Maratea has a unique claim, being the only seaside town on Basilicata's Tyrrhenian (Mediterranean) coast. Basilicata, sandwiched as it is between Calabria to the south and Campania to the north, has a tiny corridor to the sea. The town is, in reality a collection of pretty hamlets strung out along the coast, very popular with visitors during the summer and blissfully quiet (and still worth a visit) during the off season. The old town, lying inland, is Maratea Paese, a jumble of old piazzas, and steep narrow streets. Head up towards the peak of Monte San Biagio and you reach the 'older old town' of Maratea Antica. Lying 624 metres above sea level, it has superb views out over the Gulf of Policastro.
Here too you'll find the Redentore (the redeemer) an enormous marble statue of Christ, arms spread, back to the sea and gazing into the wild heartland of Basilicata. Look toward the feet of the Redeemer and you see the Sanctuary of San Biagio, once a pagan temple dedicated to Minerva, now the focus of the town's procession during its feast day on the second Sunday each May, a statue of the saint being hauled up Monte San Biagio by the townsfolk.
Head out from Maratea and you find a superbly unspoiled, craggy and ragged coastline. There are good beaches (check out Fiumicello) and restaurants and cafes in Maratea Porto, the modern and rather fashionable part of town.
To the left you'll find a selection of hotels, to get you in the mood
- see also our full listings of Maratea hotels.
