Alburni Mountains – The "Dolomites of the South" between caves, woods and millenary silences. The Alburni Mountains, also known as the 'Dolomites of the South', dominate the eastern part of the Cilento, Vallo di Diano and Alburni National Park. With their limestone peaks, dense forests and spectacular gorges, they offer a wild and fascinating landscape, ideal for those seeking nature, adventure and spirituality. ⛰️ Landscapes sculpted by time: The limestone rocks of the Alburni, shaped by millennia of wind and water, create plateaus, deep gorges and vertical walls. Peaks such as Monte Panormo (1,742 m) and Monte Cervati are popular destinations for hikers and nature lovers. 👉 Tip: Leave early for the hike to the summit of Panormo: on clear days, the view sweeps from Cilento to Basilicata. 🕳️ Caves and mysteries of the underground: Among the natural wonders stand out the Castelcivita Caves and the Pertosa-Auletta Caves, where karst has created an underground world of stalactites, stalagmites and hidden rivers. A fascinating journey into the heart of the mountain. 👉 Tip: Choose the boat visit to the Pertosa Caves: gliding on the water between the illuminated rocks is a unique experience in Italy. 🌳 Lush nature and wildlife: The Alburni Mountains are covered with dense beech forests, chestnut groves and mixed woods that are home to wild boars, foxes, wolves and numerous species of birds of prey. Along the paths you can encounter water sources, old farms and breathtaking viewpoints. 👉 Tip: Take the Alburni Trail: a circular trek through woods and sinkholes, perfect for breathing in the silence and freshness of the plateau. 🏘️ Villages and traditions of the Cilento hinterland: At the foot of the mountain range there are authentic villages such as Petina, Controne, Castelcivita and Ottati, where time passes slowly and the peasant culture is still alive. Festivals, religious festivals and local markets tell the story of a community linked to the land and the mountains. 👉 Tip: Visit Controne in autumn: the local beans, cooked in a thousand ways, are the protagonists of a feast of genuine taste. 🍽️ Mountain flavors and rustic dishes: The cuisine of the Alburni is simple and substantial: legumes, sheep's cheeses, mushrooms, homemade pasta, chestnuts and game. Local wines accompany warm and rich dishes, perfect after a day outdoors. 👉 Tip: Try the "lagane and chickpeas" or a wild boar stew at a local farmhouse - comfort food in its most authentic form. 🏡 Hospitality in the woods and silence: Farmhouses, refuges and small accommodation facilities welcome travelers in search of tranquility and nature. Ideal for a regenerating break, away from mass tourism. 👉 Tip: Choose a night in a refuge at the foot of Monte Panormo: when you wake up, you will already be immersed in the mountain. The Alburni Mountains are a place where nature dominates unchallenged, time slows down and every step reveals a corner of hidden beauty. A wild and poetic refuge in the heart of Campania.