Basilicata Holidays

In the south of Italy, the Basilicata region touches the arch of Italy's boot and stretches out to the north and west. Bordering Calabria and Puglia, and the Ionian and Tyrrhenian Sea, the region's vast mountain ranges, forests and national parks are joined by beautiful beaches, rocky bays and ancient settlements.

A visit to Pollino National Park sees wooded slopes lead to bare grass peaks offering dramatic views over the landscape. In winter, snow allows for cross country skiing, while in the warm summer air horse-riding and mountain biking are popular, with white-water rafting available for those seeking thrills.

Smooth white sand beaches adorn the region's southern coast, while the western coast features areas cut into the rock to allow for sheltered swimming in the clear coastal waters. Inland the region's secluded gem, the ancient city of Matera, lies on a rocky outcrop. A complex of cave dwellings built upon throughout the years and surrounded by deep valleys, the city is one of the world's longest continuously inhabited settlements.