San Marco di Castellabate Ferries

Sorry, there is currently no available ferries on this route.

San Marco di Castellabate is accessible via the A3 Salerno-Reggio Calabria highway, with the nearest exit at Battipaglia, followed by the scenic SS18 coastal road. From Naples, the journey takes approximately 2 hours by car, while from Salerno it's a more manageable 1-hour drive. Train travelers can arrive at Agropoli-Castellabate station, about 15 minutes from San Marco, with regular regional services connecting to major cities. During summer months, shuttle buses connect the train station to the ferry terminal. If arriving by car, several public parking areas are available near the waterfront, though spaces fill quickly during peak season, so arriving early is recommended.

Nestled along the stunning Cilento coastline in southern Italy, San Marco di Castellabate enchants visitors with its crystal-clear waters and charming Mediterranean atmosphere. This picturesque seaside hamlet, part of the larger Castellabate commune, offers a perfect blend of natural beauty, historical intrigue, and authentic Italian coastal living. As a ferry destination, San Marco serves as a gateway to exploring the protected marine areas and hidden coves of the Cilento National Park, promising travelers an unforgettable taste of Italy's less-traveled southern shores.

The Mediterranean climate of San Marco di Castellabate offers hot, dry summers and mild winters, making it a year-round destination. The prime visiting period runs from May to October, with July and August bringing the warmest temperatures perfect for swimming, though these months also see the highest tourist numbers. June and September offer the ideal balance of pleasant weather and fewer crowds, with water temperatures still comfortable for swimming. The annual Festa del Mare in late August celebrates the town's maritime heritage with boat processions and fresh seafood feasts. Ferry services to nearby destinations operate more frequently during summer months, with reduced schedules during the winter season.

From San Marco di Castellabate's harbor, travelers can embark on ferry journeys to several captivating destinations along the Cilento coast. The protected marine reserve of Punta Licosa is just a 30-minute ferry ride away, offering exceptional snorkeling among ancient submerged ruins. The vibrant fishing village of Acciaroli, which inspired Hemingway's 'The Old Man and the Sea,' can be reached in about 45 minutes by ferry. For a longer day trip, the magnificent caves of Palinuro are accessible via a scenic 1.5-hour coastal ferry route that showcases the dramatic cliffs and hidden coves of the Cilento National Park. During summer, special ferry services connect to the archaeological site of Velia, combining history with the pleasure of arriving by sea.

San Marco di Castellabate centers around its beautiful beaches, with the Blue Flag-awarded Pozzillo Beach offering pristine waters perfect for swimming and snorkeling along the protected coastline. The historic center invites leisurely exploration, with its charming piazzetta and the 17th-century Church of San Marco featuring stunning sea views. Culinary adventurers should sample local specialties like 'spaghetti alle vongole' (spaghetti with clams) and fresh 'alici' (anchovies) at the waterfront trattorias, where fishing boats deliver their catch daily. The evening passeggiata (stroll) along the lungomare promenade provides a quintessential Italian experience, with gelaterias and cafés offering perfect vantage points to watch the sunset paint the harbor in golden hues.

San Marco di Castellabate gained unexpected fame as the filming location for the hit Italian comedy 'Benvenuti al Sud' (Welcome to the South), causing a tourism boom when the film showcased its picturesque setting. The waters offshore conceal an ancient Roman port, with fragments of columns and artifacts occasionally visible to snorkelers when the sea is particularly clear. Local legend claims that the name 'Castellabate' derives from 'Castle of the Abbot,' referring to a fortress built in 1123 by Abbot Costabile Gentilcore to protect the coastal villages from Saracen pirate raids. The area is known for exceptional longevity among its residents, with local centenarians attributing their long lives to the Mediterranean diet and the clean air of the Cilento coast.