Acquappesa Cs: Discover the Coast, Thermal Springs and Churches

Acquappesa Cs combines an environment shaped by the sea with thermal waters, rocky landscapes and religious art. If, for your trip to Italy, you are weighing nature experiences, a day at the beach and cultural impressions, you will find several clearly distinguishable themes. The hikes differ in duration, elevation gain and difficulty; the beaches and churches provide additional focal points for planning your day.

Hikes with Different Profiles

The hike through the Gole del fiume Bagni takes one and a half hours, has an elevation gain of 30 to 40 metres and is classified as having “no difficulty”. The hike to the Dito del Diavolo e bosco della Mortilla takes two hours, has an elevation gain of 170 metres and is considered a trail with a gentle incline. Duration and elevation gain help you assess both routes according to your preferred daily rhythm.

Beaches, Sea and Intavolata

The Scoglio della Regina is completely surrounded by the sea and can be reached by swimmers from the nearby coast. The rock belongs to the municipality of Acquappesa, more precisely to the locality of Intavolata. Spiaggia dello Scoglio della Regina is characterised by fine grey sand mixed with small pebbles. At Spiaggia delle Sirene, the beach initially consists of fine grey sand and mostly pebbles smoothed by the sea. Access is via a staircase at the end of the waterfront promenade in Intavolata Marina.

Rocky Cliff and Thermal Waters

The Dito del Diavolo is a dolomitic rocky cliff at 301 metres above sea level. Thermal springs rise at its foot. In addition, the Terme Luigiane thermal centre has a wellness centre with a wet area. The thermal waters of Terme Luigiane are hyperthermal and contain sulphur as well as salts, bromine and iodine. At 173 mg/l, they reach Italy’s highest sulfhydrometry level. Thus, in Acquappesa Cs, nature and thermal experiences are closely connected thematically, without requiring the same daily programme.

Churches and Religious Art

The Chiesa di Santa Maria del Rifugio is the parish church of Acquappesa and is located in the historic centre on Via Rifugio. It houses a precious silver monstrance with a reddish, chiselled and Baroque-decorated base. The piece comes from a southern Italian goldsmith’s workshop dating from the 18th century. The Chiesa di Santo Iorio in Acquappesa is dedicated to the Madre dei Pellegrini, also known as Mater Viatorum. It houses a 16th-century icon depicting the Virgin Mary with the Child.

Intavolata also contributes to the town’s religious character. The Chiesa di Santa Teresa dates from the 18th century. It contains a statue of Saint Teresa from 1849, created by the sculptor Giovambattista De Seta. The two religious festivals, with their fixed dates, are also important for cultural planning: the Festa Patronale di Maria Santissima del Rifugio is traditionally celebrated on 1 and 2 July in honour of the Madonna del Rifugio, the town’s patron saint. The Festa di Santa Maria degli Angeli takes place every year on 1 August in Acquappesa.

More places for planning your trip to Italy: Lago, Spezzano Albanese, Campora San Giovanni, Intavolata, Pietrapaola, Montalto Uffugo, Marina Di Mandatoriccio, Villapiana Lido.

For the higher-level travel overview: Cosenza.