Maratea, Basilicata

Overview

Discover Maratea: Private Tours, Experiences & Custom Travel

Maratea is a beautiful region that far too few tourists who ever visit Italy get to experience, but those that have, can attest to the fact that Maratea deserves to be called "the pearl" of the Tyrrhenian sea, for this hill top town and all its counterparts (Acquafredda, Fiumicello, and the Port of Maratea), are colorful, charming and splendidly untouched by tourists for most of the year. Maratea has, blessedly kept her true Italian character intact, and this means that prices are good and the locals are genuinely friendly (even if they don't speak perfect English).

The Coast of Maratea is one of the most geographically beautiful coasts in Italy and would rank high on a list of mesmerizing places, the world over.

The hidden beaches which occupy the shores along this tiny bit of Basilicatan coast (only 30 KM) from (in ) and (in ), are of rare beauty, a climb to get to, but well worth the trek any time of year. Swimming is only possible from May to November, but the scenery is spectacular all year round.

Recognizable from anywhere along the coast of Maratea, is the large figure of Christ, second only to Brazil's Rio de Janiero figure.

Visitors from all over the world, particularly during the summer months, come to take in the spectacular views availble from the head of the statue. Admittance is free and the views truly are incomparable. At this same position, is the church of San Biagio and an ancient village of Lucanians, who inhabited the area before the romans.

In the town of Maratea itself, wine bars, cafés, stores, restaurants, and gelato shops line the streets. The town itself and the entire area is clean, safe and well-serviced.

As in most towns in Southern Italy, the town continues to shut down everyday from 1:00 to 5PM, as shop owners prepare hearty lunches and venture to the beaches themselves. However, stores and restaurants stay open well into the night every night of the week during the summer months and shopping is literally an "all-night activity". Take your pick of terraces within the labrynth of back streets, to enjoy any number of local wines and specialty foods, which include fresh seafood and lucanian pasta dishes.

Maratea is famous for numerous goods, including: wine, sandals, ceramics, embroidery and leather work. You can often barter with the store owners for better prices-

Not surprisingly, Maratea, because of her natural beauty and chic locales, has gained considerable attention amongst the Italian elite, who have bought villas along the coast and in the hills. However, hotels of all varieties are still available. The best options, we feel are those listed on the right, because the provide incomparable services for excellent rates.

We think that Maratea is one of Italy's most fantastic cultural and scenic destinations. It really should not be avoided if possible. Maratea is well-serviced by trains, offers a large port for docking purposes and is only 2 hours south of . Getting here is easy and staying is cheap (especially during the off season). Right now, we are offering tours from Maratea, which will bring visitors face to face with some of Italy's most spectacular scenery.

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Maratea in pictures

Gallery

A few frames from our own trips. The rest are in the gallery below.

Beautiful Maratea, Italy

Truly Spectacular - Maratea

Glorious Maratea, Italy

Incredible Vacations in Italy

Christ figure at Maratea

Map

Get your bearings before you go

Multi-Day Holidays Tours

Whole journeys, planned end to end

Calabria and the Cedri Riviera Mini-Stay including Cooking Class, Wine Tour and Full Day Tour to the Coast of Maratea

This 4 day, 3 day package is ideal for those wanting to get to know the incredible culinary traditions of Calabria famous for the 'hot pepper" and fussili dishes. Our package includes accommodation in a private villa located in the center of town....

Private

4 Days / 3 Nights

Basilicata: Luxury Tour of Undiscovered Italy

Despite its beautiful coastline and dramatic mountains, most of Basilicata remains undiscovered by visitors to Italy. This incredible week of luxury accommodation and private guides and drivers will introduce you to this amazing region, its stunning...

Private

7 Days / 6 Nights

Experience a New Paradise South of the Amalfi Coast: Cilento, Mountain Monasteries, Blue Grottoes, the Coast of Maratea and Dino Island

For those who want to enjoy an authentic experience in southern Italy away from the masses, this experience is for you! Explore the majestic Cilento Coast and incredible white sand beaches, blue grottoes, unspoilt coastlines and nearly deserted coas...

Small Group

9 Days / 8 Nights

Kingdom of the Sun: Undiscovered Calabria & Basilicata || Highlights include Maratea and the mountain-top redeemer, Praia a Mare and the Madonna Della Grotta, Diamante the city of murals. Cooking, food and wine and highlights with chef Michelangelo

Join us for an 8-day package in Calabria and explore the deep south of Italy, including the regions of Calabria and Basilicata. Our tour is centered around the charming town of Tortora, and from there, we embark on daily excursions to some of Calabri...

Private

8 Days / 7 Nights

Hotels

Rooms we would happily sleep in again

Italy,Basilicata,Maratea

Hotel

Hotel San Diego Maratea

★ ★ ★

The full service, 4 star SAN DIEGO HOTEL is located in Acquafredda di Maratea, the last bay of the i...

Buffet Breakfast +15 more

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Italy,Basilicata,Maratea

Hotel

La Locanda delle Donne Monache, Maratea

★ ★ ★ ★

Nestled in the heart of Maratea, La Locanda delle Donne Monache is a beautifully restored 18th-centu...

24h reception +32 more

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Basilicata Italy with Italy Vacation Specialists

Italy seaside resort town in southern Italy

Private Vacations in Italy with Italy Vacation Specialists

Castelmezzano

Lago / Lake Sirino

Lake Monticchio and San Michele Monastery

Maratea

Matera

Melfi

Pietrapertosa

Rivello

San Fele Waterfalls

Venosa

Castelmezzano

Lago / Lake Sirino

Lake Monticchio and San Michele Monastery

Maratea

Matera

Melfi

Pietrapertosa

Rivello

San Fele Waterfalls

Venosa

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Popular Transfer Routes in Maratea

The rides our guests ask for most, with a driver who knows the way.

Italy Vacation Specialists provides licensed private transfer services throughout Italy, including Maratea and surrounding areas. With over 20 years of experience, our professional English-speaking drivers offer both Business Class and Luxury Class vehicles for airport transfers, city-to-city rides, and full-day chauffeur services. All vehicles are fully insured, well-maintained, and operated by vetted local drivers who know the roads, traffic patterns, and best routes across the region.

Rome Florence

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Rome Naples

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Rome Venice

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Florence Venice

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Milan Venice

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Naples Amalfi

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Rome Amalfi

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Milan Lake Como

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Florence Siena

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Naples Sorrento

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In their words

Stories That Stay With You

Here's what our guests share about their unforgettable journeys

“I traveled with JoAnn West through your services, guided by Giuseppe, in July of this year. What a wonderful experience; your service is really top notch! If I return to Italy for a tour, I will absolutely use your services again and recommend you to my friend…”
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“This company really knows their stuff and recommended our family to stay longer in each location. We didn't listen to them, but wished we had in every single place we went. They recommended Sestri Levante over the Cinque Terre which was our favourite destinati…”
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“I am a travel agent from Lebanon and have organized several group tours as well as individual tours of Italy with Italy Vacation Specialists. I highly recommend them as one of the very best tour operators in Italy to work with, given their professionalism and…”
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“The trip was great; we appreciate all the hard work you and your team invested to make our experience a once in a lifetime trip. We appreciate all the attention to the details, in particular Giuseppe spending the time and the focus with us on the road and as w…”
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“I am a travel agent with All About Honeymoons and I would highly recommend Italy Vacation Specialists. Jessica was wonderful in helping us plan in a last minute anniversary vacation during high season without any issues. She even checked on our clients while o…”
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“In September of 2018 I brought a group of 12 from Venice to Sicily and organized all of my services with the Italy Vacation Specialists. Being a travel agent and in the business, I know how complicated organizing travel arrangements can be in Italy and the IVS…”
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