Ph. I.H.Snaps/flickr
Cilento, a land of myths and unspoiled nature, is the cradle of a unique itinerary: the Way of St. Nilus. This path fits into the panorama of Italian pilgrimage routes, offering an experience that combines history, spirituality and natural beauty. From Sapri to Palinuro, the path stretches for more than 100 km, passing through the most picturesque villages of lower Cilento and offering travelers a close encounter with the authentic hospitality of Southern Italy.
Palinuro – Ph. Jessica Whitford/flickr
The Route: Breathtaking stages and landscapes
The Way of St. Nilus winds through eight stages, starting from the picturesque coastal town of Sapri and culminating in the famous Palinuro, the jewel of the Tyrrhenian Sea. The road enters the lush greenery of the Cilento, Vallo di Diano and Alburni National Park, passing through unique natural environments marked by rivers, streams and waterfalls. Nature lovers will have the opportunity to explore an area that boasts as many as four UNESCO awards.
Ph. I.H.Snaps/flickr
A multisensory experience
As the story goes, St. Nilus left his native Rossano Calabro to devote himself to monastic life in Cilento. Along the way, one can discover the hallmarks of Byzantine monasticism and the history of the Ithalogrean saints. Each stop is an opportunity to appreciate the coexistence of spirituality and daily activity, typical traits of regional monastic practice.
The Mediterranean Diet, a UNESCO intangible heritage site, accompanies the traveler with its genuine flavors, while the Cilento villages, true medieval treasure chests, offer enchanting stops for relaxation and cultural discovery.
Ph. Comunicazione CNA La Spezia/flickr
The “pilgrim’s passport” and the typical welcome
Participating in the Way of St. Nilus requires no special gifts. However, it is important to have the credential-the “pilgrim’s passport”-which can be obtained from the official website and allows you to collect stamps along the way, as well as take advantage of favorable prices for overnight stays and meals. The camino offers several accommodation options, from traditional accommodations to camping options for those who want to fully experience the encounter with nature.
Venus Hair Falls Oasis, Casaletto Spartano – Ph. Gaetano Prisco/flickr
A healthy itinerary
Slowly, immersed in the greenery and silence of the trails, the St. Nilus Walk is also promoting a healthy lifestyle. The walk, under the banner of “slow tourism,” allows you to detach yourself from everyday life, rediscovering the pleasure of movement in harmony with the surrounding environment. It represents much more than a tourist itinerary: it is a journey into the soul of the Cilento land, a perfect fusion of spiritual appeal and landscape magnificence.
Ph. I.H.Snaps/flickr
It is an experience that stays with you, transcending mere walking to become a path of inner growth and cultural enrichment. Get ready for a different adventure of discovery and mental and physical well-being: the Cilento awaits you.
