Frequently asked questions
Everything you need to know about Pollica and Pioppi
Verified answers to the most common questions from those planning a visit to the village of the
Mediterranean Diet. For specific cases, contact the Pollica Info Point directly.
Where is Pioppi?
Pioppi is a hamlet of the Municipality of Pollica, in the Province of Salerno,
within Cilento, Vallo di Diano and Alburni National Park. It faces the
Tyrrhenian Sea between Acciaroli and San Mauro Cilento, about 40 km
from Agropoli and 100 km from Salerno. Coordinates: 40°10′N, 15°02′E.
Why is Pioppi famous for the Mediterranean Diet?
In 1962 the American physiologist Ancel Keys
moved to Pioppi, where he lived until 2004 (over 40 years). Here
he developed and formalised the scientific model of the Mediterranean Diet through the
Seven Countries Study. In 2010 UNESCO
recognised the Mediterranean Diet as Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity,
and Pollica is one of the seven emblematic communities of the designation.
What to see in Pollica and Pioppi in one day?
In one day you can visit: the Living Museum of the Mediterranean Diet
at Palazzo Vinciprova (Pioppi, ~2 hours), the Pioppi seafront with
Ancel Keys' house (~30 min), the Castle of the Capano Princes in central
Pollica (~1 hour) and the historic village of Acciaroli with its harbour (~1 hour),
with a beach stop for a swim in the crystal-clear water. Recommended itinerary
clockwise starting from Pioppi.
Is Acciaroli really the village of the centenarians?
Yes. A 2016 study by the Sapienza University
of Rome and the San Diego School of Medicine found
in Acciaroli a percentage of centenarians above the national average,
attributed to the Mediterranean Diet, an active lifestyle and a peptide
(mAP – mitochondrial-derived peptide) present in the residents' blood.
It is considered one of the informal Blue Zones of the Mediterranean.
When is the best time to visit Pollica and Pioppi?
The swimming season runs from May to October, with water at 22–26°C
between June and September. To avoid summer crowds, the ideal months are
May, June and September. The village can be visited all year round for
culture, trekking in Cilento National Park, autumn festivals (new oil in November) and cuisine.
Do Pioppi and Acciaroli have the Blue Flag?
Yes. The Municipality of Pollica, with the resorts of Pioppi and Acciaroli,
has received the FEE Blue Flag for bathing water quality
and environmental management for over 20 consecutive years, among the longest-running
records in Italy. It also holds the 5 Sails by Legambiente for over
15 years.
How to get to Pollica and Pioppi?
By car: A2 Salerno-Reggio Calabria, Battipaglia exit, then SS18 to
Vallo Scalo, SP430 to Pioppi (~1h from Salerno).
By train: Vallo della Lucania-Castelnuovo station (13 km),
then taxi or local bus.
By air: Naples-Capodichino Airport (160 km, ~2h by car) or
Salerno-Costa d'Amalfi (110 km).
What do you eat in Pioppi?
The cuisine of Pollica is the manifesto of the Mediterranean Diet: fresh Cilento
pasta (fusilli, lagane and chickpeas), menaica anchovies (Slow
Food Presidium of Pioppi), PDO Cilento extra-virgin olive oil, Campania buffalo
mozzarella, white figs, Cilento DOC wine. The menaica anchovies are caught with a
traditional net found only here and in Marina di Pisciotta.
UNESCO 2010 · Living Museum
Pioppi
Blue Flag · Village of the centenarians
Acciaroli
Historic village · 12th century
Capano
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