Maratea, Italy welcomes you, hidden jewel on the Tyrrhenian coast of Basilicata. This guide, by Savoring Italy, takes you through Maratea, "the Pearl of the Tyrrhenian." It's a place of stunning views and untouched shores. Maratea blends natural beauty, history, and food into one. Come discover it with us.
This article contains affiliate links which supports us at no extra cost to you.
Maratea sits high, overlooking the sparkling Tyrrhenian Sea. It mixes nature's wonders with man's designs. This hill village, with its forests and sea views, offers peace in Italy's south. Stay long or stop by on a tour, Maratea's beauty, its beaches, marina, and the hilltop Christ statue, will stick with you.
Maratea shines beyond its looks. They call it "the town with 44 churches." But there's more to Maratea than religion. Its tight streets and old buildings dodge modern tourism. They show a life that cherishes slow living and cultural preservation.
In this guide, we walk straight into Maratea's core, revealing what's best kept quiet. We'll find hidden coves and quiet beaches, dine finely, and rest luxuriously. Whether you know Italy like your own backyard or you're stepping into Basilicata's charm for the first time, Maratea calls you. It asks you to take it slow, to live the Italian way, in a place where history and nature blend into something magical.
Where is Maratea
Maratea sits in Italy's Basilicata, the only spot in the region touching the Tyrrhenian coast. They call it "the Pearl of the Tyrrhenian." It stretches 20 miles along the sea, its shores dotted with over twenty beaches. This place, it's known for its raw beauty. You've got the ocean, the woods, hills, and mountains all crashing into the sea, making sharp cliffs. Then there's the Grotta di Maratea, the Cave of Wonders, found in 1929. That cave alone tells you how deep and rich the land is, both in beauty and history.
The town sits on Mount San Biagio's northern slopes, right in the heart. Villages like Acquafredda, Cersuta, and Porto dot the coast around it. Castrocucco, Castello, and Brefaro tuck into the hills. Oaks, pines, rosemary, and wild fennel paint a wild tapestry of green. It's a place as varied as its past.
Pictures of Maratea, Italy
Plotting a trip or dreaming? These images transport you to Italian paradise. They spark wanderlust, highlight Maratea's eternal charm.
A Brief History of Maratea
Maratea, Italy, goes way back to the old times, to the Paleolithic era. People settled there early on. It was a spot for trade, busy even back in the 15th-14th century BC on a headland named La Timpa. Then the Romans took over Lucania in the 2nd century BC. Trade boomed under Rome. They found old anchors near Santo Janni island, now in a museum, showing just how bustling it was.
The town might be named after "Marathus," meaning fennel ground. Wild fennel grows here, backing this idea. Some think "Thea-maris" (Sea Goddess) or "Mar-an-thà" (God arrived) could be its roots. Each theory has its backers.
Maratea changed a lot over time. In medieval times, people moved up to Mount San Biagio. They ran from Saracen attacks. They built a fortress called Castello. The town has ties to Saint Blaise. His remains came there in 732 to avoid persecution. They're in the Basilica of Maratea now. That basilica was built on an old temple of Minerva.
Middle Ages? Maratea got hammered but stayed standing. It kept free, thrived, thanks to its spot on the map. 18th century, progress vibes. First hospital in Basilicata, 1734. Napoleon shows up, 19th century. Maratea said no thanks. Siege came, they caved by 1806. But the French respected the fight, let the rebels slide.
The town always mattered, fighting off Arab pirates. By the 18th century, Maratea stood out for culture and reading skills, even after Italy united. Its location helped, with towers and a big castle, now just ruins. The town center shifted from a hill to the valley and coast. This move sparked industries like fishing, silk, cotton, linen, and leather processing.
How to Get to Maratea
You can get to Maratea, Italy, by different roads, trains, or flights. It depends on where you're coming from, what you like, and how much you want to spend.
By Air
You can get to Maratea by air. Naples and Lamezia Terme are the closest airports. They welcome regular and cheap flights from cities across Italy and Europe. Land at either airport, and you've got options to reach Maratea - by train or by car. From Naples, a car ride will set you back about 2 hours and 15 minutes. A train? Just about 2 hours and 10 minutes, not counting the bit extra to switch from the airport to the train. Coming from Lamezia Terme, it's a smooth 2-hour drive. If you're taking the train, it's between 1.5 to 2 hours, plus a quick taxi hop to catch the train.
By Train
Maratea's got a railway station. You can get there by train, straight from big cities like Rome and Naples. The trains from the Roma-Reggio Calabria-Sicilia line make a stop in Maratea. You can hop on a direct connection or take a regional train to get there easier. This station links up with a network, letting travelers move easy around the town or down the coast. It makes the trip to this beautiful place a sight to see.
By Car
If you're driving, Maratea's close to the A2, that long stretch of road cutting through the Mediterranean coast from Salerno to Reggio Calabria. You can peel off at Lagonegro Nord-Maratea coming down from the north. From the south, Falerna or LAURIA SUD will do, each exit dropping you into Maratea by its own scenic path.
By Bus
Maratea gets its visitors through a single long-haul bus line. This line ties it to big Italian cities like Milan, Pavia, Piacenza, Parma, Modena, Bologna, and Florence. It makes getting to Maratea practical. For shorter trips, companies like SITA Sud, ROCCO AUTOLINEE, and AUTOSERVIZI PREITE run buses in and out of Maratea.
By Boat
Maratea's port, simple and straight, doesn't run passenger ships regular. But it welcomes big boats, easy and open. If you're cruising the Tyrrhenian, sailing along Italy's edge, it's a spot you'll mark.
Map of Maratea, Italy
Where to Stay in Maratea
Need a bed in Maratea? Or anywhere in Italy—Sicily, Sardinia? Take a gander at Booking.com. It's the place for finding deals, matching prices, picking the right spot. It's where real photos and honest words help you choose.
Scan your Maratea hotel picks with the search bar down there:
Remember to check out Maratea's wonders and these hotels below. We bunked in a few, top-notch. Others, well, Italian travelers and pals praise them high.
Santavenere Hotel makes a mark. It's more than fancy. It's got a wellness center, pools, and three places to eat. Out on the terrace, the sea stretches wide and welcoming, a perfect spot to let go.
Hotel Villa Delle Meraviglie sits high on a cliff. It hands its guests vast sea views, two pools, a private strip of beach, and rooms that keep the heat at bay with cool air and private baths.
La Locanda Delle Donne Monache blends past and present. It offers a stay dipped in history but kitted out with today's comforts. It stands out for its spot-on location and unmatched service.
Hotel Murmann brings something fresh. Its rooms are big and modern, looking out over the Maratea Coast or the mountains. Up top, a garden on the roof next to a pool marries natural charm with ease.
Romantic Hotel & Restaurant Villa Cheta Elite wins hearts. It thrives on its romantic touch and splendid sea views. Known for service that goes above and beyond and dining that leaves a mark, every visit lingers in memory.
Things to Do in Maratea, Italy
If luck takes you to Maratea, don't miss out on these wonders:
Visit the Statua del Cristo Redentore di Maratea
In Maratea, southern Italy, stands a giant Jesus. Made of Carrara marble, it perches on St. Biagio Mountain. Bruno Innocenti, a Florentine, sculpted it by 1965. It's huge and holy. Third in Europe, fifth globally, it stretches 21.20 meters tall, arms wide at 19 meters. Count Stefano Rivetti dreamt it up after seeing Rio's Christ. It's open all the time, no charge. You get killer views there, 360° of coast and mountains. A spot for the soul and the eyes, Maratea's big Jesus pulls crowds.
Relax at Il Mirto Solarium Bar
Il Mirto Solarium Bar in Maratea, Italy, cuts to the chase. It's peaceful, beautiful, and the staff's on point. Drinks hit the spot. Views kill. But, it's a swimmer's game—no beach here. People rave about the calm, the top-notch bar, and the local grub. It's a go-to for sea lovers and snorkelers. The payoff? Killer lunches with garden-fresh goods and crystal-clear water.
Explore the Grotta delle Meraviglie
In Maratea, Italy, there's a place called the Cave of Wonders. They stumbled upon it in 1929, while they were laying down Highway 19 from Calabrie. It's a sight to see, with its stalactites and stalagmites painting a picture of an underground world. Tucked away in the village of Maratea, near San Giuseppe and resting against Monte La Serra in the Vallone della Mantenia, this cave draws folks in. They've fixed it up nice, making sure you can see all the speleothems in their glory as you walk through the big chamber. It stretches out 65 meters long, 20 meters across, and shoots up to 8 meters high.
Spend a day at La Secca Beach
At La Secca Beach in Maratea, you dive into a day where beauty meets the ocean. You swim, snorkel, and catch the sunset. Caves and clear waters call you to explore. Sea stars might cross your path. You grab an umbrella and sunbed for 15 euros when it's quiet, park for 5 euros. Shade offers a break with local bites: friselle, mozzarella, tuna, and tomatoes. It's straightforward, it's serene.
Go see Spiaggia Nera - Cala Jannita
Spiaggia Nera, they call it Cala Jannita around these parts. A stretch of beach with black volcanic sand lies in Maratea, Italy. It's a sight, different from your usual shore because of that dark sand. And let me tell you, that sand gets hot. Really hot. Best keep your sandals on, or wet your feet before you walk on it.
The place is hugged by thick greenery. You get to the beach walking through it, down some stairs right to where the water meets the land. Then there's the Cave of Sciabella, a spot with its own little beach and wrapped up in the local tales. If you're there, you might as well snorkel or kayak. The views, especially when the sun dips low, are something else. It's more than just a beach. It's a mix of nature's work and stories passed down through generations. Worth a visit if you're roaming the Tyrrhenian coast of Basilicata.
Discover Basilica di San Biagio
The Basilica di San Biagio sits atop Monte San Biagio, a stark symbol of the land's deep history and culture. It honors the city's patron saint, right there among the remnants of old Maratea. Nearby lie the ruins of Maratea Vecchia and that well-known statue of Christ the Redeemer. It's a place where the past keeps breathing, silent but strong.
Unwind at Rena d'u Nastru Beach
Come to Rena d'u Nastru Beach in Maratea, Italy. It's a gem tucked between Cersuta and the rock of Apprezzami l'Asino tower. Folks around here call it "belt beach." Back in 1894, they dumped railroad materials off a conveyor belt onto the coast, and that's how this place came to be. It's a prime spot for a winter stroll, perfect for watching the sun dip down into Palombi cave at the southern tip. In 2015, LEGA AMBIENTE, some environmental folks, said it's the second prettiest beach in Italy. You can get there by land. It's not big, no fancy lidos, but it's good for families. Mostly pebbles and rocks underfoot. There's a place to park, but you'll need to take some stairs to hit the sand.
Hike up to Monte San Biagio
You walk up Monte San Biagio in Maratea, Italy, and it grabs you. Maratea sits high, hugged by sharp mountains, perfect for those who love to hike. At the top waits the big Christ the Redeemer statue, watching over everything. The hike offers cool shade, quiet trails, and a chance to see old sights and nature up close. It starts with stairs out of town, leading to a forested climb. The path, sometimes steep, always ends in an easier walk down, easy on the knees. Watch out, though, the trail might fade into the underbrush here and there. But push on. The view at the top? Worth every step. On a clear day, it stretches far, a reward for everyone who makes it up there.
Check out Spiaggia Grotta della Scala
Down in Acquafredda, near Maratea, Italy, there's a beach called Spiaggia Grotta della Scala. It's a special spot, tucked away and not too crowded. The story goes it was born in 1894, when they were blasting through rock to lay down train tracks. What was left became this cozy place of sand and pebbles, right under Villa Nitti where Francesco Saverio Nitti, a big name in Italian politics, used to live. It's an easy spot to get to, what with being near the Acquafredda train station and all, and there's plenty of room to park your car for free. Even when the sun's high and the tourists are out, it stays pretty quiet, offering a slice of peace. They've got a lido there too, so you can grab a drink or eat right on the sand.
Relax at Santa Teresa Beach
Santa Teresa Beach in Marina di Maratea, Italy, holds a spot in the hearts of many. It's a beauty, quiet and unspoiled. What you've got here isn't just one beach, but three, strung along the coast like pearls. Winter brings a special kind of magic, with walks that turn romantic. Under the ridge to the north, there are little caves. They let you peek at the sea through cracks in the stone, like secrets whispered. And right there in the middle, Falchetto rock stands proud. Peregrine falcons call it home. That rock, those birds, they add something wild, something true.
Visit Spiaggia Anginarra
Folks heading to Spiaggia Anginarra should set aside more than three hours. There's a lot to soak up, what with the beach and all around it. The place is clean, looks good too. Makes a fine spot for those wanting a break from the daily grind, to just bask in what nature's got to offer.
Right around Spiaggia Anginarra, you won't go hungry. A few steps away, there's places to eat. Il Piccolo Ranch Maratea and La Pizzeria Le Nuvole stand out. They serve up Italian food, like pizza and seafood. It all adds up to the Spiaggia Anginarra trip.
Spend a day at Spiaggia D'i Vranne
Spend a day at Spiaggia D'i Vranne in Maratea, Italy. You're in for natural beauty and quiet, a real beach adventure. Named Italy's most beautiful beach by Legambiente in 2016, this place is a hidden spot calling to those who love nature and seek peace far from the crowds.
Here, the water's clear green, though it might turn a bit murky, kind of like the nearby Spiaggia Nera. Sure, some might argue other Italian beaches got more flair. Yet, Spiaggia D'i Vranne stands out as a top pick for a beach day.
Getting there's a bit of an adventure since it's sea access only. It's an untouched slice of paradise, away from the usual noise. You can swim over from Spiaggia Nera, cave included, or take a boat from Maratea port. That way, you dive right into nature's calm and beauty. With no roads in, it stays clean, fringed by sand of just the right size, rich seabeds, sharp rocks, and trees.
Try Canyoning in Pollino National Park
Maratea's Pollino National Park throws you into the deep end. Water carved out gorges here, working hard for millennia. Canyoning? Pure adrenaline. Slide, jump, rappel — maybe 50 meters if you dare. Want something different? They deliver. Walk rivers, raft the Lao. Takes an hour or a day, starts at €30. They match the trip to your crew, unforgettable.
Looking for custom thrill? Hit Castiglione Gorge. Four hours of pure grit — scramble, climb, swim, abseil. For the bold, 16+, ready for action. The land's rugged, karst formations stun, and dropping 30m down a waterfall? Heart-stopping. It’s all about teamwork. Expect jumps to 8m, slides to 5m, rappels from 12 to 30m.
Go Rafting on the Lao River
Rafting in Maratea? Pure thrill. The Lao River cuts through Italy, hitting hard with views straight out of a UNESCO park. Starts in Basilicata, ends in Calabria. It carves through deep canyons, spits out near Scalea. It's a sight for sore eyes, packed with history and a magnet for thrill-seekers.
River Tribe leads the charge here. They’ve got rafting for all - the fast, the grand, the fun, and even night owls. Prices? €30 to €115. Whether you’re pinching pennies or going all out, they've got you.
Safety's key. Their guides are top-notch, FI.Raft certified. They know the river, from a breeze to a beast. Newbies to pros, there's a ride for everyone.
But there's more than rafting. Think trekking, biking, river walks, canyoning. River Tribe’s got all bases covered for adventure in Calabria.
Join a Kayak Tour or Rafting Adventure
Kayak trips in Maratea, Italy, dive deep into adventure. Martulli Travel gets right to it. They hand you a paddle, a canoe, and stories of Matera. You're off exploring caves, landing on I Vranne beach, and swimming in waters clear as glass. But remember, you're covering meals, drinks, tips, and whatever else comes up.
🇮🇹 Savoring Italy's Trip Planning Services
Looking for trip advice to Maratea? Italy? Sicily? Sardinia? We're here. We handle it all. Expert plans, smooth journeys. We deliver stunning vistas, rich culture, tailored to your taste. Ditch the stress. We make your travels unforgettable.
Overwhelmed by Italy plans? Drowning in options for that dream trip? Drop it. We've got you. Your Italian getaway, made tangible. Dodge the digital chaos. Our experts take care of you.
Book a FREE 15-minute consultation call now
Schedule a 15-minute call, no charge. Learn how we turn your Italy trip legendary. No catch. Chat with our pros. Got questions? We've got answers. We'll talk travel dreams, services, and custom Italian escapes.
Where to Eat in Maratea
Here are our top eatery picks. They're our favorites, plus some top tips from family and Italian buddies:
Panaino wraps you in a warm welcome, its spaces sleek yet inviting. The pizza here? Top-notch.
I Sapori di Marianna Eno-Trattoria blends local tastes like a master, with antipasti and rabbit that sing alongside regional wines. All this with a view that'll steal your breath.
Radici Di Calabria, with its standout dishes, friendly faces, and a view of old Aieta, calls you to visit.
Pizz Stop, known for its superb pizza and the warmth of its staff, stands as the perfect spot for an easy meal.
Leave a Reply