Maratea is a perfect alternative to the busier towns along the popular Amalfi coast (Image: Getty) A lesser-known coastal gem on Italy 's southern Tyrrhenian coast has been likened to the ever-popular Amalfi - and it's easy to see why with its stunning coastline, rich history, and authentic Italian charm Perched high on a hill above the sea, Maratea is just a two-and-a-half-hour drive along the coast from Amalfi but has remained mostly hidden away in the Gulf of Policastro. The town appears to be an uncrowded alternative to Amalfi , attracting fewer tourists despite its breathtaking coastline, rich history, and genuine Italian charm. Visitors to the town can immerse themselves in history by wandering through the maze-like old town.
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Yet, one of the most remarkable features of this small town, which spans just 67 sq km, is its 44 churches. READ MORE: Foreign Office travel warning to British tourists as 'stay away' alert issued Maratea boasts some stunning crystal-clear waters and fewer tourists than the Amalfi Coast (Image: Getty) Maratea's iconic Christ the Redeemer statue, a magnificent marble figure perched on Monte San Biagio the town's highest point, dominates the skyline. The statue, a gift from Count Stefano Rivetti in 1962 and completed in 1965, stands at nearly 22 metres, making it the fifth tallest statue of Christ globally.
Visitors can choose between a quick 15-minute drive from the town centre or a challenging 90-minute hike up the mountain to see this local landmark. The reward for reaching the top is breathtaking panoramic views. Despite being nestled among rugged hills and clifftops, the town offers numerous picturesque beaches, coves and harbours for visitors to explore.
Some of the area's top-rated beaches include La Secca, Cala Jannitja and Rena d'u Nastru Beach. DON'T MISS: Simple folding method ensures clothes remain 'wrinkle-free' in suitcases [ADVICE] Greek island that's 'out of its mind' as UK tourists 'taken advantage of' [PROFILE] The beautiful but underrated UK seaside town that's frozen in the 1950s [EXCLUSIVE] Trending Maratea is only an hour and a half south of Sorrento (Image: Getty) SUBSCRIBE Invalid email We use your sign-up to provide content in ways you've consented to and to improve our understanding of you. This may include adverts from us and 3rd parties based on our understanding.
You can unsubscribe at any time. Read our Privacy Policy While the region boasts a variety of hotels, the Santavenere Hotel stands out as Maratea's only five-star hotel, offering panoramic sea views and direct access to the sea via its private beach. At present, travellers can reach Maratea by flying into Naples airport , which is roughly a two-and-a-half-hour drive from the town.
Trains also operate from Naples to Maratea, taking just over two hours, or from Rome to Maratea, which takes four-and-a-half hours. However, with the opening of Salerno-Costa d'Amalfi Airpor t as a commercial airport in July 2024, tourists now have even better access to the stunning coastline. The airport, previously an airfield serving military pilots in training and private aviation, is just a one hour and forty-minute drive from Maratea.
EasyJet offers a direct seasonal service from London Gatwick, while RyanAir has weekly departures to the southern Italian airport from London Stansted..
