Maratea mare, sport and nature 10 things to do and see in the Pearl of Tyrrhenian real treasure chest of environmental and naturalistic treasures.
The only outlet on the Tyrrhenian Sea of Basilicata, Maratea boasts a coastal coastline among the most picturesque of the Mediterranean that alternates beaches, coves and thick vegetation spots that mirror in the clear blue of the waters of the Gulf of Policastro. A unique natural setting, surrounded by three large National Parks: The Pollino National Park, the Cilento National Park and the Apennines Lucano Lagonegrese National Park. Here are 10 things to do and see between sea, sport and nature if you have a holiday in Maratea.
Index of Article
Maratea sea and nature: 10 things to do and see
1. Port of Maratea
If you arrive by boat, probably the port of Maratea will be your first landing. Take advantage then to discover this cozy cove at the foot of Mount San Biagio with its ancient houses perched on the rock that tell, between myth and legends, the millenary history of locality.
To get in tune with the slow pace of the place, sit at the coffee table of a bar to sip an aperitif, admiring the ray return of the born and enjoying the last rays of sun. To dine, sit in one of the restaurants in the area and then take a romantic walk on the pier, crib fromand soft lights of boats.
2. Historic Centre of Maratea
The morning is the best time to visit Historic Centre of Maratea with its vicoletti of ancient medieval plant overlooking squares furnished by the tables of bars and pastries where to taste fragrant local sweets. Walk relaxed in the ancient medieval village, framed in the intense green of the Carpini Forest, in the plot of alleys guards of ancient buildings and houses, beautiful stone portals and characteristic squares.
Then take a look at the shops, art galleries and maybe enter Palazzo De Lieto to visit the exhibition of underwater archaeology. Finally reach Piazza Buraglia, an ideal place to sit at the tables of a bar to enjoy a great bite.
3. Statue of Christ of Maratea
The white statue of Christ of Maratea, on the top of Monte San Biagio among the ruins of the ancient Maratea Superiore, 600 m above sea level. Symbol of Maratea, the statue of the Redeemer is inlta 22 meters and is second in the world by height after that of the Christ of Corcovado in Rio de Janeiro.
You can easily reach it and from up there you can enjoy the unparalleled view of the Gulf of Policastro, from the National Park of Cilento to the Park Nanal of the Pollino. 
4. Basilica of San Biagio
The statue of Christ the Redeemer seems to be watching over the underlying Pontifical Basilica of St. Blaise which guards the relics of the patron saint. The Armenian protector Bishop of the City of Maratea is depicted in a beautiful silver statue that is honored in religious celebrations in May.
5. Visit the 44 Churches
The Basilica of San Biagio is only the most famous of the 44 churches and chapels that enrich Maratea with faith, art and culture. Most of them, such as the Mother Church, the Annunciation, the Addolorata and the Immaculate with the underlying Crypt of St. Peter, can be visited by walking in the Old Town. Others are scattered in the numerous coastal and mountain hamlets, or isolated and solitary, such as the Madonna delle Grazie, the Madonna degli Ulivi, San Vito and the Madonna della Pietà , located along suggestive paths in the green.
6. Maratea sea and beaches
For a dip in the blue a Maratea sea you can choose from the many beaches and coves that punctuate the thirty kilometers of coast on which the Blue Flag, the prestigious international recognition that "certificates the quality of water and bathing services".
The most beautiful and renowned are Acquafredda, Santa Teresa/Calaficarra, Macarro/Illicini/Nera, Castrocucco/Secca di Castrocucco, but there are for all tastes, pebbles and sand, where to relax on a tart or on a sunbed by the sea. Then just put on mask and mouthpiece to discover the seabeds rich in posidonia prairies and fish.
7. The Cave of Wonders
Reach Marina di Maratea to admire a true jewel of nature: The Wonder Cave, by name and fact. It is a karst cavity discovered by chance in 1927 during the work of the state road, which can be visited all year round. You will be speechless in front of the exciting spectacle of stalactite falls, stalagmites and columns.
8. See the coast from the sea
Book one of the scheduled outputs in boat boat or choose to transport you from the wind on an ancient sailboat, or still rent a boat and stop in one of the many bays: there are countless opportunities to discover the coast of Maratea mare. For sportsmen there is also the possibility to pay in kayaking to enter the coastal caves, reach the most hidden coves, take a tour around the island of Saint Janni. On the shores of Maratea you can rent kayaks and all theequipment necessary for an excursion in full autonomy or with an instructor.
9. Hiking in nature
Thanks to a dense network of trails that spread along the coast and towards the hinterland of the lagonegrese, you can do trekking and unforgettable excursions without ever losing sight of the sea. Maratea is in fact embraced by a vast mountainous territory, with many peaks over 1000 meters and Monte Coccovello reach 1500 meters, rich in woods and Mediterranean scrub where you can dip suggestive tracks to walk, bike or horseback, independently or accompanied by expert local guides and decide maybe to finish the excursion directly on the beach with a refreshment bath.
Professionals and agencies specializing in outdoor activities, gathered in Tourist Consortium Maratea, also allow you to practice in full safety outdoor sports such as paragliding, canoeing, mountain biking and climbing.
10. Fly on the Gulf of Policastro
A unique experience at a high rate of adrenaline that you can try during a stay in Maratea is the two-seater paragliding flight from Fresh water or Monte San Biagio, Let yourself be transported from the ascent currents to land on one of the many beaches. The beautiful view from the top of the Gulf of Policastro will be one of the unforgettable memories of the holiday.
