In this exclusive interview, the family behind Il Cannito invites you into their world. Antonella, Nicola, Santa, and their mother Anna Maria share their inspiring story of how they turned their passion for hospitality, tradition, and sustainability into a unique experience for their guests. Discover what makes Il Cannito so special and why guests keep coming back.
Il Cannito
I'm Antonella, twin sister of Nicola, one of Il Cannito's chefs. Together with Santa, our elder sister, we share a passion for hospitality, blending traditions to create unique experiences for our guests. Nicola is 42, Santa is 45, and our mom, Anna Maria, is 70. Together, we make Il Cannito a magical retreat to reconnect with nature and yourself.
Mom, Anna Maria, is the heart of Il Cannito, embodying hospitality and tradition. Nicola, a custodian of Cilento's ancient flavors, crafts dishes from natural, high-quality ingredients. Santa’s love for pastries and homemade pasta shines every morning, complemented by her artistic embroidery. I bring a creative touch, celebrating beauty and exploration through my creations.
When our parents met at Il Cannito, they were captivated by its magic—the ancient oak tree, fragrant cenobium, and tranquil breeze. Their love story started here, and today Il Cannito continues as a blend of past and present, honoring Cilento's essence and traditions.
After 40 years, our dad restored Il Cannito as a tribute to his love and the place's history. The renovation respected its ancient structure, preserving its timeless charm.
Love is the essence of Il Cannito. Through changing seasons, it remains a beacon of romance and hope in Cilento's heart.
Stunning, authentic, and timeless.
Every part of Il Cannito is unique.
We're in Paestum, a UNESCO heritage city, situated between the Amalfi Coast (1 hour by ferry) and Cilento Coast (10 km away). Located within the National Park of Cilento, one of Italy's largest, it's an incredible setting.
We utilize green energy, are plastic-free, and use natural local beauty products. We maintain an organic garden and are starting a sustainable fashion project with collections inspired by Antonella's art. Check: [www.antonellagorga.com](http://www.antonellagorga.com).
A passion for hospitality and sharing our culture while creating unique experiences with people from around the world.
Guests often say they feel like they've met old friends and spent quality time together. They appreciate the authenticity and care we provide during their stay.
Unique location, friendly people, and high-quality food.
“The best place where I stayed in Italy” is a compliment we often hear.
We hope they leave with lovely memories. Many guests send us amazing emails thanking us after their stay.
We offer a custom map guide of the Cilento National Park, created after two months of exploration. We also recommend the best local experiences and spots we love.