Beautiful dilemmas. When we arrive in Praia a Mare, start of the fifth stage of the Giro, it’s hard to decide how to plan our stay. There are so many reasons that tempt visitors to linger longer in this seaside town on the Tyrrhenian coast, along the so-called Riviera dei Cedri. The scent of the prized citrus fruit blends with that of the sea, which here offers something truly special: just opposite the town lies Dino Island, dotted with marine caves easily reached by canoe or pedal boat. The most famous is the Blue Grotto, named for the intense color of its waters and its walls adorned with ancient marine fossils.

Back on the mainland, the imposing Torre di Fiuzzi comes into view, rising 15 meters high and defending the town from sea incursions since the 16th century. Also worth visiting is the Sanctuary of the Madonna della Grotta, set within three rock cavities illuminated by natural light that creates striking visual effects. Behind Praia a Mare stretches the territory of the Pollino National Park, which today’s stage crosses for several kilometers. Through a sequence of climbs and descents, wild landscapes and ancient villages - such as Lauria, Castelluccio Inferiore and Superiore, and Latronico - the route ventures deep into the Appennino Lucano–Val d’Agri–Lagonegrese National Park.

While waiting for the riders to pass, it is worth stopping along the shores of Lake Pertusillo and, a little further on, making a short detour to visit the archaeological park of Grumentum, with the remains of the oldest Roman city in Basilicata. Then comes the time for the climbs leading to Montagna Grande di Viggiano and La Sellata, the latter surrounded by vast conifer forests. Next is Pignola, known as “the village of a hundred portals” thanks to the many decorated entrances in its historic center.

Finally, the route reaches Potenza, a city rich in historical and artistic heritage, where history, religious architecture, and contemporary works intertwine. At the highest point of the city stands the Cathedral of San Gerardo, the main place of worship, combining Romanesque and Neoclassical elements and housing important artworks. In the historic center is the Church of San Francesco, one of the oldest buildings, distinguished by its late Gothic portal and notable interior decorations. Also worth visiting is the National Archaeological Museum “Dinu Adamesteanu”, housed in Palazzo Loffredo, which tells the story of ancient Lucania from prehistory to the Roman era. The day ends with a toast in Piazza Mario Pagano - recently redesigned under the supervision of architect Gae Aulenti - sipping a glass of Aglianico DOCG. Because Potenza always manages to keep pace with the times.