Basilicata – a kaleidoscope region
Basilicata is a kaleidoscope of alternating colours, shapes and sounds, creating countless sceneries to please the eye. Despite its modest size, it has an exceptionally rich historical, cultural and folk heritage.
Its pristine natural environment and fairy-tale landscapes – the green heart of the region – are both a peaceful oasis and a source of excitement. The region boasts to two national parks, namely Parco del Pollino (which has been a Unesco Geopark since 2015, with Bosnian pines as its emblem) and Parco dell’Appennino Lucano Val d’Agri Lagonegrese, and to three regional parks, namely Parco di Gallipoli Cognato Piccole Dolomiti Lucane, Parco Archeologico Storico Naturale delle Chiese Rupestri del Materano and Parco del Vulture, which also includes the volcanic lakes of Monticchio. The region is also home to several nature reserves such as Calanchi di Montalbano, Abetina di Laurenzana or Bosco Pantano di Policoro. Washed by the Ionian and the Tyrrhenian Sea, the coasts of Basilicata are respectively low-lying and sandy along the Ionian side, and higher and rugged around Maratea.
Matera, European capital of culture in 2019, deserves a special mention. Its iconic ‘Sassi’, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, are an outstanding and world-unique example of rupestrian settlement.
To discover Basilicata, visit www.basilicataturistica.it.
Basilicata by bike
With plenty of trails and itineraries with different degrees of difficulty, and safe, traffic-free and clearly marked roads, cycling enthusiasts will be spoilt for choice. With its natural wonders and age-old traditions, Basilicata caters to all needs and wishes, including taking a journey along minor roads, leading to an ever-seen scenery. A dense network of itineraries for rookies and veterans touches all the major landmarks of the region. Cycling along unusual routes, mostly with very little traffic, lovely sights of beautiful towns and villages, either along the sea or up in the mountains, will unfold in front of your eyes.
You may choose between uncomplicated routes along the coast of Metaponto, or around Matera and the Vulture, and harder trails up the Pollino, the Dolomiti Lucane or the Sirino, if you’re up for some climbing.
Outdoor activities in Basilicata
A multi-faceted location, fulfilling the needs of all kinds of travellers, in recent years Basilicata has become a vast open-air “sports hall”, offering a wide range of activities to suit all tastes and cater to all ages, including adrenaline-fuelled outdoor experiences such as Volo dell’angelo, Ponte alla luna, Volo dell’aquila or Parco delle stelle.
Food and wine
The beautiful scenery is surely delightful and intriguing, but it’s the warm and generous hospitality that truly wins the heart. Visiting the region is also a culinary adventure among the unique tastes and flavours of the local delicacies that have won significant recognition. From cold cuts, through cheese, to fruit and vegetables, there is enough to treat your taste buds.
