Introduction
Birthplace of the Mediterranean Diet, Cilento is a mosaic of coastal villages and hilltop towns where gastronomic tradition is a UNESCO heritage.
The area boasts 6 protected-designation products and 5 dishes of the local tradition and 2 UNESCO heritage sites.
Recurring Events
These events take place every year in Cilento:
Festa del Fusillo Felittese
12-22 AgostoFelitto
Celebrazione del fusillo fatto a mano con visite alle Gole del Calore.
Festa dei Ceci
21-24 AgostoCicerale
Ricette tipiche a base di ceci del territorio.
Sagra del Pesce Azzurro
SettembrePioppi · 47+ edizioni, dal 1969
Degustazione nel borgo culla della Dieta Mediterranea.
Festa del Fico Bianco del Cilento
20-24 AgostoGiungano
Celebrazione del Fico Bianco del Cilento DOP.
PDO, PGI and local products
The protected-designation products of Cilento represent the excellence of the area:
The queen of Campania cheeses, produced in the Piana del Sele.
Superior quality dried fig, a thousand-year tradition of Cilento.
Extra virgin oil from Pisciottana, Rotondella, Ogliarola and Salella cultivars.
Round and tender artichoke, cultivated in the Paestum plain.
Prized chestnut from the Cilento hills.
Artisanal cured meat from the village of Gioi, aged in natural cellars.
What to eat in Cilento
Hand-made pasta shaped with knitting needles, typical of Felitto.
Soup of mixed legumes and cereals, a humble dish from peasant tradition.
Mozzarella wrapped in myrtle leaves to infuse it with fragrance.
Anchovies caught with traditional nets in Pisciotta, salted and preserved.
Wide home-made pasta with chickpeas, dressed with extra virgin oil.
Traditions & Culture
Tradition of Cilento's fishing villages with processions on decorated boats.
The tradition of the Mediterranean Diet as a daily lifestyle, UNESCO heritage since 2010.
UNESCO Heritage
Cultural heritage that includes Greek temples, Roman ruins and the monumental Certosa.
UNESCO intangible heritage, with Pioppi recognized as the cradle of the Mediterranean Diet.
Nature Parks & Protected Areas
Italy's second largest national park by area.
Crystal-clear waters and seabeds rich in biodiversity.
Unspoiled coastal stretch in southern Cilento.
Historical Figures
Lived in Pioppi and discovered the Mediterranean Diet by studying the longevity of Cilento's inhabitants.
Pre-Socratic philosopher born in Elea (present-day Velia) in the 5th century B.C.
Local Communities
The festivals and events in Cilento are organized by Pro Loco associations and local groups that safeguard the area's traditions:
Felitto
Custodi della tradizione del fusillo felittese, organizzano la festa annuale che attira migliaia di visitatori alle Gole del Calore.
Cicerale
Organizzano la storica Festa dei Ceci, celebrando il legume simbolo del territorio cilentano.
Pioppi
Promuovono la cultura della Dieta Mediterranea patrimonio UNESCO e organizzano la Sagra del Pesce Azzurro.
Giungano
Animano la Festa del Fico Bianco del Cilento DOP, prodotto simbolo della tradizione contadina locale.
Curiosities
“Pioppi is the 'cradle of the Mediterranean Diet', UNESCO heritage since 2010.”
“Cilento is home to the Living Museum of the Mediterranean Diet and the Living Museum of the Sea.”
“The Pertosa-Auletta Caves are the only caves in Europe navigable on an underground river.”
Frequently Asked Questions
1What PDO and PGI products are found in Cilento?expand_more
In Cilento you can find 6 protected designation products, including: Mozzarella di Bufala Campana (PDO), Fico Bianco del Cilento (PDO), Olio Cilento (PDO), Carciofo di Paestum (PGI), Marrone di Roccadaspide (PGI), Soppressata di Gioi (Slow Food Presidium).
2What should I eat in Cilento?expand_more
Typical Cilento dishes include: Fusillo felittese, Ciccimmaretati, Mozzarella nella mortella, Alici di menaica, and Lagane e ceci. Each of these dishes tells the gastronomic story of the region.
3What UNESCO heritage sites are in Cilento?expand_more
Cilento is home to 2 UNESCO heritage sites: Cilento Park with Paestum, Velia and Certosa di Padula (Cultural, 1998); Mediterranean Diet (Intangible, 2010).
4What are the most famous festivals in Cilento?expand_more
Among the most important festivals and events in Cilento: Festa del Fusillo Felittese (Felitto, August 12-22); Festa dei Ceci (Cicerale, August 21-24); Sagra del Pesce Azzurro (Pioppi, September); Festa del Fico Bianco del Cilento (Giungano, August 20-24).
5What natural parks are in Cilento?expand_more
Protected natural areas in Cilento include: Cilento, Vallo di Diano and Alburni National Park (National Park); Santa Maria di Castellabate Marine Protected Area (Marine Area); Costa degli Infreschi and della Masseta Marine Area (Marine Area).
6Who organizes the festivals in Cilento?expand_more
Festivals in Cilento are organized by local communities such as Pro Loco Felitto, Pro Loco Cicerale, Dieta Mediterranea Pioppi Association, and Pro Loco Giungano. These local organizations and associations are the guardians of the region's gastronomic traditions.