Cilento and Maratea: the quiet side of Campania
Greek temples at Paestum, fishing villages and caves on the Cilento coast, then the cliffs of Maratea.
- Distance
- 154 km (96 mi)
- Driving
- 2 h 08 min
- Suggested days
- 4
- Stops
- 5
- Countries
- Italy
- Updated
- September 14, 2026
At a glance: 4-day road trip of about 154 km (96 mi) with 5 stops, from Salerno to Maratea. About 2 h 08 min of driving in total.
More road trips in Italy · More road trips from Naples
Route description
From Salerno, the SS18 runs south across the plain of the Sele to Paestum, where three Greek Doric temples stand in open fields, older than the Parthenon and among the best preserved anywhere. Allow a few hours for the temples and the museum across the road.
Just south, Agropoli has an old town on a headland above the harbour. From here, coastal roads wind through the Cilento past fishing villages and beaches to Palinuro, where boats visit the sea caves around the cape.
The route then continues along the coast into Basilicata to Maratea, a small town with a large statue of Christ on the mountain above the sea. The coastal and mountain roads are narrow and winding, so take them slowly in a motorhome, and avoid August, when the coast is at its busiest.
Stop-by-stop itinerary
In driving order. Distances are estimates between consecutive stops.
- 1Start
Salerno
Italy - 244 km
Paestum temples
HistoryCapaccio Paestum, ItalyThree Greek Doric temples standing in open fields, older than the Parthenon and among the best preserved anywhere.
- 310 km
Agropoli
Italy - 453 km
Palinuro
Italy - 547 km
Maratea
Italy
Suggested stages and overnight stops
4 days, split by driving time. Campsites from OpenStreetMap: check opening dates before you go.
- Day 1: Salerno → Paestum temples · 44 km · 0 h 37 minOvernight nearby, for example: Camping Wild Paestum - Camper Park (1 km); Camping La Giara (1 km).
- Day 2: Paestum temples → Agropoli · 10 km · 0 h 08 minOvernight nearby, for example: Camping Wild Paestum - Camper Park (7 km); Camping La Giara (7 km).
- Day 3: Agropoli → Palinuro · 53 km · 0 h 44 minOvernight nearby, for example: Camping Saline (2 km); Arco Naturale Club (2 km).
- Day 4: Palinuro → Maratea · 47 km · 0 h 39 minOvernight nearby, for example: Camping Residence Oliveto (12 km); Elayon Club Residence (12 km).
Best time to go
The most pleasant months are usually April–May and September–October. Still fine, with some compromises, in March, June, August and November. July and August are the busiest months: book campsites early.
Estimate from long-term temperature averages, terrain and pass seasons
Practical notes for the road
- Italy: Motorway tolls. Tolls on most autostrade; pay at the barrier by card or cash. Motorway limit for cars: 130 km/h.
Road rules and fees change. Check official sources before you travel.
FAQs
How long is Cilento and Maratea: the quiet side of Campania?
4-day road trip of about 154 km (96 mi) with 5 stops, from Salerno to Maratea. About 2 h 08 min of driving in total.
How many days do you need for Cilento and Maratea: the quiet side of Campania?
We suggest 4 days: about 2 h 08 min of driving, which leaves time for the stops.
Where does Cilento and Maratea: the quiet side of Campania start and end?
It starts in Salerno and ends in Maratea.
Which countries does Cilento and Maratea: the quiet side of Campania pass through?
Italy.
Where can you camp along Cilento and Maratea: the quiet side of Campania?
OpenStreetMap lists 79 campsites and motorhome stopovers within 20 km of the stops on this route. For example: Central Camping, Maldive and Beata Solitudo Campeggio.
When is the best time for Cilento and Maratea: the quiet side of Campania?
The most pleasant months are usually April–May and September–October. Still fine, with some compromises, in March, June, August and November. (Estimate from long-term temperature averages, terrain and pass seasons)
