Cilento Coast Cycling Tour
Coast, Caves, Climbs and Cucina. The true La Dolce Vita.
Overview of Our Cilento Coast Cycling Tour
Savour la dolce vita with us in one of Italy’s best kept secrets – the Cilento Coast.
As a haven for cyclists and adventure seekers, this region’s beauty lies in the symbiosis of its natural landscape nestled between sea and mountains, and its wild, untouched and lush vegetation that is at the centre of its pure Mediterranean lifestyle. As the official home of the Mediterranean diet, this region and its ‘Cucina Cilentana’ effortlessly blends healthy cuisine, culture and lifestyle with the rhythms of nature – and its secret is in the absence of time. The concept of ‘slow’ has been here a long time and it’s this profound relationship experienced daily that feeds body, mind and soul.
Our Cilento cycling tour takes you from the rugged mountains and sandy beaches of Paestum, the home of 7th century Greek temples, along a coastline of dramatic beauty with rocky ridges set between small, picturesque inlets and grottoes and with the deep blue, crystal clear Mediterranean waters always in view. On quiet roads, we’ll encounter charming fishing villages and picturesque bays, enjoy interactions with cuisine artisans and cultural ambassadors, and stay in medieval hilltop towns where it feels like time has stood still. We’ll dive into the pristine waters of the Mediterranean sea post ride and enjoy unwinding and rejuvenating in Maratea, our final destination and seaside haven.
From coast to cucina, we invite you to join us on our very special Cilento cycling tour, where we’ll experience the true meaning of slow travel and embrace la vera dolce vita – the real dolce vita.
Cilento Coast Cycling Tour Itinerary
Cilento is a paradise for cyclists and active adventurers looking for an authentic coastal cycling tour in Italy – without the crowds.
Our daily program takes you on guided rides from the plains of Paestum, along a dramatic coastline of rocky cliffs and sandy bays, and into the hills, mountains and hilltop towns of the Cilento National Park and neighbouring Maratea. We’ll experience the wild, unspoilt and peaceful nature of this very special area of southern Italy.
Complementing the cycling adventure on the bike, each day presents multi-adventure options for non-riders and some post-ride options for cyclists wanting to experience swimming in enchanting bays and sea kayaking in crystal clear waters and into ancient grottoes and caves.
With lunch stops in the home of the Mediterranean diet, at the cantinas of producers for special tastings, and in hamlets and harbours where slow food reflects the region’s ancient way of living, our Cilento cycling holiday will see you enjoy every moment of the region’s natural blend of natura and cucina – and of learning the art of living, the Mediterranean way.
The Buffalo WayAfter a welcome and ride briefing, and a fine tuning of your bike set-up, we’ll roll out of the hotel by 11.30am..
This is the perfect loop to introduce you to the Cilento, blow the cobwebs from your legs after your travels and make the fine adjustments to the set up with your hire bikes.
We’ll roll past the very well preserved Greek temples of Paestum, before heading towards the mountain, along quiet backroads and past the flat agricultural land where grapes, pepper and cime di rape grow effortlessly.
We’ll take in a coffee at one of the little villages that sit on the side of the hill before we turn and head for the sea, with a superb winding and free flowing decent on our way to a quintessential local lunch at a Caseficio (buffalo mozzarella cheese producer).
This is not only a delicious food experience, it’s also the beginning of our immersion into the slow food, mediterranean diet and lifestyle that the region of Campania is famous for.
Distance: 55.7km | 34.6mi
Elevation: 1106m | 3628’
Terrazza del CilentoRolling out this morning, we’ll start with a beautiful 5km descent and then a warm-up roll through the flat farming land, before we take our one long climb for the day. This is a superb loop that sees the landscape change from abundant farms to green forests along roads that hang to the edge of the mountains, and up through more of the rugged rock strewn hills dotted with large granite boulders, before our final 300metre pinch to the top with an average gradient of 19.8%!
Distance: 62.4km | 38.7mi
Elevation: 1369m | 4491’
Off to the BeachWe’ll start the day with another descent, and then bounce along the undulating rural farm roads before we hit the coast. From here, we have the stunning Mediterranean sea by our side for the rest of the day, as we roll through quiet hamlets where it feels like time has been forgotten and along deserted roads that cling to the edge of the cliffs. As the hills and cliffs flatten to long stretches of sandy beaches, we’ll reach Pioppi, the home of the Mediterranean diet, where we’ll stop for a mid ride lunch by the sea, slow food style. After taking time to enjoy lunch, and the bella vista, we’ll keep pushing south on the main coastal road and enjoy the twists, turns, amazing vistas and ever so slight elevation, as we roll up to our new medieval hamlet and home for the next two days.
Distance: 86km | 53.4mi
Elevation: 1307m | 4288‘
Blue Grottoes and Limestone MountainsAfter a leisurely breakfast on the terrace sitting above a sea of olive trees and with magical views to the Mediterranean, you’ll set off on the bike and head up into the hills, passing through many of the little mountainside hamlets on our way to the lush green plateau and a small village for our mid ride espresso. After a loop of the picturesque village, you’ll enjoy a beautiful winding descent through olive groves and fruit trees, with vistas to the sea. Pure Mediterranean magic!
Distance: 55km | 34‘
Elevation: 1433m | 4700‘
Mediterranean HeavenToday we are on the move to our final location. And what a ride!
The route is a perfectly balanced mix of climbing up quiet hairpin laden roads, descending through rugged landscapes and rustic villages, and spending more than half the day with ocean by your side and with the stunning landscapes and mesmerising colours of the sea, to keep you company. This will be a day on the bike that will be unforgettable.
Distance: 74.7km | 46.4
Elevation: 1355m | 4445’
Maratea MagicOur ride is short and sharp, and goes up from the first pedal stroke, as we take in the first hairpin laden hill on our way to our morning coffee stop in the beautiful town of Maratea, nestled into the side of a hill. You’ll get the chance to soak up the beauty of this little hamlet over a macchiato before taking on the second hill which takes you up to the imposing and magnificent statue of Christ the Redeemer at San Biagio. Take the time to photograph the amazing statue, the incredible architectural feat of the road and the mesmerising landscape of majestic mountains that fall into the intoxicating sapphire sea. Your final 15km is a delightful undulating descent with a landscape that defies belief at every turn, followed by a final thrilling descent down to the sea, and our seaside villa. The perfect start to the day!
Distance: 35km | 21‘
Elevation: 1024m | 3360‘
Into Calabria We GoWe’ll make our way along an esplanade of endless, sun drenched beach clubs made famous by the Giro in 2026, as we roll to an ancient little hamlet for our mid ride coffee. After fuelling up, we’ll set off again to explore more of the Calabrian hills and the stunning vistas from up high, before enjoying a very local Calabrese beach side lunch. Our final ride segment after lunch along a stunning stretch of coast, provides a fitting finale to a week of amazing riding.
Distance: 57.3km | 35.6‘
Elevation: 1004m | 3294‘
Buon ViaggioToday you’ll have your final swim and enjoy a leisurely breakfast. We say goodbye to the beautiful shores of the Cilento Coast, transferring to the local train station for your onward journey.
Grazie e buon viaggio!
Pricing & Dates
Show Price As
8395
per person twin share / Maximum 14 guests
2026
2027
Want to enjoy an amazing riding experience in Campania, Italy, on your very own tour? Ask us about a privately run tour for your group.
Start Location & Details
City: Paestum, Italy
Pick Up Location: Paestum Train Station
Pick Up Time: 9:00am
Finish Location & Details
City: Maratea, Italy
Drop Off Location: Maratea Train Station
Drop Off Time: 10:00am
Inclusions & Details
Accommodation & Meals
- Our Cilento Coast Cycling tours include 7 nights accommodation, twin share with private bathroom.
- Single occupancy available. Talk to us when booking
- All breakfasts
- Lunches
- All dinners at a range of our favourite restaurants and osteria’s, including local wines at each dinner*
- *wine provided at dinner is to accompany meals / beverages ordered by guests will incur additional charges
Ride Support
- Professional bilingual guides with extensive cycling experience, local knowledge and first aid experience, ensuring your active experiences are truly local and take in many of the undiscovered back roads of this diverse region.
- Unique GPS routes, provided on tour as part of our cycling tours on the Cilento Coast
- Support van on daily rides, with mechanical support and your safety as our priority.
- Nutritious snacks and water are provided
Transfers & Activities
- All transfers / transportation from pick up to drop off, including baggage and bike transportation.
- Entrance fees to sites and tours / activities are included in the multi-adventure program for non riders.
Ride / Hike Kit
- 2 piece, Italian made A’QTO Cycling Kit including jersey and bib shorts for guests riding 5+ days.
- Laundry for your cycling and adventure activity clothing.
Not Included
- Airfare.
- Bike hire.
- Travel & International Medical Insurance
- Guide Gratuities
- Specific gels and energy bars
Bike Hire & Gear
Carbon Road Bike with Electronic Shifting
You can choose to hire a Wilier Cento 10SL carbon road bike with Sram Rival Etap, a compact crankset, with a 32 rear cassette & disc brakes.
Carbon Road Bike with Mechanical Shifting
You can choose to hire a Bianchi Sprint with mechanical Shimano Ultegra groupset, a compact crankset, with a 32 rear cassette & disc brakes.
Non Riding Partners
As part of our Cilento Coast cycling holiday, non-riding partners enjoy an active and dedicated multi-adventure program. From enjoying the Coast’s stunning natural wonders to its deep cultural tradition and home of The Mediterranean Diet, the program is designed to deliver a diverse range of multi-adventure and cultural activities, and a holistic wellness experience of the Cilento Coast.
You’ll enjoy stunning coastal hikes and adventures into the National Park, water-based activities including options for kayaking, SUP, snorkelling and swimming along this magical stretch of coastline and a traditional cooking class showcasing why the Cilento is the official home of the Mediterranean diet. With an itinerary curated by Nancy and delivered together with a range of partners and guides whom she personally selects, non-riding partners experience the beauty and uniqueness of each area we visit and a holiday on the Cilento Coast you’ll never forget.
As our non-riding partner program is a multi-sport active adventure, there is a minimum walking and swimming requirement for non-riding guests for each day on tour. Please enquire when booking.
Accommodation
Enjoy our personally selected range of typical Cilento Coast accommodation. From staying in charming family run villas in the hills with magnificent views over the Mediterranean sea, to historic palazzi in some of the region’s most beautiful towns, and renowned hotels dedicated to creating an experiential journey into nature and the discovery of a new dimension of time and freedom. This diverse experience immerses you into the natural and cultural wonders of the Cilento and Maratea across 7 nights on your cycling tour.
Food & Wine
The traditional cuisine of the Cilento is influenced by its deep history and rich traditions rooted in rural ‘peasant’ life, with its location nestled between the mountains and the sea, in the southern region of Campania, Italy. As the ‘official’ home of the Mediterranean diet, la ‘cucina cilentana’ is healthy, environmentally sustainable, supportive of local producers and traditions, and above all, ‘slow’. In fact, the concepts of ‘km zero’, ‘organic’ and ‘slow food’ have lived and breathed here for centuries, and the secret ingredient to the cuisine is a blend of ‘taking time’ and being present to the rhythms of nature and the seasons.
Join us for a culinary adventure through the heart of Cilento, where the flavours of the Mediterranean dance on your palate and the ancient traditions and methods remain as part of life today. Thanks to the great variety of locally grown fruits and vegetables, these are at the basis of the traditional cooking of Cilento, together with locally produced olive oil, legumes, fresh cheeses including the buffalo mozzarella and cacioricotta, and freshly caught fish from coastal towns. Some iconic dishes we’ll enjoy on tour include the local Ciambotta (a mixed vegetable stew), Lagane pasta with chickpeas, anchovies in a range of ways including marinated, as fritters and as a tortino (or egg based flan), stuffed eggplants, fresh seafood and the local Cavatelli pasta with ragu. Accompanied by a range of local wines coming from the southern coastal hills of the region, kissed by the sun and lulled by the sea breeze, we’ll enjoy a range of white varieties including Fiano, Greco, White Malvasia and Trebbiano Toscano, and those used in the production of red Cilento DOC of Aglianico, Piedirosso, Primitivo and Sangiovese.
Why Choose Us
We have extensive experience delivering an unforgettable Cilento Coast cycling tour and adventure experience in Italy.
Our small-group tours mean that you are getting expert guidance, personalised support, and a truly authentic experience.
What makes our Cilento Cycling tour unique:
- Expertise: We have over 10 years of guiding riders through Italy’s most iconic cycling regions, ensuring an authentic and unforgettable experience.
- Small group sizes: We limit our group sizes to 14 people. This means you will have a fully personalised riding experience with one guide for every 4-5 riders and full van support.
- Authentic food and culture: We take you to our favourite local so you can enjoy authentic Italian food, with access to hidden local gems off the tourist path.
- Safety: Experienced guides, support, and well-planned routes ensure you can relax and enjoy your cycling experience.
- Unforgettable memories: from the incredible scenery, the daily reward of challenging climbs, to the authentic off-the-bike experience, you’ll return home with memories to last a lifetime.
- More than cycling: our multi-adventure program for non riders allows partners to participate in a fully active program, and also offers cyclists with options post ride. With coastal cycling, swimming and kayaking as options for all guests, you can choose to cycle each day as a regular cycling tour experience or enjoy a more comprehensive experience to explore the rugged mountains, hidden sea caves, and ancient coastal paths of Cilento from every perspective - with hikes and water activities.
Testimonials
I’LL BE COMING BACK FOR MORE
I was blown away by the whole Puglia experience & how your love & passion for Italy comes through in every part of the experience. I was after a cycling tour but got much more. Your kind heart & generosity & the fact I now consider you both wonderful friends means I’ll be coming back for more, here in Italy and back home.
Frequently Asked Questions
Our Cycling + Multi-Adventure tours offer the best of both! It includes all the best parts of our regular cycling tours, along with opportunities for additional activities, including kayaking and hiking, should you choose. It is perfect for those who are passionate about cycling and just want to ride each day, as well as offering guests who enjoy a variety of activities on their cycling + multi-sport holiday.
While the Amalfi Coast is undoubtedly iconic and we absolutely love it, the Cilento Coast offers a more off-the-beaten path alternative. Here, you’ll find significantly quieter roads that are safer and more enjoyable for cycling and still a beautiful, dramatic coastline – without the heavy traffic and tourist crowds. We think it’s the perfect cycling holiday destination for cyclists who are looking for a quieter, less travelled alternative to the Amalfi Coast, with still stunning coastal roads, authentic towns and pristine sea.
To experience the region at its most vibrant, we recommend travelling during early summer (June) and Autumn (September to October).
In June, the days are long and warm (but not oppressive), with the temperature typically sitting between 25°C and 28°C, making it perfect for active days. The full rush of summer tourism has yet to arrive, allowing for much quieter days on the coastal roads.
September is our favourite time for the Cilento and Southern regions (and it’s why we choose to host our Cilento tour for this time of year). Once the school year resumes in mid-September, the crowds thin out. The weather is still pleasant at around 26°C and 27°C, making for beautiful riding temperatures and perfect conditions for a post-ride swim.
You can read our blog post to find out more about the best times to cycle in Italy.
Have More Questions About Our Cilento Coast Cycling + Multi-Adventure Tour?
See our FAQs page for answers to common questions.
