Among ancient trails, small villages, forests, streams and traces of Byzantine spirituality, the Path of Saint Nilus is one of the most fascinating routes for discovering Cilento at a slower pace, one step at a time.
The route starts in Sapri, just a few minutes from Villammare, and crosses the Cilento hinterland before reaching Palinuro, connecting the beauty of the coast with the unspoilt nature of the Cilento, Vallo di Diano and Alburni National Park.
In the Footsteps of Saint Nilus
The route is dedicated to Saint Nilus of Rossano, a 10th-century monk and one of the most important figures of Italo-Greek monasticism in southern Italy.
According to tradition, during his long spiritual journey Saint Nilus also stayed in the Cilento area, particularly around San Nazario, now a hamlet of San Mauro la Bruca.
The Path was created to rediscover this historical presence and, with it, a lesser-known chapter in Cilento’s history: its monastic settlements, caves, hermitages and communities that developed along ancient routes connecting the villages of the area.
From Sapri to Palinuro: Over 100 Kilometres Through Cilento
The Path of Saint Nilus stretches for more than 100 kilometres, generally divided into eight stages.
The journey begins in Sapri, overlooking its beautiful gulf. From here, the route gradually leaves the coast and heads inland, passing through Torraca, Casaletto Spartano, Morigerati, Caselle in Pittari, Rofrano, Montano Antilia and San Nazario, before finally reaching the sea at Palinuro.
What makes this route special is not simply the distance covered, but the constantly changing scenery: Mediterranean vegetation gives way to forests, mountains and valleys crossed by streams and rivers, before the trail eventually returns to the Tyrrhenian Sea.
The Eight Stages of the Path of Saint Nilus
The route offers the opportunity to discover some of the most fascinating places in southern Cilento.
Sapri – Torraca
The journey begins in the Gulf of Policastro and climbs towards the historic village of Torraca, offering beautiful views of the sea along the way.
Torraca – Casaletto Spartano
The trail enters the green heart of the area, reaching Casaletto Spartano and one of its most famous natural attractions: the Capelli di Venere waterfall.
Casaletto Spartano – Morigerati
Forests, trails and small streams accompany walkers towards Morigerati, one of Cilento’s most characteristic villages.
Morigerati – Caselle in Pittari
This is the land of the Bussento, the mysterious river that disappears underground before emerging again in the fascinating Bussento Caves Oasis in Morigerati.
Caselle in Pittari – Rofrano
The landscape becomes increasingly mountainous as the route approaches Rofrano, surrounded by the unspoilt nature of the National Park.
Rofrano – Montano Antilia
A stage immersed in greenery, following ancient trails through landscapes that reveal the quieter, more rural side of Cilento.
Montano Antilia – San Nazario
This is one of the most significant stages from a spiritual point of view, as it leads to San Nazario, a place closely associated with the memory of Saint Nilus.
San Nazario – Palinuro
The final stage heads back towards the Tyrrhenian coast. After days spent among mountains and small villages, the journey ends beside the spectacular sea of Palinuro.
A Journey Through Nature, History and Small Villages
Walking the Path of Saint Nilus means discovering a side of Cilento that is very different from its best-known seaside destinations.
Along the route you will encounter hilltop villages, old mills, bridges, churches, chapels, springs and trails that have been used by local communities for centuries.
There are also extraordinary natural attractions such as the Capelli di Venere waterfall in Casaletto Spartano and the Bussento Oasis in Morigerati, where water becomes one of the defining elements of the landscape.
The result is a journey in which nature and history are constantly intertwined.
You Don’t Have to Walk the Entire Route
You do not need to tackle all 100-plus kilometres to experience the Path of Saint Nilus.
Its individual stages also make it possible to organise day hikes, choosing a section suited to your fitness level and the amount of time available.
For visitors spending a few days in the Gulf of Policastro, the Path can therefore be an original way to alternate a day at the beach with a walk through the countryside, discovering villages and natural attractions often located only a short distance from the coast.
Exploring the Path of Saint Nilus from Villammare
For guests staying in Villammare, the Path is particularly interesting because its first stage begins in nearby Sapri.
Villa Comics can therefore be an ideal base for discovering the beginning of the route or for visiting some of the places crossed by the Path on a day trip.
Casaletto Spartano, the Capelli di Venere waterfall, Morigerati and the Bussento Caves are just some of the destinations that can be included in an itinerary exploring the most authentic side of Cilento.
At the end of the day, you can return to the seaside in Villammare, combining two different sides of the same territory during your stay: the coast of the Gulf of Policastro and the Cilento hinterland.
Discover Cilento on Foot
The Path of Saint Nilus tells the story of a landscape that invites you to slow down.
Following its trails means travelling through places where the landscape still maintains a deep connection with the history, spirituality and traditions of local communities.
Whether you decide to walk the entire route or discover just one of its stages, the experience offers a different perspective on Cilento: that of those who leave the main road behind for a while and choose to continue on foot.