Areas: where to base yourself
- Fiumicello: beach and hotels within walking distance.
- Porto: harbour, restaurants and boat trips.
- Old town: atmosphere and cooler evenings; drive down to swim.
- Acquafredda and Castrocucco: quieter, at either end of the coast.
Food and drink
Seafood dominates: anchovies, octopus and fish of the day, with pasta from the inland mountains. Try local cheeses and the red wines of the region.
Money-saving tips
- June and September are cheaper and calmer than August.
- Free beaches exist next to the lidos.
- Self-catering apartments suit longer stays.
Practicalities
Bring water shoes for pebbly beaches. Many restaurants and lidos open only from late spring to early autumn. Out of season, Maratea is very quiet.
Sample plans
One day
Morning at the Cristo Redentore, lunch in the old town, afternoon swim at Fiumicello, dinner at the harbour.
Three days
Add a kayak or boat trip to the sea caves, a day on the quieter beaches, and the coast road at sunset.
Five days
Add a day of rafting or hiking in the Pollino.
