Agriturism Accommodation for Philosophy Weekends & Trekking in The Cilento National Park
(For budget student accommodation see Hotel Magna Graecia below)

For the philosophy weekends, there are several agriturism near to the archeological ruins, town centre and the shore. Please follow the links below to book or enquire directly.

Most establishments have some English capacity, though if assistance is required please contact us info@parmenidium.com or call +39 333 108 4326.

When booking, you should state that you are attending The Parmenideum and thereby may qualify for a discount of up to 10%.

All the agriturismo will arrange courtesy pick-up and drop-off from the train station.

Agriturismo Tempa del Niglio - 3 km from Elea, centre and beach

Agriturismo Le Petrosa - 3.5 Km from Elea, centre and beach

Agriturismo Iscairia - next to Elea (within sight of ruins). Walking distance to beach and centre

Agriturismo Fariaola - next to Elea (within sight of ruins). Walking distance to beach and centre.

Hotel La Palazzina - 3 km from Elea, centre and beach. Sometimes, but not always, the talks are held here.

You can also find further accommodation by searching "agriturismo ascea" or "pensioni ascea"

Hotel Magna Graecia

• Adjacent to archeological settlement, close to beach
• All rooms with en suit bath, phone, balcony, some with air conditioning
• Original 1960's decor and furnishings
• Pool and tennis courts
• Restaurant

Hotel Magna Graecia was built in the 1960's and still retains the original decor and atmosphere of that era. It also has about it that peculiar and unique "southern Italian" feel - due principally to its outward, partially dilapidated appearance as well as the strange presence of the owner Sig. Franco Rizzo, who is, nevertheless, an exceedingly decent and accommodating fellow.

The Rizzo name in fact goes back centuries in the area with many of the clan claiming direct descent from Parmenides himself - or at least from the ancient Greek population of the settlement at Elea, which lies directly behind the hotel.

From the courtyard and swimming pool the Roman era tower of Velia is clearly visible and from the rear the actual archeological ruins of the original Greek settlement, Elea, can be seen.

The rooms and guest areas all conform to
standards of cleanliness, safety and functionality and Franco and his staff are themselves very helpful and communicative. This is remarkable, since Sig Rizzo does not speak English and those of his staff that do, speak it very badly. Yet, this is no obstacle and on the contrary is a point of appreciation for those who recognise the importance of experiencing things in as an untouched a manner as possible. You'll be pleased to know the hotel doesn't even have a website.

The rooms are all spacious, well maintained and come in configurations of twin, double and triple. Each has a phone, air conditioning/heating, en suit shower/ toilet and a balcony. Room service is available for most hours of the day.

The restaurant serves excellent local and Italian cuisine as well as excellent local and international wines. Breakfast and at least one main meal are taken here each day and the remaining meal can be taken independently or the group can go to one of the nearby restaurants for a change. Or indeed simply dine at Magna Graecia. (We have chosen half board so as to allow this flexibility). A packed lunch can be taken on the beach or under some olive trees among the archeological ruins and easily arranged with Franco.

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We have chosen Hotel Magna Graecia principally because it is directly next to the settlement at Elea and because it is very economic for students and people on a budget.

But it is also an experience in itself. All the furnishings and decor impart a sense of time having stopped in the 1960's - rather appropriate given the core idea of Parmenides' argument of the unchanging nature of reality.

While most Italian establishments are obsessed with modernity (unique bars, restaurants and hotels are increasingly being gutted and "refurbished" up and down the country in a misconceived idea that this is what the visitor wants), Hotel Magna Graecia stands out as an example of stubborn, though unconscious and yet quite truly quaint resistance to this trend.

We know you will enjoy your stay at the Magna Graecia as much as the philosophical discussions, presentations and debates. But also note that Elea/Ascea is ideally placed for excursions to Paestum and Naples, both of which are on direct mainline connection from Ascea train station. You can easily arrange your philosophy weekend to be part of a longer and wider ranging travel to Italy.

Tips on getting the most of your travel to Elea and Italy