Basilicata is best explored by car. Roads are often winding, so distances take longer than the map suggests. These routes allow for that; change them to suit you and keep some slack for the views.
Matera and the badlands
The cave city plus its most striking surroundings.
A long weekend from Bari
- Day 1–2
Matera
The Sassi, the rock churches and the Murgia. See the Matera guide.
- Day 3
Craco and Aliano
A guided visit to Craco, then on to Aliano for sunset over the calanchi.
- Day 4
Metaponto
The Tavole Palatine and the museum at Metaponto, then back to Bari.
Without a car, stay in Matera and book a Craco tour from there.
Classic Basilicata
Matera, the mountains and the Tyrrhenian coast.
A first visit
- Day 1–2
Matera
Two nights in the Sassi.
- Day 3
Craco
Morning at Craco, then drive west.
- Day 4
Dolomiti Lucane
The Volo dell’Angelo and the villages of Castelmezzano and Pietrapertosa.
- Day 5–7
Maratea
Via Potenza to the coast at Maratea for beaches and boat trips; fly home from Naples.
Pick up a car in Bari and drop it in Naples, or reverse the route; check one-way fees.
Two seas and the mountains
From the Ionian to the Tyrrhenian via the Pollino.
Nature lovers and road-trippers
- Day 1–2
Matera
The cave city.
- Day 3
Metaponto
Greek temples and an afternoon on the Ionian beaches.
- Day 4
Craco and Aliano
Ghost town in the morning, Carlo Levi’s village in the afternoon.
- Day 5–6
Pollino
Hike to the loricato pines or raft the Lao in the Pollino.
- Day 7–9
Maratea
Three nights on the coast.
- Day 10
Naples
Drive or take the train north to Naples.
June and September are ideal for this route: warm sea, comfortable hiking.
The grand tour of Lucania
Every corner, from the Vulture to the Pollino.
Slow travellers
- Day 1–2
Vulture
Arrive from Naples or Bari. Melfi, Venosa, the Monticchio lakes and a winery.
- Day 3
Potenza
The museum and old town in Potenza.
- Day 4
Dolomiti Lucane
Castelmezzano, Pietrapertosa and the flight.
- Day 5–6
Matera
Two nights in the Sassi.
- Day 7
Craco and Aliano
The badlands and Carlo Levi.
- Day 8
Val d’Agri
Grumentum and the Pertusillo lake.
- Day 9–10
Pollino
Two days in the mountains.
- Day 11–12
Maratea
End by the sea.
A car is essential. Book Matera and Maratea first; they fill fastest.
Practical help
See how to get around, where to stay, and tours and tickets for each stop.
