Cilento Turismo - Piazza Ferrovia c/o Pro Loco - 84058 Ascea (SA) Tel: 0974/972230 - info@cilentoturismo.com - Codice Fiscale: CDONGL66M10H501P

Since millennia Cilento has inspired poets and singers, also many of the Greek and Roman myths, which are at the bottom of our Western culture, were sets on Cilento coasts.  Just a few examples to refresh our school memories. One of the most famous myths is “Mermaids’ Island”, from Homer’s “The Odyssey”.

Mermaids were evil creatures that, according to Homer, with their songs madden sailors passing through, and because of the madness they crashing their boats on the rocks. To avoids death Ulysses was tied to the mast so he could listen to the song and at the same time feel the madness.  The island which probably inspired Homer is the one in front of Punta Licosa near Castellabate.
Another famous myth is Palinuro, the helmsman of Aeneas. During a trip to Lazio’s coast Palinuro fell into the sea along with the rudder.  Clings to remains for three days, struggling against the furious waves.  But when he was finally getting safe on the seashore, was brutally killed by the people of that place. Since then, this hill was named Capo Palinuro.