Bathing pleasure at Marina di Ascea: Holiday homes, holiday apartments and country estates

Located at the end of the valley of Velia, it is above all Marina di Ascea with its 7 km of fine sandy beach and the attractive scogliera at its southern end which has become a well-known seaside resort. Outside the holiday months of July and August, you have got large sections of the beach almost to yourself.

Ancient Greek town of Velia

The town of Ascea is known above all for the excavations of the former Greek town of Elea (today: Velia), which dates back to the 6th century BC. Ancient Elea enjoyed fame and reputation due to its school of philosophy ("Eleatic School"). Its main representatives Parmenides and Zenon are regarded as the intellectual pioneers of the classical Greek philosophy of Plato and Aristotle; among other things, they taught the spherical shape of the earth.

For the tour around the premises which follows old Via Porta Rosa, you should count about 2 – 3 hours. Besides Porta Rosa, the town gate, it is above all Torre di Sanseverino as part of the acropolis, which is regarded as the landmark of today’s excavation site.

A tip for hikers

Marina di Ascea is also a perfect starting point for hiking tours into the Cilento hinterland. Through the green valley of Velia you hike 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 circular hiking tour takes you through the medieval main village of Ascea back to Marina.

Nearest train station: Ascea.