Black Sand Beaches Lido Acquamarina and Lido Macarro

Maratea is known for its varied coastline and coves, but especially for its black sand beaches. They are actually teensy pebbles rather than fine sand, but that's just semantics; the fact is, the black sets off the deep blue of the clear water, making it even more vibrant. There are a few places where you'll find black sand beaches here. (We already told you about Cala Jannita.) Another is this cove "beyond" Punta Matrella, surrounded by verdant green macchia brush and the hillside.

At Cala Grande (also called Cala di Don Nicola) in the localita' Grotte, down the fork in the road from Cala Jannita, there is a big swath of the black 'sand' ensconced between rocky outcroppings with a couple of lido concessions and some free beach sections on either end (there is a charge for parking, unless you leave your car up on the road and walk down.)

Both Lido Acquamarina and Lido Macarro offer umbrellas, sun beds, snack bars, and other services. It is in "localita' Grotte" which may be on some maps as Via San Giuseppe. In any case, on the SS 18 main road, there are signs pointing to Spiaggia Nera and Spiaggia Macarro among others. You'll find them easily enough.

(Photo credit: Lido Macarro)