Maratea is about the sea first, but leave time for the old town and the drive up Monte San Biagio.
1 Cristo Redentore
The white statue of Christ, about 20 metres tall, stands on the summit of Monte San Biagio, facing inland rather than out to sea. The viewing area takes in the whole gulf.
Practical: Free. A narrow, winding road climbs to the top; go early or near sunset.
2 Old town (Maratea Borgo)
The historic town lies on a saddle below the mountain, with paved lanes, small squares and a large number of churches and chapels for a town of its size.
Practical: Free. Lovely in the evening, when it is cooler than the coast.
3 Sanctuary of San Biagio
Next to the statue, the basilica holds relics of Saint Blaise, the town’s patron, on the site of an older sanctuary. A long footpath also climbs here from the old town.
Practical: Free; respect services.
4 Porto and Fiumicello
The small harbour is the centre of summer life, with restaurants and boat trips. Fiumicello, next door, has a sheltered beach and a cluster of hotels.
Practical: Parking is tight in August; arrive early.
5 Beaches
The coast has pebbly and dark-sand beaches, from Fiumicello and Macarro to Cersuta, Acquafredda and the long beach at Castrocucco near the Calabrian border. Many coves are reached by steps or by boat.
Practical: Free beaches and paid lidos with sunbeds; book lidos in August.
6 Sea caves and boat trips
Boats and kayaks explore caves and inlets along the cliffs, with snorkelling stops in clear water. Several operators run from the harbour.
Practical: Season and sea permitting, roughly June to September.
7 The coast road
The SS18 winds along the cliffs between the hamlets, with viewpoints over the gulf and the islands of rock offshore.
Practical: Drive slowly; it is narrow in places and busy in August.
