The 10 things to do in Basilicata

The beautiful stranger finally rose, for our greatest happiness. Here are the 10 essential things to visit in Basilicata.

Forget (for a little time only) Rome , Venice and Cinque Terre . Today, discover the secret boot: towards the Basilicata, former Lucania. For a long time labeled as the poorest region in Italy, the region has been able to redorate its coat of arms. This thanks, in particular, to the impulse of many artists and the progressive light of his treasures.

What will you find to see and do in Basilicata? Romanesque, Byzantine, Norman and Benedictine buildings, medieval buildings, suspended villages, limestone caves and even preserved seaside resorts. As for its natural setting, it will probably exceed your expectations. Basilicata is full of mountainous reliefs and natural parks dedicated to lovers of sport, fauna and flora.

Not to mention the fine gourmets that, like everywhere in Italy, will be more than combed. To pierce the secrets of this virgin and preserved territory, trust our guides. Here are the 10 essential things to do in Basilicata.

1. Il Borgo: Maratea Historic District

All south of Italy, between the tourist cities of Puglia and of Calabria , the discreet city of Maratea attracts more and more eyes.

This city is one of the oldest in the world and its old quarter, Il Borgo , is a wonder. This historic maze houses more than forty churches and architectural ensembles dating from the 13th century. Put yourself on one of its most famous squares, the most famous of which are Piazza Vitolo and Piazza Buragli To get a coffee.

Lose yourself in the narrow and winding streets, lined with stalls and restaurants suspended in time. If you have the chance to visit Basilicata between late July and early August, go to the neighborhood to attend the prestigious Maratea Film Festival.

By the way, do not miss climbing from the point of view of Cristo Redentore which offers a magnificent view of the city and the Tyrrhenian coast. A little Rio air, right?

I mean, before you leave, report a cuccù In your suitcase. It is a bird-shaped lucky whistle made of ceramic or terracotta, typical of the region.

2. The sassi of Matera

♪ Sassi , or pebbles in French, are the icon of the region. A tourist attraction classified as Unesco’s World Heritage, which makes today the pride of all the inhabitants.

Their origin dates back to the night of time. ♪ Sassi were troglodytic dwellings, dug into limestone rock. This seems unreal: how were habitats on the edge of steep cliffs at the end of a canyon at the time of paleolithic? Where is the idea of subtly superimposed all limestone houses dressed? Probably this mystery is a major part of the unstandard atmosphere that hovers on these vallons... The enigmatics Sassi in particular served as a decor to films The Passion of Christ , Ben Hur and Wonder Woman . This greatly contributed to the resilience of the entire region.

In this labyrinthic setting, station with stairs falling into the void and embodiments that give the vertigo. Don't miss the Romanesque cathedral that makes the medina troglodyte. This is the most impressive of the rocky churches in southern Italy, just behind the intimable Crypte du Péché Originel.

You can visit La Basilicate and the Sassi di Matera early July? What a chance! This is the time when the Festa della Bruna . This annual celebration pays tribute to the patron saint Madonna della Bruna . The program? High-colored parades, colorful markets and explosive fanfares in the heart of this city of another world.

3. The Volo dell’Angelo

The Lucan Dolomites carry their name well. They evoke and compete with the well-known grandiose mountains of northern Italy. They create an incredible landscape torn inside the land.

The Dolomites de Lucanie also houses small perched and suggestive villages, where silence and pure scents mix with historical testimonies.

Moreover, the villages of Castelmezzano and Pietrapertosa , enclosed in dizzy rock walls, really deserve the detour. To visit them, nothing better than the way of the air and more exactly that of the Volo dell’Angelo (the volume of the angel). This giant zipline connects the two villages. Notice to extreme lovers: you fly between two summits, up to 400 meters above the mountains with acerous peaks! An activity as unusual as uncontourable to do in Basilicata.

4. Pollino National Park

Walking through Basilicata and Calabria, the Pollino National Park is like Italy’s largest . You can admire an infinity of mountains with chlorophyll-backed slopes, deployed between the Ionian and Tyrrhenian Seas.

It is the Eldorado of sportsmen who wish to visit Basilicata: hiking, mountain biking, horseback riding, or live water sports are commonplace. If you're looking for the toughest randos, head to the Mont Pollino and its 2200 meters of altitude.

During your muscular passage, do not miss the discovery of typical cities. Some houses, for example, Albanian communities still very rooted in traditions ( San Paolo and San Constantino ) and promise you a whole other immersion.

5. Metaponto Museum and Archaeological Park

It is in the middle of the long sandy beaches, coupled with fertile marshland, that the Greeks settled from the 8th century BC. Today, this place is a resort, Metaponto, which oscillates between seaside and historical tourism.

You can thus discover the remains of Antiquity in the form of monuments, temples and everyday objects. The most spectacular ruins are probably those of the doric temple dedicated to the greatest gods of mythology. Followed closely by the archaeological museum and its rare collections of objects, ceramics, weapons, jewellery and shields made at the age of bronze.

If you have the opportunity to visit Basilicata during a long stay, make a crochet by the nearby village: Bernalda . The heart city of Francis Ford Coppola is home to Palazzo Margherrita , bought by the director himself. He now serves as a luxury hotel in a Renaissance style garden. You have to pay (very) expensive to sleep, but why not at least a little refreshment at the bar?

6. The cuisine of Basilicata

Taste local specialties must be one of your priorities among the essential things to do in Basilicata. Italy obliges, there are first pasta. ♪ mischiglio , ferricelli , orrechiette : they come from various flours and are all different shapes. For a sweeter version, let them try purceduzz : gnocchis with honey and almonds. To season their pasta dishes, the inhabitants of Basilicata like to use the dried and soft pepper. We can even say vegetables in general.

More immanquable still in terms of accompaniment, there is the pork sausage “ lucanica or " sopressate " This dry-wall is spread over entire metres in most regional markets. Question meat also, the premises love lamb-based dishes served in all its forms.

Finally, in good French, you will be delighted to learn that bread Matera and the red wine of Basilicata are recognized throughout Italy! With regard to wine, amateurs must absolutely taste it Aglianico del Vulture . This red nectar tannic and corsé is discovered in particular during tasting days in the middle of vineyards and fields.

7. Castle of Melfi

Melfi is a picturesque village surrounded by a Norman walls. It jealously retains the most beautiful cave cathedrals and Roman structures in the region. His castle dates from the Middle Ages. In particular, you will discover a national archaeological museum and a quantity of valuable objects.

8. Outdoor sports

Most things to do in Basilicata, in terms of sport, relate to outdoor and mountain activities. We owe this to the woods and forests hanging at the feet of the stone giants.

In winter, the snow falls on the tops. While nature hibernates, place descents in ski, snowboard and sled! In the summer, climb, bike, horse riding, walk or slide. The area is covered by numerous parks offering rollerblad (two-wheeled vehicle for fun in the grass), snow tubing (canoes in which one lays down to devaluate a course at high speed) or devalkart (kart). These are original and fun ways to spend a holiday in contact with nature.

Thanks to its limpid and waterproof waters, Basilicata is also a fabulous playground for water sports lovers. On the map you will find classical activities such as more engaged activities: rafting, descent of the torrents in aviron or sailing, underwater immersion and sport fishing. One of the must-sees to do in Basilicata is to rent a boat to get off the coast. Do you know that Lucanie's seabed is recognized worldwide for their wealth?

Finally, for hiking, we can only advise you the area of the Lakes of Monticchio . A treasure still extremely preserved. This lake territory is home to Lago Grande and Lago Piccolo : two lakes of altitude which lie in extinct craters, set with a lush nature, accessible during beautiful hikes.

9. Bronzer to the beach

First, head to the Ionian coast. It extends, licked by the sea, near 30 kilometres between historical cities Metaponte and Policoro . You will find a ribambelle of pretty beaches adjacent to the promenade by the sea, linking these two jewels. The waters are clear, suitable for snorkelling, and welcoming, ideal to taste the sensations of jet ski and sailing.

Another must-see place to visit in Basilicata for lovers of sunbathing and stuffing: the Gulf of Policastro . It burys the Tyrrhenian Sea, near Maratea and ferns through the intensity of its colours. Its black rocky coast is buried under emerald vegetation. The Gulf is drawn in a succession of creeks and cyclopean species, falling into a turquoise blue sea.

10. The crypt of original sin

The crypt of original sin is one of the most beautiful vestiges to visit in Basilicata. His rocky drawings, aged 8th century, date from Paleolithic and testify to a rare state of conservation. They are buried in a cave, on the Plateau de Murgia , and contains many biblical frescoes. On horseback between the Byzantine arts and late Romanesque, the crypt of original sin is discovered only during a guided tour who will teach you about the history of humanity.

How to get to Basilicata?

Still unknown, Basilicata has few entrance doors. It is located away from major road and rail routes. The best way to visit Basilicata is to fly to Bari , the flagship city of Puglia. It is approximately 60 kilometres Matera.

Another option is to take one flight Naples . These two airports are regularly served from France, by many companies low-cost . To find your tickets at the best price do not hesitate to check the offers Skyscanner , a flight comparison that can analyze the market in one click.

Finally, lovers of great swords can always come to visit Basilicata by car. Especially since on site, in all cases, car rental is strongly advised in order to swipe this territory in terms of public transport.

Where to sleep in Basilicata?

The variety of accommodations has been largely democratized since the region’s entry – smoothly – on the tourist scene. Airbnb , hotels, hostels, campsites, you will quickly find your happiness by stuffing on a Compare hotels .

For what is the place, we advise you to accommodation in Matera . This lively city, the lung of Basilicata, allows to radiate easily in the region. It is also the best place to go out in the evening to drink a drink or party in Italian.

You can also stay directly in the heart of Sassi Still in Matera. These homes were once the shame of the country. They were the refuge of the poorest who were buried there without water or electricity and under absolutely unhealthy conditions. Nowadays, all the neighborhoods have been rehabilitated and you will even find high-end hotels in the rock. A unique experience!