Santa Teresa/Calaficarra
Basilicata, Italy — Excellent water quality
Urban sandy beach with free access
Quick Overview
Plan Your Visit to Santa Teresa/Calaficarra
The key facts before you go
About the Beach
What is Santa Teresa/Calaficarra?
Urban sandy beach with free access
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.
Visitor Feedback
What Visitors Say About Santa Teresa/Calaficarra
What visitors appreciate
- cave|free beach|crystal clear water|cove|snorkeling|umbrella and sunbeds|pebble beach|sea cave|splendid cove|mediterranean scrub
- Well-staffed with lifeguards during season
- Excellent EU-rated bathing water quality
Points to consider
- Can be busy during July and August peak season
- Facilities may be reduced outside peak months
Based on aggregated public visitor feedback. Themes are synthesised from multiple sources — not individual quotes. Zeach does not reproduce individual reviews.
Sunrise, Sunset & Beach Direction
Santa Teresa/Calaficarra faces E toward Ionian Sea. The best light for photography and swimming is typically in April, May, June. The beach's orientation determines when it catches direct sun — plan your visit around this to make the most of your time there.
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 | Low |
| May | 18°C | 15°C | Low |
| Jun | 23°C | 20°C | Low |
| Jul | 26°C | 23°C | High |
| Aug | 26°C | 23°C | High |
| Sep | 22°C | 19°C | Low |
| Oct | 18°C | 15°C | Low |
| Nov | 15°C | 12°C | Low |
| Dec | 11°C | 8°C | Low |
The best time to visit Santa Teresa/Calaficarra is April, May, June. Air temperatures peak around 25.5°C in summer. Peak water temperature reaches 22.5°C in July.
How crowded does Santa Teresa/Calaficarra get?Like most Blue Flag beaches in Italy, Santa Teresa/Calaficarra sees its highest visitor numbers in July and August. The beach maintains a pleasant atmosphere even in peak season.
Is Santa Teresa/Calaficarra open year-round?The beach itself is accessible year-round, though staffed facilities including lifeguards typically operate only during the official season (01-07 – 31-08). The Blue Flag is displayed during the certification period only.
The Water
Swimming and Beach Life at Santa Teresa/Calaficarra
Is Santa Teresa/Calaficarra safe to swim?Santa Teresa/Calaficarra is Blue Flag certified, which requires meeting strict bathing water standards set by the EU Bathing Water Directive. Water quality is rated <span class="inline-stat">Excellent</span>. Lifeguards are on duty during the official season.
What is the water temperature at Santa Teresa/Calaficarra?Peak water temperature at Santa Teresa/Calaficarra reaches around <span class="inline-stat">22.5°C</span> 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 Santa Teresa/Calaficarra?Santa Teresa/Calaficarra is a sandy beach on the Basilicata coast of Italy. It meets all Blue Flag criteria for environmental management, water quality, safety, and facilities.
Does Santa Teresa/Calaficarra have good facilities?As a Blue Flag certified beach, Santa Teresa/Calaficarra meets the Foundation for Environmental Education's standards for facilities and services. Trained lifeguards are on duty during the season. Parking is available nearby.
Santa Teresa/Calaficarra 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 Santa Teresa/Calaficarra
How do I get to Santa Teresa/Calaficarra by car?Santa Teresa/Calaficarra is approximately 4.06 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 Santa Teresa/Calaficarra?The nearest airport is Salerno / Pontecagnano Airport (QSR) (QSR), approximately 101.5 km away.
Can I get to Santa Teresa/Calaficarra by public transport?Public transport options vary by season. Check local transport authority websites for current bus and train schedules connecting to Maratea.
Practical Details
Practical Information
| At the Beach | |
| Entry | Free — no charge to access the beach |
|---|---|
| Lifeguards | ✓ On duty during official season |
| Disabled Access | Contact local authority for details |
| Showers | ✗ |
| Toilets | ✗ |
| Official Season | 01-07 – 31-08 |
| Beach Type | Sandy beach |
| Sand | Pebble / shingle beach |
| Visiting Information | |
| GPS Coordinates | 39.9578°N, 15.7351°E |
| Water Quality | Excellent (EU Bathing Water Directive) |
| Blue Flag Operator | Foundation for Environmental Education (FEE) — Italy |
Frequently Asked Questions
Santa Teresa/Calaficarra FAQ
Is Santa Teresa/Calaficarra suitable for children?
Santa Teresa/Calaficarra is a Blue Flag certified beach in Basilicata, Italy. Lifeguards are on duty during the official season, providing an important safety layer for families. The EU Excellent water quality rating means the water is safe and clean for all swimmers, including children. Blue Flag certification itself requires meeting strict environmental and safety standards that benefit all beach users.
Is Santa Teresa/Calaficarra free to access?
Yes, access to Santa Teresa/Calaficarra is free — there are no entry fees or charges to use the beach. Parking is available nearby; check local signs for any parking charges. Facilities including beach amenities are typically available during the official season at no charge. The beach is managed by local authorities under the Blue Flag programme.
When is the best time to visit Santa Teresa/Calaficarra?
The best time to visit Santa Teresa/Calaficarra is April, May, June. Water temperature peaks at around 22.5°C in July, which is ideal for swimming. Air temperatures reach 25.5°C in summer. If you prefer quieter conditions, visiting in June or September gives you warm weather with fewer crowds than the July–August peak. The Blue Flag is displayed during the certified season, confirming the beach meets all water quality and safety standards.
What is the water quality at Santa Teresa/Calaficarra?
Santa Teresa/Calaficarra is Blue Flag certified, which requires meeting strict annual water quality standards set by the EU Bathing Water Directive. Water quality is currently rated Excellent. Blue Flag certification is awarded by the Foundation for Environmental Education (FEE) and requires independent water quality monitoring throughout the season. The results are publicly available from the European Environment Agency.
How do I get to Santa Teresa/Calaficarra?
Santa Teresa/Calaficarra is located in Basilicata, Italy. It is approximately 4.06 km from Maratea. The nearest airport is Salerno / Pontecagnano Airport (QSR) (QSR), 101.5 km away. Parking is available at or near the beach. Check local transport authority websites for current public transport schedules. A car is the most flexible option for reaching the beach, particularly outside peak season.
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