The Castiglione Coast

Where it is

The Castiglione coastal strip occupies the eastern side of the municipality of Casamicciola Terme, almost on the boundary with Ischia. It stretches between the Castiglione hill, the Bagnitiello hill and the sea; to the west, towards the centre and the harbour, lies the Perrone area. Looking inland from the coast, you can make out the profile of Monte Rotaro.

The Castiglione basin

The Castiglione basin covers more than 4,000 m² between the Castiglione and Bagnitiello hills and the beach. Its springs, such as the Castiglione spring and the Bagnitiello spring, rise close to the sea, near the rock of the same name, at a temperature of around 70 °C. The waters are clear, with a rather salty taste, and rich in sodium chloride, sulphates and alkaline bicarbonates. Along this coast there are also fumaroles that appear to form a single system with the hot springs.

Thermal parks and the sea

The waters of the basin feed two thermal parks overlooking the sea: the Castiglione Thermal Park, on Via Castiglione, and the 'O Vagnitiello Thermal Park, on Via Vicinale Bagnitiello. Among the area's coves is Bagnitielli Beach; closer to the centre, in the Perrone area, is Monastery Beach.

History

The Castiglione hill is one of the oldest inhabited places on the island: excavations here have documented a village of huts with features of the Apennine culture, dating from between the Middle Bronze Age and the Early Iron Age. According to local tradition, the Greek settlers who reached Ischia in the 8th century BC were also drawn by the hot waters of this coast.

In the Perrone area stands the Church and Monastery of San Gabriele dell'Addolorata, while between Perrone and Castiglione is the Church of Sant'Antonio da Padova (St Anthony of Padua).

Nature and trails

From Castiglione you can climb towards the wooded Rotaro area: the Maddalena Trail crosses the Bosco della Maddalena (Maddalena Wood), which grew on the products of eruptions over the last 10,000 years, and La Grotta is also in the area.

Tips for your visit

For the thermal parks, check opening periods and access arrangements in advance on the establishments' official websites. The free-flowing springs by the sea are very hot: approach them with care.