Activities & Excursions

Whether strolling the open markets of Santa Maria di Castellabate, walking to the beach, or grabbing a nightly treat at the nearby gelateria, each day presents many opportunities for surprise and adventure. Aside from the daily pleasures of exploring this quaint coastal town, the schedule also includes several daytrips to important historical and cultural sites, local exhibits and concerts, and various social activities.

All transportation is arranged and provided by the summer camp director. Bus trips are a popular camp highlight, with sing-alongs, opportunities to practice conversational Italian with native speakers, and plenty of time for team-building and camaraderie. 

Paestum temples and museums

Just an hour south of Salerno, the ancient ruins at Paestum are among the only Greek ruins left on Italy’s mainland, and they’re definitely the best-preserved and most spectacular. The site also has a gem of an archaeological museum, with some of the most important finds of the Greek and Etruscan civilizations. (walksofitaly.com)

Arechi Castle 

Situated just above the Fondazione is the forbidding Castello di Arechi. Originally a Byzantine fort, it was built by the Lombard duke of Benevento, Arechi II, in the 8th century and subsequently modified by the Normans and Aragonese in the 16th century. The views of the Gulf of Salerno and the city rooftops are spectacular. The site also showcases a permanent collection of ceramics, arms and coins. (lonelyplanet.com)

Duomo 

One of Campania's strangely under-the-radar sights, Salerno’s impressive cathedral is considered by aficionados to be the most beautiful medieval church in Italy. Built by the Normans in the 11th century and remodelled in the 18th century, it is dedicated to San Matteo (St Matthew), whose remains now lie beneath the main altar in the vaulted crypt. (livesalerno.com)

Vietri

Sheltered at the foot of Mt. San Liberatore, Vietri sul Mare is world-renowned for its blue and yellow ceramics, a traditional local handicraft dating back to the 15th century. The town has a lively history, from its Etruscan origins and important role as a commercial port, to Roman occupation and jurisdiction by Benedictine Abbey of Cava. (wellarrangedtravel.com)

Amalfi Coast 

Deemed an outstanding example of a Mediterranean landscape by Unesco, the Amalfi Coast is one of Italy's most memorable destinations. Here, mountains plunge into the sea in a nail-biting vertical scene of precipitous crags, cliff-clinging abodes and verdant woodland. (lonelyplanet.com)

Boat ride to Punta Licosa

Punta Licosa is one of the most enchanting places in the Cilento. With its unspoilt pine forest and crystal-clear waters framed by small bays and Mediterranean scrubland, it is one of the most beautiful beaches in Italy and has been declared as one of the country’s protected marine reserves (Santa Maria di Castellabate Protected Marine Area). (marbellaclub.it)

Other Activities

·       Pool Parties

·       Soccer Games with campers and faculty

·       Open mic nights in the garden  

·       Jam sessions and open mic on the Domus Terrace

·       Nightly gelato tasting

·       Daily Italian language immersion via games, conversation, etc. taught by a native instructor

·       Farewell dance party