Are you looking for a little piece of paradise that the rest of world doesn’t know about yet? Maratea Italy might be the answer. This coastal hideaway lies in the southern region of Basilicata. And it ticks lots of boxes for a refreshing seaside escape.
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If you haven’t heard of Maratea Italy don’t worry: most people haven’t. This clifftop town above the Tyrrhenian sea is a real Italian secret, despite its hideaway coves, striking views and historic squares.
And like all truly iconic Italian locations, it’s enjoyed a cameo scene in a James Bond movie too. To call a place a hidden gem has become rather a cliché – but Maratea Italy fills the bill.
I first heard about Maratea over coffee with a colleague who’d been there on holiday. Jo was so enthusiastic that now I’m keen to go too. For this story Jo has given me her holiday snaps and lots of tips on where to go and what to do in Maratea. And I’ve added more information on how to get to Maratea, Italy and ways to include it in a trip to southern Italy.
Why you should visit Maratea Italy
Jo says: “If you love Italy, Maratea is a seaside town that ticks the boxes while being off the beaten path. It has a charming historic centre and great beaches. But it isn’t a ‘sightseeing’ kind of place so you won’t find many visitors from outside Italy. And it isn’t near any big towns, so doesn’t attract lots of day trippers either.
But a stay here feels like holidaying the way the Italians do, ‘al mare’. It’s all about relaxing days on the beach, Aperol spritzes, leisurely strolls and delicious dinners under the inky blue sky.”
Maratea is the only town in Basilicata that’s on the Tyrrhenian sea. It’s actually made up of a cluster of little villages and hamlets around the original medieval centro storico or historic centre. Some of these settlements are inland, but most are strung along 32 km of rocky coastline behind tiny coves and beaches.
It’s this coastline that makes Maratea special. The views remind you of the Amalfi coast, but without the crowds. Maratea has been named one of the I Borghi più belli d’Italia, small Italian towns that have historic and artistic significance. It’s a popular destination for Italian holidaymakers during July and August, but still off the beaten track for visitors from other countries.
Where is Maratea Italy
Located on the west coast of the Basilicata region, Maratea is on the instep of the boot of Italy. To its north is Campania’s Cilento coast while Calabria lies to the south. The nearest international airports, Naples and Lamezia Terme, are about 200 km away, also to the north and south. Travelling to Maratea is quite do-able by car or train. But it’s just far enough away from these international hubs to discourage mainstream tourism.
Maratea Basilicata is an agricultural region that produces wine, olives, citrus fruit, vegetables and sheep’s milk cheese. It’s hilly country, with verdant green slopes dipping sharply down to the coast and mountain ranges in the distance.
Maratea is not to be confused with Matera, inland and to the east of Basilicata. One of the oldest towns in the world, atmospheric Matera is famous for its ancient cave dwellings known as sassi. Although Maratea’s roots also go back to paleolithic times, these days the town has a colourful and easy-going holiday vibe.
Weather in Maratea Italy
Maratea’s location in southern Italy means that July and August are hot, with temperatures climbing into the 30s. This is the time of dazzling blue skies and up to 12 hours of sunshine each day.
May, June and September are generally warm and sunny. And in May you’ll also find wild flowers and blossom in full bloom. The winter months of December, January and February are generally chilly and most tourist facilities are closed.
How to get to Maratea, Basilicata
Maratea is equidistant to two international airports: Naples-Capodichino to the north and, to the south, Lamezia Terme in Calabria. Both are around 200km from Maratea. However, the drive to Maratea is fairly straightforward, taking around 2hr 30min from either airport.
But train travel to Maratea is also easy as the town is on the main train line between Naples and Reggio di Calabria. A fast train from Naples to Maratea takes just over 2 hrs. You’ll need a taxi from the train station to your hotel in the port or historic centre.
Things to do in Maratea Italy
The unusual layout of Maratea offers two very different ways to spend the day. The historic centre of the town is set in the hillside above the coast. It was originally built here around the 12th century, away from the coast to protect the town from raiders. A winding road leads down to the sea and Maratea Porto. This is a sheltered marina with a mix of vessels from old fishing boats to yachts. Along the coast in either direction are more than 20 beaches.
Historic centre
Jo says: “Maratea’s historic centre is fairly compact. All roads lead from the lovely Piazza Buraglia, which is an attractive little square with pastel-painted buildings and a few bars. From here you can wander through a series of narrow lanes, past medieval towers, staircases and archways. Churches and chapels are interspersed with more modern-day boutiques and cafes.
But stick to the morning or late afternoon if you want to stop by any of the shops or cafes. This is old-school Italy! Most establishments close for a big chunk of time after lunch.
There are plenty of restaurants in and around the Piazza. And you can try traditional Basilicata dishes like hearty vegetable stews called ciammotta with aubergines, potatoes and peppers. Wine of choice here is the rich local red: Aglianico del Vulture.”
Maratea is nicknamed the City of 44 Churches. It isn’t in any way a city by British standards. But the town does boast an impressive 44 religious buildings if you count chapels and monasteries too. The main churches are close to the Piazza Buraglia but others are dotted around the settlements inland and along the coast.
It’s worth stopping by one or two of the smaller churches such as Chiesa di San Francesco di Paola or Chiesetta del Calvario, which has wonderful frescoes. Or look for the tiny and rather crumbly 18th century Cappella di San Giovanni, which is set on an ancient path that connects Maratea with Marina di Maratea.
Maratea port
Jo says: “Down in the port you’ll find a few more touristy shops. Plus a mix of chic bars, cafes and restaurants that provide alternative menus for eating out. Not surprisingly, it is fish heaven here and the place to come to for spaghetti alle vongole or the catch of the day. The most popular restaurants are in historic fishermen’s houses, overlooking the port.
From the port you can take boat tours, and sailing, fishing or diving excursions.
Cristo di Maratea
Jo says: “The image of the statue of Christ the Redeemer, on the peak of Mount San Biagio, high up above the town, is still etched on my memory. But it’s not until you get close to it that you fully appreciate its size!”
The Cristo Redentore in Maratea was inspired by the similar statue in Rio de Janeiro. An extraordinary 22m high, it was commissioned by Count Stefano Rivetti of Val Cervo and created by sculptor Bruno Innocenti in the 1960s. With arms outstretched, and turned protectively towards the town, it seems to float above the Tyrrhenian coastline. Lit up against the night sky, it’s as breathtaking after sunset as it is during the day.
If you enjoy a hike you can walk up to the Cristo di Maratea from town, although it can take over an hour. Or you could compromise and drive up through the many hairpin bends to the car park then walk the final stretch. A striking elevated roadway has been built to give access to the statue and a shuttle bus runs there in the season.
Once you’ve finished admiring the statue, take time to admire the panoramic views of the coastline and Maratea port, 623 metres below.
Close by the Cristo Redentore is the ancient, though much re-built, Basilica with its silver statue of the town’s patron saint, St Blaise. The effigy of the saint is carried down to the town and celebrated each year on the first Sunday of May.
Around the summit of San Biagio you’ll also see the remains of an earlier settlement known as the Castello. If you decide to walk back down to the old town you can pass by a little village and a church.
Explore the walking trails around Maratea
Whether or not you choose to hike up to the Redentore, Maratea has plenty more ancient trails to explore. You can follow tracks through the woods to tiny churches, or walk between the little hamlets and settlements around the town.
Finally, if you’re fit, adventurous and don’t suffer from vertigo(!) you might like to tackle the Via Ferrata route from Maratea to the Cristo di Maratea statue. Check out these pictures for views of the area too: Via Ferrata al Cristo Redentore in Maratea!
Drive the SS18 coast road
In the early scenes of the movie No Time to Die, Bond drives his DB5 along the SS18 coast road between Sapri and Acquafredda. It features at the end of the film too. If you have a hire car you can enjoy these wonderful Amalfi-style views without the crowds and tour buses.
Do you need a car in Maratea?
Jo says that a car is always going to be useful in Maratea because the centre of town and the beaches are in two different locations. It’s a 30 minute uphill walk to the historic centre from the port. A car will also give you the freedom to explore all the little beaches along the coastline. But Maratea does have a local bus service which runs along the coast road and it has taxis too.
If you decide to hire a car it’s likely to be easiest to pick it up from the airport, whether you arrive into Naples-Capodichino or Lamezia Terme. Although it may be possible to hire one in a nearby town in the Potenza region such as Lauria, check online before you go.
Maratea Beaches
The coastline around Maratea extends over 30km, so you’re spoilt for choice when it comes to beaches. Many are the tiniest rocky coves though some are wider and have facilities. Most are stony rather than sandy, and some slope sharply into the water so for this reason they aren’t specifically ‘family’ beaches, although Italian families of course use them.
Some beaches are only accessible by sea, which is also a great way to explore the many sea caves along the coastline. And the real beauty of the Maratea coast is the translucent water. The beaches are essentially clustered in four main areas, Acquafredda, Cersuta, Fiumicello and Castrocucco.
Several Maratea beaches are private, or have private areas, and charge from around £25 per day for 2 sunbeds and an umbrella. These have the added luxuries of beach bars, toilets and showers too. If it’s high season and you’re driving, aim to get to the popular beaches before 10.30 am to secure a parking slot.
Acquafredda
Acquafredda, at the northern end of the Maratea coastline, features a series of tiny coves and beaches, many accessible only from the water.
Fiumicello
Fiumicello is the best known of the Maratea beaches, and has public and private zones. You’ll find beach bars and sunbeds here and a mix of grey sand and pebbles, with rocks and cliffs to either side. The calm clear water is great for swimming and snorkelling, though the beach does slope into the sea quite steeply. A stream from the Fiumicello river divides the beach. It’s a good spot to watch a sunset too.
Spiaggia Cent ‘Ammari
In an opening scene of the Bond film No Time to Die, 007’s love interest, Madeleine, swims in an idyllic rocky cove. This is Spiaggia Cent’Ammari, though it is only accessible from the sea or the luxury Hotel Santavenere.
Cala Jannita or Spiaggia Nera
Cala Jannita is a popular beach half-way between Fiumicello and Castrocucco. Also known as Spiaggia Nera, thanks to its black sand, this beach has sun beds, refreshments and a restaurant. It’s also the access point for visiting the Grotto della Sciabella sea cave.
Spiaggia Il Mirto
Jo says: “Although not technically a beach thanks to its lack of sand, Spiaggia Il Mirto, in the Castrocucco zone, is a strong contender for my favourite beach. In fact it’s more of a jumble of terraces carved out of the rocks on the hillside, Italians call it a ‘Solarium’. Access to the sea is via ladders, but Spiaggia Il Mirto scores top marks for me for its clear water and setting.
Lunch at the beach bar was as simple as it could be. We had a heady combination of creamy mozzarella, tuna and sun-ripened tomatoes, topped with a handful of basil leaves plucked fresh from the vegetable garden behind the bar.”
Kayaking around the coast
Some of the best small coves and sea caves around Maratea can only be reached from the sea. A kayaking trip is a good way to find perfect swimming spots and explore the caves with an experienced guide at hand. Plus you’ll learn some legends and stories about Maratea too. This company flymaratea.it gets great Google reviews and offers a variety of kayaking trips including a James Bond tour.
Grotta delle Meraviglie
Maratea has lots of sea caves scattered along its coast but most are only accessible by boat. Except for Grotta delle Meraviglie, which you can get to from the SS18 coast road. The name means cave of wonders and inside you’ll see formations of stalagmites and stalactites. It has a small entrance fee and a guide to take you around, check ahead for opening times if you’re making a special visit.
https://mondomaratea.it/itinerari/128-le-spiagge-e-i-lidi-sulla-costa-di-maratea.html
Maratea Hotels
Maratea Italy only has limited accommodation, it doesn’t have big hotels or ranks of apartment blocks.
Jo says:”The hardest decision is whether to stay up in the historic centre or down by the beach. It’s worth knowing that there’s no beachfront lungomare for a daily stroll. The coastline really is a string of beaches linked by a coastal road. If you like to start your day with a walk and a cappuccino you’re best off up the hill in the historic centre.
On the other hand, if you don’t have a car it’s more convenient to stay nearer to the beaches.
Hotel in the historic centre of Maratea
La Locanda delle Donne Monache is a former 17th century convent, just a few minutes’ walk from the centre of town. A garden and pool provide the perfect place to lounge and admire views across the terracotta rooftops of the old town. Read reviews, check availability and book La Locanda delle Donne Monache.
Coastal Hotels in Maratea
If beach days are your priority, then choose one of the hotels down on the coastal strip:
Jo stayed at the 4-star Hotel Villa Cheta a stylish Art Nouveau family-owned boutique hotel, overlooking the sea at Acquafredda. She says: Bedrooms and lounges have antique furniture and vintage charm. Tables are laid with crisp white linens and set on the outdoor terraces or in intimate interior dining areas. It has a lovely pool and plenty of quiet terraces with heavenly sea views. Read reviews, check availability and book Hotel Villa Cheta.
Santavenere Hotel this 34-room luxurious 5 star hotel is set on the coast with ocean views. It has three restaurants, pools and a private beach and reviews praise the 5 star service too. A fabulous romantic hideaway escape! Read reviews, check availability and book Hotel Santavenere.
How Many Days in Maratea?
With so many beaches to choose from, you could easily spend a week in Maratea just soaking up the sun and enjoying the town’s slow pace of life and delicious food. Or you could combine a stay in Maratea with another destination to make a two or multi-centre holiday.
Maratea on a multi-centre trip
Maratea is a great addition to a multi-centre southern Italian road trip. It combines well with a city stay in Naples, for instance. And makes an interesting alternative to the iconic but over-popular Amalfi coast.
Maratea is also a great hub for walkers, combining seaside fun with great access to the Basilicata national parks.
Naples to Maratea
Opposites are said to attract, and you couldn’t find more diametrically-opposed destinations than Naples and Maratea. Fly into Naples and spend 2 or 3 days exploring this bustling, beautiful city. Our Naples itinerary gives a taster: from the other-worldly Veiled Christ sculpture of Cappella Sansevero to an underground Roman marketplace. With ancient and modern wonders plus contemporary art and fabulous pizza Naples makes a brilliant city break.
After a few hectic days there, you’ll be ready for some rest and relaxation. So catch a train or hire a car and head south to the tranquil surroundings of Maratea. It takes around 2 hr 30 mins by car whilst the fastest train is just over 2 hrs. You could even stop off at Pompeii or the Amalfi coast on the way.
Southern Italy coast by train
If you travel by train from Naples to Maratea you could continue that journey south into Calabria. The seaside town of Amantea has an historic centre and long sandy beach. From here, with a change at Lamezia Terme, you could catch a train to explore the Costa degli Dei, or Coast of the Gods. Tropea with its dramatic cliffs is a stand-out coastal town on this route. Then head on to the picturesque village of Scilla on the toe of Italy’s boot. You could get a flight to the UK from nearby Reggio Calabria or re-trace your steps to Lamezia Terme airport.
Maratea to Matera
A two centre trip, twinning Maratea with Matera, makes for a fascinating mix. Matera to the east of Basilicata is one of the oldest cities in the world and a UNESCO World Heritage site. It was European Capital of Culture in 2019 and, of course, it was featured in Bond’s latest excursion, No Time to Die.
You can drive between the two towns in around 3 hours, with a choice of routes across the mountains of Basilicata. Or you could travel (part of the way at least!) on foot. Hiking is a great way to discover Basilicata and enjoy these two towns. Hedonistic Hiking offer a gourmet walking tour which combines daily hikes with great food and wine, including regional flavours and experiences.
The small group guided tour meets in Naples and spends 3 days in and around Maratea, exploring local walks, before heading east into the heart of the Pollino National Park. It continues to the fascinating town of Matera for a stay in a former cave dwelling, local hikes and a guided tour of the Sassi district in the old town.
More Places to Visit near Maratea
Hiking in the National parks
Hikers take note – from Maratea, you’re within striking distance of some magnificent hiking and several charming villages. Closest to Maratea, Rivello is a medieval hilltop village set in the Valle del Noce in the Lucano Appennine National Park. you can explore the narrow alleyways and steps that cross the centre of the old town and gaze out at its panoramic rural views. The Pollino National Park also provides wonderful hiking opportunities.
UNESCO Certosa di Padula
Jo says: “About an hour’s drive from Maratea is the UNESCO World Heritage site, Certosa di Padula. This is Italy’s biggest charterhouse, with a garden, courtyard, church and the largest cloister in the world. Yet when we went in July, we could have counted the other visitors on two hands!”
Paestum
Around 100km to the north of Maratea, the archaeological site at Paestum is also UNESCO World Heritage. With three Greek temples and superb museums, the site is an excellent stopping point en route to or from Naples.
What to read next
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Visiting Pompeii Italy: how to plan an unforgettable trip
Procida Island: a hidden Italian gem you’ll love
Best Things to do in 3 Days in Florence on a Budget
In Piazza della Signoria: boutique hotel in Florence Italy
Rome with Teenagers: Must-Sees and Top Things to Do
Please note that all visitor information here is for guidance only. Please check the relevant websites for the most up to date information eg. accommodation details, tickets, entrance requirements, opening times etc.
About the author Nancy Roberts is a former women’s magazine editor and writer. She lives in London and is mum to two 20-something boys. In Map&Family she shares info and inspiration for curious travellers: singles and couples as well as families travelling with teens and young adults.
All photos are all rights reserved. Please do not reproduce these photos without prior written permission
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