Food festivals and events in Cilento 2026
“Birthplace of the Mediterranean Diet, Cilento is a mosaic of coastal villages and hilltop towns where gastronomic tradition is a UNESCO heritage.”
Mediterranean Diet
Upcoming Events
No events scheduled in Cilento at the moment.
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.
Discovering the territory
Products, traditions and culture that make this land unique
Prodotti del Territorio
Olio Cilento
Extra virgin oil from Pisciottana, Rotondella, Ogliarola and Salella cultivars.
Carciofo di Paestum
Round and tender artichoke, cultivated in the Paestum plain.
Prized chestnut from the Cilento hills.
Soppressata di Gioi
Presidio Slow FoodArtisanal cured meat from the village of Gioi, aged in natural cellars.
Piatti della Tradizione
Tradizioni e Cultura
Patrimoni UNESCO
Parco del Cilento con Paestum, Velia e Certosa di Padula
Cultural heritage that includes Greek temples, Roman ruins and the monumental Certosa.
Patrimonio CulturaleDieta Mediterranea
UNESCO intangible heritage, with Pioppi recognized as the cradle of the Mediterranean Diet.
Patrimonio ImmaterialeTradizioni Popolari
Processioni a mare dei pescatori
Tradition of Cilento's fishing villages with processions on decorated boats.
Dieta Mediterranea
The tradition of the Mediterranean Diet as a daily lifestyle, UNESCO heritage since 2010.
Parchi e Aree Naturali
Parco Nazionale del Cilento, Vallo di Diano e Alburni
Italy's second largest national park by area.
Area Marina Protetta di Santa Maria di Castellabate
Crystal-clear waters and seabeds rich in biodiversity.
Area Marina Costa degli Infreschi e della Masseta
Unspoiled coastal stretch in southern Cilento.
Personaggi Illustri
Ancel Keys
PhysiologistLived in Pioppi and discovered the Mediterranean Diet by studying the longevity of Cilento's inhabitants.
Parmenide
PhilosopherPre-Socratic philosopher born in Elea (present-day Velia) in the 5th century B.C.
Lo Sapevi Che…
“The Pertosa-Auletta Caves are the only caves in Europe navigable on an underground river.”
Domande Frequenti
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.