The itinerary begins in Pioppi, a village chosen by nutritionist Ancel Keys as a natural laboratory to study the secrets of healthy living. The Museo Vivente della Dieta Mediterranea, housed within the historic walls of Palazzo Vinciprova, offers an immersive experience: a sensory journey where food, culture and territory come together in the concept of UNESCO Heritage.

The journey continues towards Acciaroli, a fishing village and symbol of an authentic Mediterranean way of life. Here, gastronomy becomes a ritual: the catch of the day – anchovies and sardines – meets the green gold of Olio EVO DOP del Cilento. Local cheeses, ancient grain bread and generous wines such as Fiano and Aglianico complete a picture of pure Mediterranean authenticity. The day ends between the harbour and the narrow streets of the village centre, where the sunset light and the scent of sea salt create a timeless atmosphere.

The route climbs towards the medieval village of Pollica, the beating heart of Cilento culture. Among stone alleyways and the imposing Castello dei Principi Capano, visitors can breathe in the history of a community deeply connected to the land. This area is a sanctuary of biodiversity, protected by Presìdi Slow Food, including: Alici di Menaica (caught in Marina di Pisciotta using ancient fishing techniques); Cacioricotta di capra cilentana and Oliva Salella ammaccata del Cilento (crushed olives, pitted and preserved in brine and oil).

For lunch, the table celebrates simplicity: fusilli lavorati al ferretto, Acquasale (dried bread softened with tomatoes and olive oil), Alici “mbuttunate” (stuffed anchovies), ciambotta made with garden vegetables, and seasonal dishes that honour local products.
In the afternoon, the landscape becomes softer towards San Mauro Cilento, known as the “city of oil”. Surrounded by centuries-old olive groves descending towards the blue sea, the village represents the excellence of Cilento’s olive oil production. A walk among ancient trees and a visit to small olive mills reveal the pressing techniques that preserve intense aromas and nutritional properties.
The day reaches its conclusion in a farmhouse among the hills: in the silence broken only by the wind, the gaze extends towards the sea horizon, capturing the deepest and most authentic essence of Cilento.