Policastro​

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Latest page update: 19 May 2025

By: Dion Protani

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Where to Stay

Where to Stay in Policastro

Policastro offers a modest selection of hotels, most of them situated close to the seafront and the small harbour. The town’s location on the Gulf of Policastro makes it a convenient base for exploring the Cilento coast, and the established properties here are well reviewed for their setting and hospitality.
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Hotel Risorgimento is a central choice near the waterfront, appreciated for its traditional style, comfortable rooms and welcoming service (€€). A little further along the coast, Hotel Caluna Charme in Villammare provides sea-view terraces, a pool and consistently positive guest feedback for its modern facilities (€€). In nearby Scario, Tenuta Terre di Bosco offers hotel-level amenities in a countryside position overlooking the gulf, with a restaurant and strong reviews for both comfort and dining (€€).

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Where is

Where is Policastro?

​The beach resort of Policastro is situated within the Province of Salerno, on the Cilento coast. It's officially part of the Comune of Santa Marina, which is 5 kilometres away.

Places of interest nearby include Capitello, Scario, Sapri, San Giovanni a Piro and Lentiscosa, while Naples Airport is 194 kilometres away and reachable by car in two hours and 3 minutes.

Policastro, Campania

Policastro, Campania

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Policastro - frazione di Santa Marina

Comune: Santa Marina
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Province: Salerno​

Region: Campania

Close by: Capitello, Scario, Sapri, San Giovanni a Piro, Lentiscosa

Fly to: Naples International Airport - 2 hrs 3 mins by car (194 km)

Recommended accommodation: ​Tenuta Terre di Bosco (6 km)

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What People Ask About Policastro, Campania

Is Policastro worth visiting?

Yes, Policastro is worth visiting for its historic centre, harbour, and sandy beaches. It is a gateway to the Cilento Coast and combines seaside relaxation with history dating back to Roman times.

How do I get to Policastro?

Policastro can be reached by car via the SS18 Tirrena Inferiore road or by train, as it has its own railway station on the Naples–Reggio Calabria line. The nearest larger city is Sapri, about 10 km to the south.

What are the main attractions in Policastro?

Main attractions include the old town walls, the Cathedral of Santa Maria Assunta, and the marina. Policastro is also known for its beaches, which are popular in summer, and for its proximity to the Cilento and Vallo di Diano National Park.

When is the best time to visit Policastro?

The best time to visit Policastro is between May and September, when the beaches are most appealing and ferry connections along the Cilento Coast are active. July and August are the busiest months, while late spring and early autumn are quieter.

How long should I stay in Policastro?

A two- to three-day stay is ideal to explore Policastro’s historic centre, marina, and beaches. Visitors often use it as a base to explore other towns along the Gulf of Policastro and the Cilento Coast.

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Related links

Things to see in Campania

Beach Resorts of Campania

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Discover

Discover Policastro

Policastro is a coastal town in the province of Salerno, located on the Gulf of Policastro within the Cilento and Vallo di Diano National Park. Forming part of the municipality of Santa Marina, it lies at the mouth of the Bussento River, surrounded by low hills and stretches of sandy beach. The town’s grid-like layout and ancient walls reflect its origins as a Greek and later Roman settlement, giving it a distinctive historical depth within the southern Cilento area.
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Among its most notable landmarks are the Cathedral of Santa Maria Assunta, with early Christian foundations and later medieval additions, and sections of the Norman-Aragonese fortifications that still mark the historic centre. The harbour continues to serve local fishing boats and small craft, while the nearby waterfront attracts visitors during the summer months. Policastro’s location near Capitello, Scario, and Torre Orsaia places it within one of the most naturally beautiful and historically layered stretches of coastline in southern Campania.

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Things to Do

Things to Do in Policastro

• Spiaggia di Policastro is a wide, pebbly beach with sections of fine gravel and clear, calm waters. Located along the Gulf of Policastro, it includes free-access areas and lidos with summer facilities. The beach is backed by low vegetation and has views of the surrounding hills and coastline.
  
• Lungomare and Waterfront Area follow the shoreline and offer benches, walking paths, and views across the gulf. The promenade connects different parts of the town and is used for evening strolls, especially during summer events and markets.
  
• Cattedrale di Santa Maria Assunta stands in the heart of the old town and dates back to the medieval period, with later Baroque modifications. The cathedral features a plain stone façade and a bell tower, with a vaulted interior and religious artworks from the local area.
  
• Centro Storico di Policastro retains elements of its medieval layout, including stone buildings, narrow lanes, and remains of the town walls and gates. Small piazzas, family-run shops, and churches add to the historical atmosphere, all within walking distance of the beach.
  
• Porto di Policastro is a small harbour used by fishing boats and pleasure craft, located near the main promenade. It serves as a point of departure for boat trips along the Cilento coast and includes a breakwater used for walking and views across the bay.
  

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Tours and Activities

Policastro Tours and Activities

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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

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How to Get to [Place Name]

How to Get to Policastro

By Rail: Policastro has its own train station on the Naples–Reggio Calabria line, served by Trenitalia. There are direct regional trains from Naples (approximately 2 hours 15 minutes) and Salerno (around 1 hour 20 minutes). The station is located close to the town centre, within walking distance of most accommodation.

By Road: Policastro is situated on the SS18 coastal road, approximately 130 kilometres southeast of Salerno (around 2 hours by car) and 185 kilometres from Naples (about 2 hours 45 minutes). The town has public car parks near the seafront and main piazza, with additional roadside parking available nearby.

Nearest International Airports:
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• Naples International Airport: Located roughly 190 kilometres away (about 2 hours 45 minutes by car). From the airport, travellers can connect by train via Napoli Centrale or use a private transfer.
• Salerno – Costa d'Amalfi Airport: Around 140 kilometres from Policastro (approximately 2 hours by car). It operates limited seasonal routes and is best suited for private transport connections.

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Private Transfers

Policastro Private Transfers

A private transfer offers a comfortable and convenient way to travel to or from Policastro, providing a direct and stress-free journey without the need to drive or rely on public transport. You’ll be collected from your chosen location and taken straight to your destination by a professional local driver.

Both Naples International Airport and Salerno – Costa d’Amalfi Airport are within reach by road, making private transfers a practical choice for arrivals and departures. Transfers can also be arranged to nearby destinations such as Sapri, Villammare, and Capitello, or to other towns and resorts along the Cilento Coast and Gulf of Policastro.
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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.

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