Antonio is in Praia a Mare and talks to us about the cult of the Madonna della Grotta (Madonna of the Cave), patron saint of the city. The cult began in 1900, and every year in August the statue of the Madonna is carried in a procession, where many of the faithful take part.

In this video, Antonio speaks in more detail about Praia's Madonna of the Cave. He shows us the rock where the ship's captain set down the wooden statue in the 14th century and he shows us the room where the statue is now housed.

Antonio is on the beach of Praia a Mare, more specifically, on the Lido Costa Blu [Blue Coast Beach]. Right now it's deserted, but in the summertime this place fills up with beach clubs. The entire coast, extending to Marina di Camerota (Camerota Shoreline), offers many different types of beaches: sand, pebble, stones and rocks.

Antonio tells us about the origins of Praia and its appeal to tourists. Praia is a very special and attractive little town, where tourists can do and see many things.

Antonio tells us about the two islands off Calabria. The Isola di Dino is the larger of the two and he tells us the legend of how the island was named. Isola della Cirella is the other island.

Antonio introduces us to the authentic Neapolitan pizza. He's right there in a famous pizzeria called Escopocodisera [Esco poco di sera] (I rarely go out at night), where Peppe, the pizzaiolo (pizza maker), demonstrates his art, step by step. Buon appetito!

Walking through the quaint little streets of Maratea in Basilicata, Antonio has us follow him to a central spot where we can admire the entire seaport.

Antonio's description of Maratea, with its restaurants offering fresh local fish, fresh mozzarella, local meat, along one of the most beautiful coastlines in Italy, will surely make it high on the list of places to visit on your next trip to Italy.

The sea and its harbour are two important features of the town of Maratea. Another important feature is the presence of forty-four churches! Our Lady of Porto Salvo (Safe Harbour) is the church that Antonio focuses on. He also speaks of the cult of San Biagio, patron saint of Maratea.

What does Maratea have in common with Rio de Janeiro? Antonio tells us all about it.