Once upon a time, there was a watchtower that used smoke signals to warn the inhabitants of the approaching Saracen ships to the coast. There are no trace of the ancient structure, but the name of the place continues to bear witness to its existence: Torrefumo (Smoketower).
An unexpected oasis, few meters from the sea, developed next to the coast line from the pier of Marina di Acquamorta to Santolillo, on the beach of Miliscola. Between Monte di Procida, in whose territory it largely spreads, and the neighboring Bacoli, another important part of the Phlegraean promontory.
It is this very promontory to show up close, in all the complexity and particularity of its geological formation, along the path inside the oasis. A kilometer of emotions, in close contact with a nature full of life and beauty, between the cliffs of the Montese promontory and the brackish water lagoon where the sky is reflected.
The stretch of water, populated by fish, is a reference point for many species of birds that multiply during periods of great seasonal migrations. Like all coastal wetlands, the oasis is a hymn to biodiversity, for the variety of fauna and rich vegetation. With the added value of the magnificent panorama that can be admired there: very close appear Procida, in the foreground, and Ischia, imposing, immediately behind; farther to the south, but clearly distinguishable, Capri, while to the north the silhouettes of the Pontines stand out.
Once out of the oasis, you can take the provincial road between Monte di Procida and Bacoli, to fill your view again with the spectacle offered by the Stupor Mundi viewpoint. A name more than eloquen...
Ph. Luca Grassi
