You come to Italy thinking it will be a trip. You leave knowing it was a beginning
Our Cilento Pictures
All the Cilento pictures on this page were taken within 45 minutes of the
Zizzania e il Mandarino, our preferred accommodation choice in this area
.
If you are in need of a holiday that is well away from the crowds and to
discover a part of Italy that is virtually unchanged by tourism, then
this part of the Cilento is hard to beat.
This is a region that offers everything you could possibly wish for and more, including majestic mountains, azure seas with spectacular beaches, ancient fishing towns, medieval hilltop villages, and even the remains of an ancient Greek city.
Of course, the food is exceptional too, and the locals are some of the friendliest people in all of Italy. It always seems to me that the locals have not become jaded and tired of tourists, which is often the case in many of the major tourist spots.
Paris is a good example of a place where I never fail to get treated like an unwelcome and unfashionable slug. I can promise you that this will never happen in the Cilento; warmth and hospitality come naturally to these folk, and you will always feel welcome; it doesn't matter to them where you are from.
They seem to offer a warmer than usual welcome if you are from the USA, which is lovely to see and is probably because so many of the locals have family in the USA. Be warned, though, if you happen to stay at the Zizzania e il Mandarino, you will end up
feeling you have been adopted.
Our Photos
The Cilento is home to the world's best mozzarella - in their opinion and mine too.

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You'll Enjoy These...
Other towns offer wine, olive oil or chocolate. In gorgeous Pizzo, they do gelato tastings—not just any gelato, but the world-famous Tartufo of Pizzo.
Calabrian food is fantastic and we've 8 dishes from Calabria you absolutely must try - from Calabrian Nduja to Tartufo, these Calabrian treats are delicious.
Once the shame of Italy and now one of her crown jewels. Matera is the original Italy, ancient beyond all other towns, another world.
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Many of our Facebook fans share their photos with us. These galleries are dedicated to the best of them. Photos of Positano, the Amalfi Coast, Venice and more.
Time stands still in Orsomarso, where the Madonna in a cave statue keeps an eye on all and Calabria reveals one of its quietest, most beautiful secrets.
Calabria has an undiscovered jewel, destined to be one of the top attractions. Here are 9 reasons to visit ASAP... before the world discovers San Nicola Arcella
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Give the gift of love straight from Italy - the land of amore. Have you experienced a summer in Italy? We've a way for you to bring that joy home with you...
Planning a Cilento Holiday? The Zizzania should be first on your list,.. coming here is like taking a journey back to when life was lived at a slower pace.
Many don’t know where Calabria is in Italy, a region of charming coastal towns and authentic beauty. Not only find out—go visit. This is Italy at its best.
Polignano al Mare, Puglia’s dramatic cliffside town. I've all the local food secrets for you, plus those hidden views, train travel tips, and when to visit.
It’s not every day a town is named the most beautiful in all of Italy—but Tropea earned that title. Trust me, one visit and you’ll know it was well deserved.
Wild forests, where bandits once hid, endless vistas, great eagles and wolves. One of Europe's last wild places. To miss seeing Sila would be a huge mistake.
Sleep inside a fairy-tale Trulli cone, wake up to church bells. Alberobello is stone roofs, cobbled lanes. The kind of place that stays with you and changes you
Once a mighty city part of the powerful Greek empire, Paestum and it's archeological park is now a UNESCO World Heritage Site you definitely will want to visit.
Not sure what to see in Sicily? Start with these unmissable sights, villages, towns, landscapes, and experiences that perfectly capture Sicily’s magic.
In every town here in Calabria that I have seen, there is a Monumento ai Caduti. A monument to the fallen, to their young men who gave their lives in wars
Dreaming of that perfect Amalfi Coast beach? We’ve found the top ones near Amalfi and Positano—and they’re even more beautiful than you think.
Planning a trip to Abruzzo? Vasto offers stunning beaches, a historic old town, and authentic local life. See the top things to do and why travellers love it.
An ancient medieval village in the heart of the Cilento, Teggiano is tucked away in the Cilento Natural Park. Discover all there is to see in charming Teggiano.
Polignano has to be one of Italy's best kept secrets. What an amazing little town. Then there is Matera where things get a little strange..
Wondering where to stay in Naples? We’ve got you covered! Explore the top hotels and neighborhoods offering everything from historic charm to seafront views.
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Scilla is a dream destination and at the heart of the town lies the true pearl, the fishing village of Chianalea; one of the most beautiful towns in Italy