Castellabate (San Marco)

Castellabate is not just a village: it’s a place steeped in history, tradition, and the sea.
Listed among the “Most Beautiful Villages in Italy” and made famous by the film Welcome to the South, it offers an atmosphere that feels both timeless and authentic. Perched on a hilltop, Castellabate’s medieval center overlooks the coastline with its narrow stone alleys, charming squares, and the Abbot’s Castle, which has watched over the town since the Middle Ages.

Descending towards the coast, San Marco di Castellabate opens up like a window on the sea: a picturesque little harbor, quiet beaches, and clear waters that have been awarded the Blue Flag year after year.
It’s the perfect place to combine the historic charm of the hilltop village with the relaxed lifestyle of the seaside.

Strolling through the streets of Castellabate means breathing in an ancient atmosphere, while also experiencing the vitality of local life, with folk festivals, religious traditions, and cuisine that captures the very essence of Cilento.

To the question “why choose Castellabate?”

When visiting Castellabate

Castellabate enchants in every season, but spring and early autumn are the best times to enjoy both the village and the sea in peace.

Here's why:

• Pleasant climate: sunny, mild days perfect for walks and excursions.
• Less crowded beaches: compared to July and August, the coast is far more relaxing.
• Authenticity: local fairs and traditional festivals reveal the village’s true soul.
• Beautiful landscapes: spring and autumn bring unique colors, from the green hills to the blue sea.

If you’re looking for a lively atmosphere, July and August are the busiest months, when Castellabate is filled with events, shows, and summer nightlife.

How to reach Castellabate

Reaching Castellabate is simple and pleasant: the village enjoys a strategic position between Agropoli and Acciaroli, right in the heart of Cilento.

• If you’re traveling by car from Salerno, take the A2 motorway to Battipaglia, continue on the SS18, and exit at Agropoli Sud, then follow the signs to Castellabate. In about an hour and a half you’ll arrive at your destination. Driving is the most convenient option if you want full freedom to explore nearby villages and beaches, though in the summer months traffic can be heavy and parking scarce.
  
  
• Another practical choice is the train: the nearest station is Agropoli-Castellabate, on the Naples–Reggio Calabria line. From there, a short bus or shuttle ride takes you directly to Castellabate in around 20 minutes. It’s a very convenient option for those coming from Naples or Salerno, though it does require a transfer.
  
  
• For those who prefer not to worry about driving, there are also buses, with seasonal services run by Busitalia and private companies departing from Naples and Salerno. This is an affordable and direct solution, although inevitably slower and dependent on traffic conditions.
  
  
• Finally, in the summer months, there is the most scenic way to arrive: by sea.
  With the Metrò del Mare service, San Marco di Castellabate is connected to Salerno, Amalfi, Capri, and other coastal towns. Arriving by boat is truly spectacular, with the village and harbor appearing in all their charm from the sea. The only downside is that this service is seasonal and sailings may be canceled in case of rough seas.