Discover Italy: Great Travel Tips - Scenic Drives - Motorcycle Tours - Art Cities - Food & Wine

A part of the coastline that stretches between the headland of Infreschi and Scalea, bathed by the southern Tyrrhenian Sea (pic n°4) is called Gulf of Policastro. It is nothing less than a natural paradise, featuring 32 kilometers of an extremely beautiful landscape, with sheer cliffs overlooking the sea, small coves, and rocky headlands.

The Gulf spreads along three Italian provinces: Salerno (in Campania), Potenza (in Basilicata), and Cosenza (in Calabria), and takes its name after Policastro, a small village built on the ruins of an ancient city of Greek origins.

The Basilicata region has only a small stretch of coast along the Tyrrhenian Sea, which is here at the Gulf of Policastro. The most beautiful and popular destination of the Gulf is located here, in Basilicata, which is the village of Maratea (pic n°1), an evocative Medieval town.

Maratea is also called "the City with 44 churches", therefore, it is a special destination for those who love religious monuments and churches. The Basilica di San Biagio, Church of San Vito, and Church of Santa Maria Maggiore are only some of the many churches, monasteries, and hermitages that are scattered in this area.

Maratea is also home to fascinating beaches, surrounded by wild nature and rocky coasts.

A not-to-be-missed attraction is a statue of Cristo Redentore (Christ the Redeemer). Being more than 21 meters tall, it is the second tallest statue in the world after the one in Rio de Janeiro. It lies 650 meters above sea level so it is also the best lookout point over the whole Gulf of Policastro.

If you love visiting churches you can reach the Medieval village of Rivello (pic n°5), just 20 kilometers away from Maratea. This small village, perched on a ridge almost 500 meters a.s.l., is featuring a high number of churches and other buildings, evidence of its historic, cultural, and religious past. Also, you can stroll along its picturesque narrow streets and admire the finely-decorated houses and balconies.