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Piana del Sele
Cilento and Vallo di Diano
Paestum

Discovering the Mediterranean Diet

Discovering the Mediterranean Diet

By car
Piana del Sele
Cilento and Vallo di Diano
Paestum
Food, territory and longevity.

Day 1 – Pioppi and Acciaroli: the origins

Pioppi_Museo_Vivente_della_Dieta_Mediterranea

The itinerary begins in Pioppi, the place where nutritionist Ancel Keys studied and defined the principles of the Mediterranean Diet, recognised by UNESCO as an Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity. A visit to the Museo Vivente della Dieta Mediterranea, located inside Palazzo Vinciprova, offers a sensory experience: a journey that intertwines food, territory and longevity.

📌 On the lower floor, the Museo Vivo del Mare reveals the local marine ecosystem through touch tanks and interactive educational paths.

The journey continues towards Acciaroli, a fishing village and symbol of a lifestyle marked by slow rhythms. Here, lunch celebrates simplicity and authenticity: anchovies, sardines and the catch of the day are combined with Olio Extravergine d’Oliva DOP del Cilento, local cheeses and traditional bread, all enhanced by the golden reflections of Fiano or the bold character of Aglianico (Cilento DOC).
The day comes to an end with a walk between the harbour and the narrow streets of the historic centre, where the scent of sea salt and the soft evening lights create a timeless atmosphere.

💡The municipality of Pollica hosts events dedicated to celebrating local cuisine and culinary traditions.

Day 2 – Castellabate and the inland area: connections, gardens and rural traditions

The second stage leads into the hills of the Parco Nazionale del Cilento, Vallo di Diano e Alburni.
The exploration begins in the medieval village of Castellabate, a succession of stone alleyways culminating in the breathtaking view from the Belvedere San Costabile.
Authenticity can be found at the table with a traditional farmers’ lunch: legume soups, seasonal vegetable ciambotta and fresh pasta, expressions of ancient culinary knowledge passed down through generations.
In the afternoon, the focus shifts to small local producers, guardians of biodiversity. Fichi bianchi del Cilento DOP, Alici di Menaica, Cece di Cicerale and artisan goat cheeses: every product tells a story to be discovered before it is tasted.

Day 3 – Paestum and the Piana del Sele: mozzarella, wine, grains and olive oil

The final day is dedicated to the universal symbols of the Mediterranean Diet.
After a visit to the majestic Templi di Paestum, the itinerary continues through the area’s wine and agricultural excellence. Among vineyards and cultivated fields, visitors discover ancient grains and the richness of local wines through guided tasting experiences.
An essential stop is an artisan dairy farm, where it is possible to witness the creation of Mozzarella di Bufala Campana DOP. Its delicate flavour and fresh milk aroma can also be found in soft ricottas, aged caciocavalli, and modern creations such as buffalo milk yoghurt and ice cream.
The journey concludes with dinner at an agriturismo, where the Mediterranean Diet is celebrated as an expression of culture, landscape and identity.