Santa Maria di Castelabate

I had to include this quaint small town in my reminiscence, it’s very special to me, not only because I have wonderful family here that I adore, but because it’s where I was born. The small piazza is filled with wonderful memories of the many festivals there, treasured memories of when I was little with my mother, who we lost way to early. Here I feel her warmth and love. A period of happy personal wonderful memories.

But apart from that. Santa Maria di Castellabate is an unspoiled seaside delight. Rugged hills cascade down to the pristine waters of the Gulf of Salerno; honey-colored beaches are bedecked with colorful umbrellas a long shop-lined corso provides an ideal stroll and the piazza and waterfront offer restaurants, cafes and gelaterias and the Sunsets here are breathtaking. Fishing is still an active trade here so you know the seafood is fresh and superb.

And there is also some very interesting history in Santa Maria it is shrouded in legend, according to general belief, this was the land of Leucosia, the siren able to cast a spell over anyone that Homer wrote about in his epic story, The Odyssey. The coastline was formerly part of Magna Grecia and the excellently-preserved temples of Paestum are nearby.

Santa Maria is linked with its sibling towns of Castellabate up the hill, and the fishing villages of San Marco di Castellabate and Ogliastro Marina, just a few minutes to the south and Ogliastro, which has sea turtles that nest there. Castellabate has a spectacular natural setting that offers the best of the splendidly clear sea and the unspoiled hills, forgotten castles and quiet coves for relaxing. It also offers the unique version of Italian hospitality that can only be found in the south of Italy.