Cilento of Magna Grecia
A few steps from Roccadaspide, the area of Paestum is one of the main archaeological sites in the world, recognized by UNESCO as a world heritage site. It preserves the remains of the ancient city, where the Doric times of Hera, Ceres and Poseidon stand out. Surrounded by a mighty city wall and twenty-eight towers placed to defend the four gates of access to the city, Roman constructions such as the Forum and the Amphitheater can be discovered. The National Archaeological Museum is also worth a visit to admire precious pieces such as the metopes of the temple of Hera Argiva, the statue of Zeus and the famous tomb of the Diver.
The Cilento of towers and fortifications
From the upper town of the Cilento National Park, Vallo Di Diano, visitors have beautiful views overlooking the sea up to the Agropoli standing out of the oceanfront. The crystal-clear waters of the Bay of Trentova and the natural port of the Vallone confirm it as an undisputed destination thanks to the protection of the environment and the efficiency of tourist services.
There are numerous monuments testifying to the glorious past of the city: From the Angevin Aragonese Castle to the Tower of San Marco and San Francesco, the Church of Our Lady of Constantinople or those of St. Peter and Paul.
The Archaeological Museum and the Civic Palace of Arts with large exhibition spaces dedicated to archeology, art and the history of the peoples overlooking the Mediterranean basin are also worth a visit. Perched on top of a hill once used as a defense against pirates, Castellabate is one of the most beautiful villages in Italy recognized by UNESCO as a World Heritage Site. Furthermore, the Belvedere of San Costabile will offer its visitors a breathtaking view of the Gulf of Salerno, Ischia and Capri while the underlying fishing village of Santa Maria di Castellabate is an ideal destination for a relaxing day at the beach.
The Cilento of the limpid and crystalline sea:
Roccadaspide proves to be the right choice also for those who want to enjoy the splendid coast and its crystal-clear sea. The maritime vocation of Paestum is reflected in the name chosen for the city: Poseidon, for the Greeks, was the god of the sea and the temple of Athena guided the sailors who approached the coast from the sea. Capaccio Paestum is a beautiful place at the sea with its sandy and wide beach, bordered by a pine forest overlooking the Tyrrhenian Sea. Furthermore, the bay of Trentova, near Agropoli, and the beach of San Francesco are the perfect choice for those in search of relaxation and crystal-clear sea. Finally, Punta Licosa beach is one of the most beautiful sites on the entire Cilento coast and a paradise for naturalists, photographers and divers.
Cilento of Natural Parks and protected areas
The Cilento, Vallo di Diano National Park and the Foce Sele-Tanagro Reserve are unique treasures and ideal places for a regenerated journey in nature to be discovered near Roccadaspide. The park is characterized by the presence of an extraordinary wealth of vegetation and fauna and by the pristine coasts, rocky cliffs, waterways, mysterious caves. The reserve includes the naturalistic oasis of Persano and the numerous thermal springs as well as the archaeological sites.
Things to do:
As a combination of gastronomy and tradition, folklore and craftsmanship and a reference point for the food and wine panorama, the renowned "Chestnut Festival" takes place every autumn in the village of Roccadaspide, attracting thousands of visitors crowding the city streets and squares to taste delicious dishes made with chestnuts, typical Cilento products, homemade bread, pasta, meats and cheeses.
For lovers of outdoor sports, in Felitto, a few km from Roccadaspide, it is possible to visit the protected area of the "Gole del Calore" from July to September for adventurous canoe trips to discover the wildest and most unspoiled nature.
Furthermore, if you are looking for a unique experience, the Caves of Castelcivita, one of the largest speleological complexes in southern Italy, offer an evocative scenario made of galleries, large spaces and bottlenecks dug by the millennial action of karst erosion. And finally, you should not miss Paestum in the moonlight. Illuminated by the light of the moon, visitors will be able to walk among the temples, finding their way with the help of flames of small lanterns.