Basilicata, from the pearl of the Tyrrhenian Sea to the peaks of Pollino

Sailing along the Norman Route, you will dock in Maratea, one of the most enchanting gems of Basilicata, often called the "Pearl of the Tyrrhenian" for its breathtaking beauty. Located on the Tyrrhenian coast, Maratea is the perfect destination for those seeking spectacular scenery, fascinating culture and rich history. This picturesque town is famous for its enchanting beaches, such as the Spiaggia Nera di Cala Jannita, famous for its dark volcanic sand that creates a fascinating contrast with the intense blue of the sea, giving life to an almost surreal landscape. Don't miss a visit to the Grotta delle Meraviglie, the smallest tourist cave in Italy, which extends for about 90 metres and descends to a depth of 8 metres. Accessible by a comfortable staircase, this cave, located near the tourist port, is a natural masterpiece with stalactites and stalagmites that create a fascinating underground world. Guided tours offer a unique opportunity to explore this hidden treasure and discover the legends that surround it. Maratea is not only a place of nature and landscapes, but also of culture and tradition. The town hosts numerous cultural events throughout the year, such as the Maratea Film Festival, which attracts film lovers from all over the world, as well as other events that celebrate music, art and local traditions. These events make Maratea a lively and engaging place where every visit turns into a unique experience.

Leaving the coast of Maratea and heading inland, your first stop is Latronico. Here, immersed in the suggestive Thermal Park, you will have the opportunity to take a regenerating walk in nature and admire the work “Earth Cinema” by the famous artist Anish Kapoor. This work of art is a large incision dug into the ground, in which the echo of Mother Earth resonates and the shadows of the vegetation above are reflected, creating an immersive and evocative experience. To enrich the environmental and cultural heritage of the Park, the work “Third Paradise” by Michelangelo Pistoletto. This installation represents the third phase of humanity, in which a harmonious balance between artifice and nature is achieved. Access to the Park is free and you can request the tourist guide service to learn more about the Arte Pollino project. From May to October, the Latronico Park also offers the wellness of the Terme Lucane, where you can immerse yourself in a total regeneration experience between saunas, Turkish baths and emotional showers. For complete relaxation, we recommend staying nearby, to completely recharge your body and mind and fully enjoy the beauty and tranquility of the place.

In the morning of the second day, leave the Parco delle Terme di Latronico and head south-east. After about 30 minutes on the SP4 and the SS653, you will reach  San Severino Lucano , a village in a panoramic position that offers a breathtaking view from Monte Alpi to the entire Pollino chain. Here, in Timpa della Guardia, at 1125 metres above sea level, you can live a unique experience on the RB Ride panoramic carousel by Karsten Höller, the slowest in the world.  Consisting of 12 colourful gondolas, the carousel has a capacity of 24 people, including adults and children, with a diameter of 16.75 metres and a height that varies from a minimum of 3.50 metres to a maximum of 10.50 metres. The gondolas rotate in a circle and tilt towards the ground, making a full turn every quarter of an hour. The recovery of the value of time, reflection and contemplation are the invitations to experience dictated by the poetics of the artist, who allows you to admire nature and to have a new and particular point of view on the environment. In the charming centre of San Severino Lucano, among the stone alleys enriched by the splendid portals of the noble palaces, there is the Museum-Laboratory of Minor Fauna, dedicated to the variety of diurnal butterflies that have found their natural habitat in these places. Here you can also visit the Museum of Arts and Crafts to admire and learn about important testimonies of the ancient peasant civilisation. You can taste the typical products of mountain cuisine, including “mbastata”, a lettuce and potato minestrone, “zafarani e ova”, a bell pepper omelette, and “ca tuma”, a typical local cheese. After enjoying the quiet and natural beauty of the Pollino National Park, it is time to return to the sea. The return journey to Maratea, along panoramic roads, will be the perfect opportunity to reflect on the emotions felt and to savor the flavors of Basilicata once again. Once you arrive at the tourist port, you can relax while admiring the sunset over the sea, enjoying an aperitif and planning your next trip to this land full of charm.