Macarro/Illicini/Nera
Basilicata, Italy: Excellent water quality
Macarro/Illicini/Nera is a Blue Flag-certified beach located 2.73 km from Maratea. The beach maintains high water quality and environmental standards, with the Blue Flag award renewed annually by the Foundation for Environmental Education.
Quick Overview
Plan Your Visit to Macarro/Illicini/Nera
The key facts before you go
About the Beach
What is Macarro/Illicini/Nera?
Macarro/Illicini/Nera is a Blue Flag-certified beach located 2.73 km from Maratea. The beach maintains high water quality and environmental standards, with the Blue Flag award renewed annually by the Foundation for Environmental Education.
The best time to visit is April through June, when crowds are lighter. July and August draw peak visitors and can get busy. Check local water safety conditions before swimming. The beach is a solid choice for families and swimmers looking for a well-maintained coastal spot.
It sits alongside certified beaches along Basilicata, part of a broader network of certified beaches throughout Italy certified annually by the Foundation for Environmental Education.
Sunrise, Sunset & Beach Direction
Macarro/Illicini/Nera faces east toward Ionian Sea. The best light for photography and swimming is typically in April, May, June. Direct sun hours follow that facing.
Planning
When to Go: Month by Month
| Month | Air Temp | Water Temp | Crowds |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | 9°C | 6°C | Low |
| Feb | 10°C | 7°C | Low |
| Mar | 11°C | 8°C | Low |
| Apr | 15°C | 12°C | Med |
| May | 18°C | 15°C | Med |
| Jun | 23°C | 20°C | Med |
| Jul | 25°C | 22°C | High |
| Aug | 26°C | 23°C | High |
| Sep | 22°C | 19°C | Med |
| Oct | 18°C | 15°C | Low |
| Nov | 15°C | 12°C | Low |
| Dec | 11°C | 8°C | Low |
The best time to visit Macarro/Illicini/Nera is April, May, June. Air temperatures peak around 25.4°C in summer. Peak water temperature reaches 22.4°C in July.
How crowded does Macarro/Illicini/Nera get?Like most Blue Flag beaches in Italy, Macarro/Illicini/Nera sees its highest visitor numbers in July and August. The beach maintains a pleasant atmosphere even in peak season.
Is Macarro/Illicini/Nera open year-round?The beach itself is accessible year-round, though staffed facilities including lifeguards typically operate only during the official season (typically July–September). The Blue Flag is displayed during the certification period only.
The Water
Swimming and Beach Life at Macarro/Illicini/Nera
Is Macarro/Illicini/Nera safe to swim?Macarro/Illicini/Nera is Blue Flag certified, which requires meeting strict bathing water standards set by the EU Bathing Water Directive. Water quality is rated Excellent. The beach does not have lifeguards stationed on the beach. Swim with appropriate caution.
What is the water temperature at Macarro/Illicini/Nera?Peak water temperature at Macarro/Illicini/Nera reaches around 22.4°C in July, making it comfortable for swimming during the summer months. In winter (January), air temperatures average 8.9°C.
What is the beach like at Macarro/Illicini/Nera?Macarro/Illicini/Nera on the Basilicata coast of Italy. The best time to visit is April through June, when crowds are lighter. July and August draw peak visitors and can get busy. Check local water safety conditions before swimming. The beach is a solid choice for families and swimmers looking for a well-maintained coastal spot.
Does Macarro/Illicini/Nera have good facilities?As a Blue Flag certified beach, Macarro/Illicini/Nera meets the Foundation for Environmental Education's standards for facilities and services. Parking is available nearby.
Macarro/Illicini/Nera sits on the Ionian Sea: explore all Blue Flag beaches on the Ionian.
Planning a trip to Italy? Blue Flag Beaches Italy 2026 , our editorial guide to certified beaches across the country.
Transport
Getting to Macarro/Illicini/Nera
How do I get to Macarro/Illicini/Nera by car?Macarro/Illicini/Nera is approximately 2.73 km from Maratea. Follow local road signs to the beach. Check Google Maps or a local map for the most current directions.
What is the nearest airport to Macarro/Illicini/Nera?The nearest airport is Salerno / Pontecagnano Airport (QSR) (QSR), approximately 100.1 km away.
Can I get to Macarro/Illicini/Nera by public transport?Public transport options vary by season. Check local transport authority websites for current bus and train schedules connecting to Maratea.
Is there a train to Macarro/Illicini/Nera?Macarro/Illicini/Nera lists Marina di Maratea as the nearest railway station, 1.39 km away. Check current timetables before travelling.
Map
Find Macarro/Illicini/Nera
Open the map or get directions to the Macarro/Illicini/Nera pin. Amenity names are listed here only when OpenStreetMap has a mapped feature nearby.
Map loads when you ask. Tiles stay off the first paint.
Map: OpenStreetMap (ODbL)
Practical Details
Practical Information
| At the Beach | |
| Entry | Free: no charge to access the beach |
|---|---|
| Lifeguards | ✗ |
| Showers | ✗ |
| Toilets | ✗ |
| Official Season | July – August |
| Beach Type | Coastal beach |
| Parking | ✓ Available nearby (surface parking) |
| Nearest supermarket | 1.4 km from the beach |
| Visiting Information | |
| GPS Coordinates | 39.9686°N, 15.7245°E |
| Water Quality | Excellent (EU Bathing Water Directive) |
| Blue Flag Operator | Foundation for Environmental Education (FEE), Italy |
Frequently Asked Questions
Macarro/Illicini/Nera FAQ
Is Macarro/Illicini/Nera suitable for children?
Macarro/Illicini/Nera has a child-friendly score of 1/10. Facilities include parking. It is Blue Flag certified in Italy.
Is Macarro/Illicini/Nera free to access?
Access to Macarro/Illicini/Nera is free. There are no entry fees to enter the beach. It is a Blue Flag certified beach in Basilicata, Italy, recognised for meeting international standards for water quality and environmental management.
When is the best time to visit Macarro/Illicini/Nera?
The best time to visit Macarro/Illicini/Nera is April, May, June. The peak season typically runs High season: July, August, when weather conditions and facilities are at their best. Peak water temperature reaches around 22.4°C in July. Outside peak season, the beach is quieter but some facilities may be reduced.
What is the water quality at Macarro/Illicini/Nera?
Macarro/Illicini/Nera is Blue Flag certified, which requires meeting strict EU Bathing Water Directive standards. Water quality is rated Excellent. Blue Flag certification is awarded and reviewed annually by the Foundation for Environmental Education (FEE). Beaches must pass water quality tests throughout the season to retain their status.
How do I get to Macarro/Illicini/Nera?
Macarro/Illicini/Nera is located in Basilicata, Italy. It is approximately 2.73 km from Maratea. The nearest airport is Salerno / Pontecagnano Airport (QSR) (QSR), 100.1 km away. By car is the most flexible option. Check local transport authority websites for current bus and train schedules to the area.
Explore More
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Editorial
From the Zeach Blog
Everything you need to know about what makes a beach qualify for Blue Flag status, from water quality to environmental education.
Read moreOur editorial team's pick of the standout Blue Flag beaches in Italy, rated for family friendliness, scenery, and facilities.
Explore ItalyWhat the flag actually means, how certification works, and why a Blue Flag is a genuinely reliable signal, not just a marketing tool.
Read moreSources
- Foundation for Environmental Education: Blue Flag programme
- FEE site listing for Macarro/Illicini/Nera
- FEE Italia
- European Environment Agency: bathing water quality
Last verified September 2026. National operator pages and FEE listings are the primary certification sources.