About 40 minutes by car from Marina di Casal Velino lies Palinuro, one of the most spectacular stretches of coastline in Cilento — not surprisingly known as the "Village of a Thousand Caves". The Capo Palinuro promontory is home to more than 30 sea caves, both above and below the water, carved into the limestone cliffs overlooking a sea of extraordinary colours.

What to see. The most famous cave is undoubtedly the Blue Grotto, where sunlight filters through an underwater passage and fills the cave with an almost surreal blue glow — it can only be reached by sea. Further along the coast, you will encounter the Silver Cave, the Blood Cave with its reddish walls, and the Monks' Cave, whose stalagmites resemble figures in prayer. The excursion often ends with a swimming stop at the Baia del Buon Dormire, one of the most beautiful and sheltered bays in the area.

How to visit the caves. The caves can be explored on a boat excursion aboard a traditional gozzo departing from the port of Palinuro. But there is also a convenient alternative for those staying in Marina di Casal Velino: from the port of Casal Velino, you can join boat excursions to Palinuro or rent a boat and reach the Capo Palinuro coastline by sea. The duration and arrangements of the excursions may vary depending on the operator and sea conditions; during the high season, it is advisable to enquire and book in advance.

What to combine it with. In addition to its caves, Palinuro offers beautiful beaches that can also be reached without a boat — Marinella Beach and the harbour beach are both easily accessible on foot — as well as a town centre with seafood restaurants and evening venues, perfect if you want to extend your trip into the evening. If you choose a boat excursion from the port of Casal Velino, you can experience the coastline directly from the sea without having to drive to Palinuro.

How to get there. From Marina di Casal Velino, Palinuro can be reached in about 40 minutes by car by continuing south along the coast. Alternatively, you can reach the port of Casal Velino and depart from there on a boat excursion to Palinuro. It is an ideal destination for a full day out, combining caves, sea and relaxation.

There is so much more to see and do in Cilento: discover all the other destinations and experiences in the area.