Santa Maria di Castellabate is a charming town located in the region of Campania, in Southern Italy. More accurately, the town is in Cilento, which is a large area which starts in Paestum and ends in Sapri, so most of the southern part of Campania.
Santa Maria is one of the largest towns in Cilento, and even though it's relatively small, it offers a lot. From large beaches to a lively centre with shops, bars and restaurants.
This town is for the locals, and while you might encounter some foreigners, the majority of people visiting Santa Maria are from nearby Naples or other parts of Italy (but mostly Neapolitans).
I spent here a lot of summers, as I'm originally from the nearby town San Marco. It has that Italian summer charm which is not mainstream and it's one of the reasons why I love this town so much!
It has some interesting history as well and the surrounding natural beauty is no joke.
How to visit? Transportation to Santa Maria is not the best, but you can reach the town by reaching Agropoli station by train and then take the bus and get off at Santa Maria (it's just 20 minutes bus ride).
Having a car would make it 100% way easier to explore the area of Cilento, but you won't need a car in Santa Maria itself (it's also hard to find a parking spot in the summer).
When to visit? May to September is the best time to visit Santa Maria. You'll be able to enjoy all the town has to offer. If you happen to visit in winter, you'll find most restaurants open, but you won't be able to enjoy the town to the fullest.
To whom I'd recommend it:
For those planning to visit Cilento, Santa Maria is a must-visit
For those that love large sandy beaches and want to relax
For those looking a local getaway where Italians go
