Basilicata

There is a famous Italian film called Basilicata coast to coast. Be inspired by the director and star of this brilliant comedy, Rocco Papaleo, on your own tour of Basilicata that takes you from the rocky coast of the Tyrrhenian Sea to the dunes of the Ionian coast. Alongside the best-known locations, you will discover secret places on a fascinating route that takes you from mountains and hills to lakes and beaches; from arid gorges to lush forests. On foot, by bike, by car or a combination of all three: you choose the best way for your coast-to-coast tour of authentic Basilicata.

Matera is one of the oldest, still inhabited cities in the world: a magical place that preserves evidence of human settlements since the Palaeolithic period in its natural caves carved into the rock. Over the centuries, these caves, which were to become the symbol of the city, were developed into increasingly complex structures in two large natural amphitheatres. When visiting Matera, which is located on a limestone plateau in Basilicata characterised by deep fissures, ravines, rocks and caves, you feel as if you are entering a nativity scene. Houses, churches, monasteries and hermitages are built in the natural caves of the Murgia in a landscape so evocative that it was chosen as the setting for films such as Mel Gibson's The Passion of the Christ and Pier Paolo Pasolini's The Gospel according to St Matthew. Are you ready to lose yourself in the wonders of this unique city?

A mostly mountainous and hilly region, with a single large plain and many massifs, a spent volcano and beaches overlooking two seas: Basilicata is a land of continuous discoveries and infinite beauties to a large extent still off the beaten track. Inasmuch, the range of ideas for one and all is growing exponentially between nature and art, ancient traditions and modern comforts. After all, very few places can boast such enormous diversity in terms of flora and fauna as well as climate, with huge contrasts and constantly evolving scenarios. The great outdoors: this is the common denominator linking the ideas we have selected for discovering this land just like a recent film shot hereabouts which helped increase its popularity: “Basilicata Coast to Coast”! Workshops, educational paths, training experiences and environmental education, as well as sport and trekking, not to mention so many testimonies of history and art: are you ready to ... breathe in so much beauty?

The Murgia Materana Park was established in 1990 with the name of Parco Regionale Archeologico Storico Naturale delle Chiese Rupestri del Materano (Natural Historic Archaeological Regional Park of the Rock Churches of the Matera region). This is the spectacular Italian rocky landscape which best testifies the ancient relationship between man and nature in southern Italy.

The history of this fort is linked to the prominent figures who worked within it: built by Robert Guiscard, extended by Frederick II, equipped with new towers by Charles I of Anjou and remodelled by the Caracciolos and the Dorias. With its imposing figure, it almost seems to emerge from the top of the hill: it is perhaps the best-known castle in Basilicata, one of the largest in southern Italy and one of the most fascinating in our territory.

Also known as the Pearl of the Tyrrhenian Sea or the City of 44 Churches, Maratea fascinates and amazes not only new visitors, but also those who return to discover new and unique places that cannot be found elsewhere in Italy.

The Pollino National Park extends from the Tyrrhenian Sea to the Ionian Sea, covering an area of almost 200,000 hectares and is one of the GeoParks protected by UNESCO. It is located between Basilicata and Calabria. It is a heterogeneous structure, from the Piani di Campolongo, Novacco, and Lanzo, to Piani del Pollino, home to the Argentino and Abatemarco rivers, the Lao and Raganello gorges, and the streams of Peschiera and Frido. The whole area of Pollino is formed by the Massifs of Pollino and Orsomarso. The mountain range, which is part of thesouthern Apennines, can boast the highest peaks in southern Italy, covered with snow for a long period of the year, starting in November and ending in May, when the snow melts. The peaks of the Park reach an altitude of 2,200 metres above sea level. The natural area consists of dolomitic rocks, limestone ramparts, fault walls, cliffs, very deep gorges, and also plateaus, meadows and high altitude pastures. One of the "green" symbols of the Park is certainly the Loricato Pine, called "living fossil" or "dinosaur of the trees" by many, due to the ability of this type of conifer to resist and thrive in difficult environments, at altitudes above 1000 metres, and in isolated areas, where other types of trees cannot survive.

You can cycle along paths already used in the Neolithic period until you reach a vantage point from which you can take in the Sassi di Matera with a single glance: the view at sunset is incomparable, because while the sun tinges the sky pink and the lights of the city are turned on, you will be enraptured by the famous nativity scene effect that is created. Here is the ideal route for falling in love once and for all with the Murgia Park on an e-bike.

I Sassi, la Gravina, la Murgia. Archaic churches and dwellings. Tufa limestone rock hewn by nature, the wind and human beings. The unique and poetic splendour of Matera, a city designated by UNESCO as a World Heritage Site, appears before us when we reach the panoramic terraces present in the historic centre and surrounding areas of the city. These are the ideal sites where it is possible to stop for a while and let your gaze wander across the immense rock formations, observing the beauty of the location. And then, when you feel you would like to stop and acquire familiarity with the local cuisine, there are many bars and restaurants that offer their own panoramic views.

These are the departure and arrival stations of Lucania's Volo dell'Angelo )Angel’s Flight, one of the most attractive zip lines in Italy. An adrenaline-filled adventure, from the heights of unspoilt nature.

There are no age limits: anyone (even children weighing over 25 kg subject to parental authorization) can enjoy a tandem flight without having to attend any courses. Italy is criss-crossed by mountains and hills, cliffs over the sea or lakes and high plateaus between countryside villages with endless natural springboards for sky-diving. Just a short run - usually together with an instructor - takes you for a real dive into the currents, along the flow of air to glide down to the valley below. The rest is pure emotion, overflowing feelings that ignite all the senses. A thrilling experience all year round (provided weather conditions allow safe flying), over urban, historical and natural scenarios without equal anywhere in the world. Fly and believe.

Wooden and steel walkways dramatically suspended between rocky walls overhanging streams and valleys, and affording breath-taking panoramic views: five must-see Tibetan bridges add an adrenaline rush to an adventure holiday immersed in nature.

Processed according to the most traditional procedures, Lucanian honey is the sweet nectar of Basilicata, the undisputed protagonist of a variety of ancient and modern recipes. Varying in colour and flavour, from crystalline to darker, delicate to bitter, the honey of Basilicata differs according to the areas of production. Try it in its variations, accompanying it with cheese or enjoying it alone, in its goodness and purity.

Medium fruity, slightly bitter and sometimes spicy, with a colour between green and yellow: these are the characteristics of the Olio Evo della Basilicata, which from 2020 can boast the IGP, or Protected Geographical Identification. This important recognition has brought the number of branded products of excellence in the Region to eighteen, boasting five DOP, seven IGP, four DOC, one DOCG and one IGT including wines, vegetables and cereals, meats, cheeses and the bread of Matera.

When it comes to bread, Italy's know-how goes back centuries. From north to south, every town can boast its own traditional bread, the most famous of which includes that made in one of Italy's most beautiful regions, Basilicata: we're talking about bread from Matera. Known for its ancient habitations literally set in stone, the sassi, and for its rupestrian churches, Matera is an undisputably fascinating city. Appreciated by tourists from all over the world, this town in historic Lucania is also a UNESCO World Heritage Site. What makes Matera so captivating? Those that visit it immediately have the sensation of walking through a life-size Nativity scene. And it is not a coincidence that this "Second Bethlehem" was chosen for the making of such films as The Passion of the Christ. The particular bread from Matera has long been the city's symbol. Its form and unique taste are the fruit of ancient culture and tradition that still live on today.

Tied in their characteristic purplish strands, they dry out while decorating the alleys of old town centres. Indispensable confirmation for those who use them to embellish their dishes, they are an incredible surprise for those who taste them for the first time.

Italy is renowned throughout the world for its good cuisine. During the Christmas period, the Italian kitchen becomes even more rich and varied thanks to the traditional Christmas treats that are prepared only for the festive season. You can’t say that you have fully experienced Italy without having discovered its Christmas traditions, which are different and unique depending on the region. From nougat to struffoli sweet dough balls, castagnedde and mostaccioli biscuits, the traditional Christmas treats show the true essence of the country and deeply rooted to its past. It's time to discover southern Italy's Christmas sweet delicacies before you start planning your next vacation.