Maratea

Basilicata - Italy
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ABOVE: Bird's-eye view of the Porto di Maratea.

Port of Maratea

Maratea's yacht harbor is 10 minutes by road from the Centro Storico or a short walk from the five-star Santavenere Hotel in Fiumicello. Although a small number of fishing boats still operate from the port, most vessels are cabin cruisers and other pleasure boats owned by summer residents and visitors. (If you're arriving in your own boat, telephone the harbormaster at 0973 876859 for mooring information.)

I heard one visitor describe Maratea's port as "Portofino without the crowds." While that's an exaggeration, the Porto di Maratea is photogenic and has a great deal of charm. It can also be lively; I was surprised by how many young people were out enjoying a Sunday passeggiata in mid-October.

The port has an assortment of shops, several cafés with indoor and outdoor tables, and at least one good restaurant. In good weather, boats offer coastal and cave excursions. Summer events include the Madonna of Porto Salvo festival in late June, concerts, and other activities.

For swimming, the closest beaches are the private beach at the nearby Hotel Santavenere and (just north) the Spiaggia di Fiumicello. Other bathing options include the beaches at Acquafredda (10 km north) and Marina di Maratea (5 km south) along the coastal road. Hotel swimming pools are a good alternative if you don't like rocky beaches.

Page 4 - Hotels and restaurants

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