Maratea, Italy

MARATEA's chief allure is its coastal villages – Acquafreedda, Cersuta, Fiumicello, Porto, Marina and Castrocucco – which stretch for 35km along a beautiful rocky coastline. Most of the action – and accommodation – is in or around the little seaside area of Fiumicello, 5km north of Maratea Paese (the inland part of Maratea), though the chic elite who have colonized much of the area prefer to be seen in the bars and restaurants of Marina di Maratea, directly below Maratea Paese – if nothing else, a pleasant place to stroll around and gawp at the yachts. The whole area is well endowed with sandy beaches, including those at Fiumicello and Acquafredda; most are well signposted, but don't hesitate to explore the less obvious ones. The coast is also home to fifty or so grottoes, most accessible only by boat; enquire at the tourist office for boat rental agencies.