Cilento, Vallo di Diano and Alburni National Park

Cilento, Vallo di Diano and Alburni is a protected territory in the Province of Salerno that connects coastal stretches along the Tyrrhenian Sea with mountain ridges and plateaus of the Campanian Apennines. Within its boundaries, coves, rivers, caves, and forested slopes alternate, while villages and ancient ruins are scattered across the terrain.

The territory was declared a national park in 1991 and received UNESCO World Heritage status in 1998, partly due to the presence of the Greek settlements Paestum and Velia. These ancient sites reflect the settlement by Magna Graecia and later Roman influences that shaped the region.

The territory is known for its original way of life rooted in ancient farming traditions, with olive groves and vineyards stretching across the hillsides. Stone mills and terraced fields still mark the landscape, showing how closely generations of families have worked with the land.

Hiking trails cross the entire territory, linking coastal towns with mountain villages, and most routes are most comfortable during spring and autumn. Lodging can be found in surrounding towns, ranging from simple guesthouses to farm stays offering rooms.

Over 1800 plant species grow within the park boundaries, including the rare Primula palinuri found only at a few coastal spots. Golden eagles and peregrine falcons nest in the higher elevations, while wolves are occasionally spotted in remote valleys.