Palinuro - Maratea 8.5.2010

Palinuro - Marina di Camerota - San Giovanni a Piro - Sapri - Maratea 72 km 1,200 m elevation From Palinuro, the route climbs slightly leaving the town center, then turns off towards Marina di Camerota. Traffic is minimal, with beautiful views of the bay featuring a natural arch. Marina dC is a good spot for a short break, with a lovely seaside promenade. Leaving the town, a 4-6% climb begins with switchbacks past Lentiscosa, which draws attention with a Byzantine dome. Wide views over broom-covered meadows toward the sea and the opposite mountains of Basilicata. Then it flattens somewhat until the pass before San Giovanni a Piro. A short descent through forest, then uphill into the lively town center. Up to this point, the route is rideable. A fast descent to Scario follows, where soon the SS 18 is reached and normal traffic resumes. There is a long band of settlements, campsite after campsite, until Sapri. The turquoise sea offers no forgiveness to the charm-less towns. From Sapri, SS 18 becomes a dream route for cyclists. Always on the hillside, always high above the shore, but with climbs and descents and several short tunnels. Hardly any traffic. From Acquafredda, the noble villas of Maratea begin. Beautiful views of the mountains behind Maratea and the Cristo, il Renditore. We stop again at Fiumicelle for coffee, then a tough climb with heavy traffic 200 m up to the center of Maratea.