Mezzatorre Di San Mauro Cilento: Beach and Coast

The coastline is 2,100 metres long. Along the coast, a sandy beach section differs from the other coastal formations below Sala Hill. The 900-metre stretch of beach makes up less than half of the 2,100-metre coastline; the remaining 1,200 metres form a longer coastal section, making it 300 metres longer.

Sand, pebbles and coastal formations

A 900-metre sandy section of the beach consists of sand originating from the sandstone of the Serre and Telegrafo hills. At the same time, the beach is predominantly sandy, with sections of medium-sized and large, light-coloured pebbles. Sandy and pebbly areas are therefore both part of the beach landscape. The remaining 1,200 metres of coastline are characterised by clay, marl and sandstone below Sala Hill. The change in materials can be traced to specific locations: the sand comes from the sandstone of the Serre and Telegrafo hills, while clay, marl and sandstone below Sala characterise the rest of the coastal section.

Public beach and water quality

More than half of Mezzatorre’s coastline consists of public beach. The beach has repeatedly received the FEE Italia Blue Flag, as well as the 5 Vele award from Legambiente and the Touring Club Italiano. For around three decades, ARPAC has certified the coastal section as having excellent water quality and being entirely suitable for swimming. The repeated awards apply to the beach; the ARPAC statement concerns the water quality of the coastal section and confirms that it is entirely suitable for swimming.

Maquis, settlement and the history of the name

Mediterranean maquis stretches from Mezzatorre’s shoreline to the summits of the Telegrafo and Sala hills. The vegetation described thus extends from the coast into the hills. Marina di Mezzatorre developed as a newer settlement along the coast. The Spanish tower that gave Mezzatorre its name was funded by the people of San Mauro in the 16th century. The maquis spans the landscape from the shoreline to the summits of Telegrafo and Sala, while the marina developed as a newer settlement along the coast. The Spanish tower that gave the place its name provides a historical connection to the 16th century.

Cultural context in San Mauro Cilento

A separate cultural connection can be found in San Mauro Cilento, not in Mezzatorre itself. The Museo Eleousa there preserves historical manuscripts dating from the 16th to the 19th century. Also in San Mauro Cilento, A MASCHKARATA is a traditional carnival featuring interwoven scenes of folk theatre reminiscent of the Commedia dell’arte.

Discover more destinations: Mercato Cilento, Agnone Cilento, Erchie, Capitello, Vallo Della Lucania, Atrani, Atena Lucana, San Nicola

For the broader travel overview: Salerno.