We are in the planning stages for a September 2010 trip which will include 9-days in Tuscany and then we are thinking of an additional week in southern Italy. We've already been to Sorrento so we are wondering if anyone has any information on Maratea. I didn't see anything on it in Rick Steves Italy 2007.
Posted by
Calitri, Avellino, Italy (& US - where I live the majority of the time)
223 posts
Maratea looks gorgeous...unfortunately, it was pouring rain when we were there (!) last November, so my memories aren't as good as they could be. It is fairly off-the-beaten-path for Americans...but popular with Italians! (I think Matera is the only place Rick Steves really goes into in Basilicata) I have also heard Sapri is nice - have not been yet (but happen to be reading great book called, "Seasons in Basilicata" by David Yeadon...only halfway through...but the Sapri part makes me want to head right over! I happen to love Basilicata - rugged beauty...wonderful people...FANTASTIC food :-) so...yes...I would highly recommend it. Very, very, very unlike Sorrento - I love Sorretno too...but differently. (full disclosure here -I have a little vacation house on the Campania/Basilicata border...so I am completely partial!) If you can venture further South in to Calabria, I also love Tropea for a great beach destination and a charming town.
Posted by
OP
Independence, Iowa, USA
28 posts
Thank you for the reply. Actually I've traded a timeshare week for a place in Maratea called Pianeta Maratea. Another couple is planning to go with us so I've reserved a two bedroom. I'm not so much concerned with the accomodations as that there will be plenty to explore and from your reply it sounds wonderful. We'll definately keep Tropea in mind as we are beach lovers!
Posted by
Calitri, Avellino, Italy (& US - where I live the majority of the time)
223 posts
glad to help - as far as sights, I'm assuming you'll have a car? If so, I'd defiantly venture inland as well to some of the nearby hill towns - Rivello, Lauria, etc. are beautiful...there's very impressive monastery at Padula (maybe an hour from Maratea)I've been to...definatily worth a drive up to the Cliento as well (again, maybe an hour north) - the scenery is beautiful. I'm mostly familiar with the more Northern parts of the region (Melfi, Venosa), but I'll let you know if I think of any must-sees closer to Maratea.