The Best Beaches in Maratea: A Guide to the Tyrrhenian Pearl
The coast of Maratea is bordered to the north by the Canale di Mezzanotte and to the south by the Noce River. Enclosed within this stretch of coastline, there are 29 beaches to admire. Not all of them are directly accessible from land; for many of them, you will need to reach them by sea!
The Beaches of Acquafredda
The first district of the municipality of Maratea, coming from the north, is Acquafredda. Here you can visit eight beaches:
Cala di Mezzanotte: This is the northernmost beach in the municipality of Maratea and is located at the foot of the Mezzanotte Channel, which separates Campania from Basilicata.
The beach can only be reached by sea.
Spiaggia Dei Crivi: Located at the foot of Torre dei Crivi, the first Saracen tower encountered in the municipality of Maratea when arriving from the north.
The beach can only be reached by sea.
- Anginarra Beach: This is one of the largest beaches in Maratea. With over 200 metres of shoreline, it is located at the foot of a rocky cliff. It is easily accessible on foot or by car and has ample parking. There are several beach establishments.
- Spiaggia Della Luppa: Spiaggia della Luppa is the natural continuation of Spiaggia dell’Anginarra. The two beaches are separated by a small chain of rocks. At its southern end stands the rock on which Villa Nitti, the residence of the former Italian politician, is located. There are several beach establishments.
- Spiaggetta Grotta Della Scala: Located below Villa Nitti, like other beaches along the coast, it was created from the debris left over from the construction of the railway line. It is located near the Acquafredda train station and is easily accessible.
- Porticello Beach: The small beach known as Portacquafridda, also called Porticello, is a sort of natural harbour. Well protected from currents, it also represents a piece of our history, as it was the scene of the landing of the Carbonaro Costabile Carducci, who was captured and killed in Acquafredda.
Spiaggetta Di Pietre Cadenti: Although accessible from land, this beach is particularly difficult to reach. It is located at the foot of a rocky ridge that occasionally drops a few stones, hence its name. There are no bathing establishments here.
Marizza Beach: This is the last beach in the hamlet of Acquafredda. It is located near a freshwater spring. It is also known as Monaca Beach. This beach is also difficult to access. There are no bathing establishments.
Beach of Cersuta
Continuing south after Acquafredda, you arrive at our hamlet. We are in Cersuta, and this is where you will find:
Rena D’U Nastru: According to a 2015 Legambiente survey, Cersuta beach was voted the second most beautiful beach in Italy. It takes its name from the conveyor belt that unloaded waste materials during the construction of the railway in 1894. At present, it is very difficult to reach on foot, so we recommend that those who can do so get there by sea.
Beach of Fiumicello
After Cersuta, you arrive at Fiumicello, where you will find one of the most popular beaches on our coastline:
- Fiumicello Beach: The beach is divided in two by the Fiumicello stream, from which it takes its name. Near the beach are the Fiumicello Caves, where remains dating back to the Palaeolithic era have been found. Ample parking is available. There are beach establishments.
Beaches in the Port Area
The area around the port of Maratea also boasts some truly distinctive beaches.
- Cala Tunnara: Also known as Maremorto beach, it is located between the Port of Maratea and Punta Santavenere. A distinctive feature is the Darsena, a small natural harbour for small boats.
- Crivo Beach: Currently unsuitable for swimming and almost completely disappeared due to the construction of the marina.
- Funnicu Reggiu Beach: This is a very small beach, accessible only by sea, located below Mount San Biagio. Its name, which in dialect means “royal warehouse”, refers to the place where goods coming from and destined for the Kingdom of Naples were stored.
- Vranne Beach: In 2016, it was named Italy’s most beautiful beach in Legambiente’s ‘La più bella sei tu’ (You are the most beautiful) competition. Located between the port and the hamlet of Marina, Vranne Beach lies beneath a rocky ridge. It is divided in two by a group of rocks. It can only be reached by boat.
Marina Beaches
The Marina district has the most beaches. It has eleven in total.
- Spiaggia Nera: AKA Cala Jannita The Famous Black Sand Beach Probably the most famous beach in Maratea, it owes its name to the characteristic colour of its volcanic sand. It can be reached by car and has ample parking. There are beach establishments.
- Illicini Beach: The beach is located on a series of rocky cliffs opposite the islet of Santo Janni. Accessible by land, it is one of the most characteristic beaches on the Maratea coast.
- Cala Della Vecchia: Located right next to Illicini beach, it is also called Cala Vecchia. It can be reached by land and there are bathing establishments.
- Macarro Beach: also known as Cala Grande, it is located in a natural bay. Rich in caves, it can be reached by land and there are beach establishments.
- The Three Beaches: Abissu, Dei Ricci and ‘mpedi ‘u Citru are three small beaches, the first accessible by land and the other two by sea.
- Calaficarra: a small cove that can also be reached by land, with beach establishments
- Santa Teresa Beach: This is Marina’s most popular beach and is the result of the union of three smaller beaches. It is easily accessible by land and there are beach establishments.
- Porticeddu Beach: named after the fishermen who used to arrive by boat to fish for octopus. Also worth seeing is the Judia cave. It can be reached by land, but there are no beach establishments.
- Vale D’acqua Beach: Located below the Caina tower. Accessible only by sea.
Beaches of Castrocucco
We are in Castrocucco, in the southern part of the Maratea coastline, just before reaching Calabria
- Spiaggia Sotto L’orto: This beach is located north of Secca and features sand and rocks. It can only be reached by sea.
- Secca Beach: This is one of the most beautiful spots on the Maratea coast. The rock is topped by the Labanchi Baronial Palace. There is also a chapel, which is now deconsecrated. It can be reached by land and there are bathing establishments.
- Spiaggia Della Gnola: This is the largest beach on the Maratea coast. It is located below Castrocucco Castle and is characterised by a stretch of fine sand. It can be reached by land and there are various beach establishments.
The Enchanting Beaches of Maratea: A Treasure of the Tyrrhenian Sea
Maratea, the Pearl of the Tyrrhenian Sea, is renowned for its rugged coastline and beaches of rare beauty. Each beach and cove offers a unique experience, from stretches of fine sand to small rocky inlets lapped by crystal-clear waters.
If you are looking for the perfect beach for your summer holiday, Maratea will not disappoint. You can relax in the sun on the spacious Fiumicello beach or explore the picturesque Cala Jannita, known for its dark sand. For those who love tranquillity, there are numerous hidden coves waiting to be discovered, often accessible by sea or via picturesque footpaths.
The coastline of Maratea is a true paradise for sea lovers, ideal for swimming, snorkelling or simply admiring the breathtaking views. Each beach contributes to the undisputed charm of this Lucanian resort, making every day at the sea unforgettable.
Your home just a stone's throw from the sea in Cersuta
Choose the comfort of a B&B near the most beautiful coves of Maratea. When you return from the sea, you will be welcomed by the coolness and silence of our garden.