Nestled along the rugged coastline of the Tyrrhenian Sea, Maratea is a little-known haven for active travellers. With its diverse terrain of lush mountains, winding trails, and azure waters, Maratea invites visitors to hike scenic trails, conquer challenging rock faces, and dive into clear waters.
An unrivalled playground for exploration and discovery in Southern Italy, Maratea promises an unforgettable experience for those seeking to invigorate both their body and soul. The region offers adrenaline-pumping outdoor pursuits such as hiking, rock climbing, and diving, but it also offers experiences that provide moments of tranquillity and seaside serenity such as kayaking to local caves, leisurely sailing along the coastline, and feeling the sand and salty sea on your skin after a day lounging on one of Maratea’s sandy beaches (many of which are only accessible by sea and are plunged right in the thick of Mother Nature at her most untamed, making for the most magical beach day). Perfect for active travellers.
Spring is the ideal season to visit the region of Maratea for travellers seeking to explore. With warm temperatures reaching highs of 18°c degrees in April and 22°c degrees in May, travellers can enjoy active pursuits in a climate that is pleasant.
Hotel Santavenere offers its very own experience provider – Indigenus Experiences – to both hotel guests and visitors of the region, too. With a mission to celebrate local traditions, Indigenus Experiences creates unforgettable experiences and itineraries in Maratea.
Below, we suggest just a handful of the must-do activities in Maratea for active travellers.
Hike Mount San Biagio to Maratea’s Landmark
Hiking Mount San Biagio to see Maratea’s famous landmark up-close is a must. It is a unique experience that can only be matched by a trip to Brazil. Atop the mountain lies a statue of Christ the Redeemer – second only to that in Rio de Janeiro at 72ft in height, and standing atop a 2,133ft mountain. The statue dominates both land and sea, and so reaching the point of the statue also promises breathtaking panoramic views.
On the way down from the mountain top, hikers should stop at the hamlet of Santa Caterina which is home to several caves such as the Grotta dell’Angelo – a historic route that connected the old and new settlement.
Discover Maratea by Bicycle with a Private Guide
For a real challenge, travellers can cycle to the Christ the Redeemer statue atop Mount San Biagio. Book one of Indigenus Experiences’ private cycling tours with an expert guide to get the most out of the area. The guides will lead cycling enthusiasts via Maratea’s hidden and lesser-known routes while tracing the coastline and venturing inland to discover villages steeped in history. A cycling tour to the statue and back takes around two and a half hours.
Dive into Maratea’s Underwater World
It may be surprising to learn that visitors can dive from a depth of 18 to 30 metres in the waters of Maratea. The depths of Maratea’s Sea are home to rich vegetation. Even dipping a few metres, divers will be fascinated by the variety of fish that populate the seabed, especially near the island of Santo Janni where the rocks are dense with sponges, gorgonians, and sea fans, not to mention that it is an underwater archaeology site that hosts Roman anchors and amphorae.
Indigenus Experiences offer a snorkelling trip in Maratea. The one-and-a-half-hour-long experience takes guests to the most stunning snorkelling spots inside enchanting caves along the north and south coast all while in the safety of a local expert guide. Guests can also use electric seabobs, helping them zip through water while diving.
Kayak or Stand-up Paddle to Hidden Coves
Hotel Santavenere has its very own kayaks and stand-up paddle boards, so guests of the hotel can venture out directly from the hotel’s very own private beach. For kayaking enthusiasts, it is also possible to take part in guided kayak experiences. At Maratea’s Black Beach – Spiaggia Nera – kayaking enthusiasts can paddle along the dramatic coastline to explore hidden coves and sea caves. A two-hour-long kayak tour with Indigenus Experiences takes visitors to awe-inspiring sites such as the Grotta Monacelli, the Grotta del Bacio and the Spiaggia d’I Vranne, a hidden beach with dark sand that can only be reached by sea.
For those seeking a balance between serenity and excitement, stand-up paddle boarding offers another way to enjoy Maratea’s captivating shoreline. This family-friendly activity allows active travellers to discover various beaches, inlets, coves, ravines, and rock formations – all while keeping the balance between being active and relaxing.
Where to Stay
Overlooking the sea and nestled right at the foot of Mount San Biagio, Hotel Santavenere is the ideal place to stay for those visiting Maratea. Part of the renowned Egnazia group, Hotel Santavenere is the only five-star hotel in Maratea and offers panoramic sea views and direct access to the sea via its very own private beach, providing the perfect retreat for guests seeking both adventure and relaxation.
Hotel Santavenere stretches over 3,000 square feet and is nestled in an alluring clifftop setting with 34 rooms and suites and plenty of calming living spaces designed with 19th-century Italian glamour in mind. As of April 2024, guests can expect a new look from Hotel Santavenere thanks to its light touch refurbishment throughout the hotel. The refurbishment will also see the hotel’s eight garden rooms transformed by Egnazia’s preferred Italian designer, Pino Brescia.
Prices start from €169 (approx. £145) for a Superior Room with Garden View on a bed and breakfast basis.
The nearest international airport is Naples (approx. 2 hours 30 mins by car), and the nearest train station is Maratea (less than 5 minutes by car). Rome is just three hours away by train, and the popular Amalfi Coast is only two and a half hours away by car. For further information please visit https://santavenere.it/en/santa-venere-maratea-eng/.
Prices for Indigenus Experiences:
– Hiking experiences start from 130 € per person (approx. £112).
– Biking experiences start from 150 € per person (approx. £128).
– Snorkelling experiences start from 110 € per person (approx. £94).
– Kayaking experiences start from 170 € per person (approx. £145). All experiences include the equipment necessary to carry out the activity. For further information please visit https://indigenus.it/en/indigenus-experiences-eng/.
Some images supplied. Some images courtesy of unsplash.com and pexels.com
