
Maratea is a town and comune in the province of Potenza, Basilicata. It is the region’s only town on the Tyrrhenian coast, and has been dubbed “the Pearl of the Tyrrhenian” due to its beautiful scenery and coastline. Because of the large number of churches and chapels, it has also been referred to as “the town with 44 churches.”
Maratea, a miracle suspended in time, is a rare pearl in the heart of Basilicata.
Maratea, Italy, is a hidden gem of a town that you should consider staying in for a few nights while traveling to the south of the boot-shaped country. Maratea is affectionately known as the Tyrrhenian Pearl. It has over twenty miles of rugged stony coastline and over twenty beaches. There are breathtaking sea views and wooded rolling hillsides, majestic mountains that sweep down to the sea, and roads that ribbon ahead of you nestled in the lush vegetation. The landscape varies in this area, as do the tourist activities and attractions.
A visit to Maratea’s Old Town, harbor, and sea coves is a fantastic way to spend your time in Italy. Furthermore, if sightseeing is on your list of things to do on your trip to Maratea, you’ll have plenty of options. This area’s historical significance is also glorious. The city is not just home to half a century churches, but it also has a massive marble statue of Christ the Redeemer that crowns Monte San Biagio. This site can be seen from afar and gives the impression of a glowing silhouette shooting up into the sky, which is fantastic to see while driving at night.
Maratea’s Sassi has been named the European Capital of Culture for 2019. It is a small jewel carved out of the mountains where the population used to live. The Sassi has been designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site due to its labyrinth of alleys, stairways, and ancient buildings.
What to see in Maratea: Must-Visit Attractions in Basilicata Region
Also Read: Best Things to do in Naples
Maratea’s Typical Food: Four Delicacies to Try
There are many traditional Lucanian products that are delicious, but four of them stand out. The first is caciocavallo podolico, a typical cheese made using the pasta filata technique after a second-time cooking of the curd.
The bread of Matera, one of the few with the PGI designation, is one of the region’s symbols, made entirely of durum wheat semolina.
The red aubergines of Rotonda, which look like tomatoes and grow in the valleys of the Pollino National Park, are among the area’s most popular agricultural products.
Lastly, don’t miss the unmissable crapiata materana, a Matera-area legume soup with a centuries-old recipe.
How to reach Maratea
Maratea is served by its own railway station. The Maratea Ferroviaria Station. You can travel along the coast or within the city limits. Examine the availability and schedules of the various trains to find one that meets your needs. If you plan to fly, the nearest airport is Napoli, which is about a two-hour train ride from Maratea. There is also a port, so you can arrive by boat, though there are no passenger ships that dock here. If you want to take the bus, check the schedules to see if it is available.
Conclusion
An underrated hidden gem and natural paradise, Maratea is one of the best destinations to explore in Italy. So, prepare your itinerary with this ultimate guide and embark on an incredible journey of your life.
Suggested Read: Prettiest Small Town in Italy – Italy Travel Guide