Things to do in Tyrrhenian Coast
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Torre Apprezzami L'Asino
The curiously named Torre Apprezzami L'Asino is one of the six Spanish towers built in the 16th century as defence against pirates and invaders. It translates as 'Value my Donkey' tower. It is said to derive its name from an encounter between two travellers on a narrow cliff-side path. Coming from different directions and unable to pass each other they decided to throw the donkey of lesser value off the cliff.
The coastline is also dotted with numerous grottoes or sea caves, some of which can only be reached by boat.
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Redentore
The Redentore is an omniscient presence in Maratea, an enormous marble Christ dominating the peak of Monte San Biagio (624m). It was built in 1965 by Bruno Innocenti and, in case you're wondering, it isn't as tall as the 30m Christ in Rio di Janeiro - but with its outstretched arms it is no less impressive. Drive up the winding 5km road from Maratea for a closer look at the statue which, curiously, has its back turned to one of the finest views of the Golfo di Policastro on the entire coastline.
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Fiumicello Beach
Maratea's chief attraction is its dramatic rocky coastline and stunning blue sea so outdoor action - such as it is - focuses on the beach. All the beaches are dotted with lidi (beach -bars and kiosks) where you can hire water-sport equipment (kayaks, windsurfers and pedal boats) as well as umbrellas and chairs. Don't expect long white sandy beaches; the sand here is coarse - even gravelly - and often greyish-black in colour. Fiumicello beach is a popular spot and has a decent stretch of sand.
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Ristorante La Fenice
This unpretentious restaurant makes up for its lack of sea views with its simple and delicious fresh seafood dishes. Calamarata con pesce spada (pasta with swordfish and vegetable ragu) is an interesting choice but if you haven't yet tried calamari ripieno (stuffed squid) now is the time to do it. In August the restaurant stays open all day.
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La Caffeteria
A delightful café in Maratea's central piazza with outdoor seating for dedicated people-watching. The cakes and pastries on display deserve serious attention. Try a local favourite, the almond-filled mandola. Also a great spot for evening drinks when the piazza is alive with music.
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The blue cane lounges and nautical décor might give it away but there are no prizes for guessing what's on the menu in this snazzy restaurant overlooking the port. The seafood, straight off the boat, doesn't come any fresher. The antipasto misto is a recommended choice.
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Trattoria Pizzeria La Torre
La Torre, a family-run trattoria opposite the mermaid fountain in the centre of Maratea, serves local Lucanian fare and freshly caught fish at reasonable prices. It can get noisy and crowded. The family operates the hotel La Dimora del Cardinale, just a few steps away.
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Il Ghiottone
In this small hole-in-the wall bar you can have a glass of wine and a sandwich. The bizarre mural on the wall takes some working out. Is it the Redentore meets the Hells Angels? Look again, it's a beer-swilling Neptune. What it means is anybody's guess.
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Il Faro Rosso
The liveliest café and bar at the port has an extensive menu of teas, hot chocolates, cocktails, wine and beer. The tables and chairs in the piazza are a great place for pre- or post-dinner drinks or even to while away an entire evening.
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Litrico’s
A sprawling restaurant and terrace on the approach to Fiumicello’s modest commercial strip. The menu holds few surprises but dishes won’t disappoint. You can work off the carbs with a game of tennis – the owners run the public tennis court next door.
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Lanterna Rossa
Head for the terrace overlooking the port to dine on exquisite seafood dishes, like marinated anchovies with chilli red peppers, or a sumptuous antipasto. Cheese lovers shouldn’t miss the cream of ricotta and Battipaglia cheese with Calabrian caviar.
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Porto di Maratea
To round off a day of Mediterranean sun-worship head to the Porto, where you can eye off the sleek yachts and bright-blue fishing boats bobbing in the water. The swish restaurants and lively bars are the place for the chic-elite to see and be seen.
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White Horse
One of the few restaurants in the Marina district, the White Horse has an excellent view of the Golfo di Policastro. A huge bougainvillea shades the outdoor terrace where you can dine on fresh seafood (what else?) or Neapolitan wood-fired pizza.
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Da Peppe
There aren't too many options in Acquafredda but you can't go wrong in this breezy restaurant and pizzeria. Tuck into the house specialty, antipasto alla peppe, while drinking in the sea views from the garden terrace.
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Taverna Rovita
This tavern is just off Maratea Inferiore’s main piazza. Rovita is excellent value and specialises in hearty local fare, with Lucanian specialities involving stuffed peppers, game birds, local salami and fine seafood.
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Santuario di San Biagio
Originally built in the 6th to 7th century on the site of a pagan temple dedicated to Minerva, the remains of San Biagio, Maratea's patron saint, are preserved in a white marble urn inside.
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Chiesa di Santa Maria Maggiore
For a small town, Maratea packs a lot of churches (44 in total). The main church is the 15th-century Chiesa di Santa Maria Maggiore which has a baroque interior.
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La Bussola Pizzeria
A welcoming pizzeria in Fiumicello recommended by the locals. It's small, it's packed and the pizzas are hot and smoky. It's open year-round but only at night.
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La Grotta delle Meraviglia
Spotlights highlight the spectacular stalactite and stalagmite formations in this large chamber 100m underground. This grotto is accessible by car.
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Spiaggia Nero beach
Spiaggia Nero beach is a local favourite. It is a black sand beach set in an idyllic little bay. There is a short hike from the nearest car park.
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Centro Sub Maratea
Centro Sub Maratea offers diving courses and boat tours that include visits to surrounding grottoes and coves. Also rents boats.
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Macarro Beach
Macarro beach is a local favourite. It is a black sand beach set in an idyllic little bay. There is a short hike from the nearest car park.
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Chiesa dell'Annunziata
Look for the obelisk of San Biagio in front of the Chiesa dell'Annunziata; the marble column was apparently salvaged from the sea.
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Gita in Barca a Vela
Gita in Barca a Vela offers a full day trip on board a sailing boat with lunch, a cave visit and a swim for around €60.
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Pescaturismo con Sara
For a spot of ocean fishing, the Sapri-based Pescaturismo con Sara can organise a pick-up at Porto di Maratea.
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