The richness of Cilento is not constituted only by its artistic and cultural patrimony, but also by the extraordinary variety of its walks, characterized by the alternation of beaches and rocks; Mediterranean pines and bushes along the coasts and on the mountains and hills; dense woods; valleys and inaccessible gorges toward the internal areas. The mountain nearest to the coast is Monte Stella (1130m); whose summit may be reached from the neighbouring villages in two hours on foot or, more comfortably, after a short while by car. You could take advantage of the occasion and have a picnic! Monte Gelbison, or, Sacro Monte, (1705m), which dominates the town of Vallo della Lucania, offers a 360 degree panorama of the surrounding territory. The church and the convent of the "Santuario della Madonna del Sacro Monte" was founded in the tenth century by Basilian monks and thousands of pilgrims from Meridionale Italy visit it between the second half of May and the end of September. To the north east of Vallo rises the highest mountain in Cilento, Monte Cervati ( 1899m); different ways and trails, forming a star, lead to the summit and so to the small church, dedicated to "Madonna della Neve".

The territory of Monte Stella (1130m), is considered to be the heart of ancient Cilento, home of the River Alento, cis-eleutum, from where the modern name, Cilento, is derived. Monte della Stella, the mountain on the sea, rising majestically over the golf of Salerno, dominates the area with its summit surrounded by small, picturesque, mediaeval villages and woods, full of vegetation and gentle slopes. This splendid mountain area has been the subject of the first, concrete, revaluation programme by the Comunità Montana, "Alento Monte Stella". Numerous trails have been cleared and made accessible to the public, some routes have been signposted and others will be shortly. However you travel: alone; with a guide or in a group, the same, general safety precautions for mountain excursions apply for all excursions in the area of Monte Stella. An extra precaution: The geographical closeness to the sea, may cause sudden and frequent, meteorological changes, so it is always advisable to take a waterproof coat and some sun cream.

Generally, excursions in the Monte Stella area do not exceed the medium to low level of difficulty, some, however may have stretches that ascend, or descend, rather sharply or, may cause difficulty for people suffering from vertigo. All the routes are within easy reach of inhabited areas, in case of emergency, immediate help is not far away! No need to be afraid: you hardly ever meet poisonous vipers! Excursion possibilities are numerous: The " Monte Stella high road " along the ridge, departing from Perdifumo or Acqua di Ceraso; the " Monte Stella Ring " departure from and return to San Mauro Cilento; the "Sentiero delle Sirene ", along the coast from Agropoli to Marina di Casalvelino; the numerous excursions along the coast around Punta Licosa and Punta Tresino or, castle to castle or convent to convent across the hinterland, like that from Vatolla, passing through Laureana Cilento, Rutino and Torchiara, leading finally to Acquasanta; lastly, for those who prefer more relaxing walks, well-defined, safe trails leading from sea to hill… ask in your hotel, where you will be readily helped to choose the most adapt route.

Not all the routes are well-defined, recognisable and signposted, furthermore there are few local maps in existence. Thus, we advise, above all the excursionist with little experience, to consult the local "Pro loco"; the Comunità Montana at Laureana Cilento (tel. 0974 832470) or at San Pietro, Castellabate, or to rely on one of the many associations offering guided excursions at inclusive prices. The "AssociazioneRipe Rosse "(tel. 0974 954488) has its small centre at Agnone, on the main road. The members, always kind and obliging, will help you to choose the most suitable route. Apart from excursions in different parts of Cilento and Vallo di Diano, the association also organises: Horse, pony and mule trekking; canoe trips; hang-gliding or, more relaxing, boat trips along the coast. The "Associazione Trekking Agropoli "(tel. 0974 843345) offers a comprehensive excursion programme within the internal area of Agropoli and at Punta Tresino, while the members of the "Associazione Guide del Parco "(tel. 0974 719911) are among those who know the National Park the best.