Il Cannito Boutique Guesthouse in Capaccio-Paestum, Cilento, Italy

The Cool Franciscan

Those clever monks knew a thing or two about creating the perfect retreat - now a much loved little guesthouse-hotel of style

Intro

Set amongst the verdant scented hilltops of Italy's Cilento, close to Capaccio-Paestum and convenient location to visit the infamous temples, the little boutique hotel Il Cannito’s chunky stone walls host a fabulously casual, sweet house vibe, fusing the 1,300-year-old Franciscan Monastery with the rural chic of Campania and dashings of personality. This is a chilled, contemporary marriage of culture & relaxation set in the lushness of Salerno, Southern Italy. This family has hugged this restoration project over generations, lending natural warmth to the friars' lair by adopting a simple, unfussed approach that frames this fragrant setting of Myrtle & Juniper bushes and shady Elm & Oak trees with a chilled boutique vibe.

Inside, Il Cannito is a Mediterranean palette of exposed beams, limestone walls, terracotta floors, soft eggshell & chalky whites, sun-bleached woods and designer pieces that pair with bold abstract paintings created by a close friend.

With the culture-cool archaeology temples of Paestum within arms reach, a private beach, pool and the deliciousness of home-cooked rustic dishes make venturing further afield from Il Cannito temptingly difficult – but you can always return and try again. A boutique guest house hotel made with comfort in mind, this is an easy place of history that definitely gravitates towards the slow lane, complete with vistas across to distant Capri, bliss.

There's nothing too complicated here - modernist art pieces sit snug to antiques and thick chunky walls

Rooms

Design Bedroom of Il Cannito Boutique Guesthouse in Capaccio-Paestum, Cilento, Italy

Il Cannito has just four rooms, but each are substantially large, and occupy a pretty piece of Cannito’s greenery. Like the rest of the house, restoration continued throughout the rooms that make the most of high wooden ceilings, limestone walls and polished artisan terracotta floors. Bathrooms resemble mini wellness areas with hydro-massage and hydro-sonic bathtubs.

For Sole and Terra suites, you follow a wooden stepped pathway that takes you via a huge oak tree which forms part of the private stone terraces, set up with tables and chairs under its shady leaves. At night, lit up by fairy lights, the surrounds take on an almost dream like quality. Above the main house are Mare and Luna suites.

Foodie

Organic homecooked food - Il Cannito Boutique Guesthouse in Capaccio-Paestum, Cilento, Italy Organic homecooked food - Il Cannito Boutique Guesthouse in Capaccio-Paestum, Cilento, Italy

Food is the soul of Il Cannito - nothing too fancy or formal - this is, after all, Italy in the slow-lane, prepared all-in house and sourced mainly from their own gardens and nearby farms, Anna Maria is a talented home cook who makes delicious casa style fresh pasta, bakes her own breads, cakes and picks the fresh catch of the day.

A small menu of tastes, this is truly like being at the home of a fabulous cook. There is a full dining programme at the little hotel with snacks served down on their private beach.

Wilderness, sea and the ancient culture of Paestum right on your doorstep - including a private beach for chill time

Location

Cilento on the Gulf of Policastro in Italy, beaches, sea, Mediterranean

Lush hillside location backing on to the Cilento and Vallo di Diano National Park with views across to the isle of Capri, Il Cannito is close to the village of Capaccio, 100km south of Naples and 40km south of Salerno. It's a few kilometres from the Greco-Roman historic temples of Paestum (7km) with the stunning Cilento coastline and the towns of Castellabate, Pioppi, Acciaroli and Palinuro just a short drive away.   

Il Cannito also has a private sandy beach in nearby Tela, not forgetting the historic city of Salerno and the infamous Amalfi Coast, easily reachable.

Owners

Anna Maria Barlotti Gorga is the charismatic host, mother, and creative mind behind Il Cannito - the house is a family affair - she runs the place with an utter passion and imbues her love for these thick chunky walls.

Together with her figli Antonella, Santa and Nicola are the heart and soul, and still get thrilled by the arrival of guests – they are like the long lost friends you never knew you had and their house is like a home that is just like them - lively, natural, colouful and fun. 

Owners - Il Cannito Boutique Guesthouse in Capaccio-Paestum, Cilento, Italy

editors PICK


Inis Meáin Experience | Self-catering, private hire accommodation on the Aran Islands, Ireland | The Aficionados Inis Meáin Experience | Self-catering, private hire accommodation on the Aran Islands, Ireland | The Aficionados
Holiday Houses - Aran Islands, Ireland

Inis Meáin Experience


An elemental experience awaits at these natural designer dens, private-hire holiday houses for small groups, where cashmere hugs, rock walls shield, and simplicity is elegant.

read more
The Aficionados - Design Hotel in the wilderness, Juvet Hotel, Norway The Aficionados - Design Hotel in the wilderness, Juvet Hotel, Norway
Hotel - Alstad, Norway

Juvet Landscape Hotel


An unfussy architectural gem that floats above a bed of the greenest and most delicate fauna like a scene from the latest Hobbit epic, this is total immersion in nature from your spectacular viewing pods – here, less is definitely more.

read more

RELATED


view more