles/1609km would be approx. 281kg of CO2 in an average car (or 140.5kg per person if there was 2 of you in it).
- A return economy class flight London - New York would be approx. 1,619kg (1.66 tonnes) per person.
- 10 trees in a temperate forest are estimated to remove approx. 250kg of CO2 from the air in a period of 5-10 years.
What are we doing about it?
Our trips are relatively low-carbon by design, and we're working with all our hosts to develop long term carbon reduction plans. We partner with the World Land Trust to ensure this trip achieves Net-Zero emissions. We also support their Buy an Acre programme, helping local communities to buy and protect natural habitats in perpetuity, ensuring the protection of the reserve and its wildlife.
Want to know more?
Amazingly, no international travel company has ever publicly published their carbon measurements before, as far as we know. We believe that must change, quickly. So we’re openly sharing the method we used in the hope that other companies will be able to more easily follow suit and build on what we've done so far. You'll find it all here.
Marta Marinelli, raised in Italy’s serene Prosecco Hills, dreamt of global adventures, inspired by her father's travel stories. Her passion evolved into a career, backed by a decade of studies including degrees in international tourism and destination management. She’s worked in the adventure travel sector since 2012, living in Italy, the UK, and now sunny Portugal.
Over twenty years, Marta has explored over 55 countries, visiting remote areas like Ghana, Rwanda, Sao Tome and Principe, Haiti and Nepal’s Upper Mustang region. As a Senior Adventure Expansion Manager at Much Better Adventures, she focuses on creating life-changing experiences, ranging from multi-activity adventures, challenging treks to ultimate adventures in iconic places. She loves the challenge of finding the best local adventure hosts around the world, collaborating on adventures that offer genuine immersion, pushing beyond the beaten path and working on exclusive itineraries that challenge your comfort zone.
What makes her tick? Enabling people to live adventure-rich lives while positively impacting and empowering local communities around the world, generating sustainable opportunities for both the host, guides, community, and the environment.
You will be provided with double kayaks (generally better for those who are new to sea kayaking or who enjoy paddling in pairs). You'll be provided with good quality 5.15m (17ft) sea kayaks (such as Rainbow Laser/Prijon/Furano and similar). These have proven to be the best kayaks to tackle the Amalfi and Cilento Coasts, allowing effortless access to rocky beaches, sea grottoes and small harbours. They have a covered deck and are generally longer, faster and sit lower in the water than touring or sit-on-top kayaks. The double kayaks have a foot controlled rudder which aids with stability and steering. All kayaks come equipped with spray skirts, paddles, PFDs, drybags and other paddling accessories.
If you are an experienced sea kayaker, prefer full control of the kayak and are keen to paddle solo, please contact your host ahead of your departure to request a single kayak. Note the single kayaks are not equipped with rudders and have been chosen for manoeuvrability, and so require a higher skill level to paddle efficiently.
The weather in Cilento is usually pretty mild throughout the year, although adverse wind, sea or rainy conditions can be unpredictable with some disruptions possible at any time of the year. The best you can do is to be prepared for anything and come equipped with layers of clothing, sunscreen and waterproofs. Your guide(s) will be monitoring the forecasts during the course of the trip and will suggest alternative, shorter kayaking routes or replace the kayaking with some hiking and exploration in the event sea conditions are not favourable. Should conditions allow for the normal route still to be followed, but an individual participant wishes to shorten their day to rest, the use of a boat to transport them to shore can be made available for an additional cost. Regardless of conditions, larger groups (7 or more people) will have a second kayaking guide to provide additional support.
The local tap water is safe to drink. Please bring along your own reusable water bottle to fill up at the hotels, public fountains and at restaurants to avoid buying single use plastic bottles.
Tips are not included in the trip cost. These are entirely at your discretion, but there is an expectation to tip for good service. We suggest the below as a guideline per person:
€30 per person, for the week
Of course, you are free to tip more or less, and the amount should be reflective of your perception of service and quality – a tip is not compulsory and should only be given when you receive excellent service.
You may wish to extend your stay by visiting the iconic Amalfi Coast – surely a deserved treat after a solid week of kayaking. The best way to reach the Amalfi Coast is by train from Policastro to Salerno (1.5 hrs), which offers plenty of direct ferry connections to the villages of the Amalfi Coast (Amalfi, Positano, Cetara, Maiori, Minori, and Vietri sul Mare) or the islands in the Gulf of Naples (Ischia, Procida and Capri). If you wish to receive specific information about the options and routes available, please contact your host.
This trip visits locations where daytime temperatures can be extremely high during the times of year when this trip operates. High humidity and limited access to shade can also be factors, and warm temperatures can continue into the nighttime, which additionally influence the body’s ability to cool down. Personal care should be taken to keep cool as best possible in the conditions, such as wearing appropriate clothing and proper hydration. Very high temperatures can impair an individual’s physical abilities to perform an activity that they may otherwise be able to do competently at cooler temperatures. People may experience symptoms associated with dehydration and Heat Stroke. Your guide(s) are trained to mitigate the risks associated with high temperatures, by carefully managing the intensity of the activity, and to provide the appropriate support response should someone feel ill during the trip. Should you experience health issues during your trip you should inform your guide immediately so the proper care can be provided.
Sure can! Over 70% of our travellers travel solo, it’s a great way to meet like-minded people.
Our team of Adventure Hunters co-create exclusive adventures which are run by highly vetted, specialist hosts. The trip is run by our trusted host partner in the destination. We only work with independent, local, in-destination experts who know the very best places to explore and how to stay safe. Read more information about the local teams we partner with. You’ll be introduced to the host straight after making a booking via the Much Better Adventures platform.
Much Better Adventures refer to the UK Government’s official travel advice when designing trips and monitoring trip operations. We recommend that all customers are familiar with the practical information provided on the Government’s FCDO website, where current travel advice can be found by searching for the applicable destination(s).
For customers joining this trip from other international destinations – please also read the official travel advice applicable to your country of residence/origin, as this may differ.
Our recommended travel insurance provider is Campbell Irvine.
Travel insurance is compulsory for all of our adventures and you are required to provide your policy information before departing.
Your insurance should include adequate protection for overseas medical treatment, evacuation/repatriation, your baggage and equipment and the specific activities involved on your adventure. We also strongly recommend it includes cancellation and curtailment insurance, should you be unable to join your trip for specific reasons such as illness.
We fully endorse Campbell Irvine as their insurance offers all of the above, so get in touch with them or call on 020 7938 1734 to get your insurance sorted. We suggest that you book travel insurance as soon as you book your adventure, just to cover you for any last-minute life changes. We know you’re an active lot and injuries do happen!
We recommend checking out the country-specific information and also talking to a travel nurse.
We automatically convert prices from the local currency that a host receives to your chosen currency. We update our exchange rates on a daily basis so this does mean that prices displayed on the site are subject to currency fluctuations, which is why you may see them change over time.
If you wish to change the currency you pay in, head to the bottom of the page.
All of our group adventures are specially designed for adults to enjoy (18+) as we want these adventures to bring together outdoorsy people who are truly like-minded. Children can be accommodated on some private departures.
You're always in good company on one of our adventures.
Our trips are typically made up of a mixture of solo travellers and small groups of 2 or 3 friends, with most in their 30s-50s.
Our sociable adventures are solo-friendly by design and naturally attract outdoorsy people with a shared mindset; a love for adventure, a desire to push themselves and meet awesome, like-minded people along the way.
It’s this camaraderie that has so often turned a great adventure into a life-changing one.
Don't just take our word for it:
- 95% of people rate the group dynamics on our trips 5/5
- 90% of people recommend joining a trip to make new friends
- 75% of people have met people on our trips that they would now consider friends
See here for more info about the Much Better Adventures tribe.
Interested in a more exclusive experience? Opt for a 'Private Group' through the dates and prices tab to book this adventure for just you and your chosen companions.
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