Padula is a beautiful hilltop town surrounded by rolling countryside. The historic Baroque monastery built in the 1300s is the town’s showpiece. Venture into the hills to explore a medieval village and hike in Cilento National Park or drive to the coast to relax at seaside resorts and swim in the Tyrrhenian Sea.
Things to do in Padula
Discover more than 700 years of history at Certosa di San Lorenzo. The ancient Carthusian monastery is enormous and features hundreds of rooms, including a beautiful wood-panelled library and a cavernous kitchen. The magnificent central courtyard hosts classical music concerts in the summer.
Spend the day in Teggiano, a medieval village overlooking a lush green valley. Get lost in the tangle of cobbled streets and marvel at centuries-old churches and cathedrals. Cafes, pizzerias and wine bars spill onto the narrow streets. Stop by Museo Diocesano San Pietro to view religious art from throughout the centuries.
Padula is a gateway to Cilento National Park, where you can discover a unique landscape of rolling hills and rugged coastline. Head to the coast to sunbathe on sandy beaches and visit postcard-perfect seaports and fishing villages.
Padula is surrounded by farms that grow figs, artichokes and peppery arugula. Local trattorias are the best place to try dishes from the Campania region, including Caprese salad topped with creamy buffalo mozzarella and hand-stretched Neapolitan pizza sprinkled with fresh basil. Campanian wines are famous across Italy and served at most restaurants. Try varietals like Aglianico with hints of tropical fruits and Aglianico, a full-bodied red with punchy savoury notes.
Getting around Padula
Padula is in the Campania region, a two-hour drive from Naples and 1.5 hours from Salerno. The town is compact and easy to get around on foot, though you’ll need a car to visit surrounding sights and attractions. Naples International Airport is a 2-hour drive away.