The National Park of Cilento affords a variety of particularly beautiful nature walks owing to its various geomorphologic features (mountains, valleys, rivers, caves, coastline and sea) The activities proposed range from relaxing walks through the woodlands to breathtaking descents into the heart of the earth, from trekking on horses to mountain biking, white water canoeing, rafting, free climbing and the experience of deep sea diving. The coastline can be admired from the sea on boat trips which take you to Porto Infreschi and Capo Palinuro. The welcoming people of Cilento will accompany you on the discovery of a fascinating part of Italy which still remains an unknown secret to so many.
Hidden in an evocative natural amphitheatre amid the green slopes of the Alburni mountains between Auletta and Pertosa and about 70km s from Salerno are to be found the Caves of the Angel or the Pertosa Caves. These caves, which form winding tunnels and huge caverns, are outstanding for the beauty of the stalactite and stalagmite formations and are quite unique in Italy for the fact that they can only be reached by crossing a lake which originates in an underground river.
This name is immediately associated with the renowned Charterhouse of St. Laurence. The building of the Charterhouse was undertaken in 1306 and only concluded at the beginning of the 19th century, in fact the whole complex, one of the most monumental of its kind in the Mezzogiorno, between buildings themselves and gardens covers some 5 hectares. In the 1950s, the buildings surrounding the main cloister were allocated to the Archaeological Museum of Lucania.
In the 7th century BC, in the Gulf of Salerno near the sea, the Achei population founded the city of Poseidonia. This extraordinary example of Ancient Greek architecture is one of the most outstanding to have survived to this day, with its 4,750m of city wall, its three Doric temples ( the “Basilica”, the Temple of Neptune and the Temple of Cerere) and other minor temples. In the 4th century BC the Greek Poseidon became the Paistom of Lucania and a century later it was denominated ”Paestum” by the Romans. In the 3rd century AD it became a Christian settlement, as can be seen by the austere early Christian Basilica. ( early 5th century). The Museum houses objects of vital historical and artistic importance and ongoing excavations mean that new additions are from time to time made to this historically rich collection. ( the affresco of “ the Diver’s Tomb”, an extremely rare example of painting of the era, was discovered in 1968)
Velia, originally called Yele, and also known as Elea was seat of the famous school of philosophy, where Parmenide and Zenone studied. Colonia Focea, founded around 540 BC conserved the Greek language through to Imperial times and maintained very close relations with Marseille which was of the same origin. As well as the ruins of the city , the ongoing archaeological excavations which began in the 1920’s can also be seen. The complex is fascinating and rich in important discoveries such as the “Porta Rosa” or Pink Gate, on e of the most important city gates of the entire Magna Graecia.
From the 4th century AD until 1862 this isolated and fortified hilltop town with its castle ( most probably Norman) was known as Diano; this remains the name of the valley which cuts between the Cilento mountains and the Maddalena range through which the river Tanagro flows and the ancient Via Popilia winds its way. After the conspiracy of the Barons, the castle was the scene of the victorious resistance of Antonello Sanseverino against the Aragon rulers. After 1806 it was sold to two local families. Reopened to the public in 1996 by the Macciaroli famiy, today the 19th century buildings house a museum and a centre for Antiques is being established.
Just a few kilometers from Marina di Camerota, and springing out of the grey and pink rock which overlooks the valley of the river Mingardo stands this mediaeval village. It was abandoned some 35 years ago as the inhabitants moved into the valley, however in mediaeval times it was a town of fundamental strategic importance as can be seen by the ruins of an imposing castle fortress.
Marine Reserve means not only the underwater life but also the stretch of land along this coast which affords splendid views and is of particular geological, archaeological and botanical interest. The excursion to this area includes an explanation of these and of the many species of flora and fauna which are so particular to the Mediterranean not to mention a “dive into the past two million years”; the most pleasurable swimming breaks along the route. The return journey will be by boat with a visit to the coastal grottos, arriving finally at the port of Marina di Camerota.
From the summit of Bulgheria ( 1225m) a panoramic height over southern Cilento, there is an excellent view of the Mediterranean over the Gulf of Policastro and Capo Palinuro.
The river Bussento disappears for some 6 km appearing again near Morigerati. The Bussento has been a World Wildlife Fund park for the protection of flora and fauna since 1995. The excursion leads along a country path rich in typical vegetation and some 80 m into an underground tunnel following the course of the river underground. A break to swim is possible.
This is an excursion to one of the most interesting geological phenomena of the whole Cilento National Park where, in an old beech wood, a karstic well some 100m deep marks the end of the torrent known as the Milenzio. The excursion leads to the source of the river Mingardo where there will be a break to taste typical local produce such as cheeses, salamis and bread, cakes and, quite surely, some local wine. Assitur
The Brazilian monastery of San Cono, built in Norman times, stands half way between the port of Palinuro and the town of Camerota alta, residence of the Marquis of Camerota. The monks there once managed farming, handcrafts and the surrounding land and even though the monastery has long been abandoned the fruit of their work is still to be found. Liquirice plants, the “ballata”, ancient olive groves and the splendid pine groves of San Cono still stand as witnesses to their presence. This excursion affords not only an idea of the territory’s mediaeval past but also some of the most spectacular views over the coast of Marina di Camerota, its beaches and the whole western coast of the Cilento National Park. Ass. Posidonia
The dolomite valley of Marcellino is one of the most fascinating, if not magic, places along the coast of the “Infreschi”. From the area denominated “del Castagno” ( the chestnut tree) and the woodlands on the top of mount Bulgheria the excursion leads down to the mythical beach at the “ taverna di Marcellino” where you can swim through the “pastures” of Posidonia. Boat trio to the marine grotto . Ass. Posidionia
The day trip includes a visit to all the places of beauty and interest around Capo Palinuro; The ancient mill dating back to Greek- Roman times, mediaeval buildings, the botanic rarities of the rocky coast, the cliffs and the ancient Grotto of Pigs. The return journey is by boat with a visit to the Grotta Azzurra. Ass Posidonia.
The Pertosa Caves
Hidden in an evocative natural amphitheatre amid the green slopes of the Alburni mountains between Auletta and Pertosa and about 70km s from Salerno are to be found the Caves of the Angel or the Pertosa Caves. These caves, which form winding tunnels and huge caverns, are outstanding for the beauty of the stalactite and stalagmite formations and are quite unique in Italy for the fact that they can only be reached by crossing a lake which originates in an underground river.
Padula
This name is immediately associated with the renowned Charterhouse of St. Laurence. The building of the Charterhouse was undertaken in 1306 and only concluded at the beginning of the 19th century, in fact the whole complex, one of the most monumental of its kind in the Mezzogiorno, between buildings themselves and gardens covers some 5 hectares. In the 1950s, the buildings surrounding the main cloister were allocated to the Archaeological Museum of Lucania.
Paestum
In the 7th century BC, in the Gulf of Salerno near the sea, the Achei population founded the city of Poseidonia. This extraordinary example of Ancient Greek architecture is one of the most outstanding to have survived to this day, with its 4,750m of city wall, its three Doric temples ( the “Basilica”, the Temple of Neptune and the Temple of Cerere) and other minor temples. In the 4th century BC the Greek Poseidon became the Paistom of Lucania and a century later it was denominated ”Paestum” by the Romans. In the 3rd century AD it became a Christian settlement, as can be seen by the austere early Christian Basilica. ( early 5th century). The Museum houses objects of vital historical and artistic importance and ongoing excavations mean that new additions are from time to time made to this historically rich collection. ( the affresco of “ the Diver’s Tomb”, an extremely rare example of painting of the era, was discovered in 1968)
Certosa di Padula  | Grotte di pertosa  | Paestum  |
Velia
Velia, originally called Yele, and also known as Elea was seat of the famous school of philosophy, where Parmenide and Zenone studied. Colonia Focea, founded around 540 BC conserved the Greek language through to Imperial times and maintained very close relations with Marseille which was of the same origin. As well as the ruins of the city , the ongoing archaeological excavations which began in the 1920’s can also be seen. The complex is fascinating and rich in important discoveries such as the “Porta Rosa” or Pink Gate, on e of the most important city gates of the entire Magna Graecia.
Teggiano
From the 4th century AD until 1862 this isolated and fortified hilltop town with its castle ( most probably Norman) was known as Diano; this remains the name of the valley which cuts between the Cilento mountains and the Maddalena range through which the river Tanagro flows and the ancient Via Popilia winds its way. After the conspiracy of the Barons, the castle was the scene of the victorious resistance of Antonello Sanseverino against the Aragon rulers. After 1806 it was sold to two local families. Reopened to the public in 1996 by the Macciaroli famiy, today the 19th century buildings house a museum and a centre for Antiques is being established.
San Severino di Centola
Just a few kilometers from Marina di Camerota, and springing out of the grey and pink rock which overlooks the valley of the river Mingardo stands this mediaeval village. It was abandoned some 35 years ago as the inhabitants moved into the valley, however in mediaeval times it was a town of fundamental strategic importance as can be seen by the ruins of an imposing castle fortress.
San Severino di Centola  | Teggiano  | Velia  |
The Marine Reserve of the “Infreschi”
Marine Reserve means not only the underwater life but also the stretch of land along this coast which affords splendid views and is of particular geological, archaeological and botanical interest. The excursion to this area includes an explanation of these and of the many species of flora and fauna which are so particular to the Mediterranean not to mention a “dive into the past two million years”; the most pleasurable swimming breaks along the route. The return journey will be by boat with a visit to the coastal grottos, arriving finally at the port of Marina di Camerota.
Monte Bulgheria
From the summit of Bulgheria ( 1225m) a panoramic height over southern Cilento, there is an excellent view of the Mediterranean over the Gulf of Policastro and Capo Palinuro.
WWF Reserve at Morigerati
The river Bussento disappears for some 6 km appearing again near Morigerati. The Bussento has been a World Wildlife Fund park for the protection of flora and fauna since 1995. The excursion leads along a country path rich in typical vegetation and some 80 m into an underground tunnel following the course of the river underground. A break to swim is possible.
Monte Bulgheria  | Oasi del WWF di Morigerati  | Porto Infreschi 2  |
La Grava di Vesalo
This is an excursion to one of the most interesting geological phenomena of the whole Cilento National Park where, in an old beech wood, a karstic well some 100m deep marks the end of the torrent known as the Milenzio. The excursion leads to the source of the river Mingardo where there will be a break to taste typical local produce such as cheeses, salamis and bread, cakes and, quite surely, some local wine. Assitur
San Cono and the coast of Fenosa
The Brazilian monastery of San Cono, built in Norman times, stands half way between the port of Palinuro and the town of Camerota alta, residence of the Marquis of Camerota. The monks there once managed farming, handcrafts and the surrounding land and even though the monastery has long been abandoned the fruit of their work is still to be found. Liquirice plants, the “ballata”, ancient olive groves and the splendid pine groves of San Cono still stand as witnesses to their presence. This excursion affords not only an idea of the territory’s mediaeval past but also some of the most spectacular views over the coast of Marina di Camerota, its beaches and the whole western coast of the Cilento National Park. Ass. Posidonia
The Valley of Marcellino and the Grotta delle Rondinelle (grotto of the swallows)
The dolomite valley of Marcellino is one of the most fascinating, if not magic, places along the coast of the “Infreschi”. From the area denominated “del Castagno” ( the chestnut tree) and the woodlands on the top of mount Bulgheria the excursion leads down to the mythical beach at the “ taverna di Marcellino” where you can swim through the “pastures” of Posidonia. Boat trio to the marine grotto . Ass. Posidionia
Il vallone di Marcellino e la grotta delle Rondinelle  | La Grava di Vesalo  | S.Cono e la costa della Fenosa  |
Capo Palinuro and the ancient port of Molpa
The day trip includes a visit to all the places of beauty and interest around Capo Palinuro; The ancient mill dating back to Greek- Roman times, mediaeval buildings, the botanic rarities of the rocky coast, the cliffs and the ancient Grotto of Pigs. The return journey is by boat with a visit to the Grotta Azzurra. Ass Posidonia.
Capo Palinuro e l'antico porto di Molpa  | Mappa del Parco Nazionale  |
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