Cilento Vallo di Diano & Alburni National Park
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By Dion Protani
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Latest update: 6 January 2024
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The Cilento Vallo di Diano & Alburni National Park is situated in the Province of Salerno. and covers a total geographical area of 1,810 square kilometres.
It's been a UNESCO World Heritage Site, under the Cilento and Vallo di Diano National Park with the Archeological Sites of Paestum and Velia, and the Certosa di Padula, listing since 1998. |
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Profile
The Cilento, Vallo di Diano & Alburni National Park, also known as Parco Nazionale del Cilento, Vallo di Diano e Alburni, is a remarkable protected area located in the Campania region of southern Italy.
Encompassing the Cilento and Alburni mountain ranges, as well as the Vallo di Diano valley, the park offers a diverse and enchanting landscape of rugged mountains, rolling hills, ancient villages, and unique biodiversity, making it a paradise for nature lovers, hikers, and history enthusiasts.
Encompassing the Cilento and Alburni mountain ranges, as well as the Vallo di Diano valley, the park offers a diverse and enchanting landscape of rugged mountains, rolling hills, ancient villages, and unique biodiversity, making it a paradise for nature lovers, hikers, and history enthusiasts.
History
The history of the Cilento, Vallo di Diano & Alburni National Park is deeply connected to its geological and cultural significance. The region has been inhabited since ancient times, with evidence of prehistoric settlements and ancient Greek and Roman civilizations.
The area is home to the ancient Greek city of Paestum, now a UNESCO World Heritage site, which dates back to the 6th century BC and is renowned for its well-preserved Greek temples.
In more recent history, the park was established in 1991 to preserve and protect its exceptional natural and cultural heritage. It covers an area of over 180,000 hectares, making it one of the largest national parks in Italy.
The area is home to the ancient Greek city of Paestum, now a UNESCO World Heritage site, which dates back to the 6th century BC and is renowned for its well-preserved Greek temples.
In more recent history, the park was established in 1991 to preserve and protect its exceptional natural and cultural heritage. It covers an area of over 180,000 hectares, making it one of the largest national parks in Italy.
Key features
Cilento, Vallo di Diano & Alburni National Park offers visitors an opportunity to explore the stunning beauty of southern Italy.
Hiking is one of the main attractions in the park, with an extensive network of well-marked trails that lead through its diverse landscapes. From mountain treks to leisurely walks through olive groves and vineyards, the park offers a variety of hiking opportunities for all levels of experience.
The park's diverse flora and fauna make it a haven for nature lovers and wildlife enthusiasts. It is home to a variety of animal species, including wild boars, foxes, golden eagles, and peregrine falcons. The park's coastline is also an important nesting area for sea turtles.
Visitors can explore the ancient ruins of Paestum, with its well-preserved Greek temples and an archaeological museum that houses a fascinating collection of artifacts.
The park is dotted with charming medieval villages and historic sites, providing opportunities for cultural exploration and trying local cuisine.
The park's coastline, known as the Cilento Coast, offers beautiful sandy beaches and clear waters for swimming and relaxation.
Visitor centers and information points are available throughout the park, providing valuable resources and educational materials for tourists interested in learning more about the park's natural and cultural heritage.
Cilento, Vallo di Diano & Alburni National Park is accessible from various towns and villages in the region, including Salerno, Paestum, and Vallo della Lucania. Visitors can reach the park by car or public transportation, and there are various accommodations available for those who wish to stay overnight.
The best time to visit the park depends on your interests. Spring and early summer are ideal for hiking and enjoying the blooming wildflowers, while summer offers the opportunity to enjoy the coastal beaches and swim in the Mediterranean Sea.
Hiking is one of the main attractions in the park, with an extensive network of well-marked trails that lead through its diverse landscapes. From mountain treks to leisurely walks through olive groves and vineyards, the park offers a variety of hiking opportunities for all levels of experience.
The park's diverse flora and fauna make it a haven for nature lovers and wildlife enthusiasts. It is home to a variety of animal species, including wild boars, foxes, golden eagles, and peregrine falcons. The park's coastline is also an important nesting area for sea turtles.
Visitors can explore the ancient ruins of Paestum, with its well-preserved Greek temples and an archaeological museum that houses a fascinating collection of artifacts.
The park is dotted with charming medieval villages and historic sites, providing opportunities for cultural exploration and trying local cuisine.
The park's coastline, known as the Cilento Coast, offers beautiful sandy beaches and clear waters for swimming and relaxation.
Visitor centers and information points are available throughout the park, providing valuable resources and educational materials for tourists interested in learning more about the park's natural and cultural heritage.
Cilento, Vallo di Diano & Alburni National Park is accessible from various towns and villages in the region, including Salerno, Paestum, and Vallo della Lucania. Visitors can reach the park by car or public transportation, and there are various accommodations available for those who wish to stay overnight.
The best time to visit the park depends on your interests. Spring and early summer are ideal for hiking and enjoying the blooming wildflowers, while summer offers the opportunity to enjoy the coastal beaches and swim in the Mediterranean Sea.
Parco Nazionale del Cilento, Vallo di Diano e Alburni
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Province: Salerno
Region: Campania Size: 1,810 km² Established: 1991 Fly to: Naples International Airport - 1 hour 41 minutes (120 km) Close by: Paestum, Certosa di Padula, Agropoli, Battipaglia Recommended accommodation: Marulivo Hotel (37 km) |
UNESCO World Heritage Site
Cilento and Vallo di Diano National Park with the Archaeological Sites of Paestum and Velia, and the Certosa di Padula
Year: 1998
Cilento and Vallo di Diano National Park with the Archaeological Sites of Paestum and Velia, and the Certosa di Padula
Year: 1998
