The National Park of the Cilento

The National Park of the Cilento and Vallo di Diano was founded in 1991.
It lies in the Province of Salerno and covers about 36,000 hectares and 80 municipalities are included.
It also represents one of the UNESCO world heritages because of its splendid natural landscape and its historical cultural sites, such as the Temples of Paestum and the Monastery of Padula.
Several species of animals, plants and flowers can be seen in the wide area of the Park.
Nice and attractive are also the cliffs located along the coastline with its vegetation similar to the one visible in the inner land.
Things to sightsee in the Cilento

The Temples of Paestum:

This is one of the most important archaeological sites in Italy.
The most important buildings are the “Basilica” and the Temples of Cerere and Neptune.
The three Dorian Temples are located on the highest area of the ancient town which overlooks the urban land and an amphitheatre.

Velia:

Velia is another archaeological site, not far from Casal Velino.
It was an important ancient Greek province called Magna Graecia where two famous philosophers were born : Parmenide and Zenon.
The ancient Greek town was abandoned by its inhabitants during the Medieval period.
On the highest point of the ancient town we can see the ruins of some Ionian temples and a grand archway named “Porta Rosa”, which dates back to the 4th century B.C.

The Caves of Palinuro

“Capo Palinuro” is another wonderful seaside resort of the Cilento.
It also shows breathtaking cliffs and beautiful colourful wildflowers.
Along its coastline you can admire lovely beaches and caves.
If you like snorkelling then you can better admire its wonderful coral.
If you prefer boat excursions, you should visit Palinuro’s caves: the “Grotta Azzurra”, whose name originates from its blue waters.
It is 85 metres long and 90 metres wide; the “Grotta d’Argento”, the “Grotta del Sangue”, whose names come from the colours mirroring on the waters.
Then there are the “Grotta dei Monaci” where we can admire Monk-like statues praying; the “Grotta Preistorica o delle Ossa”, which gets its name from the fossils found here.
Just to name some if we consider that there are 35 caves in all.

Padula

Here we can visit one of Europe’s biggest monasteries, “San Lorenzo’s Certosa” and the second biggest one in Italy.

Acciaroli

This is another breathtaking seaside town, famous for its crystal-clear waters, even ranked among Italy’s Top Ten beaches.

Pertosa

The name Pertosa comes from a Latin word which means “hole”,
referring to the many caves located in this area that have given shelter to man since the Neolithic Age. There is also an underground lake 3km wide.