Maratea's beaches are mostly small, rocky or pebbly coves rather than long stretches of sand — but the water is among the clearest on the Italian mainland, and the coastline is dramatic. The two main beaches are at Acquafredda, about 10 km north of the centre, and Marina di Maratea, 5 km south along the coastal road. Both have sun-lounger concessions and a handful of beach bars in summer.
Smaller, harder-to-reach coves dot the cliffs between — Cala Jannita with its rare black sand, Spiaggia di Macarro, and the secluded Spiaggia di Filocaio. Many are accessible only by boat or by long stairs down from the road; the best way to see them properly is on a boat trip from Maratea port. The sea is usually swimmable from mid-May through October.