Surroundings
Palinuro is a place rich in natural resources. White beaches, sheer cliffs overlooking the sea, indescribably beautiful seascapes, wonderful caves and a clean, emerald blue sea, make this a unique place, with a sort of wild beauty, where the colours are more intense than elsewhere.
There are countless trips to be made from Palinuro. Itineraries through the Cilento, Vallo di Diano and Alburni National Park, a biosphere reserve and Unesco World Heritage Site.
Special sites in the Cilento region are Morigerati Oasis, Mount Cervati, famous for its wildlife, Mount Gelbison and its marvellous panorama, Porto Infreschi, a beautiful natural bay, and many other wonders.
The territory is also rich in historical and archaeological treasures. Magna Grecia itineraries: Palinuro is a good starting point from which to visit, with guided tours, the nearby archaeological sites of Paestum (60 Km) and Velia–Elea (30 Km). Just an hour or so away, by car or train, are the archaeological sites of Pompeii and Ercolano.
And also Certosa di Padula (60 Km), Grotte di Pertosa (90 Km) and Castellabate (50 km).
You can take an hydrofoil from Palinuro harbour, offering a daily return service, to visit the legendary island of Capri, which on a clear day is visible on the horizon from the terraces of Donnasilia Country House.
Not just sea, nature and sport, Palinuro is also great for those that like to have fun: pubs, bars, nightclubs and discotheques offer music and fun until dawn.
Useful links:
Morigerati Oasis
Cilento, Valle Diano e Alburni Nati National
Beaches
- Natural Arch: Close to the mouth of the river Mingardo, situated in a bay between two sand and gravel beaches, the Natural Arch is considered the symbol of Palinuro.
- Harbour: Awarded a Bandiera Blu in 2015, it is a small strip of sand with shallow waters, for those who love diving in Palinuro. The rocks beneath the water create amazing patterns of light.
- Ficocella: A rocky beach with cliffs that look onto crystal-clear waters and a charming view of Capo Palinuro.
- Buondormire Bay: this splendid bay, a Bandiera Blu winner in 2015, can be reached by boat or pedalo from the nearby Marinella.
Caves
- Grotta Azzurra. The most important cave of Capo Palinuro. Taking its name from the sky blue colour of the water, it is one of the most fascinating caves of Palinuro due to its colour.
- Grotta delle Ossa: Used as a mass grave, also known as Grotta Preistorica. Observing it close up, it is possible to see bone fragments and shell fossils in the rocks.
- Grotta del Sangue: Has red walls due to the presence of iron oxide. The cave has calcareous formations that recall the head of a dolphin.
- Grotta d’Argento: This cave has a silvery colour, thanks to the sulphur contained in the rocks and at least two sulphur springs and characteristic calcareous formations on the inside walls.
What To See
- Antiquarium: In the centre of Palinuro, archaeology enthusiasts can visit the Antiquarium, in the locality of “Ficocella” on a stretch of land overlooking the sea. The building houses important relics from the prehistoric era, including the ancient Palinuro (PAL-MOL) coin used by the early inhabitants of Molpa.
- Capo Palinuro lighthouse: On the promontory of Capo Palinuro. At 70m in height, it is the second highest in Italy, and its light can be seen in Sicily. From the top of the lighthouse there is an unmissable panorama with view of the Cape.
- 18th century fountain: Built at the end of the 18th century, in a noble garden in the centre of Palinuro, the fountain is rectangular in shape, and presents pastel paintings. There is a cavity in the centre, from which water gushes forth.