Located on a hill high above the sea, Maratea is an “undiscovered” coastal gem on Italy’s southern Tyrrhenian coast which has been likened to the ever-popular Amalfi. Though it is just a two-and-a-half-hour drive along the coast from Amalfi, a local spokesperson from Maratea’s hotel Santavenere said: “Maratea is a hidden gem located at the Gulf of Policastro.”

They also noted that the town is the “ultimate destination dupe” of Amalfi, but “without the crowds”.

Hotel Santavenere’s spokesperson added: “With its stunning coastline, rich history, and authentic Italian charm, Maratea offers an unparalleled experience for those looking to immerse themselves in the beauty of Southern Italy.”

Currently, travellers can reach Maratea by flying into Naples airport, which is approximately a two-and-a-half-hour drive from Hotel Santavenere.

Trains also run from Naples to Maratea, which takes just over two hours, or from Rome to Maratea, which takes three-and-a-half hours. The train station is located just a 20-minute walk or a five-minute drive away from Hotel Santavenere.

However, when Salerno Costa d’Amalfi Airport opens as a commercial airport in July 2024, it will give tourists even better access to the beautiful coastline.

The airport is just a one hour and thirty-minute drive from Maratea, having previously been an airfield serving military pilots in training, and private aviation. International services will begin as early as July this year, with easyJet kicking off its services from Gatwick on July 13, 2024.

“With its stunning coastline, rich history, and authentic Italian charm, Maratea offers an unparalleled experience for those looking to immerse themselves in the beauty of Southern Italy,” said Santavenere’s spokesperson.

Visitors to the town can soak up some history with a stroll through the labyrinth of the old town. Travellers can find artisan shops selling cured meats, fine wine and delicious cheeses from the region. However, one of the town’s most impressive accolades is that it is home to a staggering 44 churches despite being just 67 km2 in size.

Towering above Maratea is its famous Christ the Redeemer statue; an impressive marble statue atop Monte San Biagio – the highest point in Maratea.

The statue was a gift from the count Stefano Rivetti in 1962. Completed in 1965, the statue stands at almost 22 metres (the fifth tallest statue of Christ in the world). Travellers can either take a 15-minute drive from the town centre to see the local landmark or take on a 90-minute hike up the mountain. Once at the top, you can also expect to be rewarded with panoramic views.

Though the town is nestled among the rugged hills and clifftops, there are plenty of scenic beaches, coves and harbours to venture down to

Some of the top-rated beaches in the area include La Secca, Spiagga Near – Cala Jannitja and Rena d’u Nastru Beach.

While the region is home to an array of hotels, Santavenere Hotel prides itself as “the only five-star hotel in Maratea” and offers panoramic sea views and direct access to the sea via its very own private beach.