If Calabria is the Italy’s toe and Puglia its heel, then Basilicata is elegant, intoxicating instep. With coastlines on both the Tyrrhenian and Ionian Seas, the area has been heavily influenced by visiting Greeks and Lombards, Byzantines and Normans, but has been relatively neglected by holidaying visitors in recent years. Home to a magnificent legacy of architectural splendours reflecting its properous past, and peppered with breathtakingly beautiful coves and long, sandy bays, as well as a rugged, unspoiled mountain interior that makes for fabulous walking, Basilicata is one of Italy’s most rewarding yet unsung destinations. Sprinkled with a clutch of gorgeous beach resorts and hotels, the temptation in Basilicata is just to relax, but away from the beach the region offers huge rewards, with a rugged, remote sparsely populated interior with craggy, arid plateaux of pine and beech, terraces of chestnut and oaks, studded with sparkling lakes – it’s Italy from another time and age, with leafy, cobbled village squares where you could sit cappuccinos all day long, watching the ancient pace of village life play out around you. Rich in archaeological relics, Basilicata has Greek ruins at Metaponto, while ruins of the Roman Age can be seen in Venosa. Medieval art also abounds, with the churches in Venosa and Cerenza particularly impressive. Architecturally, the region bears traces of many fascinating, contrasting influences, with Matera, Melfi and Lagopesole rich in Arab-Byzantine and French influences, while Neapolitan Baroque influences also abound. Finally, wherever you venture in Basilicata, eating out is a hugely enjoyable aspect of local life. Here, in this arid land, gastronomy is based on traditional, strong, sharp and sun-filled flavours, washed down with rich, full-bodied reds.
Local highlights
In Matera, the 13th century cathedral houses the 12th century Madonna della Bruna, while Santa Maria di Idris has 13th century frescoes; also in Matera, visitors can see the “Sassi”, the typical houses and churches dug into the “tufa” crag; the May ‘chopping festival’, played out in villages right across the region; Sunday markets selling the region’s famous ceramics, as well as traditional foods such as spicy sausage and fresh game; the Antiquarium of Metaponto; breathtaking views from the summit of Monte Biagio above Maratea, crowned by a huge statue of Christ the Redeemer; Potenza has some beautiful Romanesque churches and a wonderful 12th cathedral, and is a fascinating regional capital, at 2,687ft above sea level, Italy’s highest; local cuisine, with Basilicata particularly known for strong, rustic flavours, such as roast kid with potatoes, peas and artichokes and provolone from Sila.
Getting out and about
Getting around on the local trains is very economical and simple, while the local bus service, SITA, covers the majority of areas. Timetables can be picked up from local tourist offices, and in many smaller towns, bus tickets are sold in bars and tabaccherie. However, services can be limited out of hight season and on Sundays, so car-hire, included with our hotels in Basilicata, is an excellent option, with roads very good, if narrow and twisting in places.
Travel arrangements
By air to Naples with daily flights with British Airways from London Gatwick. Airports at Lamezia Terme and Reggio di Calabria with flights with Alitalia London to Milan or Rome and then a connecting domestic flight. We can also offer you charter flights from UK regional airports to Naples. Easyjet also flies from Stansted to Naples. Ask us for a fare quote at the time of booking if you are interested in this route. Then we include a hire-car with our hotels in Basilicata. You may collect and return the car from and to different locations at no additional cost, ideal for a two-centre holiday.