BASILICATA - A Hidden Treasure of Stunning Scenery

 

 

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BASILICATA is a hidden treasure of stunning scenery.  Wedged between Campania, Calabria and Puglia and often overlooked, it is a secret region, full of wonderful surprses.  Like the Amalfi, it has spectacular coast roads. Like Calabria, it has mountains and sea, in startling contrast.  Like Puglia, it has warm people and delicious food and wine.  Yet, it is very different.

 

“Just a quick line to say thank you for another lovely holiday. we very much enjoyed our few days

in Basilicata - as you promised, great setting and delightful staff. We hope to return"
Derrick Teale, Camberley

“The region was fascinating, the coastline is so dramatic and the Christ figure was more impressive

than we had ever imagined it would be. We enjoyed the food so much that we were almost

grateful for the 195 steps down to the beach !”
Heather Cavanagh, Newcastle-Under-Lyme

 

 

 

One of the most sparsely populated regions of Italy, Basilicata has a stunning and varied landscape. The wild and magnificent Pollino National Park is in the south-west corner of the region and its mountains soar above 2,000m. Their summits are topped only by ancient pine trees, which are in danger of extinction and only to be seen in this area. Tiny towns, which retain traditional values and customs, cling to the hillsides and, even nowadays, foreign visitors are an unusual sight. There is mile after mile of unspoilt countryside and forest, home only to wild boar, eagles and other rare wildlife. At different times of year, the Pollino teems with lovely flowers, mushrooms and, inevitably, the much-prized truffles. One of our hotel owners is one of the very few with a licence to gather these delicacies and he bears this privilege with great pride. This is walking country and a paradise for nature lovers. Close to Basilicata’s borders with Puglia, there are Greek remains, a temple at Metaponto and some of the best stretches of golden, sandy beach and award-winning sea, in Italy. Close to this coast is the charming small hill-town of Bernalda, a fascinating place and the original home of Francis Ford Coppola. Apparently, he portrayed Bernalda's Festival of San Bernardino in Godfather III and he has now bought a beautiful palazzo there. You may even bump into him - who knows! Further inland is Matera, the town of the “Sassi”. These are caves, in which people lived and worshipped, up until very recently. It is an intriguing place with an air of mystery about it. The interior of this region is full of fascinating places to discover. There are two coastlines to Basilicata. On the Ionian side, the beaches are famous for their long stretches of golden sand and inviting sea. The Tyrrhenian side is totally different and fabulous. Almost Campania; almost Calabria, this stretch of coast is only about 25km long, bridging the two. In and around the beautiful spot of Maratea, the coast is striking. Driving north or south, it is so stunningly beautiful that it is an easy rival to the more commercial Amalfi Coast. With far less development, but an equally spectacular coast road, there are splendid views over a beautiful seascape, with small hidden coves and bays, which are well worth taking the time to meander around and explore – you will not fail to be impressed. There are countless beaches, some reached by steps, others more easily accessible for the faint-hearted! It may only be a short stretch of coast, but it is a joy of discovery. Maratea is an interesting town, split into several districts, which are several kilometres apart and like small villages in their own right. The old historic centre of the town is up on the hill and is a quaint muddle of narrow streets, little squares, with old churches and villas, and interesting shops. The pretty little harbour, way down below, with its fascinating mix of chic yachts and working fishing boats, is overlooked by tumbles of colourful houses, restaurants and bars. A huge marble figure of Christ towers far above the town and harbour and, visible day or night, guards over Maratea and its citizens. The sea heavily influences the cuisine on the coast. Fish dishes are supremely fresh and delicious and are often served with a touch of sophistication, typical of the region. The food is also superb in the mountains, where dishes are based on fresh produce, locally reared meat and game. The ancient tradition of Lucanian cooking is observed in some parts, using interesting and traditional, almost forgotten recipes. The wines from Basilicata are second to none and are rightly recognised as some of the best that Italy has to offer. Easily accessible from several airports, yet still feeling remote and different, getting to know Basilicata promises to be a unique experience.