Trekking in Cilento: Cammino di San Nilo

From Oasi di Venere to Morigerati

11 km, +520m, -620m

After a tasty breakfast based on local products, you are ready to start this incredible trekking. A private transfer takes you to the enchanting Capelli di Venere (Venus's Hair) waterfalls, named after a particular type of fern that grows flourishing here: a treasure chest of peace and nature in which the waters of the Rio Bussentino flow.
The first stage is one of the most spectacular on the route. Crossing suggestive views, you pass the ancient village of Casaletto Spartano, where you can savour one of the local specialities such as homemade bread, accompanied by goat cheese and the local ham. In this ancient village, families still breed a particular species of pig that feeds mainly on acorns, as tradition teaches.
Before reaching Morigerati, known for the WWF Grotte del Bussento Oasis which houses a spectacular karst phenomenon, you will pass through the pretty village of Tortorella and its fantastic Farneto Forest for a relaxing walk among holm oaks, turkey oaks and the blanket of dry leaves. In the autumn season the forest is enriched with a great variety of mushrooms and cyclamen which contribute to making the experience even more magical.
You are finally in the heart of the Cilento Park: here you can breathe the history of this land of which the local artisans and farmers are the guardians.

From Caselle in Pittari to Rofrano

17km, +510m, -490m

Today you will almost entirely retrace the route that the ancient pilgrims followed to reach the sacred Marian mountain of Cilento: the Mount Gelbison. This stage is among the longest but at the same time fascinating and suggestive of the entire route.
From the top of the Sacred Mountain, looking across the dense and enchanting vegetation, it is possible to catch a glimpse of the imposing profile of the Stromboli volcano which rises from the archipelago of the Aeolian Islands, to then accompany the observer to a 360° panorama from north to south.
Large expanses of wheat fields introduce you to Rofrano, anticipating much of the tradition that reigns in these parts, here in fact where the production of bread is a sacred rite that has remained so over the years. Even today, the local bakeries inebriate the senses with the delicate scent of finely wood-fired homemade bread.

From Montano Antilia to San Nazario

17km, +400m, -730m

Today's itinerary ends on the slopes of the ancient place where the Monastery of San Nazario was built, where San Nilo da Rossano was welcomed to receive the sacred rite of tonsure which marks entry into the clerical state.
Completely immersed in the luxuriant Mediterranean maquis, you will cross only two inhabited areas with suggestive traditions and places of worship, ancient testimonies of a still little-known past. Like the Abbey of Santa Cecilia Eremita, part of an ancient grouping of ancient Italian-Greek monasteries. It is said that in this very place, dating back to around 1022, the monks treated those in need through the wild herbs of which they had a profound knowledge.
As well as marking the final part of the fifth stage, this passage represents the most spiritual moment of the journey.
The stage ends in the enchanting San Nazario, a lovely village developed around its monastery, nestled in a valley surrounded by three large hills and crossed by the fresh waters of its river. From here with a short transfer you will reach your accommodation in San Mauro La Bruca.

Goodbye Palinuro!

After breakfast, end of services.
Palinuro is considered one of the most beautiful and evocative places in Cilento. The enchanting panoramas of Palinuro have in fact enraptured the gaze of travellers from every era, one above all the legendary Aeneas. And this village overlooking the sea is linked to the Greek hero. Legend has it that Palinuro was the name of the helmsman who led Aeneas and his father Anchises out of the city of Troy in the grip of flames, and this episode recounted by Virgil is recalled by the inhabitants of Palinuro every year in August.

Tour programme variations
Due to organizational reasons, weather conditions or provisions issued by local authorities, the itinerary may be subject to some changes before and/or during the holiday.
Along the way you may find temporary deviations (for example road works) which cannot be foreseen; in this case each walker can decide autonomously how to deal with these stretches.