Spiaggia Nera Maratea
Maratea's striking black pebble beach, offering crystal-clear waters and dramatic coastal scenery. Explore nearby caves by kayak!
Highlights
Must-see attractions
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Best Time
Fewer crowds, cooler sand
Spiaggia Nera Maratea
Best Time
Fewer crowds, cooler sand
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Maratea's striking black pebble beach, offering crystal-clear waters and dramatic coastal scenery. Explore nearby caves by kayak!
"A unique and beautiful beach with black volcanic pebbles and clear waters, a must-visit in Maratea."
👟 Wear Closed-Toe Shoes
The black sand gets incredibly hot! Protect your feet, especially during midday sun.
🚗 Parking Strategy
Paid parking is available (€5/day), or try finding free spots uphill (5 min walk).
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
The Striking Black Sand
Spiaggia Nera
Unique volcanic pebbles create a dramatic contrast with the crystal-clear Tyrrhenian Sea.
Sea Caves Exploration
Along the coastline near Spiaggia Nera
Discover hidden grottos and secluded coves accessible by kayak, revealing the coastline's secrets.
Panoramic Views
Overlooking Spiaggia Nera
Gaze upon the majestic Christ the Redeemer statue and the enchanting island of Santo Ianni.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Embrace the Black Sand
Kayak to Hidden Gems
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
👟 Wear Closed-Toe Shoes
The black sand gets incredibly hot! Protect your feet, especially during midday sun.
🚗 Parking Strategy
Paid parking is available (€5/day), or try finding free spots uphill (5 min walk).
🛶 Kayak Adventure
Explore nearby caves and secluded spots by kayak for a unique perspective. +1
🚿 Shower Facilities
Free changing cabins and toilets are available; showers cost €1.
Tips
from all over the internet
👟 Wear Closed-Toe Shoes
The black sand gets incredibly hot! Protect your feet, especially during midday sun.
🚗 Parking Strategy
Paid parking is available (€5/day), or try finding free spots uphill (5 min walk).
🛶 Kayak Adventure
Explore nearby caves and secluded spots by kayak for a unique perspective. +1
🚿 Shower Facilities
Free changing cabins and toilets are available; showers cost €1.
☀️ Beach Amenities
Rent umbrellas and chairs, or bring your own. Bar service is available.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Spiaggia Nera is lauded for its stunning black volcanic sand and clear waters, offering a unique and beautiful coastal experience. Visitors appreciate the gentle sea entry and the availability of amenities like changing rooms and a beach bar. However, some have encountered seaweed, and the pebbles can get very hot underfoot.
"Very beautiful and colorful beach with soft black sand and a gentle entrance into the sea. The only downside during our visit was that a lot of seaweed had washed ashore, making it feel like swimming in a soup. Parking costs €5 for the whole day, or €3 if you arrive in the afternoon."
Ksenija Romanova-Laurs
"Pretty beach, free beach and possibility to rent umbrella and chairs. Not busy, suggest to go with close toe shoes as the beach gets boiling hot."
Yasmin Abdelmohsen
"Amazing Beach and top quality service. The owners are really awesome people."
Mohamed Elbhery
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Spiaggia Nera is located in Maratea, Basilicata. Driving is the most common way to reach it, with parking available nearby. Public transport options might be limited, so check local bus schedules if you're not driving.
Yes, there is parking available. You can find paid parking lots closer to the beach for around €5 per day, or look for free parking spots a short walk uphill.
While direct public transport to the beach itself might be infrequent, you can likely reach Maratea town by bus or train and then arrange local transport or a taxi to Spiaggia Nera.
Many visitors recommend renting a kayak to explore the numerous sea caves and hidden coves along the coast near Spiaggia Nera. This offers a unique and adventurous way to see the area. +1
The beach has a gentle entrance into the sea, but the black pebbles can be challenging to navigate. Access to the beach itself might vary, so it's advisable to check locally for specific accessibility information.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Spiaggia Nera is a free public beach. You only pay for services like umbrella and chair rentals, or for parking.
As a public beach, Spiaggia Nera is generally accessible from sunrise to sunset. However, services like the bar or rental facilities will have their own operating hours.
No, tickets are not required as it's a public beach. However, if you plan to rent sunbeds and umbrellas, it's a good idea to arrive early, especially during peak season, to secure a spot.
Generally, there are no specific restrictions for visiting Spiaggia Nera, other than standard beach etiquette. Respecting the natural environment and keeping the area clean is encouraged.
Absolutely! You are welcome to bring your own umbrella and chairs to Spiaggia Nera if you prefer not to rent them.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
Spiaggia Nera is famous for its unique black volcanic pebbles, which contrast beautifully with the clear blue water. Be aware that these pebbles can get very hot under the sun. 
The water is generally described as transparent and clean, perfect for swimming. However, some visitors have noted occasional seaweed, so conditions can vary.
Yes, Spiaggia Nera provides free changing cabins and toilets. There are also coin-operated showers available for a small fee.
Besides swimming and sunbathing, you can rent paddles and canoes to explore nearby caves. It's also a great spot for photography due to its unique landscape.
During peak season, it can get busy, but many visitors report it's not overly crowded, especially if you visit on a weekday or in the late afternoon.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
Yes, there is a bar at Spiaggia Nera that serves breakfast, lunch, ice cream, and drinks. It can get crowded, especially in August.
The bar offers a range of options including snacks, light meals, and refreshments. Reviews suggest the food is reasonably priced and of good quality.
Bringing your own food and drinks is generally allowed, which can be a good option for budget-conscious travelers or for a picnic on the beach.
Maratea town and its surrounding areas offer various restaurants and trattorias serving local Basilicata cuisine. Exploring these can be a great culinary experience.
While the beach itself is more casual, the nearby town of Maratea offers charming restaurants with beautiful views, perfect for a romantic dinner.
📸 📸 Photography
The unique black sand, the clear turquoise water, and the dramatic coastline offer fantastic photo opportunities. Don't miss capturing the contrast and the surrounding natural beauty.
Golden hour, both at sunrise and sunset, provides beautiful lighting for photography. Midday can be harsh, but the unique black sand still makes for striking shots.
Drone photography is popular here, offering stunning aerial views of the black beach and the coastline. Ensure you are aware of and comply with any local drone regulations.
The iconic Christ the Redeemer statue overlooking Maratea and the nearby island of Santo Ianni are excellent subjects for photos, often visible from Spiaggia Nera.
The viewpoints from the cliffs above the beach offer panoramic shots. Exploring the coastline by kayak also reveals unique photographic angles of the caves and rock formations.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Consider visiting during the morning or late afternoon to avoid the peak heat and crowds. Renting a kayak can also be a fun family adventure, exploring the calmer waters and shallow caves. While there are changing facilities, bringing your own towels and essentials is always a good idea for a comfortable family outing.
💰 Budget Travelers
While there's a bar and rental services, focusing on self-catering and enjoying the natural beauty of the beach will keep costs down. Exploring the nearby caves by kayak can be a shared expense if you go with friends, making it more affordable than organized tours.
📸 Photography Enthusiasts
+2Consider visiting during the golden hours for soft, warm light that enhances the colors. Drone photography offers spectacular aerial views of the unique beach and surrounding landscape. Don't forget to include the iconic Christ the Redeemer statue in your shots, which provides a majestic backdrop to the coastal scenery.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Allure of Black Sand Beaches
+1This unique characteristic sets Spiaggia Nera apart from many other beaches in Italy and the Mediterranean. Visitors often express awe at the unusual color and the way it interacts with the sunlight and water. The pebbles also contribute to the clarity of the water, as they are less likely to stir up sediment compared to fine sand. This makes it an ideal spot for swimming and enjoying the pristine marine environment.
Exploring Maratea's Coastal Caves by Kayak
Many of these caves are steeped in local legends and offer a glimpse into the area's natural history. Paddling through the clear waters, you can often see marine life and enjoy the tranquility of these hidden natural sanctuaries. It's an adventurous way to experience the coastline, offering both physical activity and breathtaking scenery. Some tours even provide guided explorations, sharing insights into the geology and folklore of the region.
The Iconic Christ the Redeemer of Maratea
+1Visitors often combine a trip to Spiaggia Nera with a visit to the Christ statue. The panoramic views from the statue's location are simply breathtaking, encompassing the Tyrrhenian Sea, the coastline, and the charming town of Maratea. It's a popular spot for photography, offering a grand perspective of the landscape. The journey to the statue itself, whether by car or public transport, is also scenic, winding through the hills and offering glimpses of the stunning coastal vistas.
+1
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