Overlooking the Tyrrhenian Sea, San Marco di Castellabate is a charming Italian village that lies within Cilento National Park. It was constructed in the ancient Roman town of Erculia and is today one of several villages within the UNESCO World Heritage-listed municipality of Castellabate.
For a day at the beach, head to Spiaggia della Grotta di San Marco, a narrow strip of sand that is nestled beneath a rocky cliff on the eastern side of the harbour. Enjoy a refreshing swim in the crystal clear waters and sunbathe on the rocks before grabbing a sundowner at the Chalet del Mare.
A short walk north will take you to Spiaggia di Marina Piccola and the Sanctuary of Holy Mary at the Sea, which has existed since at least the 12th century. The current church was built in the 1830s and features several reliefs, including one depicting the coronation of Pope Benedict XVI in Rome’s St. Peter’s Square.
Getting there
San Marco Di Castellabate is around an hour’s drive from Salerno and just under two hours from Naples International Airport. Buses travel to San Marco di Castellabate and the village is small enough to explore on foot.