Cilento is characterized by a marvellous area which, a few years ago became a national park, spreading over an area of about 180 000 hectares. Over its long history, this region has been home to Greeks and Romans, and defended its borders against Turks, Saracens and pirates. It is still possible to find evidence of these peoples while wandering along the roads or exploring the sea-bed along the local coast. From Agropoli to Santa Maria di Castellabate, to Accaroli, to Pioppi, there are four European Blue Flags publicising the clearness and the cleanliness of the deep blue Tyrrhenian Sea.

The historic centre of Castellabate, is set on the top of the hill, overlooks the stretch of sea between Punta Tresino and Punta Licosa and so offers a breathtaking panorama. It was probably the narrow alleyways, small mediaeval houses, the "Belvedere", the castle, the twelfth century Pontifical Basilica - embellished in the fifteenth and sixteenth centuries, which UNESCO declared to be "World Patrimony of Humanity".

The most romantic and delightful place in Castellabate, nominated by Homer in his Odyssy as the home of the mermaid Leucosia. 200m from the mainland, the island, on which is now a lighthouse, is surrounded by marvellous views and beneath the surrounding sea are the remains of an ancient civilisation.

Agropoli boasts ancient origins; its very name indicates Greek paternity, being derived from Acropolis, town sited on high. In fact Agropoli stands on a cape jutting out to sea. Set in the midst of greenery, it completely dominates the Cilentan coast and the green of the surrounding sea at its shoulders. Today Agropoli is a modern town, richly equipped for the tourists who populate its small, characteristic beaches. Agropoli also has tourist port nearby the promontory upon which the original town is situated. Alongside the modern town we can find traces of the past, like the old, mediaeval castle, the original town with its original, Aragonese gateway allowing entry to the inhabitants.

Greek town famous worldwide and founded in the sixth century b.c. by a Greek colony from Sybaris and named "Poseidonia". The temples of Neptune and Cerere, the forum, the amphitheatre and the gymnasium are all within the perimeter wall which extends over 5km and together, their beauty and atmosphere provide an unforgettable memory for everyone. Don`t miss the sun setting behind the temples!

An abandoned town in the hinterland of Cilento, where time stands still after a severe landslide which threatened the safety of the inhabitants, as their houses slid down toward the valley. Today, only various possessions, memories of a bygone age and the houses remain, evoking the atmosphere of the 16th century. But we can't really say that the town was completely abandoned, in that, the houses were, and still are, used for agricultural storage, so in the mornings, some life returns. Today the whole town is considered to be a museum, a testimony to the old, Cilentan way of life, told today in the"Museo della Civiltà Contadina".

This is one of the most important cave complexes in meridian Italy, and was formed about 40 000 years ago. There are wells, tunnels, underground streams and stalactites and stalagmites of every shape and form. The walk is about 4000m in unique, natural scenery. Don`t miss the little town of Castelcività (487m) which offers a marvellous view over the valley of the river Sele. A visit in the "Museo della Civiltà Contadina" is well recommended!

Mediaeval in origin, set on a hill to the south of the river Alento, from where it is possible to enjoy the wonderful, coastal panorama or the scenic view, over the ancient town of Velia. Among the ancient dwellings, with its neo-classic style, is the 16th century Ricci palace. But today, it is Ascea Marina, with its port and stupendous beach of course-grained sand, which draws the tourists.

The earliest record of Palinuro was made by Virgil, in L'Eneide. The place where Enea, the helmsman died, now a popular, seaside, tourist area. All thanks to its strategic position at the base of a promontory and a coastline littered with caves and inlets. The Antiquarium, ( open 9.30am-12.30pm. and 5pm-7.30pm. during the winter and, 9.30am-12.30pm. and 5pm.-12midnight, in the summer.), houses remains from the necropolis of the 6th century b.c., discovered to the north of Palinuro. With organised boat tours, or boat hire, leaving from the port, it is possible to visit the numerous caves to be found along the coast; the most famous being the Blue Grotto, while the cave with the most stalagmites and stalactites, is the Grotta dell' Ossa (cave of bones)