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Snorkeling in Paestum

Portland, Oregon
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14 posts
3 reviews
21 helpful votes
Snorkeling in Paestum
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I am traveling with my family to Italy this year and when I asked my 11 year old what she wanted to do she simply said: "build sandcastles and snorkel." My husband loves to hike in the woods and I wanted to go to Greece (maybe another time) so Paestum looks very promising. We welcome any advice as to where to snorkel and if there is actually an excursion charter like the one in Maui that takes snorkelers out to the small atoll. I read about the coastline due south of Paestum and it looked promising. Lodging recommendations are welcomed as well.

Salerno, Italia
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3,055 posts
3 reviews
21 helpful votes
1. Re: Snorkeling in Paestum
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Dear opturtle,

Definitely, the sand on the beaches of Paestum could make for great sandcastles. Unfortunately, I think snorkling in the waters in Paestum doesn't measure up to snorkling in say, Hawaii. From especially the end of July and through the whole month of August, tons of people are in the water and the movement in general could churn up a murky sight. Sometimes further out in the ocean past the crowds, couples can be seen together which could make for an x-rated underwater sight.

I think Franco Nigro might be able to suggest some hotels which offer excursions which could take snorklers out further down the Costiera Cilentana. Otherwise, here are a couple of leads in nearby Agropoli (destroyed WWII stuff from the epic battle in Salerno?) and Palinuro:

http://www.mondosubcenter.it/diving/immersioni/8.html

info@mondosubcenter.it

http://www.hoteltrecaravelle.it/offerte.htm

info@hoteltrecaravelle.it (ask about their "IMMERSIONI GUIDATE" and whether you can use a snorkel instead of suiting up to dive)

Otherwise, Sorrento seems to have reputable diving centers although the beach wouldn't be the best for sandcastles (maybe Meta or Seiano?). You can ask Sophie8, Cinthyya, and others for details on good beaches on the Sorrento forum:

http://www.sorrentodivingcenter.it/

http://www.divingsorrento.com/fotofondali.htm

http://www.sorrentodiving.it/

Buona Fortuna...

Portland, Oregon
Level Contributor
14 posts
3 reviews
21 helpful votes
2. Re: Snorkeling in Paestum
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Thank you so much for replying to my post. I will check out the diving links and already sent an email for Franco Nigro.

We are so excited about our trip!

Santa Maria di...
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85 posts
1 review
3. Re: Snorkeling in Paestum
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Ciao Olpturtle,

I suggest you to have your holidays in Santa Maria di Castellabate 15 km south Paestum , located in National Park of Cilento.Here you will find all the thinks that wish to do as you have listed.

Snorkeling in Santa Maria Castellabate bay is fantastic,you will have on right side of the bay "Tresino"sea park and nature reserves, in middle bay a 4km sandy beach and on left side "the Island of Licosa" .According to legend, this is the famous location of the Siren Leucosia who fell in eternal love with Odysseus, was spurned by him and then she hurled herself into the sea in despair, where she was changed into a giant rock. fantastic snorkel place with its pinewood promontory (perfect place for your husband and daughter);behind you "Castellabate" a Medieval center declared World heritage Site .

Scuba diving and snorkeling center are "Galatea diving center"located down the port of San Marco di Castellabate (3km far from ssanta Maria)and "Centro immersioni il Pellicano"in Santa Maria .If you are interesting in hire a boat you'll find at port or contact the Agency Antares91.com that provide for boat hire,car rental,bike rental and pick up/Transfers service .Below a list of Accomodation:

http://www.palazzobelmonte.com

http://www.residenzafontanelle.it

http://www.lapprodo.it

http://www.residencepb.com

http://www.summerinitaly.com/eng/rent/area1!italy_.htm

Portland, Oregon
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14 posts
3 reviews
21 helpful votes
4. Re: Snorkeling in Paestum
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Thank you, Franco Nigro, for taking the time to share the information. Santa Maria Castellabate sounds marvelous. I may have more questions and will post them soon.

Grazie,

OLPturtle

Portland, Oregon
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14 posts
3 reviews
21 helpful votes
5. Re: Snorkeling in Paestum
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Okay, here is another question for Paestum and Santa Maria Castellabate areas: Since we will be there in mid-July do you think it will be necessary for our room to have air-conditioning?

Grazie

Portland, Oregon
Level Contributor
14 posts
3 reviews
21 helpful votes
6. Re: Snorkeling in Paestum
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Just one more question: My daughter is a competative swimmer and we need to find her a 50metre pool to practice in while in the Paestum/Castellabate area. Any suggestions on where to look?

I really appreciate the valuable information all you have given me and the other travelers to your beautiful part of the World.

Grazie

Santa Maria di...
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85 posts
1 review
7. Re: Snorkeling in Paestum
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Hi,OlpTurtle

Is strongly recommended air contitioning in room!Usually july is the hottest period of the summer Temperature can reach easily 35/36° with an high percentage of humidity( 79°).Concerning pool ,33X20 -8 lines ,you'll find it in Salerno (35km from Paestum-55 km from Santa Maria di Castellabate).the address is "Lungomare Tafuri" -pool"Simone Vitale"-

Salerno, Italia
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3,055 posts
3 reviews
21 helpful votes
8. Re: Snorkeling in Paestum
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As franco_nigro mentioned, it can be horribly humid in Jul-Aug at least in downtown Salerno;I've found that the air is actually a little drier and cooler on the Costiera Amalfitana, Penisola Sorrentina, and the Costiera Cilentana than in downtown Salerno. Many locals in downtown Salerno(and north of and including Napoli) flee to the Costiera Cilentana as the area is a great August destination not to mention less expensive than the Costiera Amalfitana, Capri, and/or Sorrento.

To note, the drive down to where the pool is in Salerno from Castellabate or Santa Maria di Castellabate is pretty long. Parking near the pool can be nutty and must be sought across the street along one of the side streets. However, in general, to get to the pool (known to many locals in Salerno as pisciana comunale), one could consider making the trip Mon-Sat/non-holidays using the #34 CSTP bus from Santa Maria di Castellabate(1 hour 40 minute ride) to Salerno. Then one could get off in the Torrione District (tell #34 CSTP driver, La Carnale or "piscina comunale (pee SHE nuh come moo NAWL eh)") and walk to the pool which is around 2+ streets toward the ocean (bus stop at your back, one way traffic going left to right, go straight out) and to the following structure. In general, across the street from the pool is a tall hill with an ancient fort ("La Carnale") on top and next to a newer looking church:

http://www.salernofoto.it/ALBUMSALERNO37/pisc_vitale.jpg

Otherwise, one could take a #34 CSTP bus all the way to the Salerno FS Train Station and then catch an infrequent #41 or #46 CSTP bus from the Salerno FS Train Station to the closest CSTP bus stop to the pool(tell driver, "Piscina Comunale" to be let off at the closest CSTP bus stop):

http://www.cstp.it/orarioasp/suburbunico.asp?numero=41&direzione=andata

http://www.cstp.it/orarioasp/suburbunico.asp?numero=46&direzione=andata

The walk from the CSTP bus stop where the #34 Salerno-bound CSTP bus lets you off(2-3 bus stops before the Salerno FS Train Station) to the Piscina Comunale isn't too bad/ugly although the walk from the stop right before the Salerno FS Train Station is nicer as one could use the new concrete walkway next to the new Grand Hotel to reach the street which runs along the ocean (could tell #34 CSTP driver, "Grand Hotel"). When going back, one needs to find the closest CSTP bus stop on the street in front of the pool entrance. The CSTP bus stop must list the green/blue #34 bus line on the bus stop, otherwise, the #34 CSTP won't stop at that particular CSTP bus stop. Also, when the blue #34 CSTP bus stop approaches, one needs to stick one's arm out to signal the driver to stop.

Buona Fortuna...

Salerno, Italia
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3,055 posts
3 reviews
21 helpful votes
9. Re: Snorkeling in Paestum
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Also, water polo teams tend to compete at the piscina comunale/Simone Vitale pool in Salerno on Sunday mornings from around 10am-?.

Buona Fortuna...

Portland, Oregon
Level Contributor
14 posts
3 reviews
21 helpful votes
10. Re: Snorkeling in Paestum
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Thank you for the information on the pisciana communale (hope I spelled this correctly) :)

Any suggestions on where to have dinner in Santa Maria Castellabate and the Cilento area?

I am deathly allergic to shellfish should I tell the waiter when we are seated? And how would I say "I am allergic to shellfish" in Italiano?

It is cold and raining here in Oregon and I cannot wait to get to some sunshine and warm weather!

Grazie,

Turtle

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