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Basilicata
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Explore Basilicata for Matera's cave districts, Lucanian mountains, ancient Greek sites, volcanic vineyards and Ionian and Tyrrhenian shores.

Basilicata occupies the instep of Italy's southern peninsula, stretching from the Apennine highlands to the Ionian Sea and, through the narrow coastal territory around Maratea, to the Tyrrhenian Sea. It is a region of striking geographical contrasts: dry ravines and pale limestone around Matera, wooded peaks in the Pollino and Lucanian Apennines, volcanic slopes around Monte Vulture, and a small but varied coastline. Distances are greater than the map may suggest, and the landscape rewards an itinerary that combines several bases rather than attempting to cover the entire region in short day trips.
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Matera is Basilicata's best-known destination, celebrated for the Sassi, a network of homes, churches and passages excavated or built into the ravine's limestone walls. The city is not simply an open-air monument: its historic districts sit beside a functioning modern town, while the surrounding Murgia Materana preserves rock churches, archaeological traces and expansive views across the Gravina. Potenza, the regional capital, has a different character, rising along a ridge in the Apennines and serving as a practical base for exploring the inland provinces. Smaller settlements such as Castelmezzano, Pietrapertosa, Acerenza and Venosa reveal the region's medieval and early modern architectural inheritance.
The mountains provide some of Basilicata's most rewarding scenery. The Dolomiti Lucane, around Castelmezzano and Pietrapertosa, are jagged sandstone peaks threaded by walking paths; the Pollino National Park occupies the southern highlands shared with Calabria and contains extensive beech woodland, alpine landscapes and remote valleys. In the north-west, Monte Vulture is an extinct volcanic massif surrounded by vineyards, lakes and towns including Melfi and Rionero in Vulture. Southward, the Ionian plain opens towards the archaeological sites of Metaponto and Policoro, where Greek colonial history, wetlands and sandy beaches form a markedly different landscape.
Basilicata's cultural identity is closely tied to rural life, seasonal food and historic movement between mountain villages and agricultural plains. Local cooking makes use of hard wheat, legumes, lamb, pork, forest mushrooms, cheeses and preserved vegetables. Pane di Matera has a distinctive, durable form, while the dried and fried peperone crusco is a characteristic ingredient of inland cuisine. The Vulture produces Aglianico del Vulture, one of southern Italy's most respected wines. On the Tyrrhenian coast, Maratea combines steep wooded hills, coves and a historic centre, whereas the Ionian shore is flatter and more open. Together these landscapes make Basilicata a region for slow travel, archaeology, walking, food and close attention to the relationship between settlement and terrain.

When is the best time to visit Basilicata?

Best: May–June, September · 23–28°C
Average daytime high and rainfall by month
MonthHigh (°C)Rainfall (mm)
January1055
February1150
March1545
April1940
May (best)2335
June (best)2830
July3125
August3125
September (best)2730
October2135
November1540
December1145

Getting to and around Basilicata

How to get there

Basilicata has no large international airport of its own. Visitors commonly arrive through Bari Airport in neighbouring Apulia, particularly for Matera and the eastern part of the region, or through Naples Airport in Campania for western and northern Basilicata; both airports are outside the region. Matera is connected by rail to Bari, while Potenza lies on national and regional rail routes linking it with Salerno and other southern Italian cities. Long-distance coaches also serve major towns. By road, the A2 motorway provides access towards Potenza and the Pollino area, while the A14 and A16 routes in neighbouring regions can be useful for northern and eastern approaches.

Transportation

Matera's Sassi and historic core are best explored on foot, although the approach involves steep lanes and steps. Potenza has an urban transport network and steeply sloping streets, while rail and bus links connect the principal towns but are less convenient for remote villages and scattered archaeological sites. A car is valuable for the Dolomiti Lucane, Vulture, Pollino foothills, Maratea's hinterland and the Ionian archaeological coast. Mountain roads can be winding, and journey times are often longer than distances imply. Taxis and organised excursions are practical alternatives for selected trips, but should be arranged in advance outside the main cities.

Top city travel guides in Basilicata

The cities of Basilicata, and the easiest places to base yourself.

Destinations in Basilicata

Resorts, valleys and scenic spots worth a trip of their own.

Best attractions in Basilicata

Basilicata's attractions range from the extraordinary cave districts of Matera to archaeological parks, mountain landscapes and beaches. In Matera, the Sassi, rock churches and Murgia Materana offer a concentrated encounter with centuries of settlement, while museums and guided walks explain how the city adapted to its ravine setting. The Ionian plain contains the archaeological areas of Metapontum and Heraclea, with temples, sanctuaries and museums set among farmland and coastal wetlands. Inland, the Pollino National Park and the Dolomiti Lucane provide walking, birdwatching and dramatic mountain scenery, with Castelmezzano and Pietrapertosa serving as bases for exploring the latter. Monte Vulture combines forested slopes, volcanic lakes, vineyards and historic towns such as Melfi and Venosa. Maratea provides a contrasting Tyrrhenian landscape of wooded hills, coves and sea views. Basilicata's appeal lies in this variety, but many sites are dispersed and are best approached as part of a planned route rather than a single sightseeing circuit.

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Best landmarks in Basilicata

The Sassi of Matera are Basilicata's defining landmark: a vast sequence of limestone dwellings, stairways, courtyards and rock churches arranged above the Gravina ravine. Nearby, the Rupestrian Churches of Matera and the cave sanctuaries of the Murgia preserve religious art and evidence of long-term settlement in the plateau landscape. In the north, Melfi Castle is closely associated with the medieval history of the Norman and Swabian south, while Venosa's archaeological area brings together Roman remains, a medieval abbey and later layers near the ancient city of Venusia. Acerenza's cathedral crowns a high hill and is one of the region's most prominent examples of medieval ecclesiastical architecture. The castle-topped villages of Castelmezzano and Pietrapertosa form a distinctive human landscape among the sharp sandstone peaks of the Dolomiti Lucane. On the coast, Maratea's monumental Christ the Redeemer statue overlooks the Tyrrhenian shore, while the Greek temples and ruins at Metapontum mark the Ionian plain's ancient Mediterranean connections.

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Explore Basilicata on the map

Plan your trip on one map. See where the top cities, national parks and sights are, and book hotels and experiences in a few clicks.

Best restaurants in Basilicata

Basilicata's cooking is rooted in hard wheat, legumes, seasonal vegetables, pork, lamb, local cheeses and the produce of its mountain and agricultural districts. Matera is closely associated with pane di Matera, a durable, sculpted loaf with a crisp crust, while peperone crusco, a dried red pepper briefly fried until crisp, appears in dishes throughout the inland region. Handmade pasta such as cavatelli and lagane is served with vegetable, pulse or meat sauces, and rural menus may feature podolica beef, lamb and forest mushrooms. The Ionian coast adds fish and seafood to the regional repertoire, while the Vulture is known for Aglianico del Vulture and vineyard-based food traditions. Look for trattorias, bakeries, farm shops, market stalls, village bars and country restaurants rather than expecting one uniform style of dining; recipes and ingredients vary noticeably between mountain communities, Matera and the coastal plains.

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Best bars in Basilicata

Evening life in Basilicata is generally centred on piazzas, wine bars, cafés, restaurants and traditional pubs rather than a large club circuit. Matera has the broadest visitor-oriented choice, with venues around the modern centre and historic districts offering regional wine, aperitivi and late meals, while Potenza provides a more local urban scene shaped by its student and administrative population. In smaller inland towns, bars often function as social meeting places and may be liveliest during the evening passeggiata, especially in summer. Maratea and the Ionian coast acquire a more seasonal rhythm, with outdoor dining and occasional live entertainment during the warmer months. Rural nightlife is quieter and may involve a long meal, a village festival or a small gathering in a main square, so visitors should not assume that late-night transport or clubs will be available outside the principal towns.

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Best nightclubs in Basilicata

Evening life in Basilicata is generally centred on piazzas, wine bars, cafés, restaurants and traditional pubs rather than a large club circuit. Matera has the broadest visitor-oriented choice, with venues around the modern centre and historic districts offering regional wine, aperitivi and late meals, while Potenza provides a more local urban scene shaped by its student and administrative population. In smaller inland towns, bars often function as social meeting places and may be liveliest during the evening passeggiata, especially in summer. Maratea and the Ionian coast acquire a more seasonal rhythm, with outdoor dining and occasional live entertainment during the warmer months. Rural nightlife is quieter and may involve a long meal, a village festival or a small gathering in a main square, so visitors should not assume that late-night transport or clubs will be available outside the principal towns.

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Best shops in Basilicata

Shopping in Basilicata is strongest in historic centres, market towns, food shops and artisan businesses rather than in large retail districts. Matera offers galleries, bookshops, ceramics, leather goods, textiles and food products inspired by the Sassi and the surrounding countryside, while Potenza has the region's most conventional urban high-street selection. In the Vulture area, visitors can seek out Aglianico del Vulture, olive oil, preserved vegetables, cheeses and other farm products through specialist shops and producers. Bakeries and delicatessens are good places to buy pane di Matera, peperone crusco and dried pasta for travel, provided food regulations and packaging are considered. Village markets vary by locality and day, so confirm arrangements locally rather than assuming a permanent tourist market. Handmade pottery, woven items and small works by regional artists are more useful souvenirs than mass-produced objects when their provenance is clear.

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Basilicata essentials

Currency and Payment
Basilicata uses the euro (EUR), as does the rest of Italy. Cards and contactless payments are widely accepted in hotels, supermarkets, museums, restaurants and larger shops, especially in Matera and Potenza. Carry some cash for small cafés, rural bars, market stalls, village services and occasional smaller purchases, since acceptance and connectivity can be less consistent away from urban centres. Italian restaurants may add a cover charge shown on the menu; tipping is discretionary rather than a fixed regional requirement.
Safety
Basilicata is generally suitable for ordinary independent travel, but visitors should take normal precautions with valuables in busy areas and parked vehicles. The main practical risks are uneven paving and steep steps in Matera, heat and limited shade on the Murgia, winding mountain roads, and changing conditions on upland walking routes. On the coast, follow local warnings about swimming and currents. In summer, protect against heat and carry water on rural walks. Check weather forecasts before entering the Pollino or Dolomiti Lucane, where mobile coverage and services may be limited.
Emergency Situations
The national emergency number in Italy is 112, which can connect callers with the police, fire and ambulance services; operators may provide language assistance. For maritime emergencies, the Coast Guard can be reached on 1530. In the mountains, call 112 and explain the route, location and condition of anyone needing help; do not rely solely on mobile coverage. Keep identification, travel insurance details and any essential medical information accessible. Pharmacies display information about out-of-hours cover, which varies between towns.
Do's and Don'ts
Wear appropriate footwear in the Sassi, archaeological areas and mountain villages, and take care around private entrances, church interiors and fragile historic fabric. Dress respectfully when entering churches and avoid photographing worshippers or residents without permission. Do not climb on archaeological structures, enter closed cave areas or leave marked paths in protected landscapes. In restaurants, meals are usually unhurried, and it is normal to ask for the bill rather than expect it immediately. In villages, keep noise low at night and treat narrow streets as living neighbourhoods rather than scenery.
Local Tips
Visit Matera's main historic districts early or later in the day during hot months, then use cooler hours for the Murgia or indoor museums. The Vulture area is particularly rewarding for visitors interested in wine, medieval history and volcanic landscapes, while the Ionian plain combines archaeology with beaches and wetlands. Inland villages may have limited evening services outside the summer season, so plan fuel, meals and cash before leaving larger towns. Regional food shops are useful places to learn about peperone crusco, local cheeses, preserved produce and Basilicata's wines.
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From Eve

Local phrases worth knowing

You don't need to get them perfect. A few words go a long way, and locals appreciate the effort.

6 phrase groups · English, local and pronunciation

Basics
EnglishLocalSay it
HelloCiao[chow]
GoodbyeArrivederci[ah-ree-veh-DER-chee]
YesSì[see]
NoNo[noh]
Please/You're welcomePer favore[pehr fah-VOH-reh]
Thank youGrazie[GRAHT-see-eh]
Excuse me/SorryMi scusi[mee SKOO-zee]
How are you?Come stai?[KOH-meh stah-ee]
Fine. And you?Bene. E tu?[BEH-neh eh too]
Do you speak English?Parli inglese?[PAR-lee een-GLEH-seh]
I don't understandNon capisco[non kah-PEE-skoh]
Eating & Drinking
EnglishLocalSay it
I'd like to see the menu, pleaseVorrei vedere il menù, per favore[vohr-RAY veh-DEH-reh eel meh-NOO pehr fah-VOH-reh]
I don't eat meatNon mangio carne[non MAHN-joh KAR-neh]
Cheers!Salute![sah-LOO-teh]
I would like to pay, pleaseVorrei pagare, per favore[vohr-RAY pah-GAH-reh pehr fah-VOH-reh]
Emergencies
EnglishLocalSay it
Help!Aiuto![ah-YOO-toh]
Go away!Vai via![vye VEE-ah]
Call the Police!Chiama la polizia![KYAH-mah lah poh-lee-TSEE-ah]
Call a doctor!Chiama un dottore![KYAH-mah oon doht-TOH-reh]
I'm lostMi sono perso[mee SOH-noh PEHR-soh]
I'm illSono malato[SOH-noh mah-LAH-toh]
Shopping
EnglishLocalSay it
I'd like to buy...Vorrei comprare...[vohr-RAY kom-PRAH-reh]
I'm just lookingSto solo guardando[sto SOH-loh gwahr-DAHN-doh]
How much is it?Quanto costa?[KWAN-toh KOH-stah]
That's too expensiveÈ troppo caro[eh TROH-poh KAH-roh]
Can you lower the price?Puoi abbassare il prezzo?[pwoy ahb-BAH-sah-reh eel PRET-soh]
Time & Numbers
EnglishLocalSay it
What time is it?Che ore sono?[keh OH-reh SOH-noh]
It's one o'clockÈ l'una[eh LOO-nah]
Half past (10)Dieci e mezzo[DYEH-chee eh MEH-tsoh]
MorningMattina[maht-TEE-nah]
AfternoonPomeriggio[poh-meh-REEJ-joh]
EveningSera[SEH-rah]
YesterdayIeri[YAY-ree]
TodayOggi[OH-gee]
TomorrowDomani[doh-MAH-nee]
1Uno[OO-noh]
2Due[DOO-eh]
3Tre[TREH]
4Quattro[KWAT-troh]
5Cinque[CHEEN-kweh]
6Sei[SEH-ee]
7Sette[SEHT-teh]
8Otto[OT-toh]
9Nove[NOH-veh]
10Dieci[DYEH-chee]
Transport & Directions
EnglishLocalSay it
Where's a/the...?Dove si trova...?[DOH-veh see TROW-vah]
What's the address?Qual è l'indirizzo?[KWAL eh leen-DEE-reet-soh]
Can you show me (on the map)?Puoi mostrarmi (sulla mappa)?[pwoy mohs-TRAHR-mee sool-lah MAH-pah]
When's the next (bus)?Quando passa il prossimo (autobus)?[KWAN-doh PAH-sah eel PROSS-ee-mo (OW-toh-boos)]
A ticket (to ....)Un biglietto (per ....)[oon bee-LYET-toh pehr]

History of Basilicata

Prehistoric Settlements and the Murgia Caves

The ravines and limestone uplands around Matera preserve evidence of human occupation reaching back to the Palaeolithic period. Natural caves provided shelter, while later communities adapted the soft rock for homes, cisterns, animal shelters and places of worship. The Sassi developed over centuries rather than being created as a single planned settlement, and the wider Murgia Materana contains rock churches and traces of agricultural life that illuminate this long continuity. These landscapes are important because they show how settlement, water management and subsistence were shaped by a dry plateau environment.

Greek Colonies on the Ionian Plain

From the eighth century BC, Greek settlers established colonies along the Ionian coast of southern Italy. Metapontum, near present-day Metaponto, became a significant agricultural and commercial centre, while Heraclea, near Policoro, was another important Greek settlement. Temples, theatres, sanctuaries, defensive remains and finely made pottery reflect the economic and cultural ties between these communities and the wider Greek world. The colonies later came into contact with the Lucanians and Rome, but their archaeological remains continue to give the Basilicata coast a history distinct from that of the mountain interior.

Lucanians and Roman Basilicata

The Lucanians, an Italic people whose territory covered much of the region, occupied both inland settlements and areas influenced by the Greek cities. Their interactions with Greek colonies and later conflict with Rome formed part of the wider political transformations of southern Italy. After Roman expansion, roads, estates and urban institutions connected the region more closely to the Roman world, although settlement patterns remained uneven. Remains at places such as Venosa, ancient Venusia, include evidence of Roman urban life and later historical layers, illustrating Basilicata's position between the Apennines and the Ionian colonies.

Byzantine, Norman and Medieval Landscapes

Following the decline of Roman authority, Basilicata became a frontier between Byzantine and Latin Christian spheres, with Greek-speaking monastic traditions leaving a visible mark in cave churches and religious art. Norman rule in the eleventh and twelfth centuries brought the region into the political structures of the southern Italian kingdom. Medieval towns, castles and abbeys were established or strengthened on defensible ridges, including Melfi and Acerenza. The later Swabian and Angevin periods continued this pattern of strategic administration, while rural communities remained closely tied to agriculture, pastoralism and local water resources.

Feudal Power and the Southern Kingdom

For centuries Basilicata formed part of the Kingdom of Naples and, later, the Kingdom of the Two Sicilies. Local noble families controlled estates and fortified towns, while bishops and monasteries influenced education, landholding and religious life. The region's difficult terrain limited large-scale urban development but preserved a dense network of hill settlements, churches and castles. Venosa, Melfi, Matera and other centres acquired different political and ecclesiastical roles, and the contrast between fertile coastal plains and isolated mountain communities remained a defining feature of regional society.

The 1857 Earthquake and Nineteenth-Century Change

A major earthquake struck the Basilicata area in December 1857, causing extensive destruction and loss of life across parts of the southern Apennines. The disaster exposed the vulnerability of towns built on steep or unstable terrain and contributed to later discussions about rebuilding, public administration and infrastructure. The unification of Italy in the same period brought new state institutions, but roads, education and economic opportunities remained limited. These circumstances helped shape patterns of seasonal work and emigration that affected Basilicata well into the twentieth century.

Reform, Emigration and the Modernisation of Matera

In the twentieth century, Basilicata became a prominent example in debates about poverty, land reform and rural housing. Matera's Sassi, once home to a large population living in difficult conditions, were progressively emptied from the 1950s as residents moved to planned neighbourhoods. The relocation was controversial and disruptive, but it also preserved much of the historic fabric. Subsequent conservation, research and cultural investment transformed perceptions of the Sassi, leading to their UNESCO World Heritage inscription in 1993 and Matera's role as European Capital of Culture in 2019.

Basilicata in Photos

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Evendo: Your Ultimate Travel Guide to Basilicata, Italy

Discover Basilicata with Evendo - a 100% free app-based travel guide covering attractions, landmarks, restaurants, and more to make your trip unforgettable.

  • Detailed information on attractions, landmarks, shops, bars, nightclubs, restaurants, and hotels
  • Rich set of images, descriptions, local tips, maps, and contact details
  • Easy booking for hotels, tours, tickets, and experiences
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Experience Basilicata like never before with Evendo, the ultimate free travel guide app. From historic landmarks to local dining spots, plan and book your entire trip with ease.

  • History and travel essentials of Basilicata
  • User-friendly navigation through the app and the city
  • 'Near me' feature to easily find nearby attractions and services
  • Curated local tips to experience Basilicata like a local
  • 100% free with no additional costs

Explore the enchanting region of Basilicata, Italy, with Evendo, your comprehensive travel guide app. Whether you're drawn to the ancient city of Matera, famous for its Sassi cave dwellings, or the stunning landscapes of Pollino National Park, Evendo has you covered. Discover the historic charm of the Matera Cathedral, stroll through the picturesque streets of Maratea, or delve into the region's rich history at the National Archaeological Museum of Metaponto.

Food lovers will relish the local culinary scene with recommendations for top restaurants like Ristorante Francesca in Matera and Da Peppe in Maratea. Evendo also provides detailed information on the best shops, bars, nightclubs, hotels, and much more. Each location is enriched with images, descriptions, local tips, maps, and contact details, ensuring you have everything you need to plan and organize your trip effortlessly.

With Evendo, you can easily book hotels, tours, tickets, and experiences directly through the app. No more endless searching or complicated planning—everything you need is in one place. The app's 'Near me' feature allows you to discover hidden gems around you, no matter where you are in Basilicata. Plus, Evendo is 100% free with no in-app purchases or additional costs, making it your ideal travel companion.

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