The Cilento of Untamed Nature
Day 1 – Pertosa-Auletta Caves and Rafting on the Tanagro River
The adventure begins beneath the earth’s surface. The Pertosa-Auletta Caves offer a unique underground experience: the exploration starts aboard a small boat gliding along the waters of the Negro River, surrounded by the silence of the cavern. Vast chambers, winding passages, stalactites and stalagmites reveal a geological history stretching back thousands of years, enriched by traces of Bronze Age settlements.
In the afternoon, the scenery changes completely. The Tanagro River invites visitors to experience the thrill of rafting through rapids and peaceful stretches, crossing spectacular canyons and lush riverside forests.
📌 Advance booking for the caves is required. Admission may also include access to the Soil Museum and the Speleo-Archaeological Museum.
💡The temperature inside the caves remains constant at around 15°C (59°F) with high humidity; non-slip footwear and a light jacket are recommended. For rafting, bring swimwear, a towel, and suitable water shoes.
Day 2 – Morigerati and the Bussento Caves
The journey continues to Morigerati, a village that protects one of the area's most precious ecosystems. Here, the WWF Bussento Caves Oasis showcases one of Italy’s most spectacular karst phenomena: after flowing underground for several kilometres, the Bussento River dramatically re-emerges from a magnificent rock cave. A trail carved into the rock leads through mosses, ferns and natural pools of crystal-clear, icy water, offering a refreshing stop surrounded by nature.
💡Spring is the ideal season to visit, when the river is at its fullest and the surrounding vegetation is at its most vibrant.
Day 3 – Capelli di Venere Waterfall and Monte Cervati
In Casaletto Spartano, nature becomes poetry at the Capelli di Venere (Venus' Hair) Waterfall. The waters of the Bussentino River cascade gently over soft beds of moss and maidenhair ferns, creating shimmering patterns reminiscent of flowing hair. It is a place of complete tranquillity, where the soothing sound of the waterfalls invites quiet contemplation.
Optional extension: for those seeking a mountain challenge, Monte Cervati awaits. At 1,898 metres (6,227 ft), it is the highest peak in Campania. The hike crosses alpine meadows and limestone ridges, rewarding visitors with sweeping views that extend from the Gulf of Policastro to the peaks of the Pollino National Park. Sturdy hiking boots and plenty of water are essential.
📌 As an alternative or an addition, the Alburni Mountains, often called the "Dolomites of Southern Italy", offer a dramatic landscape enhanced by the Castelcivita Caves, an extensive cave system stretching for kilometres into the heart of the mountain.
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