If there is an Italian region you should visit this year, it is Basilicata. Basilicata is a great holiday destination and provides an opportunity for a superb adventure, especially on the Maratea Coast.

This Italian region is the home of ancient cities (as Matera), amazing beaches, a stunning national park and beautiful archaeological parks, totally worth a visit.

The south-Italian region Basilicata has just a small section of Tyrrhenian sea access, which is probably one of the reasons why it is not particularly famous for beach vacation.

The Maratea Coast section offers many different swimming options and resembles the stunning nature of the Amalfi coast: the beaches are surrounded by beautiful and raw nature.

Many of them can only be accessed by boat, which increases your chances of having a little piece of paradise for yourself!

Discover the best beaches on the Maratea Coast, Basilicata.

Maratea beaches

Maratea is a town in Basilicata still unexplored and uncontaminated on several counts, with a spectacular coastline characterized by a very interesting diversity of beaches. It’s a good destination for a peaceful longer stay, or for a two or three-night break on a tour of the south.

The landscape in Maratea is simply unique: it varies from breathtaking sea views to wooded hillsides and majestic mountains which sweep down to the blue sea. There are over 20 white sandy beaches and pebble coves here, spread along 19 miles of stunning coastline, which is dotted with numerous sea caves, most of which can only be reached by boat.

Don’t miss:” La Grotta delle Meraviglie” (or Wonders Cave) is the only sea cave accessible on foot and there are some amazing stalactite and stalagmite formations to be seen in this deep underground cavern. Another famous beach is Cala Jannita, known as the Black Beach for the dark colour of its sand. Here the sea is crystal clear and pristine.

Baia di Acquafredda beach

The beach is small and composed of sand mixed with pebbles and grey gravel, some stretches of the coast are composed entirely of rocks.

The sea is intense and crystalline blue and the seabed is perfect for scuba diving and snorkelling.

The Acquafredda beach of Maratea has been awarded several times over the years by the Foundation for environmental education with the prestigious Blue Flag, the most important recognition granted to seaside resorts.

You’ll find a very solitary and timeless beach, a deep and blue sea and grottoes that will recall you the magical sea of the Greek mythology.

Nastro di Cersuta beach

Located on the northern part of Maratea coast, it is one of the most suggestive beaches as regards as its natural value and crystalline water.

The symbol par excellence of the landscape and naturalistic qualities of a unique and immaculate territory, this beach boasts peculiar rocks, grottoes and inlets as well as the most marvellous world’s heaven’s corners.

Il Mirto beach

If you are looking for something extremely relaxing and secluded, “Il Mirto” resort it’s what suits you. Imagine an estate with threes, tiny pathways, pebbles and chic tanning beds overlooking a fantastic cove that opens into a fabulous sea.

The perfect solution if you want to bathe in a clear sea. Stone steps will lead you to an amazing beach with a one of a kind sea full of coloured fishes and marine vegetation. Take a swim in open water and you will reach a suggestive wide grotto that will make you feel like in a Ulysses’s adventure.