Maratea

2/10/2008
We went for a walk this morning along a pathway that leads to the sea. We saw a dog quietly sitting in a coop with chickens and found out later it was protecting them from foxes. We found the beach which has black sand but the water is very clear green and blue and looks very inviting but a bit too cold.
We drove to the Tourist Information in Fiumicello but they were not very helpful and gave us a map which only shows the hotels.
We found our way Maratea Inferiore which has amazing coastal views and is over seen by a white statue of Christ the Redeemer (like Rio Di Jenero) which can be seen along the coastline. The village has many twisting alleyways and inter joining houses, a few interesting shops, cafes and pizzerias. Very relaxing to stroll around.
The road to the statue is like a rollercoaster and it extends out over the mountain on tall spindly pylons. We were brave enough to make it to the first hairpin bend where all we could see was sky in front of us.... too scary!! Didn't make it to the statue and made do with the view from a carpark which was spectacular enough.
We drove the coast road from Maratea to Sapri passing through some pretty villages on the way like Aquafredda - another spectacular experience with magnificent views.
Some exciting moments on the road with the locals zooming around like on a racetrack and overtaking on the most precipice bends. Nice to get back to the B & B in one piece.
We have decided to move on tomorrow and are heading to a place called Matera.