Location
On the Tyrrhenian coast, south of Salerno, about 60 km away, Parco Elena tourist complex is located in the heart of Cilento and Vallo di Diano National Park (listed in UNESCO’s “World Heritage List”). It is famous worldwide for its extraordinary, pure nature and as the location of many myths and legends.
Parco Elena is an excellent starting point to discover the numerous itineraries on offer in the National Park with its 1,800 native plant species, including the rare Palinuro Primrose and Marine Lilies, or watch eagles fly.
It is still possible to visit Licosa, the small island of Sirena Leucosia, one of the enchantresses who tried to stop Ulysses in his Odyssey, and the village of Palinuro, which takes its name from Enea’s loyal follower, whose actions were narrated in Eneide by the great Latin poet Virgilio. Myths and legends have been passed on thanks to ancient Greek Paestum in the north, just 10 kilometers from Parco Elena.
It was one of the most important centers of the Greek Empire, where one can admire the splendid temples of Nettuno and Era. Velia is 30 kilometers south of Parco Elena, another flourishing Greek colony where the Eleatic School was founded, a milestone in the development of western philosophical thought, whose main representative was Parmenide.
You can also easily visit one of the biggest monasteries in the world, the fourteenth-century Certosa di San Lorenzo in Padula, which is full of history and artistic treasures. Most of all, Parco Elena is just 5 kilometers from the splendid beaches of Cilento, which are flat and full of fine sand towards Paestum, with stones and rocks from Punta Licosa to Palinuro, with continually changing cliffs and bays of rare beauty and picturesque charm.
In 5 minutes by car, you are on the sandy beaches of Agropoli, with its well equipped bathing establishments, free and wild beaches. The tourist port of Agropoli allows easy docking of pleasure crafts and offers various services to tourists, including the Sea METRO which conveniently and quickly connects various towns along the Cilentan and Amalfi Coast , the famous Capri islands and Naples, offering the traveller a charming view of the entire Coast from the north and south of Salerno.
For lovers of pure nature and free beaches, we advise you to go to Palinuro, famous for its crystal blue sea with its natural ravines which are accessed by sea between the Azzurra and Argento Grottos. For years, the coast of Cilento has been awarded the European Blue Flag for its clean sea and services offered.
Parco Elena is in an ideal position to discover the typical flavors of Cilento, starting with extra virgin olive oil, the result of grinding the olives that can be seen around the hills of Cilento. The oils from “Cilento” park and “Colline Salernitane” are DOP registered (of protected origin) thanks to their bitter and pungent characteristics. Cilento is also the name of a white, red and rose wine that, alongside Castel San Lorenzo, represents the DOC wine from the park.
Something worth trying is the artichokes from Paestum and beans from Controne, the Gioi salami and rolls of pancetta, white figs and chestnuts from Roccadaspide and most importantly, don’t leave without trying the tasty Campana buffalo mozzarella or tomatoes grown in the park, the main ingredients of the famous and healthy Mediterranean diet, which originated right here in Cilento.
Distance in kilometers:
- 0 to Cilento National Park
- 5 to beach
- 3 to Agropoli
- 10 to Paestum
- 30 to Velia
- 55 to Palinuro
- 60 to Salerno
- 130 to Naples
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How to reach us
By plane:
The nearest airport is Naples Capodichino which is located 130 kilometers from Parco Elena. From here you can reach us by train, (take the line for Naples – Reggio di Calabria, Agropoli stop), or by car, driving in the direction of Salerno where you will arrive to the A3 highway in the direction of Reggio Calabria.
By train:
Get on in Naples and take the train for Reggio di Calabria. Get off at in Agropoli. From here you can take a taxi to Parco Elena (just 3 kilometers away).
By car:
If you arrive from the north or south, take the A3 Salerno – Reggio Calabria highway and exit at Battipaglia. Take the SS 18 state road for Agropoli. Exit at Agropoli – Sud and follow the signs for Parco Elena.
