Discovering the Pearl of the Tyrrhenian Sea. A profound beauty. The mountains are of an intense green, wild and uncontaminated and sink into the clear blue waters, in an alternation of chromatic intertwining.
Maratea: the same wild beauty of a pearl set among the rocks
It is easy to conquer the title of "Pearl of the Tyrrhenian", while already in ancient times the Greeks called it the "Goddess of the Sea".
Along the 32 km of the coast of Maratea, between cliffs and inlets that pierce the entire coast like a lace, you are spoiled for choice. The coast winds between the Canale di Mezzanotte and the mouth of the river Noce, with its high and steep rocky relatives which now form a promontory. Now they retreat, welcoming small sandy shores, pebble beaches or natural pools that can only be reached by boat.
The coast of Maratea like a lace
Collected and intimate it is Cala Jannita also known as the black beach for the color of the sand, the shape of which seems to have been created by a designer. Here opens the cave of the Sciabella, linked to numerous legends. It is said that Sciabella, a unfaithful woman, met her lovers here until her husband discovered her and made her fall from the small cavity that opens onto the cult of the cave.
Enchant the Cave of Wonders, in Marina di Maratea, where the stalactites and stalagmites have had fun forming imaginative embroideries. And the columns, together with the calcite draperies, fantastic decorations, hence the name.
Curious are also there Cave of the Bats and the Dragon, authentic rock cathedrals. On this stretch of coast there is also a myriad of coves and beaches, ideal for those who want tranquility.
Anginarra and Luppa with dark sand mixed with pebbles up to Rena Carruba, reachable only by sea.
In the shadow of the Redeemer
The intoxicating aromas of broom, cornflowers, orchids, up to the rare Primula palinuri, they accompany up to Monte San Biagio, where the famous Statue of the Redeemer dominates. Statue sculpted in white concrete and flakes of Carrara marble by the Florentine Bruno Innocenti in 1965.
It can be reached via winding hairpin bends, which at every turn offer a spectacular view of the sea. It rises white and imposing dominating the city of Rio. Under the shadow of its bulk, 22 meters high, one feels infinitely small. But at the same time protected as in a warm embrace.
The charm of the historic center of Maratea
Also worth a visit historic center of Maratea. Small and all uphill. It retains the medieval layout, made up of very narrow alleys, stone streets and stairways that lead to the central square. Place of great cultural ferment especially during these summer months with exhibitions and festivals. Like the International Days of Cinema-Basilicata Award, from 25 to 29 July.
An event that sees the biggest names in cinema as protagonists. Verdone and Sorrentino have been awarded in the past years.
The gaze encounters ancient fortified towers, wrought iron balconies that refine the facades of the oldest houses and numerous churches. For this reason the town is known is also known as the city of the "44 churches", all of which can be visited.
