Areas: where to base yourself
- Metaponto Lido: beach hotels close to the temples.
- Lido di Policoro: resorts and a marina.
- Bernalda: a town base with restaurants.
Food and drink
The plain is one of southern Italy’s fruit and vegetable gardens, famous for strawberries in spring. Seafood is good along the coast.
Money-saving tips
- Campsites and holiday villages are cheaper outside August.
- Visit the museums on reduced-price days when offered.
Practicalities
Summer is hot and mosquitoes can be a nuisance near the wetlands; bring repellent. Many beach businesses open only from June to September.
Sample plans
One day
Morning at the Metaponto museum and archaeological park, the Tavole Palatine, then an afternoon on the beach.
Two days
Add Policoro and the Siritide museum, and an evening in Bernalda.
