A week in Basilicata (Italy): transport, sights, accommodations

Hi there, I’m wondering about spending a week in Basilicata in southern Italy in mid-to-late March. Initially, I was talking about Puglia, but I realize that in my imagination it was actually Puglia—but no, it’s really the timeless charm of Basilicata that I want to discover.

We’d be leaving from Nice. Do any of you have any tips? People who’ve been there recently—how about transport? Accommodations? A possible itinerary? Maybe fly into Naples and rent a car? Thanks for your feedback!

Have a great day,

Barbara

Hi Barbara, A reply might be a bit late, but here are some insights on Basilicata. We went there at the end of April / beginning of May 2019 with the following itinerary: - Arrival in Naples and car rental - Naples to Matera: can be done in a relaxed day with beautiful countryside landscapes - Matera: a stunning troglodyte city (and touristy!) to explore for at least two days, including the surrounding area - Off to the Apennines: stay in Pietrapertosa, one of the highest mountain villages, very spectacular with a dizzying fortress. You can also visit Aliano (the setting of the book *Christ Stopped at Eboli*) - Pollino National Park (straddling Calabria): stay in Rotonda. Hiking - End of the trip on the coast in Maratea (also touristy): the coastal road is worth the detour (make sure to see the huge Christ statue overlooking the bay), the beaches are beautiful, and the cliffs are impressive Basilicata is VERY mountainous and wild in its central part (in early May, there was still snow on the hiking trails in Pollino). So, small roads and small villages. But it offers a chance to discover a different, more secret, and also poorer side of Italy. Hope this helps! Herminia -

Hi Herminia! Thanks for all the info. It’s really valuable! It’s making me really want to go. Do you think a week is enough? So, ideally, April would be better than March for the weather? Living on the French Riviera, the seaside doesn’t interest me as much as the wild side. The poverty in southern Italy doesn’t bother me—I’m a photographer, and I love what’s authentic and real (I hated Bali in October 2023… well, hated isn’t the right word, I obviously loved it, but what overtourism and Instagram have turned it into—I hated that compared to my first trip there in November 2001!). I loved Naples, for example… I think I struggle with things that are *too* clean… my rebellious Riviera-girl attitude! I’ll try to work out a budget… and if you have any other tips, I’m all ears! Thanks a million!

Barbara

Late April/early May it was still chilly except on the Tyrrhenian coast (Maratea). In a week, I think it's doable—maybe skip Pollino Park since it's further south. The Parco Regionale di Gallipoli in the Apennines has small mountain villages (like Castelmezzano and Pietrapertosa), but that also means winding, slow roads with sheep on them! Matera is worth the detour: it’s probably even more touristy now, but the city is magical (especially at night), and visiting some of the houses gives you a better sense of life in the past. Basilicata doesn’t look like the Italy you see on postcards, but it’s a really beautiful region. The hospitality is excellent (though my husband speaks a little Italian, which helps). We spent 10 days there in total. Have a great trip anyway!

Thanks again! This really reinforces my desire to explore this remote corner of Italy. My grandparents were Italian, so I feel at home in Italy. Living near the border, it's always a pleasure to spend the day there because the welcome, the food, and the prices are so enjoyable. Now I just need to plan a week there in the next month or two!

Have a great evening, Barbara