
SS18 Costa di Maratea Scenic Drive
A breathtaking coastal drive along the SS18, featuring dramatic cliffs, hidden coves, and the iconic Maratea Skywalk.

Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, better photos

SS18 Costa di Maratea Scenic Drive
Best Time
Fewer crowds, better photos

Highlights
Must-see attractions
A breathtaking coastal drive along the SS18, featuring dramatic cliffs, hidden coves, and the iconic Maratea Skywalk.
"Simply Amazing! I have never seen a sea view like that! Highly recommended."

🚗 Drive with Caution
The SS18 is winding! Take your time, enjoy the views, and be mindful of sharp turns. :car:
📸 Skywalk Photo Ops
The Skywalk offers incredible photo opportunities. The glass-bottomed section is a must-see! :camerawithflash:

Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Maratea Skywalk
Cersuta, Maratea
A breathtaking terrace suspended over the sea, offering infinite panoramas and a thrilling experience. Step into the blue!

Cristo Redentore Statue
Monte San Biagio, Maratea
This iconic statue offers a commanding presence and spectacular views of the coastline and village below.

Spiaggia Nera (Black Beach)
Maratea
Unique volcanic sand beach offering a striking contrast against the turquoise waters of the Tyrrhenian Sea.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Embrace the Curves: Drive Smart
Skywalk Thrills & Views
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🚗 Drive with Caution
The SS18 is winding! Take your time, enjoy the views, and be mindful of sharp turns. :car:
📸 Skywalk Photo Ops
The Skywalk offers incredible photo opportunities. The glass-bottomed section is a must-see! :camerawithflash:
👟 Comfortable Shoes
You'll be doing some walking, especially around viewpoints. Wear comfy shoes! :athletic_shoe:
🅿️ Free Parking Available
Parking is available and free at key viewpoints like the Skywalk. :parking:
Tips
from all over the internet
🚗 Drive with Caution
The SS18 is winding! Take your time, enjoy the views, and be mindful of sharp turns. :car:
📸 Skywalk Photo Ops
The Skywalk offers incredible photo opportunities. The glass-bottomed section is a must-see! :camerawithflash:
👟 Comfortable Shoes
You'll be doing some walking, especially around viewpoints. Wear comfy shoes! :athletic_shoe:
🅿️ Free Parking Available
Parking is available and free at key viewpoints like the Skywalk. :parking:
🌊 Embrace the Coast
Explore the various coves and beaches along the drive for a true taste of the Maratea coast. :ocean:
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors rave about the absolutely stunning sea views and the unique experience offered by the Maratea Skywalk. The free parking and accessibility of the Skywalk are frequently praised. Some wish for better connectivity between walking paths and mention minor accessibility issues with the glass-bottomed section.
"Great views over the Maratea coastline and the Gulf of Policastro. The last part of the Skywalk with the glass bottom is not wheelchair accessible, I recommend the administration to address this issue.
I wish the path apprezzami l'asino would be connected to the one starting in Sapri and ending to the Torre di Mezzanotte. I jogged there from Acquafredda village.
Free car parking is available."
Fabrizio Andreuzzi
"Beautiful place. Definitely recommend"
Manuels Jakovenko
"Simply Amazing! I have never seen a sea view like that! Highly recommended"
lilyroa18
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The SS18 is a public road accessible by car. It runs along the coast, connecting towns like Sapri and Maratea. Many visitors start their journey from Sapri to experience the most dramatic coastal views as they head towards Maratea.
The drive is scenic but can be challenging due to its winding nature and steep drops. It's recommended for drivers comfortable with mountain roads. Take your time and enjoy the breathtaking scenery.
While the SS18 is best explored by car, Maratea has a train station. From there, local buses or taxis can help you reach specific attractions like the Skywalk or the Christ the Redeemer statue.
Many travelers begin their SS18 journey from Sapri, heading south towards Maratea, to experience the most dramatic coastal vistas. Others might start from Maratea and explore north.
Absolutely! The SS18 is a popular route for motorcyclists, offering thrilling curves and spectacular sea views.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
The SS18 itself is a public road and does not require an entrance fee. However, some specific attractions along the route, like the Skywalk, may have associated costs or parking fees.
The Maratea Skywalk experience is generally free, including onsite parking. This makes it an accessible and highly recommended stop along the scenic drive.
Access to the area around the Christ the Redeemer statue is typically free. You can admire the statue and enjoy the panoramic views without an entrance fee.
While specific hours can vary, the Skywalk is generally accessible during daylight hours. It's best to check locally or plan your visit during typical tourist operating times.
Most beaches along the SS18 are public and free to access. Some may have private lidos where you can rent sunbeds and umbrellas for a fee.
📸 📸 Photography
The Maratea Skywalk offers incredible vantage points for dramatic coastal shots. The area around the Christ the Redeemer statue also provides sweeping panoramas. Don't forget the charming black sand beaches!
Golden hour, just after sunrise or before sunset, offers the most magical light for capturing the dramatic coastline and sea. Weekday mornings can also be great for fewer crowds.
Drone usage regulations can vary. While some videos showcase drone footage, it's essential to check local rules and obtain any necessary permits before flying to avoid issues.
A wide-angle lens is perfect for capturing the expansive coastal landscapes. A telephoto lens can be useful for details of the coastline or the Christ statue. A polarizing filter can enhance the blues of the sea and sky. :camerawithflash:
The Skywalk is a prime location. Also, look for designated pull-off areas along the SS18 that offer safe spots to stop and capture the stunning scenery.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
Maratea offers delicious Southern Italian cuisine, with a focus on fresh seafood, local produce, and traditional Basilicata dishes. Expect pasta, grilled fish, and regional specialties.
While the SS18 is primarily a scenic route, you'll find excellent dining options in the town of Maratea itself and in smaller coastal villages. Look for trattorias offering sea views.
Many restaurants offer vegetable-based dishes, and you can often request modifications. Fresh salads, pasta with vegetable sauces, and grilled vegetables are usually available.
Don't miss fresh grilled fish, 'lagane e ceci' (pasta with chickpeas), and local cheeses. The region also produces excellent olive oil and wines.
Maratea offers a range of dining experiences, from casual trattorias and pizzerias to more upscale restaurants, catering to various budgets and preferences.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Consider breaking up the drive with stops at these beaches or enjoying a picnic with a view. The Christ the Redeemer statue offers impressive views, but the climb might be tiring for little legs. Prioritize accessible viewpoints and beaches for a more enjoyable family outing.
🚗 Road Trip Enthusiasts
Plan for plenty of stops to truly absorb the beauty. Key highlights include the Maratea Skywalk for its unique perspective and the Christ the Redeemer statue for its commanding presence and panoramic vistas. Don't forget to explore the charming black sand beaches like Spiaggia Nera for a different coastal experience.
📸 Photography Buffs
Aim for golden hour for the most dramatic lighting on the coastline and the Christ the Redeemer statue. The Spiaggia Nera offers a striking contrast for unique beach photography. Remember to bring a wide-angle lens to capture the expansive landscapes and a polarizing filter to enhance the sea and sky colors.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Thrill of the Maratea Skywalk
While the main platform provides stunning views, the section with a glass bottom adds an extra layer of thrill for those brave enough to walk on it. It's an incredible spot for photography, capturing the dramatic landscape and the feeling of being suspended between sky and sea. Remember to wear non-slip shoes for safety and to fully enjoy the experience.
It's important to note that the glass-bottomed section may not be accessible for everyone, including those with mobility issues or in wheelchairs. Despite this, the overall experience of the Skywalk is highly recommended for its unique perspective and breathtaking beauty.
Driving the SS18: A Coastal Adventure
Travelers often describe the drive as breathtaking and exhilarating. It's a route best savored, with plenty of opportunities to pull over at designated viewpoints to admire the Gulf of Policastro and the charming villages clinging to the hillsides. The road connects key attractions, making it the perfect way to explore the region's natural beauty.
For the best experience, consider driving during daylight hours and avoiding peak times if possible to fully appreciate the scenery without the stress of heavy traffic. Motorcyclists particularly enjoy this route for its challenging curves and stunning panoramas.
Maratea's Iconic Christ the Redeemer
Visitors can ascend to the statue to admire its grandeur up close and, more importantly, to take in the spectacular panoramic views. From this vantage point, you can see the entire Gulf of Policastro, the picturesque town of Maratea, and the vast expanse of the Tyrrhenian Sea. It's a truly unforgettable sight.
While the statue itself is a significant draw, the journey to reach it and the views it commands are equally impressive. It's a place that combines religious significance with breathtaking natural beauty, making it a key stop for anyone visiting the area.






Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit