Zio Cristoforo

Top choice in Salerno & the Cilento


With its off-the-beaten-track location and swimming pool complete with grotto, the Zio feels more boutique hotel than farmstay: no one seems to be trudging around in muddy boots here, although there is a surrounding farm and the animals do feature in the popular restaurant menu. The rooms are rustic yet elegant, with wrought-iron bedheads, terracotta tiles and a soothing scheme.

Cooking classes are available during winter (€360 for three days with accommodation). There are also good half-board rates.


Lonely Planet's must-see attractions

Nearby Salerno & the Cilento attractions

1. Parco Archeologico di Elea Velia

2.52 MILES

Founded by the Greeks in the mid-6th century BC, Velia subsequently became a popular resort with wealthy Romans. You can wander around the evocative ruins…

2. Spiaggia Grande di Acciaroli

5.5 MILES

Another Cilento stunner, Acciaroli’s main beach has sand, space, a Blue Flag rating and easy access to the historic town at its southern end. Water and…

3. Castello dell'Abate

11.25 MILES

Approached from its coastal sidekick, Santa Maria di Castellabate, the summit of Castellabate is marked by the broad Belvedere di San Costabile, from…

4. Castellabate Beach

11.57 MILES

Santa Maria’s golden sandy beach stretches for around 4km, which equals plenty of towel space on the sand, even in midsummer.

5. Grotta Azzurra

13.1 MILES

Although it doesn’t have the hype of its Capri counterpart, Palinuro’s Grotta Azzurra is similarly spectacular, with a brilliant play of light and hue.

6. Spiaggia Palinuro

13.28 MILES

The town’s main beach stretches for around 4km north of the centre. There is another more sheltered curve of sand abutting Palinuro’s postcard-pretty…

7. Trentova-Tresino

13.45 MILES

Those frustrated by the dearth of well-marked hiking trails in the Parco Nazionale del Cilento, Vallo di Diano e Alburni should pay a visit to this mini…

8. Il Castello

13.62 MILES

Built by the Byzantines in the 5th century, the castle was strengthened during the Angevin period, the time of the War of the Vespers, which was initially…