Hotel Sonia

Holidays to Santa Maria di Castellabate offer more than postcard-worthy beaches, inviting waterfront restaurants and softly hued houses along meandering streets. Its relatively undiscovered location in southern Italy, along the beautifully unspoilt shores of Cilento in Campania, lend well to its exceptionally preserved history and charming ‘frozen in time’ character.

The Blue Flag beaches in the small, family oriented town are perfect for both beach and water sports and the numerous hiking trails lead to remarkable points of historical interest. The bay is home to various coves if a relaxing swim is what you’re after and there is a choice of wineries, shops, restaurants and more on land.

Santa Maria di Castellabate is part of the striking cultural landscape of Cilento and Vallo di Diano National Park with the archaeological sites of Paestum and Velia, and the Certosa di Padula - Italy’s second largest national park. A UNESCO World Heritage Site, the region is culturally, historically and naturally rich, containing evidence of human activity from some 250,000 years ago and occupying an area of outstanding natural beauty.

Explore Santa Maria di Castellabate like no other

When in Santa Maria di Castellabate, the possibility of being overwhelmed by crowds is very slim. Even so, there are alternatives to wandering through the winding streets, finding yourself in the main square of shops, lost in an architectural gem or on the beach.

Located just half an hour from the resort is the Polito Viticoltori - the Polito Vineyard. For three generations, the Polito family have been supplying quality wine throughout Campania. Why not take a day trip to sample the product of grapes that have been ripened in an optimal micro-climate? A pairing with Soppressata di Gioi - a locally cured meat, will go down a treat.

The region of Cilento is famous for its fresh buffalo mozzarella and just half an hour’s drive away from your Santa Maria di Castellabate base, is the Tenuta Vannulo – an organic Buffalo farm. From here private guided tours and tastings can be arranged and if you’re lucky, some of the dishes may even include Cilento’s famous olives and figs.