Beachside bliss in southern Italy

Maratea, in the region of Basilicata, has fought for its place on the map. To assume even its name the town fought a legal battle against the Count of Policastro in 1531. A bigger battle loomed against Napoleon's forces when the town was one of the few to reject French rule. And Maratea today faces stiff competition from its neighbours to attract tourists to its shore.

The town is typical of the towns along Italy's Mediterranean coastline. Almost like an urban museum it reflects many of the characteristics of its more famous competitors, Sorrento, Amalfi, without the shadows of fame's glamour.

The old centre is strung 200 metres above sea level, embedded in the mountain to protect itself from enemies. The old Maratea is a peaceful centre of cobbled laneways and winding, scenic roads with Mount San Biagio and St Blaise basilica at its top. The new part of town is closer to the water, including the modern habour port and several outlying districts, such as Acquafredda, cold water and Fiumicello, little river.

Italian industrialist Stefano Rivetti boosted Maratea's industry after WWII and laid some important touristic foundations. In addition to some of the town's major hotels, it was Rivetti who commissioned Maratea's open-armed Christ the Redeemer statue. Second in width and breadth only to Rio de Janeiro's, the statue is by Bruno Innocenti of Florence and carved from Italy's famous Carrara marble.

Rivetti is buried underneath his work of art, in the frescoed Angel's Cave. This unusual church is just one of Maratea's 44 churches in all, one of the highest densities of religious buildings in the world.

Today, Maratea has earned its battle stripes. Serenely located in the valley between two national parks, it is Basilicata's most lauded beach resort for good reason. Aquamarine waters and rocky strips of coast provide excellent boating, kayaking, scuba-diving and snorkelling.

The adventure of Sicily's Stromboli island or the sophistication of the Amalfi coast are only a day trip away, and yet the tranquil pace and Mediterranean location of modern Maratea mean it is a rare piece of beachside bliss.