From quiet beaches to James Bond: The Italian town set to be the new Amalfi thanks to new British Airways flights
The new flights from London Gatwick to Salerno have made holidays to the Amalfi Coast much easier.
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But it is also known as being extremely busy during the summer season.
Yet around an hour from it is the town of Maratea, which has far fewer crowds.
James Bond fans will notice it featuring in the No Time to Die film.
And the Old Town is the main attraction, with multicoloured shops and stalls as well as 44 churches.
It even has it's own 70ft tall Christ the Redeemer statue, although on a much smaller scale than the one in Rio.
It is still worth the 90-minute hike, as it is the fifth tallest of its kind in the world.
Otherwise the town port is the best spot for the evening for an Aperol Spritz when the sun goes down.
Local hotel owner Aldo Melpignano told T+L: "It's a hidden gem where you can truly disconnect from the hustle of everyday life and embrace the timeless allure of authentic Italian charm."
Visit in July for the town's annual film festival Marateale: Premio Internazionale Basilicata.
And expect far fewer crowds at the beaches, with La Secca being a quiet lagoon beach.
A look at Italy's spectacular Amalfi Coast
Called by tourists as a "corner of paradise," it is great for kids too as the protected cove means the sea is always calm.
If you're wanting to stay in town, of the fanciest places to stay is Hotel Santavenere, a the area's only five-star resort.
Along with 26 rooms, the recently refurbished hotel has a private beach club as well as an outdoor pool with views of the coast.
Aldo Melpignano, founder of the group behind the hotel, praised the local setting as being the reason behind it's up-and-coming nature.
He told Forbes: "This is why we see considerable potential for development in Maratea, a spectacular destination that is still little known, especially abroad.'
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Cheaper hotels and B&Bs can be fond for around £80 a night.
when it opened last year.
Jet2, who also launched flights, scrapped them back in March.
The airport, which closed back in 2016, reopened after a £400million renovation and will be fully operational by next year.
Here's another beautiful Italian city that has been "frozen in time".
Want to stay in the UK? Here is a free attraction that l ooks more like an Italian villa.
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Los Boliches Blue-flag status, shallow bathing and playparks make this mile and so (2 km) stretch a hit with families. This sea is home to a surprising variety of sea life, so pack goggles and a snorkel. Too windy or chilly? Admire the beach from the promenade as you stroll, run or cycle. Insider tip: Visit on 16th July for the Virgen del Carmen celebrations, featuring a marine procession and fireworks. Area: Fuengirola How to get there: By train on the Malaga-Fuengirola line. Burriana One of Nerja's larger beaches, these fine shingle sands have blue-flag status and boast stunning views of the coast. A favourite with families – but watch out for the shelving beach; there's room to lay our towel, even in high summer. Watersports galore for all energy levels and wallet sizes. Insider tip: Even if you don't fancy rice for lunch, peek into Restaurante Ayo to see possibly the world's largest paella pans bubbling on the stove. Area: Nerja How to get there: Park for free on the seafront or, if busy, on one of the adjoining streets. Cala el Cañuelo In a coastal nature reserve, this small cove is only accessible on foot or via a shuttle minibus that runs daily from June to mid-September; £1.90 (€2.25) return (cash only). The pebbled beach makes for clear waters and excellent snorkelling. The restaurant opens during the summer only. Insider tip: it's a steep 20-minute walk down (longer up), so wear sturdy shoes. Area: Nerja How to get there: Park in Playa del Cañuelo car park off the N340 and follow the Sendero Bajada del Cañuelo. La Carihuela A classic since the 1960s, these blue-flag sands offer the quintessential Spanish day out at the seaside. Think sun beds and parasols, pedalos and water sports, fried fish at the beachfront restaurants and ice cream from the kiosks. Insider tip: if you haven't got your own shade and don't want to rent a parasol, set up camp in one of the palm tree oases. Area: Torremolinos How to get there: Get off at Montemar on the Malaga-Fuengirola train. Casablanca Quieter than other central beaches in Marbella, these blue-flag sands flank the swanky mansions and luxury hotels on the Golden Mile. Keep things real by taking a picnic and your own shade; enjoy mountain and Morocco views by walking the Marbella Club pier or, if closed, the nearby breakwater, for free. Insider tip: Include this beach on a seafront walk from Marbella to Puerto Banús (4.3 miles or 7km). Area: Marbella How to get there: Free parking on nearby streets. La Caleta Not as well-known as La Malagueta next door, but quieter and with better views of Malaga Bay, this blue-flag beach is perfect for a time out from sightseeing. Children will love the inflatable water park in the summer, and bathing is shallow year-round. Insider tip: start your day with a Malaga-style breakfast (coffee and bread with olive oil and tomato) on the sand at Chiringuito Nuevo Mediterráneo. Area: Malaga How to get there: Walk from the city centre. Peñón del Cuervo At the eastern end of Malaga, this secluded cove is dominated by a rocky outcrop (squint to almost see the likeness to the crow it's named for). Snorkelling is good around the rock, and it's a top spot for a winter sunrise. Insider tip: Hire a bike and venture further east along the cycle lanes to the resort of La Cala del Moral. Playa de la Rada These long blue-flag sands offer safe bathing, a long list of facilities and good restaurants serving some of the best fried fish and sardine skewers in town. In addition, their proximity to the town centre makes them an ideal pitstop before or after you explore central Estepona. Insider tip: Discover all the beaches in Estepona by walking along the Sendero Litoral coastal path. Area: Estepona How to get there: There's free parking nearby or visitors can walk from the town centre. Playa Real de Zaragoza/ Playa de Costa Bella Easily the best sands on the Costa del Sol, these stretch for over 8 miles (13km) from the dunes in Cabo Pino almost to Marbella itself. There are reasonable facilities and safe bathing, plus perhaps the most eclectic collection of beach restaurants anywhere, from the cheap and cheerful Restaurante Las Flores to the uber-chic Nikki Beach. Insider tip: Enjoy Cuban food and salsa Sundays at the Ranchón Cubano, mid-May to mid-September. Puerto Banús These blue-flag sands on either side of the marina suit everyone: families love the safe, shallow bathing, while beach bunnies hop to the west end to Ocean Club, with its younger vibe and famous themed parties, and La Sala by the Sea, with a more mature and sophisticated appeal. Insider tip: Dress codes apply at most beach clubs; some have a minimum spend. Area: Marbella How to get there: Park in nearby car parks or bus from central Marbella. 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