Castellabate
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Latest page update: 19 May 2025
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By: Dion Protani
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Where to Stay
Where to Stay in Castellabate
Castellabate offers a good range of established hotels, many of them positioned to take advantage of the panoramic views across the Cilento coast. With both hillside settings and coastal access nearby, the town provides several well-reviewed options that balance comfort, location and facilities.
Hotel Garden Riviera is set on the hillside above the town, featuring terraces with sea views, a pool and positive reviews for service and atmosphere (€€). Close to the seafront in Santa Maria di Castellabate, Palazzo Belmonte occupies a historic residence with large gardens and direct beach access, consistently appreciated for its character and setting (€€€). Also in Santa Maria di Castellabate, Hotel Mareluna combines modern facilities with a waterfront location, including a pool and restaurant, with strong guest feedback for both comfort and views (€€€).
Hotel Garden Riviera is set on the hillside above the town, featuring terraces with sea views, a pool and positive reviews for service and atmosphere (€€). Close to the seafront in Santa Maria di Castellabate, Palazzo Belmonte occupies a historic residence with large gardens and direct beach access, consistently appreciated for its character and setting (€€€). Also in Santa Maria di Castellabate, Hotel Mareluna combines modern facilities with a waterfront location, including a pool and restaurant, with strong guest feedback for both comfort and views (€€€).
Where is
Where is Castellabate?
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The village of Castellabate is situated within the Province of Salerno and has a population of 8,956 inhabitants.
Listed as one of the "Borghi Più Belli d'Italia" (Italy's most beautiful villages), it stands at an elevation of 289 metres above sea level. Nearby places of interest include San Marco, Santa Maria di Castellabate and Agropoli. |
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Castellabate shot to fame in 2010 when it was a central theme in. the film Benvenuti al Sud. The diminutive village's ties with the silver screen are further strengthened by the annual Castellabate Film Festival which takes place in July.
Comune di Castellabate
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Province: Salerno
Region: Campania Population: 8,662 (in 2024 - source) Size: 36 km² Elevation: 289 metres Connected to the Italian High Speed Train Network Close by: San Marco, Santa Maria di Castellabate, Agropoli Recommended hotel: Approdo Resort Thalasso Spa (5 km) |
One of I Borghi più belli d'Italia (Italy's Most Beautiful Villages)
Listing headline: Nella Luce del Cilento (In the Light of the Cilento Region)
Listing headline: Nella Luce del Cilento (In the Light of the Cilento Region)
What People Ask About Castellabate, Campania
Is Castellabate worth visiting?
How do I get to Castellabate?
What are the main attractions in Castellabate?
When is the best time to visit Castellabate?
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Discover
Discover Castellabate
Castellabate is a historic hill town in the province of Salerno, overlooking the Cilento Coast within the Cilento and Vallo di Diano National Park. Set high above the Gulf of Salerno, it offers sweeping views across the coastline and the surrounding olive-covered hills. The medieval centre, with its narrow alleys, archways, and stone houses, climbs around the slopes of Monte Sant’Angelo, preserving the atmosphere of an ancient fortified settlement.
At the top stands the Castello dell’Abate, built in 1123 by Abbot Costabile Gentilcore, from whom the town takes its name. Other highlights include the Church of Santa Maria de Gulia and several small piazzas framed by historic buildings. Below the hill, the seaside districts of Santa Maria di Castellabate and San Marco di Castellabate provide sandy beaches and fishing harbours that contrast with the old town’s elevated position. Castellabate’s location near Agropoli, Punta Licosa, and Acciaroli places it within one of the most scenic and culturally rich areas of the Cilento Coast.
At the top stands the Castello dell’Abate, built in 1123 by Abbot Costabile Gentilcore, from whom the town takes its name. Other highlights include the Church of Santa Maria de Gulia and several small piazzas framed by historic buildings. Below the hill, the seaside districts of Santa Maria di Castellabate and San Marco di Castellabate provide sandy beaches and fishing harbours that contrast with the old town’s elevated position. Castellabate’s location near Agropoli, Punta Licosa, and Acciaroli places it within one of the most scenic and culturally rich areas of the Cilento Coast.
Things to Do
Things to Do in Castellabate
- Castello dell’Abate is the medieval fortress that gave the town its name, built in the 12th century to defend against coastal raids. Located at the highest point of the village, the castle includes thick stone walls, a courtyard, and panoramic terraces. It is open to visitors and often used for exhibitions and cultural events.
- Centro Storico di Castellabate is a well-preserved historic centre with narrow alleyways, vaulted archways, and stone staircases. Traditional houses line the winding lanes, and small piazzas open onto panoramic viewpoints over the Gulf of Salerno. The area retains its medieval layout and a quiet, authentic atmosphere.
- Piazza Perrotti and Belvedere San Costabile are two of the most scenic points in the old town, offering sweeping views of the coastline and surrounding countryside. The piazza is often used for outdoor dining and summer events, while the belvedere provides photo opportunities and sunset vistas.
- Chiesa di Santa Maria de Gulia stands just outside the historic walls and dates back to the 12th century, with later Baroque additions. The church features a Romanesque bell tower, frescoes, and religious artworks, and remains an active parish site for the community.
- Access to Santa Maria and Coastal Areas makes Castellabate a popular base for exploring the nearby beaches of Santa Maria and San Marco. Walking paths and short drives connect the hilltop village with the coast, allowing visitors to combine cultural exploration with seaside relaxation.
Tours and Activities
Castellabate Tours and Activities
Photo Gallery
Castellabate Photo Gallery
Campania Top 10 - My Recommended Destinations in Campania
1. Ischia
2. Capri
3. Sorrento
4. Positano
5. Amalfi
6. Pompeii
7. Ravello
8. Naples
9. Royal Palace of Caserta
10. Paestum
👉 Explore the Top 10 Places to Visit in Campania
1. Ischia
2. Capri
3. Sorrento
4. Positano
5. Amalfi
6. Pompeii
7. Ravello
8. Naples
9. Royal Palace of Caserta
10. Paestum
👉 Explore the Top 10 Places to Visit in Campania
How to Get to [Place Name]
How to Get to Castellabate
By Rail: Castellabate can be accessed via Agropoli-Castellabate train station, located on the Naples–Salerno–Reggio Calabria line and served by Trenitalia’s regional and intercity services. Journey times are approximately 1 hour 15 minutes from Naples and 30 minutes from Salerno. The station is about 12 kilometres from the town itself, with onward travel by taxi or local bus.
By Road: Castellabate is located in the Cilento area of southern Campania, roughly 65 kilometres south of Salerno and 120 kilometres from Naples. It is accessible from the A3 motorway (Battipaglia exit), followed by state and provincial roads. There are car parks around the town and in nearby hamlets like Santa Maria and San Marco.
Nearest International Airports:
By Road: Castellabate is located in the Cilento area of southern Campania, roughly 65 kilometres south of Salerno and 120 kilometres from Naples. It is accessible from the A3 motorway (Battipaglia exit), followed by state and provincial roads. There are car parks around the town and in nearby hamlets like Santa Maria and San Marco.
Nearest International Airports:
- Naples International Airport: Approximately 120 kilometres away (about 1 hour 45 minutes by car). Visitors can take a train from Naples to Agropoli-Castellabate, then continue by taxi or bus.
- Salerno – Costa d’Amalfi Airport: Around 55 kilometres from Castellabate (about 1 hour 10 minutes by car). This smaller airport has fewer flights, mostly seasonal and domestic, but offers a closer option for those arriving from within Italy.
Private Transfers
Castellabate Private Transfers
A private transfer provides a comfortable and convenient way to travel to or from Castellabate, offering a direct journey without the need to drive or navigate public transport. You’ll be met by a professional local driver and taken straight to your destination in comfort.
Both Naples International Airport and Salerno – Costa d’Amalfi Airport are accessible by road, making private transfers a practical option for arrivals and departures. Transfers can also be arranged to nearby destinations such as Santa Maria di Castellabate, Agropoli, and Paestum, or to other towns and seaside areas across the Cilento Coast.
To request a quote or check availability for a private transfer, just fill out the short form below and we’ll get back to you with all the details.
Both Naples International Airport and Salerno – Costa d’Amalfi Airport are accessible by road, making private transfers a practical option for arrivals and departures. Transfers can also be arranged to nearby destinations such as Santa Maria di Castellabate, Agropoli, and Paestum, or to other towns and seaside areas across the Cilento Coast.
To request a quote or check availability for a private transfer, just fill out the short form below and we’ll get back to you with all the details.
