Villammare: Beach, Dunes and Coastal Culture

Villammare combines a long sandy beach with a Mediterranean dune landscape, nature-focused attractions and local history. The coastal town is therefore a destination for a range of holiday interests: from spending time on the beach to walks and boat trips, as well as exploring towers, churches and festivals.

Beach and Mediterranean Nature

The beaches of Villammare are sandy; beach lilies grow in some places. The long, wide beach stretches for 6 km from Sapri to Capitello. Mediterranean dune vegetation with evergreen trees and shrubs grows on dell'Oliveto beach. Posidonia oceanica is found in the sea waters off Villammare; it is considered an indicator of the quality of the sea.

At the southern end of the town centre lies Parco Marinella, a research and study area managed by the Federico II University of Naples for the enhancement and study of the Mediterranean maquis. The park includes a cultural centre and an educational laboratory dedicated to researching biodiversity and the Mediterranean maquis. A guided programme there includes a visit with information about plant species and the Agorà.

Trails, Excursions and Water Sports

La Duna is ideal for activities by the sea: the cycle and pedestrian path lies entirely within the municipality of Vibonati, more precisely in the Villammare district. In the Uliveto area, close to the beach and the characteristic sand dune, it runs from Parco Marinella to the boundary of the municipality of Sapri. The guided programme includes a flat nature walk along the footpath on dell'Oliveto beach, with explanations of the flora and fauna of the coastal dunes. Villammare is associated with snorkelling and kayaking as water-sports activities; at the same time, the town is a starting point for boat trips to sea caves and hidden coves along the coast.

History and Events

The square Torre Petrosa watchtower was built in Villammare in 1595 to protect the local population from Saracen incursions. Later, during the plague epidemic of 1656, it served as a sanitary cordon. The centre is home to the church of Maria Santissima di Portosalvo.

The patronal festivals of the Madonna of Villammare are celebrated on two summer dates with processions on the sea and through the town's streets. Towards the end of summer, the seafaring village of Villammare hosts the Villammare Film Festival. The 25th edition of the Villammare Festival Film&Friends took place from 22 to 29 August 2026 in Vibonati, in the Salerno area.

Gusto Italia in Tour takes place on Villammare's seafront as a food and craft fair. The municipal summer programme scheduled the event from 6 to 16 August; it includes tastings of typical products and craft stalls.

Getting There and Choosing a Location

For your journey, Villammare is connected to Sapri railway station via the SS18 and other roads. When choosing your accommodation, you can prioritise the focus that best suits you: beach and dunes, nature-themed attractions at Parco Marinella, cycling and walking routes, or the church of Maria Santissima di Portosalvo in the town centre. This makes Villammare easy to navigate both for coastal activities and for cultural and nature-related interests.

More Destinations

For further travel planning, you can find more destinations here: Gioi, Salerno, Laureana Cilento, Buonabitacolo, Castelcivita, Marina Di Casal Velino, Contursi, Lustra.

To the overarching travel overview: Salerno.