The Maratea Cave of Wonders (also called the Maratea Marina Cave) is a small and unique hidden gem that enchants visitors with its extraordinary limestone formations and the magical atmosphere inside.
“Small” because compared to other caves in southern Italy and throughout the peninsula in general its size is smaller, “unique” because it is one of the few “land” caves in this area. In fact, the area of Maratea and in general the entire Calabrian Tyrrhenian coast is rich in sea caves, while there are few precisely land caves.
Reaching the cave of wonders in Maratea
Maratea’s Cave of Wonders is convenient to reach. In fact, the cave is located just below the SS 18 state road that runs along the Tyrrhenian coast.
The entrance to Maratea’s Cave of Wonders from the SS18 highway.
As we have already mentioned, the cave is located under the SS 18 highway. You have to pay attention to the sign indicating the presence of the caves. The sign is unfortunately not clearly visible and you have to pay attention to notice its presence.
As soon as you see the sign, try to find parking: whether you are coming from the north or the south, you can find indentations in the road where you can park your vehicles in the vicinity of the sign.
After parking your car, continue toward the sign; you will notice an opening in the guardrail of the road from which a ladder starts. Follow the ladder and you will arrive at the actual entrance to the cave, as you can see from the pictures below.
If you have not booked a visit beforehand or if there is no one at the cave, just call the numbers on the sign and the guide will arrive shortly to give you a tour of the cave. The cost of the visit is really modest: 5€ per person. The cave is not very big, but ours was very knowledgeable and the visit lasted about 30 minutes during which the guide explained the cave’s origin and features to perfection.
In addition, although the Maratea Cave of Wonders is smaller in size than other more famous and well-known caves, it is still worth visiting for its beauty and uniqueness.
The interior of Maratea’s cave of wonders
We therefore descend inside the Maratea Cave of Wonders. On the day of our visit there were about 30 people visiting.
The first part is precisely the descent: you go down through a narrow staircase to the only chamber of the cave. The temperature, as the guide explained to us, is always constant at 19°; the walls, floor and ceiling are full of stalactite and stalagmite formations that draw fantastic and articulated shapes.
The main chamber of the cave of wonders
After walking down the staircase to the bottom, we immediately arrive at the cave’s only chamber; the artificial lighting is deliberately subdued and creates a magical and fantastic atmosphere, with chiaroscuro effects that make us imagine fantastic shapes in the rocks.
A world of unique shapes and colors
The play of natural and artificial light enhances the shades of white, yellow and orange of the limestone formations. The walls seem to be sculpted by an invisible artist, creating figures that stimulate the imagination: imposing columns, stone draperies, and concretions resembling animal or fantastic forms.
A place not to be missed in Basilicata
If you are on the Tyrrhenian coast of Basilicata, you cannot pass up a visit to the Maratea Cave of Wonders.
The trail is short but intense, suitable for all ages, and offers a fascinating experience for those who love nature and geology. If you want to learn more about the characteristics of the Maratea Wonder Cave, you can also visit the dedicated page on wikipedia.
Easily reached from State Road 18, this cave will truly amaze you with its beauty. Easy to reach and visit and not far from other local attractions such as the Christ the Redeemer of Maratea, the Black Beach or the Skywalk, a platform overlooking the sheer coastline of the Tyrrhenian Sea.
