Grotta dell’Acqua Trail from Scario
The route initially follows a comfortable dirt track crossing Mediterranean scrubland up to the viewpoint over Porticello beach and the Punta Spinosa promontory, offering wide views of the Veddonica cliffs and the Masseta coastline. Continuing westward, you reach Spiaggia della Molara, accessible via a wooden staircase, as well as ancient rural structures such as a “catuozzo” (charcoal pit) and a “carcara” (lime kiln). After the Vallone del Marchese, the path becomes narrower until reaching Grotta dell’Acqua, a natural cave featuring stalactites, stalagmites, and limestone formations where water slowly drips and collects in the characteristic “Coppa dell’Acqua”. Exiting the cave, a staircase leads down to the beach below.
Variants
Masseta Trail (Scario – Punta Spinosa – Torre Spinosa – Ciolandrea)
- Difficulty: E / EE (depending on route)
- Duration: ~3 hours
- Length: 4.6 km
- Max elevation gain: 520 m
- Start/Finish: Scario seafront / Ciolandrea
A panoramic route from Scario seafront climbing towards Punta Spinosa through ancient rural paths, Mediterranean scrub, and spectacular viewpoints over the Area Marina Protetta Costa degli Infreschi e della Masseta. The trail leads to the Ciolandrea plateau (540 m a.s.l.), one of the most beautiful natural balconies in Cilento, with views over the Gulf of Policastro, the Lucanian and Calabrian coasts, the Christ of Maratea, and on clear days even Stromboli and the Aeolian Islands.
Scario → Ciolandrea (via Grotta “ru savucu”)
- Difficulty: EE (expert hikers)