The Beauty of the Sea in Winter: New Year's Eve Between Maratea and Cilento

First day

Toward Cilento: Paestum at Sunset
Our trip to Cilento begins with a delicious first stop to sample one of this region’s most iconic products: buffalo mozzarella from Campania, along with other local specialties.
And this is just the first taste of what awaits us in the days to come! In the afternoon, we arrive in Paestum, where we’ll visit the archaeological site and its extraordinary temples of Greek origin. Seeing them in the late afternoon light, far from the hustle and bustle of summer, is a completely different experience.
After the visit, we head to Sapri, on the Gulf of Policastro, where we’ll be staying for the entire vacation.

Second day

Maratea and Christ the Redeemer
Our first real hike takes us to Maratea, one of the most picturesque places in this part of Italy. After a stroll through the historic center, we begin our loop trail, winding through holm oak forests, along scenic paths, and taking in spectacular views of the sea. Our destination is Mount San Biagio, where we’ll encounter the great Christ the Redeemer of Maratea.
The route is an easy, scenic hike, ideal for those who want to walk and enjoy the scenery without turning their vacation into a race against elevation gain.

Third day

Bussento Oasis
Let’s head to Morigerati for a hike in the WWF Oasis of the Bussento Caves, one of the most stunning natural environments in Cilento. The trail descends into the river gorge, winding through forests, canyons, rocky cliffs, and water, all the way to the spectacular Bussento resurgence.
A setting that feels much farther from the sea than it actually is. After the hike, we return to Sapri and have the entire afternoon to relax and get ready for the evening.
Then comes the most eagerly awaited moment.
We leave the year’s final sunset behind us: the New Year’s Eve dinner awaits us at a restaurant overlooking the picturesque port of Maratea.
Seafood, local specialties, music, and a long table to share with the group: no formalities, just the desire to enjoy each other’s company and celebrate the arrival of the new year in a special place.
And when midnight strikes, we head out to to toast by the sea.
That’s how the new year begins: in Maratea, with the sea in front of us and a group of new friends to toast with.

Fourth day

The Infreschi Trail
We’re starting the first day of the year the way we like best: walking along the coast. We reach Scario, the gateway to one of the most beautiful areas of the Cilento coast. From here, we walk along a section of the Sentiero degli Infreschi trail, winding through Mediterranean scrub, cliffs, and small coves overlooking a sea that’s surprisingly blue even in winter. At the end of the hike, we stop at a local pastry shop to enjoy something delicious—perhaps a local specialty, a freshly baked dessert, or simply a good cup of coffee. After a few hours on the trails, a slice of cake suddenly seems to taste completely different.
Return to Sapri and a free afternoon for a stroll along the waterfront or to relax at the hotel.

Fifth day

The Certosa di Padula and the Return Trip
One last breakfast with a view of the sea.
Before leaving the Cilento , we take one more detour: we head to Padula to visit the Certosa di San Lorenzo, one of Italy’s most important monastic complexes. After the seaside trails, the woods, and the villages, one last big surprise before heading back.
We then set off again toward Rome, with an estimated arrival around 5:00 p.m.
And so our New Year’s in Cilento: five days of easy hikes, the winter sea, nature, culture, good food, and new people.
And perhaps that’s the beauty of group vacations: you could have seen some of these places on your own. But certain emotions, when shared, become memories.