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Velia Vista , near Ascea

archaeological sites, sandy beaches, wooded hills

The estate in early spring, immersed in tranquil landscapes

All apartments:

• 1-2 bedrooms (sleep 2-4) • open-plan living room • bathroom • well-equipped kitchen with oven, 4-ring hob & fridge-freezer • terrace or balcony • shared barbecue • shared pool (usually open from May to September)

Activities/facilities available:

• walking • bike hire & horse riding • watersports 5km away • nearest shop 3km • nearest restaurant on site or 3km • nearest beach 5km

> Prices & travel

Velia Vista

Rugged mountains, picturesque villages, vast olive groves, thick chestnut woods and incredible archaeological sites characterise southern Italy’s Cilento National Park and its coastline. The extraordinarily well-preserved Doric temples of the Greek and Roman settlement of Paestum, the amphitheatre and early archway of the Hellenistic town of Velia and the tiny coastal village of Pisciotta are just three of the treasures that you can discover on a holiday here.

Combine visits to these with lazy days on the sandy beaches and rewarding walks in the National Park looking out for golden eagles, kites and black woodpeckers, and you can enjoy a wonderfully varied holiday. We provide route notes for two walks:

Ancient Velia (2 or 4h): this short introductory walk leads from your apartment through the valley to the archaeological site at Velia, which is beautifully situated near the sea. The route passes through a wide variety of landscapes - the green banks of a small river, garden terraces and rolling hills - affording views of the sea and the medieval castle on top of the hill of Velia.You can either retrace your steps or take a taxi back.
The Cilento Coast (4h): head along the coast from Marina di Camerota to Porto degli Infreschi, enjoying spectacular views as far as Basilicata, and passing beautiful and isolated beaches where you can swim. Dotted along the paths are the ruins of old watchtowers, part of the extensive fortifications which once protected the coast.

The shared pool

The perfect base from which to explore this region is Velia Vista, part of a magnificent 17th-century country estate and working farm surrounded by centuries-old olive groves which are, in turn, framed by warm, wooded hills. Embedded in a lush green valley, the estate includes more than 10,000 olive trees, vineyards and vegetable gardens, plus cows, chickens, goats, turkeys and pigs, making it a paradise for children and adults who wish to immerse themselves in the authentic rural life of southern Italy.

Typical bedroom

The house, chapel and watermill have all been lovingly converted by the lively Elvira Licusati into an attractive hotel and self-catering accommodation which enjoy breathtaking views towards the sea in one direction and the mountains in the other. The 1-bedroom apartments are in the original buildings near the pool, while the 2-bedroom apartments are set in a more tranquil area a short distance away. All are simple in style, yet truly wonderful, the dark wooden beams and terracotta floor tiles contrasting with the white walls and creating a calm and welcoming atmosphere.

Your nearest shops and restaurants are in the nearby town of Ascea, complete with its own Roman ruins, but do not neglect the estate’s own superb restaurant (pay locally) where you can enjoy excellent dishes typical of this enchanting area.

Typical dining kitchen

Prices & travel 2009:

Property & hire car includes: 7 days' category B car hire (eg Fiat Grande Punto)
Recommended airport: Naples
Driving time from airport: 2h30
Book your flights through us and we'll find the best route and times to suit you
Start: Saturday

> Important notes on pricing

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