Hotel Gabbiano - Maratea, Italy     

Ancient city of the Gulf of Policastro, dating from Greek times, Maratea is the only portion of Lucania on the Tyrrhenian Sea, along which it stretches for about 30 Km.It is both spectator and creator of an enchanting coastline, enlived with rocks and shallows, creeks and caves, big and small beaches, and dotted with pines, olive trees, oaks, carobs and holm-oaks.
The age-old vegetation, with a riot of wild rosemary, myrtle and broom, hugs the slopes of the surrounding mountains, now standing out against the unfathomed depths of the sea, now curving down to melt into the Appennine range.
Perched on the side of Mount St.Blaise, the town, under the picturesque mantle of its reddish roofs, with its narrow little streets winding under ancient arches and its flights of well-worn steps, reaches out towards the sea, over whose transparent waters, ranging through a myriad colours from emerald to turquoise to periwinkle, the glorious sunsets spread their dying fire.
Against the background of a handful of fishermen's cottages dozing beside the water, the Port, harbouring both old fishing craft and modern boats, drinks in the bustle and chatter of its welcome visitors. Above it all, the Risern Christ, robed in white marble, appears to be bestowing a benediction upon the superb natural panorama.