Many first-time visitors arrive expecting a seaside town, only to discover that Maratea proper perches 300 metres above the sea, while the beaches and the port lie far below. Confused? You’re not alone.
So… what is Maratea exactly?
Maratea is in fact a cluster of hamlets scattered along 30 km of coastline — one spectacular stretch of the Basilicata region between Campania and Calabria. Maratea is both the whole area and also the historic centre that sits up on the hill; the Port of Maratea and the train station are both a ten-minute drive away, while tiny hamlets like Acquafredda, Cersuta, Fiumicello, Marina di Maratea, and Castrocucco cling to coves and cliffs.
Each has its own character — some just a handful of houses, others complete with church, square, and trattoria.
Ready to explore?
Here are twenty-five unusual and delightful things to do in Maratea.
1. Hunt for your favourite beach
Try a different beach each day — some black, some golden, some hidden behind cliffs or reachable only by boat. The tiny cove of Illicini isn’t really a beach at all (think rocks and oaks instead of umbrellas), while Macarro and Cala Jannita offer dark volcanic sand and turquoise waters.
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2. Evening walk at the Port of Maratea (Porto di Maratea)
Wander its alleys, watch the fishermen, or enjoy an aperitivo overlooking the boats. Stay for dinner on one of the terraces suspended above the sea — and don’t leave without tasting what locals call one of Italy’s best gelatos at Gelateria [add name once confirmed].
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3. Step inside “La Casa Blanca”
Forget tourist trinkets — this tiny shop near the port bursts with beautiful ceramics, lamps, and marine-themed décor. Every centimetre hides a creative surprise. A perfect stop for anyone who loves design with a Mediterranean soul.
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4. Climb to the Christ the Redeemer
Whether you hike up from the old town (expect breathtaking views and a good workout) or drive to the parking area and take the shuttle in summer, don’t miss the Statue of Christ the Redeemer (Cristo di Maratea).
Erected in 1965, it stands 21 metres (69 ft) high on Mount San Biagio, itself 640 metres above sea level. Right beside it, the little San Biagio church adds a touch of quiet grace.
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5. Lose yourself in Maratea’s old town
Nicknamed the town of 44 churches, its labyrinth of alleys leads to frescoed chapels and sun-splashed terraces. In winter, near Piazza Buraglia, look for the winter nativity exhibitions — a local favourite.
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6. Taste the legendary Bocconotto from Pasticceria Panza
Operating since 1959, Panza’s tiny bakery is famous for its crumbly pastries filled with cream and sour cherry or chocolate. Locals still argue about which flavour is best — you may need several rounds of testing.
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7. Visit the most cheerful pharmacy in Italy
The Farmacia dei Sani isn’t for the sick but for the healthy! Shelves overflow with Lucanian delicacies — cruschi peppers, cheeses, wines, and herbal goodies. Entering feels like stepping into a colourful wellness boutique.
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8. Drive the panoramic road from Sapri to Castrocucco
One of Europe’s most scenic coastal drives: cliffs plunging into blue, Saracen watchtowers guarding the past, and views stretching over the entire Gulf of Policastro.
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9. Sunset Skywalk in Cersuta
A short path leads to a glass platform hanging above the sea. From late September onwards, the sun sets directly into the water — pure magic.
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10. Explore by kayak or small boat
Paddle into caves or secret coves accessible only from the sea. Or rent a small boat. No licence needed for short trips. Look for sun-shaded canapés to protect you during summer heat.
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11. Sail to Punta degli Infreschi
Join a day trip by sailboat north toward the Cilento Coast. You’ll glide past untouched bays, limestone caves, and natural springs that bubble right into the sea.
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12. Go hang-gliding — if you dare!
Launch from Monte San Biagio for bird-eye views of the coast. Even watching others take off is thrilling!
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13. Attend the Maratea Movie Festival (July)
Red carpets, open-air cinema, and summer nights filled with stars — both celestial and celebrity.
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14. Stroll through Acquafredda
A maze of elegant villas hidden in greenery. Climb up to the Madonnina viewpoint for a sweeping panorama of the Tyrrhenian coast.
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15. Hike from Acquafredda to Passo Colla
Challenging because of the elevation gain (start early, carry water, wear a hat), but the rewards — views, silence, and scent of Mediterranean scrub — are unforgettable.
Best tackled in spring, autumn or even winter.
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16. Visit the “Cave of Wonders”
The Grotta delle Meraviglie, near Marina di Maratea, dazzles with stalactites and underground light plays — a miniature natural cathedral discovered in the 1920s.
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17. Eat like a local
Try fried zucchini flowers or a paper cone of seafood (cuoppo) at Da Felice, a favourite for simple seaside treats.
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18. Pick your favourite gelato
Will it be Gelateria del Porto, Caramilla, or Bar Avigliano in the old town?
Taste them all and let me know your winner.
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DAY TRIPS
Because sometimes adventure lies just beyond the next curve in the road…
19. Cool Off in Trecchina (20 min drive / 15 km)
High above Maratea, Trecchina is where locals escape the summer heat — a mountain village surrounded by chestnut woods and blessed with crisp air and slow rhythms. Visit in October for the famous Chestnut Festival, when the whole town smells of roasted marrons and local wine.
Drive (or hike, if you’re feeling energetic) up to the Santuario della Madonna del Perpetuo Soccorso, perched on a rocky ridge. From its terrace, you can admire a breathtaking panorama that stretches across three regions at once — Basilicata, Calabria, and Campania — all in a single glance. On clear days you can even spot Isola di Dino, just off the Calabrian coast.
It’s an island close to my heart — I even set a mystery there, which you can read for free at adrianalicio.com/murderclub.
It’s a pity the Parco delle Stelle has closed (for now), but who knows — maybe it will have reopened by the time you read this.
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20. Visit Morigerati and the WWF Oasis of the Bussento River (1 hr 10 min / 50 km)
A hidden paradise of green canyons, icy water, and birdsong. The WWF Oasis of Morigerati, known as the Risorgenza del Bussento, is a natural miracle where an underground river resurfaces after running beneath the mountain — “risorgenza” literally means rebirth. Watching the cold, crystal water burst back into daylight feels just like that.
Follow the stone path down from the medieval village to reach the old water mill, shaded by ferns and willows. A wooden walkway and small bridges cross the tumbling stream, creating a fairy-tale landscape that’s pure peace.
Back in the village, don’t miss I 2 Compari, a restaurant with a creative, good-humoured soul. The owners grow their own vegetables and cook with that joyful mix of love, laughter, and Cilento sunshine that makes every dish taste twice as good. Try anything they recommend — it will be seasonal, simple, and unforgettable.
Before leaving, climb to the terrace of the Church of San Demetrio for a breathtaking view over olive-clad hills and the valley below — a perfect finale to one of southern Italy’s most enchanting corners.
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21. Hike to Cala degli Infreschi (1 hr drive / 45 km to Marina di Camerota)
Forget the crowded resort vibe of Marina di Camerota — the real magic lies just beyond it, along the Sentiero di Cala Bianca e Cala degli Infreschi, one of Italy’s most scenic coastal trails.
Start from Lentiscelle Beach and follow the marked path through Mediterranean scrub, holm oaks, and wild rosemary. The full route to Cala degli Infreschi takes about 1 hour 45 minutes each way (6–7 km), with moderate climbs and plenty of views that make you stop and stare.
At the end of the trail, you’ll find Azienda Agricola Oasi Infreschi, a rustic agriturismo-restaurant tucked amid fig and olive trees. It opens only in summer (and often just on weekends), so it’s worth calling ahead (+39 347 906 6482) to make sure they’re serving.
There’s no drinking water along the path, so bring plenty — especially in warm weather — and take your time. The best season to go is spring or autumn, when the air is fresh, the sea shimmers, and the trail is blissfully quiet.
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22. Explore the Village of Aieta (40 min drive / 35 km)
After the cool mountain breeze of Trecchina, head south into Calabria to visit Aieta, a small medieval village perched above the Tyrrhenian coast. Its name comes from the Greek for eagle, and it’s easy to see why — the village soars high above the valleys, its narrow lanes winding up to breathtaking viewpoints.
Don’t miss the Palazzo Martirano, a Renaissance mansion with graceful arches and faded frescoes, and take a stroll to the upper terrace for a view that stretches all the way to the sea. Behind the village rise the high peaks of the Pollino National Park — you’re right on the threshold of Italy’s largest protected area.
You’ll also find the people of Aieta exceptionally welcoming — proud of their village, happy to chat, and always ready with a smile or a helpful tip.
Before you leave, take a walk through the Valle dei Mulini, the old Valley of the Mills. The water once powered several small mills; now only fragments remain — mossy stone bases and traces of channels — quiet reminders of a working past.
And since this is Calabria, you’ll eat wonderfully well here too. Plan to stop for lunch in Aieta, where the food is simple, local, and generous — just like the people.
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23. Hike in the Pollino National Park (1.5 hrs drive / 70 km)
If you crave wild nature, head inland toward the Pollino National Park — Italy’s largest and perhaps most untamed wilderness. Be warned, though: once you leave the highway, the road winds through endless bends, villages, and forests, and progress is slow. Take your time — this is a journey as much as a destination.
Among the park’s most spectacular spots are the Raganello Gorges (Gole del Raganello), a deep canyon carved by turquoise water and framed by towering limestone cliffs. There are marked trails along the upper edge for hikers and braver routes that descend to the riverbed — always check local conditions before setting out.
If you’re feeling truly adventurous, you can continue up toward the Pollino Massif itself, home to ancient Bosnian pines and sweeping views over both seas. But that’s a long day out, best for early risers or those who plan to stay overnight in one of the mountain villages.
It’s a world apart from the coast — vast, silent, and unforgettable.
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24. Hop on the Train to Pompeii or Naples (2.5–3 hrs each way)
From Maratea Station, board a direct coastal train that hugs the Tyrrhenian shore all the way north — one of Italy’s most scenic rides. In about 2½ hours, you can step off to explore the ancient ruins of Pompeii, or stay aboard a little longer to enjoy a day wandering the lively streets and markets of Naples.
Bring a good book and a window seat: the views alone are worth the journey.
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25. Sail the Metro del Mare to Capri (from Sapri – 25 min drive / 20 km)
In high summer, you might catch the Metro del Mare hydrofoil from Sapri all the way to Capri, with stops at charming coastal towns along the way.
The service usually runs only in peak season, and its operation depends on annual funding — some summers it sails, others it takes a break. But when it’s active, it’s an unforgettable way to admire the Tyrrhenian coast from the sea (and what a destination!).
So check the schedule before you go — and if it’s running, don’t miss the chance.
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Books Set in Maratea: What to Read Before (or After) Visiting
But whether you explore by road, on foot, or by sea, every path from Maratea leads to a new story — and sometimes the best journeys begin between the pages of a book.
If you’d like to capture Maratea’s soul through fiction, try these:
Under Italian Skies by Nicky Pellegrino
Though it never mentions Maratea by name, the fictional town of Triento is explicitly inspired by it. Nicky Pellegrino, whose family hails from the area, has spoken about her stays in Maratea and how they influenced the creation of Villa Rosa, the heart of this moving story.
It’s a warm, uplifting tale about friendship, change, and the courage to start over — a perfect armchair escape for lovers of Italian settings.
Booksellers NZ
An Italian Village Mystery series — by me, Adriana Licio
An Italian Village Mystery series — by me, Adriana Licio These cozy mysteries are born and bred in Maratea, my own corner of Basilicata. The series — which counts six mysteries so far (as of 2025) — follows Giò Brando, a sassy woman who returns to her seaside hometown and her family, only to discover that even the prettiest village can hide plenty of secrets.
Between sea views, gossip in the piazza, and a close-knit community where everyone knows everyone (or thinks they do), Giò can’t help stumbling into the occasional murder or two. Blending mystery, humour, and heart, these stories are perfect for readers who love tales filled with food, friendship, and small-town intrigue.
Available on Amazon
Have I Missed a Favourite?
These are some of my favourite ways to experience Maratea — by foot, by fork, and by fiction.
If you know another hidden corner, trail, or book I should add to the list, share it in the comments below — I’d love to discover it too.
Author bio:
Adriana Licio writes travel-inspired European cozy mysteries, where every home swap begins with trust… and too often ends with a murder.
