maratea- has anyone been there?
 

We plan to go from the Amalfi Coast to Maratea. Have decided against renting a car in AC. Should we rent a car in Salerno to drive to Maratea? We are staying at caso capale which I think is in the town of Maratea. Do we need a car in this area or take a train from Salerno to Maratea.

The Maratea train station is on the outskirts of Fiumicello, but is well served by InterCity trains. There is a nice walking path from the station straight up (emphasis on up) to Maratea. Takes about 45 minutes but you don't want to do this with luggage. The area has good local bus service, but in typical fashion, if you arrive around noon, you'll find that you missed a bus by five minutes and the next is two hours later. There are cabs.

As for whether you need a car, it depends on what your plans are. If your goal is to visit all 44 of Maratea's churches, then no car is required, (except for getting to Il Redentore--again cab, or depending on shape, walk, or walk back), but if you want to explore the coast you will need a vehicle.

This is a beautiful area. Happy travels. JQ

Thanks for the advice. Do you have any suggestions of what else to do in this area? Do you know if we can rent a car in Maratea? Where on the coast do you suggest and how are the roads?

Sorry, can't help with the car rental.

We went for the hiking, though some of the trails were poorly marked. A young man drove us to a trailhead at Acquafredda, and I was too busy stomping an imaginary brake to enjoy the view (very narrow and winding roads, but looks better south of Maratea). On the return we took a bus and sat in the first two seats, and I was certain we would topple over a cliff.

The countryside is magnificent, like the Cinque Terre, but on a grander scale and without the crowds.

I would suggest a leisurely lunch in Porto, weather permitting. If you like, there are plenty of small cruies up and down the coast leaving from this point. There are also many pebbly beaches, some that can be quite secluded.

Without knowing your interests and fitness, there are plenty of small trails. And if you just want to relax, there are dozens of spots to sit and admire the coast. And as I said above, there are churches of all ages and sizes.

The tourist office in Fiumicello has excellent resources, and the hours were very un-Italian (open past noon).

thans so much.
Where did you stay?

We stayed at a B (bed, no breakfast)that was right behind the very swank Hotel Santavenere in Fiumicello. We had better views, they had better service. It was amusing, as my wife and I waited outside, listening to the woman of the house ask her husband's permission to take in lodgers. He was grumpy, even though he did yell out "Buongiorni" as we went off in the morning.

Have you solved your car dilemma?

I think we'll take a train from Salerno to Maratea, ask our hotel Capo Casale to pick us up or take a taxi. Will play it by ear about a car. Maybe hire a driver??? to see the coast. The winding roads scare me. Will take your advice on the boat cruises. Appreciate your information.