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National Geographic
6 days ago
- National Geographic
This hidden Italian town is perfect for a summer escape
This article was produced by National Geographic Traveller (UK). Imagine if the Amalfi Coast was all but unknown — that's the charm of Maratea. Bordered by Campania to the north and Calabria to the south, the municipality occupies the only portion of the Tyrrhenian coast in the whole of Basilicata. It's a near 20-mile stretch home to striking black-sand beaches, boat-fresh seafood and panoramic vistas overlooking the glittering Gulf of Policastro. But despite possessing all the hallmarks of the quintessential Italian seaside getaway, the Maratea area is yet to draw the crowds associated with its better-known coastal counterparts. It's also more accessible than ever thanks to recently launched British Airways flights from London to Salerno — located just an hour and 45 minutes by car or an hour and 15 minutes by train. Take time to explore Maratea's Centro Storico, or historic centre, and enjoy a coffee at one of the many outdoor cafes. Maratea is not one single town, but a collection of mountain and seaside hamlets dotted around an old urban core. This Centro Storico, or historic centre, is a maze of cobblestone streets, colourful medieval homes and narrow alleyways twisting toward the main square, Piazza Buraglia. Take some time to enjoy a coffee or aperitif at one of Caffe E Dolcezze Di Laprea's outdoor tables. And be sure to visit Pasticceria Panza, a bakery known for its traditional bocconotto (shortcrust pastry filled with cream and black cherry or chocolate). Shop for Lucanian (the term used to describe people or things from Basilicata) specialities at Divino Maratea, including wines making use of Basilicata's famous Aglianico grapes, as well as local spirits, including Amaro Naturale, which is made from the aromatic herbs that grow throughout Maratea. From the old town, take the winding, white-knuckle drive to the top of Monte San Biagio, where the marble-faced Cristo Redentore, an imposing Christ the Redeemer statue, stands with its arms stretched out towards the green Lucanian Apennines. Make a loop around the platform at the foot of the 69ft sculpture for incredible views of the rocky coastline and bright-blue sea below. The imposing Christ the Redeemer statue is one of the area's most recognisable attractions. Nearby, you'll find the Chiesa di San Biagio — one of 44 churches in the Maratea area, which is home to just over 5,000 people. The simple white basilica has housed the relics of San Biagio, the patron saint of Maratea, since the year 732 BCE. Up here, visitors can also wander around the crumbling ruins of the area's original settlement, known as Maratea Superiore, which also dates back to the seventh century. It was slowly abandoned during the 16th and 17th centuries as inhabitants moved further down the mountainside to establish the old town — also reachable via the myrtle-lined footpath just off the main road. A short distance away, the Port of Maratea was once a landing place for local fishermen. It now hosts luxury yachts and sailboats — and provides the departure point for boat tours. Dea Maris Boat Tour Maratea takes visitors along Maratea's dramatic coastline, which was featured in the 2021 James Bond film No Time to Die. Keep an eye out for the Saracen Towers, cliffside forts built in the Middle Ages to defend the region from pirate attacks. You'll also get a good view of the two islands that hover off the coast of Maratea: Santo Janni and the even smaller La Matrella. In the waters surrounding the former, hundreds of Roman anchors and amphorae have been found on the seabed. To learn more about the area's ancient artefacts, head to Palazzo de Lieto museum, where exhibits occupy an imposing 18th-century palace originally built to house the old town's first hospital. From the water, you may also spy Maratea's famous black-sand beach, Cala Jannita, located just a 10-minute drive from the centre. To explore the fascinating caves around Cala Jannita — such as the Grotta della Sciabella — consider a kayaking tour with Fly Maratea. The port is also home to some of Maratea's best restaurants, including Lanterna Rossa. Situated in an old fisherman's house overlooking the marina, this elegant fine-dining spot sees young Lucani chef Dario Amaro serve classic dishes, such as sea urchin linguine and cuttlefish risotto, with modern flair. Toward the hamlet of Fiumicello, meanwhile, you'll find the cosy, family-run La Cambusa, which has been serving fresh local seafood since the 1950s. Hotel Santavenere's comfortable rooms and fragranced gardens offer a peaceful escape in the mountains. Nearby is Maratea's only five-star accommodation, Hotel Santavenere. Home to sprawling gardens and a secluded beach, the property was once a family villa owned by Count Stefano Rivetti — a wool industrialist from Piedmont who made a new life in Maratea, opening the hotel to the public in 1953. Every Tuesday between May and October, one of its three restaurants, Le Lanterne, hosts a buffet-style meal featuring ingredients and wines from Basilicata, performances from local singers and demonstrations from libbani artists, who weave baskets and other objects from grass blades. Visitors can try this historic local craft for themselves at a workshop with New Mediterranean Libbaneria. It would be easy to whittle away time in Maratea on a sun lounger, but the region's upped its adventure cred in recent years — particularly with the opening of a via ferrata climbing route in 2021, which stretches from the historic centre to the top of Monte San Biagio. Ivy Tour Basilicata offers guided tours and equipment rental. Alternatively, set off on a day-hike to Monte Crivo. Starting just outside the village of Brefaro (about five miles from Maratea's old town), the trail takes travellers to an altitude of 3,783ft — offering sweeping views of Basilicata's mountainous countryside and the glimmering Tyrrhenian Sea. British Airways offers direct flights from London to Salerno. From here, Maratea is easily reachable by car or train. The 34-room Hotel Santavenere, with its colourful Vietri tiles, antique furniture and sweeping sea views, is a convenient base for exploring the area. From €440 (£347), B&B. This story was created with the support of Hotel Santavenere. To subscribe to National Geographic Traveller (UK) magazine click here. (Available in select countries only).
Yahoo
6 days ago
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Felix Baumgartner, Skydiving World Record Holder, Dies Paragliding
Originally appeared on E! Online The daredevil community is mourning a star. Felix Baumgartner, who became the first person to break the sound barrier with only his body, died in Italy after his paraglider crashed in the coastal Italian city of Porto Sant'Elpidio on July 17, Mayor Massimiliano Ciarpella confirmed. He was 56. 'Our community is deeply affected by the tragic passing of Felix Baumgartner, a world-renowned figure, a symbol of courage and passion for extreme flight,' the official wrote in Italian on Facebook. 'Porto Sant'Elpidio stands with his family and loved ones in this moment of grief.' Baumgartner, who held multiple world records for his daring stunts, had crashed into the side of a swimming pool in the central Italian city, according to first responders at the scene, per NBC News. The Australian skydiver, nicknamed 'Fearless Felix,' made history in 2012 when he became the first person to break the sound barrier in free fall without a vehicle. He wore a pressurized suit and jumped from a capsule in space more than 24 miles above Earth. More from E! Online Coldplay's Chris Martin Shared Remorse Over Affair Joke in Viral Concert Video Annabelle Doll Handler Dan Rivera's Nature of Death Revealed Chris Hemsworth's Mini-Me Twin Sons Steal Spotlight in Rare Red Carpet Appearance His fastest speed was over 843 mph, which is 1.25 times the speed of sound, as he came down. The historic stunt also earned him records for the highest jump altitude and the highest free-fall speed without a parachute. For Baumgartner, who was part of Red Bull's Stratos project, skydiving was a calling. 'I was always fascinated with skydiving since I was a little kid,' he told Euronews in 2022. 'I always spent time on top of trees to see the world from above. I went to the local skydiving club, they taught me how to skydive and this is where everything started. This is where my journey started without knowing where it was going to take me.' The daredevil—who also previously broke records in BASE jumping, including the lowest BASE jump from the Christ the Redeemer in Brazil and the highest from the 88th floor of the Petronas Twin Towers in Malaysia—gained a newfound perspective on life through his stunts. "I know the whole world is watching now,' he said to Red Bull in 2012. 'I wish the world could see what I can see: sometimes you have to go up really high to understand how small you are." (E! News and NBC News are part of the NBCUniversal family.) For the latest breaking news updates, click here to download the E! News App Solve the daily Crossword
Local Italy
7 days ago
- Local Italy
Austrian skydiver Felix Baumgartner dies in paragliding crash in Italy
Baumgartner, who was 56, was killed in an accident on Thursday in Italy, a senior official with the emergency services in the Marche region confirmed to AFP. Police at Porto Sant'Elpidio, on Italy's Adriatic coast, had identified Baumgartner, he said. While he was not able to confirm the cause of death, a report in Italian newspaper Corriere della Sera said that Baumgartner had lost control of his paraglider after falling ill. He landed in the swimming pool of a holiday residence at Porto Sant'Elpidio, slightly injuring a young woman. The accident happened at around 4pm, the paper reported. Baumgartner's dramatic 2012 jump from a capsule more than 39 kilometres (24 miles) above the Earth was the most spectacular of a string of record-breaking stunts. Baumgartner, a former military parachutist, made thousands of daredevil jumps from planes, bridges, skyscrapers and landmarks around the world, including the Christ the Redeemer statue in Brazil.
The Herald Scotland
7 days ago
- Sport
- The Herald Scotland
NFL International games: Five things to know including travel, tickets
Whether you're not missing your team's international game, or you're planning an international trip and just working in an NFL game, here are some travel tips that might help you out: International NFL game schedule: When to buy International NFL game tickets International NFL game tickets have been dropping at their own rate, but they've pretty much all been released on one site or another at this point. NFL INTERNATIONAL TICKETS: Here's how to buy NFL tickets in Brazil, Germany, Spain, U.K. When to buy flights? The International NFL game schedule has been out longer than the tickets to those individual games, so I wouldn't judge you if you bought your flights first. The good news is, no matter where you're heading, whether it's London to see Big Ben after the Rams vs. Jaguars game, or you plan to wrap a Christ the Redeemer in Rio visit into a Brazil trip to see the Chiefs vs. Chargers, you can get a great deal on flights on Kayak. Travel tip #1 for 2025: While you need a Real ID to travel within the U.S., you need a passport to travel internationally and those could take months to get so plan in advance! Travel tip #2 for 2025: Some airlines are considering changes to their carry-on bag sizes by the end of 2025, so be sure to check the size guidelines for whatever airline you're flying. Get flights deals on Kayak Where to stay during your NFL trip? You always have options when you travel, one of them being where you stay. This will depend on which country you're heading to. If you're looking for something a little more personal, or if you're traveling in a group, AirBnB has great options in cities around the world. Plus, you might find a unique stay like this Green Bay Packers dreamhouse.. Travel tip #3: Always do a deep Google or TikTok-dive into where you're going for customs and normal practices. For example, Japan's currency is coin-based so a coin purse is highly recommended. Stock up on your favorite jersey ahead of the game Whether you're going for classic fan favorites like Travis Kelce and Patrick Mahomes, or looking to sport some of the NFL's newest fan gear for players like Travis Hunter, Fanatics has you covered. My personal favorite is the apparel line WEAR by longtime sports reporter Erin Andrews. It combines fashion and sports in the best way, but you can never go wrong with a jersey. NFL team gear Don't forget the team swag! Get your gear at Fanatics today Shop NFL jerseys at Fanatics Game day essentials: what to bring to the stadium with you You've traveled around the world, you've got your tickets, you've got your merch, you're ready to go, right? Here's a few things that might make your game day experience a little smoother. Travel tip #4: Always remember to double-check stadium and arena FAQ sections for any location-specific rules.
Time of India
7 days ago
- Entertainment
- Time of India
Who is Felix Baumgartner? Skydiver who tragically died in a paragliding crash in Italy
Who is Felix Baumgartner? Skydiver who tragically died in a paragliding crash in Italy (Image via Getty) On Thursday, July 17, 2025, the extreme sports community was stunned. Felix Baumgartner, the Austrian skydiver famed for his 2012 supersonic jump, tragically died in a paragliding accident in Porto Sant'Elpidio, Italy. The world mourns a legendary figure whose bold feats captured imaginations, including breaking the sound barrier in free fall. Felix Baumgartner dies in paragliding crash in Porto Sant'Elpidio Flying a powered paraglider, Felix Baumgartner, 56, departed Porto Sant'Elpidio around 4 pm local time. On Instagram, he pointed out "too much wind" before the flight. Witnesses say he lost control mid-air and landed in a hotel pool at Le Mimose. Local media sources and Reuters claim he may have experienced a sudden medical issue, maybe cardiac arrest, before impact. — nypost (@nypost) Unfortunately, he was pronounced dead at the location. Though hurt, a hotel employee's cuts were only little. On behalf of Porto Sant'Elpidio, Mayor Massimiliano Ciarpella expressed profound grief, noting that the town lost "a symbol of courage and passion for extreme flight.' Felix Baumgartner's legacy lives on in adventure sports history Famous globally as "Fearless Felix," Baumgartner ascended to popularity in 2012 with his aerial leap. Reaching speeds of over 1,343 km/h, breaking the sound barrier without any vehicle, he leapt from nearly 39 km (24 miles) above New Mexico. Live television to millieds worldwide showed that famous moment breaking several records. Also Read: Olympic Skier Audun Groenvold Tragically Dies At 49 After Being Struck By Lightning He challenged boundaries during his career with carbon-fibre wing suit flights across the English Channel, BASE jumps from the Petronas Towers and Christ the Redeemer in Brazil. With the Flying Bulls, he was also a stunt pilot and kept relating his aerial exploits till his last days. Confirming his death, Red Bull, who supported his record-breaking achievements, tributes poured in all around from sponsors, admirers, and fellow sportsmen. His courageous approach inspired several people with hope and amazement, and his death profoundly shocked the extreme sports community. Felix Baumgartner's last flight brings sharply to mind the beauty and risk of human ambition. Few others dared to soar, once to the brink of space, and we now bid adieu to an exceptional pioneer whose legacy will keep inspiring bravery across generations. Catch Rani Rampal's inspiring story on Game On, Episode 4. Watch Here!
