Path of San Cono
A walk through one of the last spontaneous Aleppo pine forests in Europe, among breathtaking views, nature and history.
The Path of San Cono is one of the most suggestive trails along the coastline between Capo Palinuro and Camerota.
Walking there means enjoying extraordinary views: Capo Palinuro, the Bay of Buondormire with the Scoglio del Coniglio, Molpa, the Natural Arch, the mouth of the Mingardo river, Cala del Cefalo, and, towards the hinterland, the valley of the Mingardo river and up to the peaks of the Monte Gelbison group (1705 m ASL).
It crosses a great and precious naturalistic feature: one of the last spontaneous Aleppo pine woods in Europe.
And it is not just a nature itinerary, because history is deeply intertwined with this place.
From the name, it marks the deep fusion between the West and the East.
San Cono (also called Conone or Iconium) the Thaumaturge was a Greek bishop and saint, still venerated today by both Catholic and Orthodox Churches, dear to the Basilian monks, Italian-Greek monks followers of the rule of Saint Basil who arrived in Cilento to escape the iconoclastic persecutions of the Second Rome: the Byzantine Emperor.
Basilians imported and planted here the Aleppo pines, which arrived with them from the East, precious to obtain the resin widely used, for example, for the naval industry.
They also planted here another plant with recognized properties that still grows spontaneously there today: licorice.
And it is certainly not the only one: from rosemary to heather, from myrtle to mastic, from Ampelodesmos mauritanicus to Centaurea minor, the Mediterranean scrub here gives its best.
And even in the midst of the most luxuriant nature, there is no shortage of historical places: the Basilian monastery, built around the year 1000, the Iazzo di San Cono (from the Greek Iautmòs = stable, place of shelter for herds), the Chapel of Sant 'Antonio.
The walk can be done all year.
Although it presents some differences in altitude, it is suitable for everyone, and is absolutely recommended for those who love nature, landscapes and breathtaking views, for phototrekking fans, and for those who simply want a noteworthy alternative to a day at the beach.
-Booking: needed, the day before
-Period: all year
-Difference in height: +400mt
-Planned on: other days: pls send a Request For Information at @ and verify if available
-Equipment:
Hiking boots or carved-soled sports shoes
Clothing suitable for sports
Bonnet
Sun creams
Water
Sunglasses
-It is advisable to bring along your camera, binoculars and/ or camcorder.
-Refreshment points: no
-We speak: Italian, English, French, Spanish, Portoguese, Catalan
Local guide in German upon request and availability to be confirmed
Check availability