Hidden Italian Gem: Experience Amalfi-like Beauty Without the Crowds

Even in the bustling height of summer, Maratea stands as a dreamy oasis of tranquillity. Nestled in Italy’s Basilicata region, it’s the forgotten sibling of the Amalfi Coast. While tourists swarm Amalfi like it’s a rock concert, Maratea whispers its charms quietly. A train from Salerno, the eastern gateway to Amalfi, gets you there in under two hours. This journey? Pure eye candy. Forested hills, the Tyrrhenian Sea, all rolling by like a real-life postcard.

In Maratea, tranquility whispers where Amalfi shouts, offering postcard-perfect views and serene summer vibes.

Maratea’s the kind of place where luxury isn’t loud. Take Hotel Santavenere, the only five-star gig in town. Open since 1953, it’s all about discreet elegance—none of that over-the-top glitz. It’s surrounded by parkland, offering views that make you wish you had more eyes. Plus, it has a natural pebble beach. No sand in your shoes here, folks.

The port, Porto di Maratea, is a sweet spot, too. Local shops, a marina, and restaurants like Laterna Rossa serve up dishes that might make you rethink your life choices. Or at least your lunch decisions.

Head uphill, and Maratea morphs again. Narrow streets, a bunch of churches, and the giant Christ the Redeemer statue. At 21 meters, it’s hard to miss. The views from up there? Ridiculously stunning.

Then there’s the food. Basilicata’s known for its ‘cucina povera’—a fancy way of saying simple, yet mind-blowing. Chef Giovanni Fiorellino whips up stuff like raw amberjack with guanciale, beetroot risotto with mussels, and Lucanian pork shoulder with Amaro Lucano reduction. Eat, savor, repeat.

In the evening, nature’s soundtrack kicks in. No fight-your-way-through-the-crowds nonsense here.