Basilicata Beaches
Discover Basilicata and its best beaches
Basilicata is a region in southern Italy and is famous worldwide for the Sassi di Matera, two charming districts of the city characterized by houses carved into the rock and declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1993. The city of Matera was also named European Capital of Culture in 2019.
The region is rich in attractions: the Pollino National Park, a protected area where some of the highest peaks of the southern Apennines are located; the caves, including the Romito Cave, which is one of the largest and most spectacular in Italy; and finally, its coasts, which, being bathed by two seas, give rise to equally wonderful and different panoramas.
The Basilicata coast overlooking the Ionian Sea is considered one of the most beautiful in the country, with pristine golden beaches and crystal-clear sea with splendid seabeds, perfect for families with children. In the heart of Magna Graecia, this is an area rich in cultural and historical beauty; eucalyptus and pine forests frame the long coastlines, which lend themselves to pleasant walks in contact with nature.
Metaponto is the main seaside resort in the area, boasting beautiful beaches and tourist sites such as the Archaeological Park and the National Museum of Metaponto. We also find fine and golden beaches in Policoro, which offers paradisiacal views and extraordinary examples of biodiversity thanks to the presence of the regional nature reserve Wwf "Oasi Bosco Pantano": a perfect destination for birdwatching enthusiasts, where the Caretta caretta turtles lay their eggs every year.
Finally, Pisticci deserves a special mention for its fine sandy beaches and beach resorts rich in services, as well as for the magnificent Castle of San Basilio, a fairy tale reception venue.
The coast facing the Tyrrhenian Sea, on the other hand, is rocky and rugged, more wild, with cliffs overlooking the sea, splendid seabeds to discover, and sea caves that can be visited by boat. The most famous seaside resort here is Maratea, which hosts the beaches of Marina di Maratea: 30 km of treasure, where the famous "Spiaggia Nera" or Cala Jannita beach stands out, named after the color of its volcanic origin sand.
Also very characteristic is the beach of Portacquafridda, in the municipality of Acquafredda: surrounded by lush Mediterranean vegetation, it is accessible by a steep staircase that cuts through the cliff.
In general, Basilicata is an ideal region for nature, adventure, and culture lovers. It offers a wide range of attractions, from mountains to the coast, from caves to historic cities, and provides a unique experience for those who want to discover lesser-known Italy.