This idyllic palace from the 17th century lies in Campania's south, within the borders of the National Park Cilento, and has been transformed into a luxurious hotel. Numerous pieces of art and antiques make alive this residence's history. Palazzo Belmonte is the perfect blend between old tradition and modern comfort. The property consists of three buildings. The historical palace comprises 22 suites, which all have a living room, some of them a balcony, and offer beautiful views of Santa Maria, of the garden or of the sea. The romantic court yards of the palace take you back to the times when the Prince of Belmonte lived here. Casa Eduardo is an architectural masterpiece from the 17th century. The bright rooms with their luxurious furnishings dispose of a balcony and partly also have seaview. Each suite has its individual, romatic charme - a perfect place for honeymooners.

Villa Belmonte lies aside from the main building amidst the beautiful garden. It hosts 30 modern, elegant double bedrooms, which can be connected to each other. The furniture is held in a Mediterranean style. Also from here, one can enjoy marvellous views of the sea. All accomodations in Hotel Palazzo Belmonte dispose of air condition, minibar, safe, telephone and internet access. There is also a restaurant, where fish, seafood, Italian and international specialities are served on a beautiful terrace. The large pool with cocktail bar and sunbeds lies in the middle of a lush garden which passes directly into the sandy beach. The village of Santa Maria di Castellabate can be reached in five minutes by foot. The next town, Agropoli, is approximately 10 km away. Rates from 141 EUR/day

At a glance:
baby bed/cot - electric iron - Gemeinschaftspool - pets: NOT allowed - heating - internet - Jacuzzi - highchair - air condition - sea view - safe box - SAT/cable-TV - sauna - stereo - telephone - tennis court

This region in Campania's south is primarily famous because of the temples of Paestum. Greek colonists settled here 700 b.c. and, in the following 200 years, built the temples which today are considered to be among the most beautiful and most important ones. Later on, the Romans left their traces. The Archaeological Museum displays mural paintings, the only ones from the era of Greek Classic that have been preserved. And the region has even more on offer. The fine sandy beach, reaching from Salerno in the north to Agropoli in the south almost without interruption, is a perfect place for relaxing or doing watersports. Agropoli itself, with its castle and interesting Old Town, invites for discovering its history or going shopping. Day trips to the Amalfi coast, to Sorrent, Capri, Naples or Pompeii are possible, too. For those who would like to enjoy nature in their holidays, the National Park of Cilento offers numerous hiking and biking trails and riding stables. Last but not least, the original villages of Cilento are a great way for getting to known the South Italian way of life.