Ascea

Ascea is a municipality (comune) in the province of Salerno, in the Campania region of southern Italy. It is located on the Tyrrhenian coast in the Cilento area and includes the seaside district of Ascea Marina as well as inland localities. The municipality borders other Cilento communities and is part of the Cilento and Vallo di Diano National Park, a protected area that encompasses much of the region.

Nearby lies the archaeological site of Velia, the ancient Greek city Elea, founded in the 6th century BCE. Velia is notable for its association with the Eleatic school of philosophy, including philosophers such as Parmenides and Zeno. The site preserves ruins such as city walls, baths and other public structures set in a landscape of olive groves and Mediterranean scrub.

Ascea is within the Cilento and Vallo di Diano National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site designated in 1998. The local economy blends tourism with agriculture and fishing; the Cilento coast is known for its long sandy beaches, while olive oil and wine production contribute to the regional economy. In summer, Ascea Marina serves as a popular destination for beachgoers and visitors exploring the Cilento coast.

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