Maratea/cosenza

[claire tudge]

Planning some trips for my visit in September, has anyone been to Cosenza and would they recommend it and can I get to Maratea by train any replies appreciated or advice on places to go, have visited Diamante and Belvedere on previous trips

[billy]

Ciao Claire,
I returned to Scotland last week after 6 great weeks in Scalea. I visited Cosenza on two occasions. The first time I took the train and had to change at Paula and on eventually arriving in Cosenza had to take a bus to the centre. I decided to take the bus back to Scalea instead of the train and found this much better. So, on my second trip , I took the bus both ways. The journey takes approx. an hour and three quarters and the scenery is wonderful. I would definitely recommend a visit to Cosenza. The bus fare is great value at 4 euros each way and you just pay the driver. When you come off the bus at Cosenza bus station, walk to the opposite end of the station and turn right up a small hill to the traffic lights. Turn left at the lights and walk for about 200 metres and this will bring you on to Corso Mazzini which is a pedestrianised area and is the main shopping street in Cosenza. You can nip into some of the larger stores to make use of their air conditioning and cool down. If you continue to the far end of Corso Mazzini you will see the Centro Storico directly in front of you and it is well worth a visit. The Swabian Castle overlooks the town. There is a 12th century Cathedral and the Teatro Alfonso Rendano is worth a look.I was taking photos of excavations outside the National Library and a man appeared at the door and waved me inside. I was then given a tour of the library itself by a very nice lady. The library is on several floors with a music section on the top floor and I found the whole experience very interesting. I would say that the people of Cosenza are very friendly and helpful and very proud of their city.
If you google autolineescalea then click on corse autolinee you will be able to get a bus timetable. I caught the bus at the Talao Hotel. On the return journey the bus leaves from Stance 15 at Cosenza bus station.
I'm sorry I can't help you with bus times to Maratea as I've always gone there by car.Maratea is lovely with the Statue up the mountain etc. The port of Maratea has a harbour with a few restaurants overlooking the water and is a nice place to spend an afternoon.
Hope this helps,
Billy.

[claire tudge]

Many thanks for the detailed reply most helpful

[Car&Se]

Hi Billy,

I was in Scalea from 14th to 21st June and Seamas is still there. I wish we had known you were around as would love to have caught up with you. I am going back in August but I bet you won't be back until September.

Caroline

[billy]

Ciao Caroline,
We had lunch with Bill Hearne and his wife on the Sunday before we left for home. They are both musical and Irish and we told them about Seamus and his CD which we heard about from Lesley. They were really curious to know who you were so we almost had a trip round to Carpino to see if we could find you.
We go back to Scalea on 29th August for another 6 weeks so I guess we will probably miss you again. Hope you enjoyed your holiday---we certainly did.
Pleased to hear about Seamus' success---You can't hide talent!
Cheers, B and S.

[maria]

Would love to hear the C.D. you are talking about. Love the Irish Music . Where can I hear it or buy it ?

[Italy4me]

Send me a Private Message Maria and I'll tell you how to buy a copy!