Archaeotourism: a sustainable journey through nature and history

archaeological tourism, or archaeological tourism, is a form of travel that combines a passion for history and archaeology with adventure and discovery. It is in fact a form of tourism that involves visiting archaeological sites, museums and places of historical and cultural importance. According to the definition of the World Tourism Organisation (WTO), archaeotourism is part of the so-called cultural tourism, which "represents all those movements of people motivated by cultural purposes such as study holidays, participation in live performances, festivals, cultural events, visits to archaeological sites and monuments, and pilgrimages. Cultural tourism is also about immersing oneself in the local way of life and all that constitutes its identity and character'. Archaeotourism is also linked to the concept of sustainability, promoting practices that respect the environment and local cultures.

In Italy, there are 4,416 cultural heritage sites, both public and private, one for every 13,300 inhabitants, as measured by Istat in 2022. The majority are museums, collections and galleries (77 per cent), followed by monuments and monumental complexes (16 per cent) and archaeological sites, areas and parks (7 per cent). According to the report by the Univerde Foundation "Italians, sustainable tourism and ecotourism" presented at the Bit in Milan in 2016, the presence of archaeological sites or villages in protected areas is the attraction element of greatest interest for tourists, even more so than typical local products or handicrafts. This growing interest highlights the importance of promoting a sustainable tourism that enhances and protects these treasures, offering visitors authentic and environmentally friendly experiences, such as archaeotourism.

Among the different types of archaeotourism or archaeological tourism, we can identify first and foremost the archaeological trekking, which combines trekking (even for the less trained) with a visit to archaeological sites, allowing one to explore breathtaking natural landscapes and ancient ruins. This type of activity offers an immersive way to discover the past, walking through trails that pass through archaeological parks and protected natural areas, often accompanied by expert guides who add value to the experience. In Italy, trails such as those of the Archaeological Park of Velia in Campania or the Sentiero degli Dei on the Amalfi Coast combine natural beauty with historical fascination, creating a unique travel experience.

Underground tourism is another fascinating facet of archaeotourism. Exploring catacombs, caves and underground cities offers a unique opportunity to discover how ancient civilisations used underground spaces to live, work or protect themselves from invaders during times of war. The catacombs of San Callisto in Rome, the underground of Naples with its tunnels and aqueducts, and the underground city of Derinkuyu in Turkey are perfect examples of this type of underground<7i> archaeological tourism.