If there’s one Italian region you should visit this year, it’s Basilicata.
A small corner of southern Italy, home to so many hidden gems that we should all discover at least once in our lives. It is not a particularly well-known region, yet it boasts ancient towns, marvellous beaches, a stunning national park and some beautiful archaeological sites.7
Read our list of the 10 best things to see and do in Lucania
Matera
The capital of Basilicata has been designated European Capital of Culture for 2018, alongside Plovdiv in Bulgaria.
Matera is one of the most beautiful cities in Italy (and Europe) and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The The Sassi of Matera – case tradizionali realizzate con materiali unici – sono semplicemente stupendi. Questa è anche la location del famoso film di Mel Gibson:
Wild Maratea
Maratea is situated on the Tyrrhenian coast, overlooking the Gulf of Policastro.
On 10 December 1990, the President of the Republic, Francesco Cossiga, granted it the honorary title of “City”, a title it had already held under a decree of 1531 signed by Charles V of Habsburg
With 32 km of unspoilt coastline, it’s a great choice for travellers who love to be amazed, but in less crowded places. Here you’ll find black volcanic sand, pebble beaches, caves, churches and the second-largest statue of Christ in the world.
Pollino National Park
Nature lovers should visit the Pollino National Park: a stunning area featuring prehistoric caves, rock art, burial sites and natural hot springs. Did you know it’s Italy’s largest national park?
Relax at the Latronico Spa
If you need to spend some time in peace and quiet, there’s no better place to go than Latronico. This beautiful village, which looks as though it’s straight out of a fairy tale, is home to Basilicata’s most important thermal springs.
Marvel at the extraordinary views in the Vulture Melfese area
For breathtaking panoramas and spectacular natural views, head to the northern part of Basilicata, known as Vulture Melfese. This part of the region also offers high-quality red wines, such as Aglianico, and excellent culinary delights. The small town of Bernalda, located here, is the former home of Francis Ford Coppola’s grandfather.
A walk through the ancient site of Metaponto
Founded by the Greeks in the second half of the 7th century BC, Metaponto is one of Basilicata’s top destinations. Not only for its unspoilt, fabulous beaches, but also for its archaeological park, which features an ancient Greek theatre and a Doric temple.
Take a stroll through Power
Although Matera is known throughout the world for its beauty, Potenza is the capital of Basilicata and is well worth a visit. The best thing to do here is to stroll through its historic centre, admiring the beautiful façades of the buildings and the church, in particular Potenza Cathedral, built in the 12th century and restored in the 18th century.
Visit Little Pompeii
The Archaeological Park of Grumentum It is also known as the ‘Little Pompeii’ of Basilicata. With its amphitheatre, theatre, Roman baths, temples, villa, mosaics and forum, there is no doubt why it is considered one of the most beautiful ancient sites in southern Italy
See the ancient Roman ruins at Venosa
If you can’t get enough of ancient history, visit Venosa. Here you’ll find the ruins of the ancient Roman colony of Venusia, founded in the 3rd century BC. This ancient settlement was also the birthplace of the great Roman poet Horace.
Let the Castello Tramontano take your breath away
Situated on a hill near Matera, Tramontano is a 15th-century castle that remained unfinished following the murder of Count Tramontano, who was the lord of the region at the time. This beautiful Aragonese-style castle is unfortunately not open to the public, but it can easily be admired from the outside.
