Sea, mountains, art and culture, the municipality of Ascea is nestled in the Cilento National Park, rich in precious treasures. First Elea, then Velia and finally Ascea, its name derives from the Greek-skaidon, a place rich in light. Founded by the Phocians around the year 1000, it stands on a hillock overlooking the sea and is divided into the small villages of Catona, Mandia, Terradura and Marina di Ascea.
The Marina shoreline with its golden sandy beaches and beautiful sea lily during the summer season teems with people eager to cool off in these beautiful waters. Characteristic is the cliffs of Telegraph Point behind which are the marvelous Silver Bay and the enchanting Swallow Bay, reachable only by sea.
Cilento is an area of great culinary traditions that offers many high quality products: the delicious Menaica anchovies to be eaten fresh, salted, raw or cooked; PDO extra virgin olive oil produced from the area's olive trees; wines such as Castel San Lorenzo DOC and Cilento DOC; or even buffalo mozzarella from Campania and the PGI artichoke from Paestum.
When the beaches empty out and the city lights come on Ascea is the perfect place to have fun, with lounge bars, clubs with theme nights, DJ sets, live music, and agritourisms where you can taste typical Cilento dishes.
Are you passionate about ancient history? Here you can visit the archaeological area of Velia, whose excavations made it possible to reconstruct the entire plan of the city. The Greek philosopher was born here Parmenides, founder of SEleatic school, those who used proof by contradiction to refute opposing theories. An entire museum has been dedicated to him, The Museum of Paradox, created with the intention of welcoming works by small artists inspired by the theme of the paradoxical. The important thing is Pink Door, the oldest example of a round arch in Italy built around the 4th century BC.