Terradura and Ascea

: View of the Acropolis: The Greek town of Velia was rediscovered in 1888 during the construction of a railway tunnel.

The municipality of Ascea with its districts Marina di Ascea, Mandia, Catona and Terradura lies in the heart of the Cilento.

Sandy beach in Marina di Ascea

Located at the end of the Valley of Velia, especially Marina di Ascea with its 7 km of excellent sandy beach and attractive Scogliera on its southern end has become a famous seaside resort.

Ancient Greek town of Elea

The town is also known for the excavations of the ancient Greek town of Elea (today: Velia) dating back to the 6th century B.C. Elea had a great reputation due to its important philosophers’ school, which main scholars Parmenides and Zenon were the intellectual pioneers of the classical Greek philosophy of Plato and Aristotle; among other theories they taught the spherical shape of the earth.

: At the Scogliera.

Starting point for hiking tours

Marina di Ascea is also a perfect starting point for hiking tours into the hinterland. Through the green Valley of Velia one hikes across the hermitage of Santa Maria into the remote mountain villages of Ceraso, Santa Barbara and Terradura. Ancient olive groves dominate the scenery of that untouched cultural landscape. The round trip leads through the medieval main village of Ascea back to Marina.

Nearest train station: Ascea.