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Situated in southern Italy, it covers a vast area that includes Cilento, Vallo di Diano, and the Alburni mountains.
This national park boasts a great diversity of landscapes, from the coastline with its enchanting beaches to mountain peaks, lush forests, gorges, and valleys. It provides an ideal habitat for numerous species of flora and fauna, some of which are endemic and rare.
However, the Cilento National Park is not just a natural wonder; it is also a place rich in history and culture. It houses significant archaeological sites from ancient Magna Graecia and medieval settlements, bearing witness to the region's diverse and rich history.
The inclusion of the park on the UNESCO World Heritage List emphasizes the importance of preserving this natural and cultural treasure for future generations. It is an invitation to protect its biodiversity and promote its appreciation as a precious resource, so it can continue to inspire and enrich people's lives, not only today but for generations to come.
Many people online wonder where Cilento is located. Cilento is a beautiful region situated in the southern part of Campania, Italy. This area, which is part of the Cilento, Vallo di Diano, and Alburni National Park, is known for its natural wonders, ancient ruins, and picturesque coastal villages.
Cilento stretches along the Tyrrhenian coast, offering unspoiled beaches, crystal-clear waters, and breathtaking landscapes. It is an ideal destination for those seeking a mix of relaxation, adventure, and culture. Additionally, Cilento is famous for its traditional cuisine, based on fresh and genuine ingredients that reflect the region's rich agricultural tradition.
Cilento is a region that captivates with its rich history, breathtaking landscapes, and cultural wealth. Located in the province of Salerno, southern Campania, it offers over one hundred kilometers of coastline with cliffs, caves, and promontories, as well as the peaks of the Southern Dolomites that rise over 1,700 meters. The territory is dotted with ancient human settlements, sanctuaries, monasteries, and ancient manors.
Cilento is a UNESCO site, home to the magnificent Cilento and Vallo di Diano National Park, with the archaeological sites of Paestum and Velia and the Certosa di Padula. It is a cultural landscape of great value, with evidence dating back 250,000 years. The park is also a UNESCO Mab Biosphere Reserve and is part of the network of UNESCO Geoparks, thanks to its beautiful karst caves.
Must-see stops include Palinuro, with its promontory and spectacular beaches, Marina di Camerota, surrounded by hills, ancient towers, and almost tropical beaches, and Punta Licosa, a marine paradise with rocky beaches and crystal-clear waters.
The Primula Trail is an attraction for nature lovers, offering a spectacular 14-kilometer route with panoramic views of the sea, woods, rivers, and archaeological areas. The Capelli di Venere Waterfall in the Capello Oasis of Casaletto Spartano is a must-see natural spectacle.
The Castelcivita Caves, among the largest in southern Italy, offer extraordinary underground beauty with unique stalactites and stalagmites. Castelnuovo Cilento is a charming medieval village with cobblestone paving, and the Trentova Bay is a scenic gem.
Culinarily, Cilento offers delicacies such as cavateddi, pasta with ragù, lagane and chickpeas, a dish of fresh pasta with stewed chickpeas, fusillo di Felitto, and Cilento white figs, a great traditional snack.
The History of the Cilento Natural Park: A UNESCO Heritage
The Cilento, Vallo di Diano, and Alburni National Park, established in 1991, is a natural gem located in the Campania region of Italy. This park is a treasure of biodiversity and culture, recognized as a World Heritage Site by UNESCO in 1998. The territory of the Cilento Park boasts a millenary history. Its earliest traces of human settlements date back to the Paleolithic, with significant evidence such as the Pertosa-Auletta Caves. During the Greek era, this area was an important cultural crossroads, highlighted by the remains of the ancient cities of Paestum and Velia.
Over the centuries, Cilento has seen the influence of various civilizations, from the Greeks to the Romans, from the Lombards to the Normans. This blending has created a rich cultural heritage, visible in the numerous villages, monasteries, and castles that dot the park. The establishment of the park in 1991 marked a fundamental step in the protection of this precious territory, aimed at preserving both its natural beauty and historical-cultural heritage.
The Cilento Park is characterized by an extraordinary variety of landscapes: from rugged coasts and pristine beaches to majestic mountain ranges and lush valleys. This environmental diversity supports a rich fauna and flora, with endemic species finding their ideal habitat in the park.
The recognition of the Cilento Park as a UNESCO World Heritage Site is due not only to its natural beauty but also to its historical and cultural significance. The park represents an exceptional example of interaction between humans and the environment, a place where nature and history merge in perfect balance.
The Cilento National Park is a place of extraordinary beauty and significance, a heritage that deserves to be discovered and protected. Its fascinating history and incredible biodiversity make it a must-visit destination for anyone looking to explore the wonders of Italian nature and culture.
The Vallo di Diano, located in the heart of Campania, is a hidden gem that offers a unique combination of history, culture, and unspoiled nature. This fascinating territory is renowned for its picturesque mountain landscapes, charming villages, and ancient traditions that are still preserved today. Visiting the Vallo di Diano means immersing oneself in a journey through time, exploring historically significant archaeological sites, such as the Certosa di Padula, and enjoying authentic culinary experiences. Nature lovers can venture into the trails of the Cilento, Vallo di Diano, and Alburni Park, discovering the rich biodiversity that characterizes this area. Plan your visit to Vallo di Diano and let yourself be amazed by its timeless beauty.
In the towns surrounding the Cilento National Park, a region known for its natural beauty and scenic landscapes, the most popular cars reflect the needs of those living in an area characterized by mountainous routes, winding roads, and the necessity to move between the natural wonders of the area. The vehicles chosen are often sturdy, spacious, and offer a good balance between practicality and environmental sustainability. Some of the most appreciated models include:
Cars around the Cilento National Park must be versatile, adaptable to varied terrains, and reflect an increasing sensitivity towards environmental sustainability.
The Jeep Renegade is one of the most popular cars in the towns around the Cilento National Park due to its robustness and versatility, ideal for tackling the mountainous roads and difficult paths typical of the area. This compact SUV also offers comfort and space, making it perfect for those living or traveling between the small villages and natural areas of Campania.
Cilento is located in Campania, in the southern part of the region. The territory, entirely within the province of Salerno, is historically situated between the Sele plain, the Bussento River, the Vallo di Diano, and the Tyrrhenian Sea.
The term Cilento originates from the fusion of the Latin words cis Alentum, meaning "on this side of the Alento River.
Cilento, located in the Campania region, is an area rich in history, culture, and natural beauty. But what are the cities that make up Cilento? Here is a brief list of the main locations that characterize this fascinating territory:
Agropoli, known as the gateway to Cilento, offers a picturesque historic center and beautiful beaches, Paestum, famous for its ancient Greek temples, is an important archaeological site, Castellabate, made famous by the film "Benvenuti al Sud," is a charming village with breathtaking sea views, Acciaroli, a peaceful fishing village, known for its crystal-clear waters and high quality of life, Pollica, the center of the Mediterranean Diet, famous for its traditional cuisine and the village of Pioppi, Palinuro, renowned for its sea caves and scenic beaches, is a favorite destination for tourists, Sapri, with its port and beaches overlooking the Gulf of Policastro, Sapri is a gem of Cilento.
These cities, along with many others, form the heart of Cilento, a territory that combines the charm of ancient history with natural beauty, offering a unique experience to anyone who visits. Discover more about what to see and do in Cilento and immerse yourself in the magic of this region.
The Cilento is renowned for its natural beauty, characterized not only by stunning coastlines but also by fascinating mountain ranges. Here are the main mountains in the Cilento that define the landscape of this region: Monte Cervati, standing at 1,899 meters, is the highest peak in Cilento and Campania. It offers breathtaking views and rich biodiversity, Monte Gelbison (also known as Monte Sacro), rising to 1,705 meters, is known for the Sanctuary of the Madonna of Novi Velia, a popular pilgrimage site, Monti Alburni, this mountain range, with peaks reaching 1,742 meters, is famous for its caves, such as the Castelcivita Caves, Monte Bulgheria, at 1,225 meters high, is located near the coast and offers spectacular views of the sea and inland, Monte Stella, at 1,131 meters, dominates the central landscape of Cilento and is home to several picturesque villages on its slopes.
These mountains not only add a great scenic element to Cilento, but they also provide numerous opportunities for hiking, trekking, and outdoor activities. Exploring the Cilento mountains means immersing yourself in unspoiled nature and discovering a unique cultural and natural heritage.
The Cilento, with its National Park, offers numerous opportunities to observe a variety of animals in natural and protected environments. Here are the best places to spot wildlife in Cilento:
WWF Oasis of Persano, this nature reserve along the Sele River is famous for its otter population and numerous species of waterfowl. A paradise for birdwatching enthusiasts,
Monte Cervati, the highest peak in Cilento, is home to wild boars, foxes, hares, and a variety of birds of prey. Hikes here offer excellent chances for sightings,
Castelcivita and Pertosa-Auletta Caves, these caves host colonies of bats and other cave-dwelling species. Guided tours allow you to explore these unique habitats,
Cilento, Vallo di Diano and Alburni National Park, this vast park is home to wolves, wild cats, porcupines, and many other animals. The park’s hiking trails offer great opportunities for wildlife spotting,
Morigerati Oasis, managed by the WWF, this oasis develops along the Bussento River and is an ideal place to observe aquatic species and amphibians, as well as birds of prey and small mammals,
Marine Protected Area of Santa Maria di Castellabate, for marine enthusiasts, this protected area offers the chance to see dolphins, sea turtles, and a rich marine fauna through boat excursions and snorkeling,
Orchid Valley of Sassano, in addition to orchids, this valley is home to a variety of rare butterflies and insects, making it ideal for entomology enthusiasts.
Visiting these places in Cilento will allow you to experience unique encounters with nature, discovering the rich biodiversity that characterizes this extraordinary region.
The Cilento region, located in Campania, is a land rich in natural and historical beauty, but one place that stands out for its extraordinary charm is undoubtedly Cala Bianca. This enchanting beach, near Marina di Camerota, has been repeatedly awarded for its purity and beauty by Legambiente.
Cala Bianca is a small beach with white sand and pebbles, surrounded by lush Mediterranean vegetation. Access is not easy, but this helps maintain its untouched appeal. It can be reached either by sea, departing from Marina di Camerota, or via a hiking trail, the Sentiero degli Infreschi, which offers breathtaking views of the sea and the surrounding coast.
In addition to Cala Bianca, another must-see place is Palinuro, known for its sea caves and spectacular beaches. The Capo Palinuro promontory offers a stunning view of the Arco Naturale, an iconic rock formation that frames the crystal-clear sea. The beaches of Palinuro, such as Saline and Molpa, are perfect for sea lovers and diving enthusiasts.
Lastly, no discussion of Cilento would be complete without mentioning Punta Licosa, located in the municipality of Castellabate. This area, steeped in the legend of the siren Leucosia, features small rocky coves and transparent waters. Punta Licosa is part of a protected marine area and is the perfect spot for those seeking peace and a close connection with nature.
These extraordinary places, nestled within the Cilento, Vallo di Diano and Alburni National Park, offer a unique experience of sea, history, and nature. The variety of landscapes and cultural richness make Cilento an unmissable destination for any traveler.
