Ascea holidays

Holidays to Ascea hand you a party bag of golden beaches, ancient ruins, and cave-studded walking trails on Italy’s beautiful Cilento Coast.

Go-slow Italian travel

Perched on Italy’s south coast, Ascea’s one of those undemanding seaside towns where there’s no rush to do anything. Bury your toes into the sand at sundown as golden hour puts on its best show. Sample plates of Mediterranean food at whatever time of day you fancy. Wake up late, then paddle in the glass-clear Tyrrhenian Sea. It’s totally up to you. The whole place is wrapped in olive groves and rolling hills, and it’s all as peaceful as the age-old stone ruins that stud the landscape like candles on a birthday cake.

Nature trails and ancient ruins

Ascea’s good for both beachy downtime and a bit of an explore away from the sand. History buffs can wander the ruins of ancient Velia – an archaeological site that was once home to the Eleatic school of philosophy. If wildlife’s more your bag, hike one of the scenic trails that snake their way through UNESCO-listed Cilento National Park. Golden eagles and otters live here, and you’ve got all kinds of landscapes to peruse, from caves to mountains.

Golden sands and sunset spots

The best beaches in Ascea include Marina di Ascea, a long stretch of blonde sand tucked up against clear, shallow water that’s perfect for families. Nearby, Baia d’Argento offers up a quieter, more secluded sun-soaking spot. Both beaches are backed by salad-green Mediterranean flora, and make for perfect spots for snapping pics of the sunset off the Italian coast.

Flavours of the Cilentro table

Dining here is a celebration of southern Italian heritage and seasonal ingredients. Ascea’s cuisine reflects the flavours of Cilento – fresh, simple, and rooted in tradition. Try handmade fusilli with tomato and basil, grilled anchovies, or buffalo mozzarella from a nearby dairy. Local olive oil and wine elevate every dish, too. And for afters, indulge in fig-stuffed pastries or lemon-infused sponge cake.