Beaches
Sandy Beaches in Basilicata: Where to Find Real Sand
Most of Maratea's coast is pebble and dark shingle, but Basilicata does have real sandy beaches, from the wide Ionian shore at Metaponto and Policoro to the boat-only cove of Spiaggia d'i Vranne.
Most of Maratea's well-known coves, Spiaggia Nera, Fiumicello, Macarro, La Secca di Castrocucco, are pebble or a mix of pebble and gravel rather than fine sand, even where the sand looks dark and soft in photos. If proper sand matters to you, Basilicata's beaches split fairly cleanly: the Tyrrhenian coast around Maratea is mostly pebbly, while the Ionian coast in the province of Matera is consistently sandy.
This guide covers the beaches on this coast that are genuinely sand rather than pebble or mixed shingle, based on each beach's own listed type.
Metaponto Lido: Fine Golden Sand
Metaponto Lido has some of the most reliably sandy shoreline in Basilicata: fine and golden, darkening slightly at the waterline, with a gently sloping seabed that stays shallow for a good distance out. It's part of why this is one of the region's most popular family beaches.
The central stretch near Viale Nettuno is dense with beach clubs, so walk further along the shore if you want open, unassigned sand rather than a managed lido.
- Best for: families and anyone who wants classic, fine sand underfoot.
- Good to know: it's about a 20-minute walk from Metaponto's train station, flat the whole way.
Policoro Beach: Long and Sandy Near Ancient Heraclea
Policoro's beach runs for around 7.4km, and the sand is generally fine, though pebbles do turn up near the water's edge in some spots. The seabed deepens gradually, which suits families and less confident swimmers.
The central lungomare has the most beach clubs and restaurants; the southern end near the WWF Oasis is quieter and more pine-backed.
- Best for: a spacious sandy beach day, especially with kids.
- Good to know: water shoes are still worth packing for the patches of pebble near the shoreline.
Nova Siri Marina: Golden Sand and Dunes
Nova Siri Marina's beach is golden sand with some pebbles mixed in nearer the water, backed by dune and pine forest rather than a wall of beach clubs. Much of the coastline here stays open and free, which keeps it feeling more natural than some of Basilicata's more developed sandy beaches.
It's held Blue Flag status for several years running, largely thanks to the gently sloping, sandy seabed.
- Best for: sandy beach walking rather than one fixed, fully-serviced spot.
- Good to know: services are spread thin along the free stretches, so bring your own shade and supplies.
Terzo Cavone: Wide, Soft and Undeveloped
Terzo Cavone is one of the softest, widest stretches of sand on this part of the Ionian coast, backed by dunes and pine forest, with almost no development. Its water has been rated highly for cleanliness by the Ministry of Health.
It takes more effort to reach than Metaponto or Policoro, since there's no train or bus directly to the beach, but the sand and space are the reward.
- Best for: travellers who want real sand without the crowds of a developed lido.
- Good to know: bring your own water and shade, since there's very little on site besides one lido.
Spiaggia d'i Vranne: The Rare Sandy Cove on Maratea's Coast
Vranne is the exception on the Tyrrhenian side: a genuinely sandy cove, dark and fine, rather than the pebbles and gravel typical of Maratea's other beaches. It's also sea-access only, reachable by boat, kayak or canoe, which is part of why it was voted Italy's most beautiful beach in 2016.
If you want real sand without leaving Maratea's coast for the Ionian side, this is effectively the only option, provided you can arrange a boat.
- Best for: sand-seekers who don't want to leave the Maratea area.
- Good to know: there's no path in, so this only works as a planned boat trip.
Sand vs Pebble: Basilicata's Two Coasts Compared
The pattern across Basilicata is fairly consistent: beaches around Maratea, on the Tyrrhenian side, tend to be pebble, mixed shingle or dark, coarser sand, while the Ionian coast in the province of Matera is lined with genuinely fine, sandy beaches for long stretches. Acquafredda is the closest thing to a middle ground on the Maratea side, listed as mixed sand and pebble.
If you specifically want to avoid pebbles, the Ionian coast around Metaponto, Policoro, Nova Siri and Terzo Cavone is the more reliable choice. If you're staying around Maratea and want sand regardless, Vranne is the one beach worth the boat trip.
Which Sandy Beach Should You Choose?
Metaponto Lido and Policoro are the easiest sandy beaches to visit, with facilities, beach clubs and reasonable access nearby, and both suit families well. Nova Siri Marina and Terzo Cavone trade some convenience for a quieter, more open feel, with Terzo Cavone the wildest and least developed of the two.
If you're staying in Maratea and don't want to travel to the Ionian coast, Spiaggia d'i Vranne is worth arranging a boat trip for, since it's the only true sand beach on that side of the region.
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