Andiamo! Citalia Magazine Winter 2023

Into the Valley of the
Orchids
Enter a gentle wilderness in Cilento, where villagers
proudly celebrate their natural heritage and
traditions through the humble orchid.
Along the jagged coastline is a world of greenery just
waiting to be explored. You don’t have to venture far
from the picture-postcard seaside town of Santa Maria di
Castellabate, or the ancient Greek temples of Paestum to
find it either.
Overlooking the sparkling Tyrrhenian Sea, tranquil Cilento
and Vallo di Diano National Park boasts many trails that
you can comfortably hike. In the springtime, the mountain
meadows burst alive with over 180 species of delicate wild
orchids from April to June, which is why this is known as
the Valley of the Orchids.
In mid-May each year, the tiny, sleepy village of Sassano
hosts an annual Orchid Festival, which has given it a
reputation as paese delle orchidee - the village of the
orchids. Steeped in tradition, you can tuck into delicious
local fayre, and enjoy folk shows.
At the village fountain you’ll find a signpost that marks the
starting point of the Valley of the Orchids trail. Follow a
red and white striped path through meadows, woods, and
pastures dotted with cattle and horses. You’ll find several
viewpoints and orchid stations where you can learn about
various species.
Venture to a small church called San Michele, before
reaching a medieval bridge, Ponte Peglio, which looks like
it’s straight out of a children’s storybook. Then, trek uphill
to Belvedere di Graviola where you’ll find beautiful views,
before reaching Campo Filano, where you’ll find the glory
of a blooming wildflower meadow speckled with limestone
rocks. Continue uphill to Piscina del Brigante (Brigante’s
Pool) before reaching the final point, Il tavolo del paradiso,
an installation by Salerno artist Ugo Marano.
The trail is approximately 10.5 miles long, however you
can do a shorter hike by driving to Belvedere di Graviola.
Be sure to pack a picnic lunch!
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