Maratea – a hidden beach paradise in Basilicata

The first thing that comes to mind when thinking about the Italian coastline of the Tyrrhenian Sea is the world-famous Amalfi Coast. The picturesque, colorful villages, winding roads, and dreamy beaches are truly enchanting. On the downside, the marvelous beauty of the region caused a boom for mass tourism. The tiny coastal roads are packed with huge tour buses, and the costs are exploding. While the Amalfi coast is undoubtedly worth a visit, many other places in Italy make it possible to have a slice of coastal paradise almost to yourself. Furthermore, they are also a lot more budget-friendly!

The south-Italian region Basilicata has just a small section of Tyrrenhian sea access, which is probably one of the reasons why it is not particularly famous for beach vacation. Basilicata gained fame on a global level because of Matera, the European capital of culture, in 2019. Furthermore, Matera was the setting for famous Hollywood movies such as the latest James Bond and the Passion of Christ. But Basilicata has more to offer than historical villages. The coast section around Maratea offers many different swimming options and resembles the stunning nature of the Amalfi coast. 

The beaches of Maratea are surrounded by beautiful and raw nature. Many of them can only be accessed by boat, which increases your chances of having a little piece of paradise to yourself. Sunbathers can choose between comfortable sunbeds or the adventure of exploring hidden coastal sections, black volcano sand, rocky sea views, or white, sandy beaches. 

After a relaxing afternoon at the beach, you should not miss the opportunity to explore the historical center of the town. It is located on a hill and full of artistic and architectural testimonies of medieval times. You can start your stroll through these historical streets from the main square of the town and explore cozy cafés, authentic restaurants, art galleries, and craft shops. 

The most significant symbol of the town is the statue of Christ the Redeemer. With a height of 21 meters, it is the second biggest (the first is in Rio de Janeiro) statue of Christ in the world. It is located on an amazing viewing point, where you can see the stunning coast from Bird's-eye view. You can either drive there by car or take a hike in the beautiful nature. 

Maratea is the perfect holiday getaway, uniting the relaxing, historical Italian flair with adventures in nature and beautiful beach paradises with crystal clear waters.