Porto Scario is a tourist port located along the Gulf of Policastro, in the village of the same name in the municipality of San Giovanni a Piro.
The port consists of a 260-meter breakwater and an inner sub-billow pier of about 80 meters, plus a 210-meter docked shore.
The final 60 meters of the breakwater quay are reserved for recreational activity, plus other areas managed by a number of private mooring cooperatives.
A white-light lighthouse located on the beach to the south facilitates access to the port, although it is not clearly visible to those coming from the west.
Facilities include a slip, a detail that also makes the marina popular with dinghy boaters.
The harbor is well sheltered from the west wind, but is exposed to sirocco and grecale winds, even in the summertime.
The port is very busy in the summer period, both by those who land by sea and by scuba diving enthusiasts, who can find equipment rental outlets here.
Scario is also the starting point for pleasant mini-cruises (organized by some private companies operating in the port) to Palinuro, Marina di Camerota and the charming Porto degli Infreschi, a small corner of Cilento tranquility.
Ample parking is provided for those arriving by car.
There is no fuel pump directly in the port area, but one can be found 400 meters away.
Scario is the backdrop to the course of several Cilento coast regattas, such as the Gulf of Policastro regatta and the Forabosco regatta, organized by the local Naval League club.
San Giovanni a Piro is part of theMarine Protected Area Costa degli Infreschi e della Masseta, within the National Park of Cilento and Vallo di Diano.
The maritime area of Scario is therefore subject to special regulations.
Strolling along the seafront is pleasant and gives the opportunity to find bars, restaurants and commercial activities on one’s path.Within the port area it is still possible to stock up on foodstuffs.
Departing from Scario, the coast descends toward Punta degli Infreschi and hides an infinity of small beaches and enchanting coves that will delight any sailor.
The landings at Ascea, Casalvelino and Acciaroli are slightly further away but remain easily accessible.
If the coast is renowned for its unspoiled beaches and crystal-clear sea, the Cilento hinterland is certainly no less worthy of attention.
Those who feel like venturing on a hike of about 45 minutes into the green of centuries-old olive trees can reach the center of San Giovanni a Piro, at the foot of Mount Bulgheria, to enjoy a beautiful view of the Gulf of Policastro.
For those who wish to get there by car, the journey takes only about ten minutes.
Trekking enthusiasts may also choose to set off along one of the many mule tracks that climb through the Mediterranean scrub.
By renting a car, many sites of historical interest can be reached in less than an hour, such as the remains of the ancient city of Velia, the famous excavations of Paestum , and the beautiful medieval village of Teggiano, with its famous Castle of the Princes of San Severino.
Where one decides to head inland towards the heart of the hinterland in the direction of the Cilento and Vallo di Diano National Park, it will definitely be worth making a stop at the Certosa di Padula, the largest Carthusian monastery in Italy.