Maratea Outdoor Festival
Trekking, climbing, and kayaking events showcasing the beautiful natural landscape of the region.
PlizioGo
Look for this prized, aged local cheese in small delis or as part of antipasto platters in the historic center.
Dine at one of the waterfront restaurants in Maratea Porto to enjoy the catch of the day.
Try this traditional Basilicata dish of wide pasta with chickpeas, often found in rustic trattorias.
Wander the narrow streets of the old town for independent shops selling artisanal ceramics and local fashion.
Pick up regional products like Peperone Crusco, local olive oil, and cured meats from specialty food stores.
The peaceful courtyard and historic interior of this convent offer a serene retreat from the summer sun.
Walk this scenic coastal path offering spectacular, unobstructed views of the Tyrrhenian Sea away from the road.
Water temperature…
Trekking, climbing, and kayaking events showcasing the beautiful natural landscape of the region.
The grand mid-August Italian summer holiday, celebrated with spectacular fireworks over the sea and boat parades.
A series of open-air concerts and cultural performances held throughout the summer in the historic center and port.
A religious celebration featuring traditional music, food stalls, and local festivities in the town streets.
A major summer film festival attracting international actors and directors for screenings and award ceremonies.
The celebrations honoring the patron saint of Maratea, featuring a spectacular procession to the Christ Statue.
Maratea is an under-the-radar destination on the Tyrrhenian coast of Basilicata, offering a dramatic landscape where mountains plunge directly into the crystal-clear sea. The town is known as the 'City of 44 Churches' due to the extraordinary density of religious sites within its small historic center and surroundings. The most prominent landmark is the monumental statue of Christ the Redeemer (Cristo Redentore), perched atop Mount San Biagio, which stands 21 meters tall, making it one of the largest of its kind in Europe. Visitors enjoy an authentic Italian atmosphere away from mass tourism, featuring winding alleys, flower-laden balconies, and an elegant marina. Maratea's coastline stretches over 32 kilometers, hiding a variety of sea caves, secluded coves, and small beaches that are often only accessible by boat.
The most pleasant time to visit is Jun, Jul, Sep.
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Avg °C | 8 | 8 | 10 | 13 | 17 | 21 | 24 | 25 | 20 | 17 | 13 | 9 |
| Rain mm | 116 | 94 | 84 | 62 | 50 | 34 | 29 | 31 | 73 | 88 | 128 | 107 |
Notable places around
Where do you start? We build the route here, with stops and country notes along the way.
© OpenStreetMap contributors · OpenRouteService
Start your morning in Maratea's charming Centro Storico, where every corner tells a new story. Wander through the medieval alleys and visit the Church of Santa Maria Maggiore. At midday, descend to the picturesque harbor. Here you can enjoy fresh fish while watching the luxury yachts in the turquoise water. The afternoon belongs to relaxation at the famous Spiaggia Nera. The black volcanic sand offers a fascinating contrast to the cliffs and the crystal-clear sea. End the day with a visit to the Grotta delle Meraviglie, an underground jewel full of stalactites, before enjoying the sunset over the Tyrrhenian Sea.
Morning starts in the narrow alleys of the old town, providing some shelter from the rain. At noon, the church interior offers a dry sanctuary. In the afternoon, the walk to the port requires a windproof umbrella due to the sea breeze. The black sand beach looks dramatic under rainy skies. The day ends at the cave, a perfect natural shelter where the weather doesn't matter.
The crisp winter air makes the morning walk through the old town refreshing. The church is cool but very peaceful. At noon, enjoy the silence of the nearly empty port. The afternoon at the black sand beach offers spectacular light before the early sunset around 16:45. The day ends pleasantly in the cave, which often feels warmer than the outside air in winter.
Enjoy an active tour along the coast of Maratea. Start at the port and cycle leisurely to Spiaggia Nera. After a refreshing dip in the sea, the sporting challenge awaits: the climb to the historic old town. Once at the top, reward yourself with a cool drink in Piazza Buraglia and explore the winding alleys on foot. The descent back to the coast offers spectacular views of the Tyrrhenian Sea.
A bike tour in the rain requires full concentration on the coastal road. At the port, you'll feel the salty sea spray. The ride to the black sand beach is wet, but the atmosphere is unique. At noon in the old town, push your bike through the narrow, sheltered alleys. At the basilica, you finally find a well-deserved dry finish.
The cool breeze at the port awakens the spirits for a winter tour. The ride to the black sand beach is lonely and meditative. At noon, climbing to the old town keeps you warm with the effort. At the basilica, enjoy the peace of the off-season before heading back quickly before dusk.
In the morning, drive up to Monte San Biagio to the majestic statue of Christ. From up here, the world seems to stand still as you look out over the coastline. After visiting the neighboring basilica, the drive takes you south to the imposing ruins of the Castello di Castrocucco, perched over the gulf. For lunch, return to the port of Maratea, where you can park comfortably and enjoy the maritime atmosphere. The afternoon offers a magical cooling underground at the Grotta delle Meraviglie, before driving along the panoramic coastal road SS18.
The drive to Christ the Redeemer leads through thick clouds, giving the statue a mystical aura. At noon, the basilica protects you from the rain. The route to the castle requires caution on the winding roads. In the port, park right by the quay to get to a cafe dry. The day ends at the cave, the safest destination in any bad weather.
The climb to Christ the Redeemer offers crystal clear views as far as Calabria in winter. Prayerful silence reigns in the basilica. The ruins of Castrocucco look particularly majestic in the slanting winter light. At noon in the port, it is easy to find parking. End the day in the cave, which protects against the cool evening wind.
Italian dominant; Lucanian dialect heard locally. English usually fine in hotels and beach lidos.
Set against the dramatic backdrop of the Tyrrhenian coast, this striking beach in Maratea is known for its unique dark volcanic sand. Enclosed by lush green vegetation and rugged rocks, it gives a visually captivating environment for swimming and sunbathing. The contrast between the dark shore and the sea is truly remarkable for nature lovers. Visiting in the early morning ensures the volcanic sand is comfortable to walk on before the peak sun heats it up.
This lovely stretch of coastline in Maratea provides a welcoming place to enjoy the beautiful Italian seascape. It is a fantastic location to lay out a beach blanket and listen to the soothing sounds of the sea while sunbathing. Visitors can take a refreshing dip or simply enjoy a quiet stroll along the shore. Packing plenty of sunscreen and water will help make your seaside visit much more enjoyable.
