The charming coastal town that is spitting image of Amalfi but with fewer visitors
The pretty town provides an unmatched experience for those seeking to delve into the splendour of Southern Italy.
A lesser-known coastal gem on Italy's southern Tyrrhenian coast has been likened to the ever-popular Amalfi - and it's easy to see why with its stunning coastline, rich history, and authentic Italian charm
Perched high on a hill above the sea, Maratea is just a two-and-a-half-hour drive along the coast from Amalfi but has remained mostly hidden away in the Gulf of Policastro.
The town appears to be an uncrowded alternative to Amalfi, attracting fewer tourists despite its breathtaking coastline, rich history, and genuine Italian charm.
Visitors to the town can immerse themselves in history by wandering through the maze-like old town.
Holidaymakers can explore artisan shops offering cured meats, fine wines and regional cheeses. Yet, one of the most remarkable features of this small town, which spans just 67 sq km, is its 44 churches.
Maratea's iconic Christ the Redeemer statue, a magnificent marble figure perched on Monte San Biagio the town's highest point, dominates the skyline.
The statue, a gift from Count Stefano Rivetti in 1962 and completed in 1965, stands at nearly 22 metres, making it the fifth tallest statue of Christ globally.
Visitors can choose between a quick 15-minute drive from the town centre or a challenging 90-minute hike up the mountain to see this local landmark.
The reward for reaching the top is breathtaking panoramic views.
Despite being nestled among rugged hills and clifftops, the town offers numerous picturesque beaches, coves and harbours for visitors to explore.
Some of the area's top-rated beaches include La Secca, Cala Jannitja and Rena d'u Nastru Beach.
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While the region boasts a variety of hotels, the Santavenere Hotel stands out as Maratea's only five-star hotel, offering panoramic sea views and direct access to the sea via its private beach.
At present, travellers can reach Maratea by flying into Naples airport, which is roughly a two-and-a-half-hour drive from the town.
Trains also operate from Naples to Maratea, taking just over two hours, or from Rome to Maratea, which takes four-and-a-half hours.
However, with the opening of Salerno-Costa d'Amalfi Airport as a commercial airport in July 2024, tourists now have even better access to the stunning coastline.
The airport, previously an airfield serving military pilots in training and private aviation, is just a one hour and forty-minute drive from Maratea.
EasyJet offers a direct seasonal service from London Gatwick, while RyanAir has weekly departures to the southern Italian airport from London Stansted.
