Basilicata

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Background on Basilicata

It has even been called Italy's best kept secret; it is located only two hours south of Naples, yet is virtually unknown outside Italy, unlike the famous Amalfi coast to the north. It is certainly one of Italy's most beautiful beach resorts, situated in a breathtaking position overlooking the rugged gulf of Policastro. The mountains rise steeply from the sea and the coastline is unspoilt by modern buildings. The water has consistently been rated as among the cleanest in Europe, and is ideal for snorkelling and diving, as well as swimming in the many small coves along the shore. The coastline is dotted with sea caves, most of which can only be reached by boat. La Grotta della Meraviglia is the only sea cave accessible on foot and there are some amazing stalactite and stalagmite formations to be seen in the deep underground cavern.

Multi Activity Holidays in Basilicata

Whilst many customers will look to stay for a week or more in the area , we can arrange an action packed 4 day break for you including rafting and zipwiring. We can also arrange a bike tour - self guided from a single hotel or a multi-hotel option. Example packages can be seen at Active packages or contact us with your favourites and we can put an itinerary together for you.

More on Maretea

The district of Maratea is actually composed of a number of ancient settlements grouped along the coast, with the main centre being known as the 'Centro Storico', with narrow winding streets and small shops selling local food specialities and crafts. Maratea is often called 'the town with 44 churches' for the surprising number of its churches and chapels. The white statue of Christ, 'Il Redentore', the Redeemer, dominates the skyline above the village and coast. It is 22 metres high, second only in size to that of Rio, and stands on a mountain ridge that offers dizzying views of the Centro Storico, the Port, and the Tryrrhenian sea. Designed by the Florentine sculptor Bruno Innocenti, the statue was completed in 1965 and is located on the top of mount San Biagio, right in front of the Basilica. 

Maratea, like the rest of the region of Basilicata, has been an isolated and poor area, invaded and colonized by various different empires. After the fall of the Roman Empire, southern Italy became part of the Byzantine Empire. From the 7^th century, the Tyrrhenian sea and coastline came under the control of the Saracens. It was later under the control of the Normans and other European dynasties, until 1861 when Italy was finally united.  Maratea suffered extreme poverty, in common with the rest of Basilicata. Many of its inhabitants emigrated to the United States and Venezuela. Since the 1950s, tourism has been the economic driver of the area.

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