Maratea: Dreamy Italian Summer Destination in Basilicata

This article originally appeared in the Summer 2025 issue of Dream of Italy. Dream of Italy members can read about seven more dreamy Italian beach destinations in the main cover story. 

With the exception of the extraordinary cave-dwelling wonderland of Matera, the Italian region of Basilicata would be considered off the beaten path in and of itself. The northern Tyrrhenian coast perhaps even more so, though Maratea, flanked by a battery of beautiful natural surrounds, is no stranger for sunseekers in the know. Maratea’s 20 miles of coastline is encased by three national parks (Parco Nazionale del Cilento, Vallo di Diano e Alburni; Parco Nazionale dell’Appennino Lucano-Val d’Agri-Lagonegrese; and Parco Nazionale del Pollino) and characterized by dramatic rocky ridges flush with coves, ravines and beaches.

“Maratea is a pearl necklace of classic coastal beauty,” says Valerie Fortney, author of 52 Things to See and Do in Basilicata. “Its name derives from mare (sea) and dea (goddess), and it is indeed a goddess of the sea, as you’ll quickly see. Rocky landscapes plunge to a sapphire sea, with sweet wildflowers and salt air mingling to provide a fragrant perfume. Beaches, reefs, coves and caves, a welcoming town, and the cleanest water imaginable, Maratea has it all. The only thing it lacks is crowds. In a word, enchanting.”

Maratea boasts 28 beaches to choose from, some easily accessible while others can only be reached by boat. There’s something for everyone, from the chic lido at Fiumicello to the deep grottos and small caves around Aquafredda. Fortney’s favorite is Il Mirto Solarium and its next-door beach La Secca. “Vine-draped parking, loads of space between sun beds set at different levels under shady trees, and deeper water to snorkel or swim to the ‘island’ rocks just off the shore. La Secca has a half-shell sandy beach, pedal boats and kayaks to rent and a big garden with lounge chairs everywhere in a park-like setting. These beach parks are perfect for a day at the sea,” she says.

—Kevin Raub