Acquafredda: Coast, Coves and History

The Acquafredda coast is characterised by steep cliffs, caves, small coves and beaches. A continuous pine forest stretches from the mountain peaks to the sea. If you are looking for a hotel in Acquafredda, you can start planning your trip around three themes: coastal scenery, hiking and local history.

Coast, coves and natural features

The forest belt forms a different scale from the individual beach features: it describes the landscape from the mountains to the sea, while springs and rock formations mark specific points along the coast. A freshwater spring flows into the sea in front of Marizza Beach; it can also be seen from the Strada Statale 18. Luppa Beach stretches as far as the rocks of Punta San Pietro. Cala di Mezzanotte lies at the foot of the Canale di Mezzanotte. These features differ: a spring visible from the road, rocks at Punta San Pietro, and a location at the foot of a canal.

The entrance to the Grotta del Dragone, which extends several kilometres underground, is located at Porticello Beach. The coast therefore offers both individual beach and landscape features and a connection to a cave.

Hiking trail to Medichetta

The Acquafredda – Fontana della Spina – Medichetta hiking trail is 4.652 kilometres long, with 600 metres of ascent and 175 metres of descent. It is graded E – Escursionistica media (moderate hiking). The distance, elevation gain and grade should be considered together; the kilometre figure alone does not fully describe the route. The route connects the hamlet of Acquafredda in the municipality of Maratea with the hamlet of Medichetta in the municipality of Rivello. Information in the regional hiking trail directory may be updated; check the current route status before setting out.

Local history and architecture

Acquafredda's history can be traced to different places: settlement remains, Villa Nitti, the Church of the Immaculate Conception and Porticello Beach. The remains of the ancient village of Piano degli Zingari are located in Acquafredda. Francesco Saverio Nitti bought and renovated Villa Nitti in the early 1920s.

The Church of the Immaculate Conception houses an 18th-century sculpture of the Madonna Addolorata. The first chapel dates from the mid-18th century and is thought to correspond to the present-day presbytery. Following a later extension, completed in 1833, the church acquired the features it retains to this day. On 4 July 1848, the patriot Costabile Carducci landed at Porticello Beach.

Getting to Grotta della Scala Beach

Grotta della Scala Beach is opposite Acquafredda railway station and is easy to reach by car. As access information may change, check current local information before your visit.

For the main travel overview: Maratea.