Vibonati, Cilento Coast

For their holidays, many Italian bypass the celebrated Amalfi Coast and head straight on to the Cilento Coast, also in Southern Italy. Here you’ll find a more rustic, rugged and peaceful coastline, which for many is the very reason they go. Vibonati, on the Cilento Coast, is an ancient fishing village, classed as one of the ‘Authentic Villages of Italy.’ Famous for the number of medieval stone portals, pretty stone stairways and alleyways, it’s a joy to walk around. Perched on the slopes that lead down to the sea, it is just on the edge of the Cilento National Park, and therefore surrounded by some fantastic panoramic scenery. The Santa Lucia Wood nearby is a lovely place to take a picnic. Walking around Vibonati itself, you can visit the Monastery of San Francesco di Paola, an 11th century basilica and the Corso Umberto with its picturesque portals. Then, maybe stop somewhere for a seafood supper. With the maritime village of Villammare nearby, Vibonati is growing in popularity, but is still relatively undiscovered; so, make your way there soon.