The gulf of Ascea is including a large coastal territory which offers opportunities and leisures for all types of seaside tourism. Kilometers of relaxing beach, free and equipped, alternate with a fascinating rocky coast, ideal for diving and boat trips. Numerous seaside villages to visit: Marina di Ascea, Casalvelino, Pioppi (with its Vinciprova palace), Acciaroli, continuing on the beautiful coastal road up to Castellabate and Agropoli with their historical corners. Of extraordinary beauty is the coast, characterized by an enchanting sandy shore (a beach of about 7 km) and by an open and crystalline sea, already praised by Virgilio and awarded by Bandiera Blu (Blue Flag), as well as Vele di Legambiente (Legambiente sails).
The mild climate of these places was already known in ancient times, so much that several famous people of Rome stayed at Elea-Velia, like Augustus returning from the Orient, Cicero, Paolo Emilio, Horace, Brutus and others. The ancient Greek city of Helea is of great world historical value as the home of Parmenides' philosophy. In March 1965 the "Porta Rosa" was brought to light, the only evidence of an arch in Greek architecture. Not to forget the "Torre Angioina", symbol of the surrounding area, which rests on the blocks of the Temple of Athena and the acropolis of the ancient city.
The ancient center has preserved, intact, the typical medieval citadel plan, with some grafted noble residences dating back to the seventeenth century: in particular the buildings Perrotta and Iaquinto, that deserve a visit for the large amount of art works they host. Yet, the pride of the hilltop village is the Church of Santa Maria de Gula, erected in the twelfth century and elevated to the rank of Pontifical Basilica in 1988. Santa Maria di Castellabate is the major hamlet, an extremely appreciated tourist destination and home to a marine protected area. To visit, the spectacular Punta Tresino, access door to the Cilento Park. The name of the village has become famous all over Italy through the movies "Benvenuti al Sud" (2009) and "Benvenuti al Nord" (2012) of Luca Miniero. ("Welcome to the South"/"Welcome to the North".)
An important cultural attraction is the Angevin-Aragonese Castle that rises majestically in a strategic position on the promontory that dominates the city. It's built on a Byzantine structure of the 6th century A.D. and should not be missed. Highly suggestive is the walk in the historic center (with the possibility of visiting the Church of Madonna di Costantinopoli, the Church of SS. Pietro and Paolo and Cappella dell'Addolorata) which has preserved its original structure with its maze of narrow streets and breathtaking views of the sea.
The crystalline waters of the Trentova Bay and the coast in front of the promenade San Marco, make Agropoli one of the places awarded every year with the recognition "Bandiera Blu FEE" (FEE Blue Flag) attesting to the cleanliness of the seas, the protection of the environment and the efficiency of tourism services. Don't miss a walk to the marina with about 1000 boats, the largest marina south of the Province of Salerno, to admire an evocative panorama that widens on the promontory of the ancient village.
Capo Palinuro is known for its numerous caves that can be visited by boat trips, and for the many beaches on the slopes of the promontories that characterize these places. Let's remember the caves "Azzurra", "del Sangue", "delle Ciavule" and still "l’Arco Naturale", the beach "del Buondormire" and "della Marinella". Marina di Camerota has beaches and bays that made the coast of Cilento a favorite destination: port of the Infreschi, Cala Bianca beach (elected one of the most beautiful beaches in Italy), Cala Monte di Luna.
Ancient city of Magna Grecia founded with the name of Poseidonia in the 7th. century B.C., still today showing the great wealth of its past. Imposing the 3 temples perfectly preserved, contained in the ruins of the entire city. Of great interest is the archaeological museum, among the richest in its genre. The fresco of "Tomba del divatore" (the Diver's tomb) is famous all over the world.
Certosa di San Lorenzo is the largest Charterhouse in Italy and the second largest in Europa. It's located in Padula, in Vallo di Diano, in the Province of Salerno. In 1998 it was declared a World Heritage by UNESCO. The monastery has the largest cloister in the world (about 12,000 square meters) and is surrounded by 84 columns. A large spiral staircase in white marble leading to the large library. The main part of the Charterhouse is in Baroque style and occupies an area of 51,500 square meters with more than 320 rooms.
