I went to beautiful Italian paradise that has new British Airways flights – and found pretty towns away from the crowds
I'm at Cilento in Volo, a zip-line experience in the picturesque town of Trentinara, in south-western Italy.
Sitting a little south of the Amalfi Coast, this area is stunning.
5
5
5
And I should know. After all, I have just taken it all in from a bird's eye viewpoint reaching thrilling heights of 985ft amid the coastal mountains, rolling hills and forests of Cilento National Park.
And it's now easier than ever to reach this region, in the province of Salerno, with British Airways having recently added a new BA Euroflyer (Gatwick short-haul) route to Salerno Costa d'Amalfi Airport.
Luckily, this slice of Italian paradise is not overpopulated with tourists like its widely known neighbours, Positano, Ravello and Sorrento.
So when I'm back on solid ground, I'm able to take in the sights of charming Trentinara away from the crowds.
Also known as the 'town of love', thanks to an ancient legend about doomed lovers, Trentinara has plenty to offer along its historic stone streets and winding alleyways (that are particularly appealing at sunset).
Among them, you'll find the warmly welcoming Paolino 848 — a wine bar and restaurant serving platters of antipasto, cheese with truffle honey (a revelation), filled focaccia and hearty meatballs.
I leave contentedly stuffed.
Trentinara's hill-top position means its panoramic piazza offers unbeatable views over the Cilento Coast and the Gulf of Salerno.
Just a 20-minute drive away is Paestum, a fascinating archaeological park and a must-see.
7 TOURIST DESTINATIONS - EVERGREEN LISTICLE
Here, in what was once a major ancient city founded by Greek colonists before it was captured by the Romans, stand three of the world's best-preserved ancient Greek temples.
I position myself alongside the columns of one of them, the magnificent Tempio di Nettuno, for a true sense of scale — and it dwarfs me.
The columns somewhat remind me of those in the lobby of the Savoy Hotel & Spa Paestum, not far from here, where I am staying.
Nestled among pine groves, just steps from the Tyrrhenian Sea, it's the perfect base for exploring.
It even has its own Beach Club 93, with plush cabanas, loungers, a pool, bar, restaurant and a private, sandy beach.
This 7,500sq ft sanctuary offers three temperature-controlled pools, a salt cave, ice room, Turkish bath and a number of treatment options. Within seconds in this space, I'm totally at ease
Sipping a cocktail here at sunset, gazing out across the sea, I've never felt more content. Apart from when I'm in the hotel's Holos Spa.
You'll hear dolphins
This 7,500sq ft sanctuary offers three temperature-controlled pools, a salt cave (if you dip your head under the water you'll hear dolphins), ice room, Turkish bath and a number of treatment options. Within seconds in this space, I'm totally at ease.
5
For dinner, there's a relaxed eatery, Bistrot Olivella, as well as a stunning Michelin-starred restaurant, Tre Olivi, which focuses on delicious ingredients from the hotel's impressive kitchen garden — my dining experience is unforgettable.
If you'd rather head out for food, the nearby La Dispensa di San Salvatore offers farm-to-table dining featuring the freshest fare from the San Salvatore farm. In the kitchen, Italian nonnas, make seasonal, sustainable dishes as their own mothers and grandmothers once did.
Nonna Lucia walks out to the sunny dining terrace where I'm sat and it's here, at the end of a group table, that she makes and shapes the fresh pasta that I'll soon be savouring (along with bowls of fresh salads, helpings of the finest buffalo mozzarella and wines including San Salvatore's award-winning Vetere rosé).
This is Italian food made with passion, freshness and authenticity.
No visit to Cilento is complete without a trip to the enchanting hilltop town of Castellabate.
Alleyways and cobbled streets weave through its ancient walls and its famed terrace offers panoramic views across the coastline and nearby villages.
5
It's from the nearby postcard-pretty fishing port, San Marco di Castellabate, that I take a boat trip along that coastline — calm turquoise waters, alluring beaches and haze-kissed mountains. San Marco's picturesque sister town, Santa Maria di Castellabate, is worth seeing too.
I can safely say this extraordinary region of southern Italy has wowed me on all fronts from every angle. Even upside down.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
BBC News
37 minutes ago
- BBC News
How to holiday safely this summer under the Mediterranean sun
The Mediterranean is synonymous with sunshine, but intensifying heatwaves are spoiling holidays and even claiming lives. Here's how you can still enjoy its stunning destinations – safely. Georgia Fowkes considered herself a seasoned traveller. As an advisor for Altezza Travel, she was used to navigating sweltering environments, from East Africa to Southern California. But surrounded by whitewashed buildings and ancient ruins in Greece while dripping with sweat, she was miserable. "A European heatwave hits differently," she said. "The kind [of heat] that cancels your plans, fries your brain and makes you rethink why you booked a rooftop hotel in July." In recent years, many of the Mediterranean's iconically sunny destinations like Italy, Greece, France and Spain have become increasingly besieged by devastating heatwaves, leading unsuspecting tourists to come up with creative solutions to keep cool."Our hotel had AC technically, but it groaned like a dying fan and gave up by mid-afternoon," said Fowkes. "The tap water came out warm. There were no blackout curtains. I tried sleeping with a wet towel on my chest and a bottle of frozen water under my knees and still woke up dizzy. At one point, I moved my pillow to the stairwell and lay on the tiles like a Victorian fainting lady because that was the only surface remotely cool." Travellers wandering through the Mediterranean's winding alleyways and descending on its turquoise seas this summer have found little reprieve; several scorching heatwaves have already brought record-busting temperatures, leading to a spike in heat-related health problems and even deaths across Europe. "The line of the tropics has literally moved," explained Nick Cavanaugh, a climate scientist and founder of Sensible Weather, a climate risk technology company. "There are all these circulation patterns around the world and the ones that surround the tropics are actually growing." More extreme temperatures are predicted across southern Europe this weekend, just as the European holiday season comes to its peak. Dr Olalekan Otulana, a doctor at Cassiobury Court in the UK feels that tourists may be particularly susceptible to overheating, as many of the activities that travellers enjoy on holiday, such as walking tours through cobblestoned villages, long nature hikes and wine tastings, can exacerbate heat-related illnesses. "Extreme heat can be deceptively dangerous," he said. "Especially when people are on holiday and naturally more relaxed about their usual routines." Short of taking your summer holidays further north, here are some expert travel tips for enjoying the Mediterranean sunshine – safely. Choose your accommodations wisely It's not uncommon to find businesses, Airbnbs and even train stations in southern Europe that are completely without air conditioning – a fact that might take many non-European travellers by surprise. "Electricity has always been very expensive in Italy," said Andrea Moradei, founder of Vinarium, a Florence-based wine and culture tourism company. "We all grew up trying to conserve energy. You learn from a young age to only keep the windows open from late evening until 21:00. You use shutters and curtains [to keep cool during the day.]." Moradei recommended that travellers to southern Europe choose accommodations that stay cool naturally – like historical structures made of stone or brick, which were designed to absorb heat during the day, or hilltop lodgings that feature exterior shutters and cross ventilation for night-time air flow. Do as the locals do – relax after lunch The hours after lunchtime are often the hottest of the day, which offer travellers an invitation to embrace their inner Mediterranean and take a siesta, or break. "As [we do] in many Mediterranean countries, try to limit your activities in the afternoon," Moradei advised. "You can't fill your days with so many different activities because it's too hot. Take a cue from the locals… let some of the hours of the day slip away." In Spain, Italy and Greece, many shops and restaurants close after lunch (typically until 17:00) while residents retreat to the quiet of their homes. Hanging out in your hotel may seem like a waste of precious holiday time, but even a quick power nap can improve your stamina; crucial when dealing with debilitating heat. Taking a siesta doesn't have to mean sleeping, either. In Italy, the lazy post-prandial hours are referred to as the pausa pranzo (lunch break) and are seen as a way to recharge during a demanding day and, on weekends, digest an epic lunch. Catch up on your reading or plot your next meals. Smart sightseeing While it's tempting to pack in as many activities as possible on holiday – especially if you only have a few days abroad – experts recommend adopting a leisurely, energy-conserving pace and prioritising indoor activities during the worst heat of the day. When Whitney Haldeman – founder of Atlas Adventures, a luxury travel group for women – faced extreme heat on one of her trips to southern France, she said the group "shifted sightseeing to earlier in the morning, prioritised long lunches in spots with shade or aircon, built in daily rest time and leaned into slower, more sensory experiences: like wine tastings in cool cellars or floating in the hotel pool." Museums and historic churches are generally well-ventilated, so you can still come face to face with ancient relics and religious treasures without putting yourself at risk. Know the signs of heatstroke Nothing spoils a holiday like an unexpected visit to an emergency health clinic, so recognising the danger signs of heat exhaustion can be crucial. "With heat exhaustion, people may notice feeling dizzy, excessively sweating or feeling nauseous," said Dr Otulana. "If it progresses to heat stroke, symptoms become more serious and can include confusion and loss of consciousness as well as severe headache. There can also be a lack of sweating despite feeling hot. The body's temperature regulation system essentially shuts down and their temperature can rise above 40C, which risks organ damage." Otulana advises that travellers drink water regularly, even if they're feeling well. "Hydration is critical," said Dr Otulana. "So, maintain consistent fluid intake throughout the day." Haldeman recalled how her tour group frantically sought relief during their French holiday. "Hydration tablets, portable fans and breezy natural fabrics became essential," she said. "One guest brought a battery-powered fan we all envied by day two [of our trip]." It may be tempting to brush off heatstroke warnings – particularly if you are visiting the Mediterranean expressly to enjoy its famous sunshine. But "extreme heat hijacks your whole trip", Fowkes cautions after her own bout with the region's extreme weather. "I [don't] care how pretty the view is – everyone did the same shuffle: find mist machines, hide in grocery stores, count down the hours until after dark. We weren't sightseeing. We were surviving." --
The Sun
2 hours ago
- The Sun
Secret tunnel city stretching 985ft below Rome is uncovered after vast labyrinth was sealed more than a century ago
A STUNNING piece of Rome's past has been uncovered after being sealed off more than a century ago. This network of dimly lit tunnels under the Capitoline Hill could soon become the latest attraction in the history-rich city. 5 5 5 5 "No one has seen these caves and tunnels for more than a century," archaeologist Ersilia D'Ambrosio told CNN. The secret underground city covers some 42,000 square feet under the Ancient Roman Forum - and reaches depths of 985 feet below the surface. Known as the Grottino del Campidoglio, these tunnels were mostly sealed off nearly a century ago on the orders of dictator Benito Mussolini. But work is now underway that will see them become another must-visit site for Rome's tourists. It is expected to be open for visitors from late 2026 or early 2027, CNN has reported. Before they were sealed off, the tunnel network had been an integral part of the city since the days of Ancient Rome. They were further developed in the Middle Ages and were in use as recently as the 1920s. "The area has never before been opened to the public as it will be," D'Ambrosio told CNN. "It was utilised by the population, used as warehouses, shops, taverns, but never as a site to visit as it will be." The tunnels bear signs of the one thriving communities they housed, including shops, taverns and restaurants. Some parts of the network are lined with bricks, which the broadcaster says shows signs of development and use in the 19th century. Work to make the tunnels ready to receive tourists and visitors is currently underway. Archaeologists had used laser scanning to map the spaces through out the vast complex. "The proposed interventions are aimed, on the one hand, at safeguarding the monument, through the restoration and safety of the structures, and, on the other, at enhancing its accessibility and usability, which is currently extremely limited," a spokesperson for project lead Insula architecture group said. "The Campidoglio Grottoes project envisions conservative restoration and enhancement of the underground passageways and cavities that wind through the hill, crossing it in various directions and on multiple levels." This work includes managing the release radon gas, which comes from the area's volcanic rock. It will see specialist filters installed at the site to ensure it is safe. There will also be a museum space on the upper level, as well as disabled access for visitors. Artefacts that were discovered during past excavations are being brought down to the complex so they can be studied there. "To an archaeologist everything is interesting," D'Ambrosia told CNN. The tunnels are believed to have had a wide range of uses throughout their long and fascinating history. They are said to have first been used as stone quarries and then as water cisterns - before featuring residential and commercial structures. In one part of the tunnels, it is even possible to see the foundations of the Temple of Jupiter. 5
Scottish Sun
5 hours ago
- Scottish Sun
World's best holiday cities revealed and three of them are only two hours from the UK
Plus, here's what Deputy Travel Editor Kara Godfrey thought when she visited one CITIES OF DREAMS World's best holiday cities revealed and three of them are only two hours from the UK Click to share on X/Twitter (Opens in new window) Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) THREE of the world's best cities are just a few hours away from the UK, offering sun and beautiful sights. Florence, Seville and Porto all won big at the Travel + Leisure Awards 2025 - and you can get to all three of them in just over two hours from the UK. Sign up for Scottish Sun newsletter Sign up 7 Florence came in a number 11 when it comes to the world's best cities Credit: Alamy 7 The Ponte Vecchio in Florence has beautiful views and is great for a picture Credit: Getty Travel + Leisure readers voted for their favourite worldwide cities, and Florence came in at number 11 with a reader score of 90.08 out of 100. Voters praised the capital of Tuscany for its shopping, quality of hotels as well as artistic treasures. There was an honourable mention of the Ponte Vecchio for its incredible views. Florence is considered a romantic city, full of beautiful architecture like the Duomo cathedral, which has its own piazza. It's the ideal destination for art lovers too as its home to work by Michelangelo, Botticelli and Leonardo da Vinci. Just because it's a hub of culture, doesn't mean that it's necessarily costly. In fact in Florence you can pick up slices for pizza for €1.50 (£1.30) and pasta dishes from €5 (£4.33). Florence is 80 miles inland, but you could still be at the beach in an hour and a half. Or even head over to Pisa which is an hour and a half by both car and rail. One Sun Travel writer travelled to Florence where she tried olive oil tasting, and checked out the famous sites. You can fly directly from London Gatwick to Florence in two hours 25 minutes. San Sebastian cider season 7 Seville is one of the most popular cities - and it two and a half hours away from the UK Credit: Alamy 7 There's plenty of beautiful architecture around the city Credit: Alamy Seville came in twelfth place with a reader score of 89.49. It was described as offering a "window on thousands of years of history" with its best site being Alcázar Palace. The Spanish city is famous for its Cathedral and Plaza de España. It's also famous for tapas, Seville orange trees and the traditional art of flamenco - if you're lucky, you'll catch some dancers in the street. Deputy Travel Editor Kara Godfrey visited the city earlier this year - and ventured out on a secret food tour in the southern district of Triana. For anyone wanting to visit Seville Cathedral, Kara discovered 100 free tickets are given out at a certain time of day. You can fly directly from London Gatwick to Seville in two hours 40 minutes. 7 Porto has plenty to offer and it's two hours and 20 minutes away from the UK Credit: Alamy 7 The city is famous for it's port production Credit: Getty Porto, in the northwest of Portugal, is little but packs a punch. The colourful city came in 24th place on the list of Top 25 best cities - and was awarded a reader score of 88.24. Porto is filled with restaurants and bars and, of course, is known for its port wine production. Readers of Travel + Leisure said they love the city because of it's "wine-soaked culture". Porto is found on the River Douro where visitors can take a boat trip or even head down it on a kayak. When one writer visited last year, he couldn't get enough of the custard tarts, or pastel de nata, which he said you can pick up on every street for around €1. And of course there are vineyards aplenty and an opportunity to do tastings all around the city. Brits can fly directly to Porto from several UK airports, including London Gatwick, which takes two hours 20 minutes. These Are The 25 Best Cities For 2025 San Miguel de Allende, Mexico Chiang Mai, Thailand Tokyo, Japan Bangkok, Thailand Jaipur, India Hoi An, Vietnam Mexico City, Mexico Kyoto, Japan Ubud, Bali Cuzco, Peru Florence, Italy Seville, Spain Granada, Spain Istanbul, Turkey Siem Reap, Cambodia Mumbai, India Cape Town, South Africa Rome, Italy Santa Fe, New Mexico Agra, India Oaxaca, Mexico Mendoza, Argentina Siena, Italy Porto, Portugal Mérida, Mexico Here are 20 of Europe's most beautiful islands that have direct flights from the UK - with the world's best beaches. Plus, the European city with £15 flights that feels like 'going to Japan without the cost'.
