Cilento and Vallo di Diano and Alburni National Park
Latest page update: 13 February 2025
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By: Dion Protani
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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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The Cilento, Vallo di Diano & Alburni National Park is a sprawling natural reserve located in the Campania region of southern Italy. Covering over 1,800 square kilometres, the park encompasses a diverse range of landscapes, including rugged mountains, rolling hills, deep valleys, and dramatic coastal areas along the Tyrrhenian Sea. The park is recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage site for its unique blend of natural beauty, cultural significance, and biodiversity.
The park’s terrain is varied, with the Alburni Mountains offering striking limestone peaks and deep gorges, while the Vallo di Diano is a fertile plain, rich in agricultural production. The Cilento coastline, with its pristine beaches, steep cliffs, and hidden coves, is another highlight, offering picturesque views and tranquil spaces for relaxation. Inland, the park is covered in dense forests of oak, beech, and pine trees, providing a habitat for a variety of wildlife, including the rare Apennine wolf and golden eagles.
Cultural heritage is deeply intertwined with the park’s natural landscape. Scattered throughout the park are charming hilltop villages, medieval castles, ancient ruins, and sites of historical significance, such as the ancient Greek city of Elea-Velia. These villages, with their narrow streets, stone houses, and traditional Mediterranean architecture, offer a glimpse into the past and an authentic experience of rural southern Italy.
The park is also renowned for its rich biodiversity, supporting over 2,000 species of plants and numerous animal species, making it an important area for conservation. It offers a range of outdoor activities for nature enthusiasts, including hiking, mountain biking, birdwatching, and exploring its network of caves and underground rivers. The park is also a hub for traditional local farming, producing olive oil, cheese, and other local products, which reflect the region’s agricultural heritage.
The park’s terrain is varied, with the Alburni Mountains offering striking limestone peaks and deep gorges, while the Vallo di Diano is a fertile plain, rich in agricultural production. The Cilento coastline, with its pristine beaches, steep cliffs, and hidden coves, is another highlight, offering picturesque views and tranquil spaces for relaxation. Inland, the park is covered in dense forests of oak, beech, and pine trees, providing a habitat for a variety of wildlife, including the rare Apennine wolf and golden eagles.
Cultural heritage is deeply intertwined with the park’s natural landscape. Scattered throughout the park are charming hilltop villages, medieval castles, ancient ruins, and sites of historical significance, such as the ancient Greek city of Elea-Velia. These villages, with their narrow streets, stone houses, and traditional Mediterranean architecture, offer a glimpse into the past and an authentic experience of rural southern Italy.
The park is also renowned for its rich biodiversity, supporting over 2,000 species of plants and numerous animal species, making it an important area for conservation. It offers a range of outdoor activities for nature enthusiasts, including hiking, mountain biking, birdwatching, and exploring its network of caves and underground rivers. The park is also a hub for traditional local farming, producing olive oil, cheese, and other local products, which reflect the region’s agricultural heritage.
Parco Nazionale Cilento, Vallo di Diano e Alburni
Province: Salerno
Region: Campania Size: 1,810 km² Established: 1991 Close by: Paestum, Certosa di Padula, Agropoli, Battipaglia Fly to: Naples International Airport - 1 hour 41 minutes (120 km) 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