The two villages are about 10 km apart by road. You can see both in a day, but the trails and the flight make a night worthwhile.
1 Castelmezzano
Houses rise in tiers beneath the rock spires, around the main church and up to the steps carved into the rock where the Norman castle once stood. The views across the valley are spectacular.
Practical: Free. Park at the edge of the village and walk.
2 Pietrapertosa
At over 1,000 m, Pietrapertosa is one of the highest villages in Basilicata. Its oldest quarter, the Arabata, recalls a period of Saracen presence, and the ruined castle is built into the rock above it.
Practical: Free; the castle area involves steep steps.
3 Volo dell’Angelo
Riders are clipped into a harness and fly along a steel cable high above the valley, reaching high speeds. There are two lines, one from each village, so you can fly there and back.
Practical: Seasonal; ticketed, with weight and age limits. Book ahead.
4 Path of the Seven Stones
A trail between the villages with seven stops based on a local novel about witches and a young man called Vito, with sculptures and sound installations along the way.
Practical: Free. Allow a few hours; wear hiking shoes.
5 Via ferrata and the suspension bridge
Protected climbing routes run on the rocks around the villages, and a long suspension bridge spans a gorge near Castelmezzano.
Practical: Equipment and experience needed; guides available locally.
6 Gallipoli Cognato forest
The regional park protects oak and beech woods around the villages, with trails, picnic areas and a visitor centre.
Practical: Free. Best from spring to autumn.
