Maratea at a glance
Maratea is the only part of Basilicata that touches the Tyrrhenian Sea. It sits on the Gulf of Policastro, between Campania to the north and Calabria to the south. The rest of the region faces the Ionian Sea or lies inland, so Maratea feels like a separate trip from Matera.
The name covers more than one place. The historic center lies inland, up the slope. The coast below is a string of separate hamlets: Acquafredda, Cersuta, Fiumicello, Porto, Marina and Castrocucco. A hotel with "Maratea" in its address is not automatically near a beach, so check which hamlet it is in.
Our picks: Maratea tours
A kayak tour to sea caves and a full boat day with snorkelling, both from the harbour.
Hand-picked tours, booked through GetYourGuide. Prices are indicative starting prices in euros (as of October 2026). Tap a tour for live availability and the current price in your currency.
Maratea boat day with snorkelling
Seven hours by motor boat with brunch, snacks and drinks, a snorkel guide and equipment, and swim and snorkel stops.
Check availability →
Kayak tour to sea caves and a black beach
An experienced instructor, a cave visit and swim stops, with kayak, paddle, dry bag, phone holder and life jacket.
Check availability →Maratea tours and boat trips
Boat trips along the coast, day trips from Maratea and activities in the area, with live prices and availability.
The Christ statue on Monte San Biagio
The Cristo Redentore stands on Monte San Biagio above the town. It is the best-known sight in Maratea, and the views over the gulf are the reason to go. The municipality names the Madonna degli Ulivi car park as the place to leave your car. The last stretch up to the statue is covered by a shuttle.
Local listings for the 2026 season give these costs: entry to the statue is free, parking is about €4 for the first hour and then €1 per 15 minutes, up to about €12 for three hours, and the shuttle costs about €1.50 return per person. Treat these as a guide, because rates can change.
Vehicle access to the top is seasonal. In July and August it runs daily into the evening, in September until about 21:00, and in October mainly on weekends and public holidays. Check the current calendar before you plan a sunset visit.
Beaches and coastal hamlets
The coast is rocky, with small coves rather than one long beach.
Cersuta
The municipality describes Cersuta as having pebble beaches. Wear shoes you can walk in on stones.
Acquafredda and Castrocucco
The two ends of the municipal coast. Acquafredda lies toward Campania, Castrocucco toward Calabria. The main coast road, the SS18, links them.
Fiumicello, Porto and Marina
Coastal hamlets with their own access to the water. Check how far your own hamlet is from the sea before you book a room.
Parking and swimming rules can differ from cove to cove. Ask your host about the cove you plan to use. For more beaches along the same sea, see the beaches of Calabria just south of the border.
San Biagio and the historic center
A walk uphill, away from the water.
The historic center lies inland, up the slope, not at the water. A path leads to the Basilica of San Biagio. Allow time for the climb and wear proper shoes.
Plan the old town and the beach as two separate parts of the day, because they are in different places.
Getting to Maratea
Train and car both work. Plan for the coast road.
By train
The RFI timetable for Maratea runs from 14 June to 12 December 2026 and lists regional trains and some Frecciarossa services. One regional train leaves Maratea at 07:24 and reaches Napoli Centrale at 10:18, a ride of 2 hours 54 minutes. Check the days of operation for your travel date.
By car
The SS18 runs along the coast and is the main route between the hamlets. Rockfall has closed roads along this coast before. Check the current road notice from the municipality before you drive, especially for the southern stretch toward Castrocucco.
From Matera
Matera is on the opposite side of the region, so treat Maratea as a separate stop. Our getting there page covers the routes into Basilicata.
Tourist tax in Maratea
Per person and night for the first five days of a stay, from 1 May to 31 October 2026.
| Accommodation | Per person and night |
|---|---|
| 5-star hotel | €5 |
| 4-star hotel | €4 |
| 3-star hotel | €3 |
| 2-star hotel | €2 |
| B&B, holiday apartment, other rentals | €2.50 |
| Farm stay (agriturismo), campsite | €2 |
Rules for the rest of the year can differ. For places to sleep in the wider region, see where to stay.
Plan the rest of your trip
Other stops in Basilicata.
Pollino National Park
Hikes, the Pino Loricato and mountain villages inland from the coast.
Matera
The Sassi, rock churches and how to plan a visit.
Things to do in Basilicata
Twelve experiences across the region.
If you continue south along the same sea, Tropea is a well-known stop on the Calabrian coast.
A simple day in Maratea
One way to split the day, based on how the town is laid out.
Morning: the statue
Go early to the Madonna degli Ulivi car park, take the shuttle for the last stretch and enjoy the view over the gulf. Seasonal access rules apply to cars, so check them first.
Midday: the historic center
Drive or take a taxi up to the old town, walk to San Biagio and have lunch inland, away from the shore.
Afternoon: a cove
Finish at the coast. Pick one hamlet, such as Cersuta for pebbles, and stay there rather than hopping between coves along the SS18.
The tourist tax period, 1 May to 31 October, matches the main season for the coast. Outside it, check which services are running before you travel.
Maratea: frequently asked questions
Is the Christ statue in Maratea free to visit?
Local listings for 2026 give free entry to the statue. Parking and the shuttle from the Madonna degli Ulivi car park cost extra. Confirm current rates on site.
Can I get to Maratea by train?
Yes. Maratea has a station with regional trains and some Frecciarossa services in the 2026 timetable. One regional train to Napoli Centrale takes 2 hours 54 minutes. Check how to get from the station to your hamlet.
Is there a tourist tax in Maratea?
Yes. From 1 May to 31 October 2026 it is €2 to €5 per person and night for the first five days, depending on the type of accommodation.
Where are the beaches?
Along the coast, in hamlets such as Cersuta, Fiumicello and Castrocucco. The historic center is inland, so pick your hamlet if a beach matters to you.
Is Maratea in Basilicata or Calabria?
Basilicata. It lies on the Gulf of Policastro, with Campania to the north and Calabria to the south.