In this article, we will guide you through the main stages of this itinerary, which covers about 300 kilometers in nine days. You can choose to follow it by foot, by bike, or by car, depending on your preferences and abilities. In any case, you will discover a region that will surprise you with its natural beauty, historical heritage, and friendly people.
Day 1: Maratea
The journey begins in Maratea, the only town in Basilicata that overlooks the Tyrrhenian Sea. Maratea is also known as the "Pearl of the Tyrrhenian" for its charming coastline, dotted with caves, cliffs, rocks, and beaches of black or golden sand. The sea here is crystal clear and ranges from cobalt blue to emerald green. Maratea is also famous for its 44 churches and its statue of Christ the Redeemer, which stands on top of Mount San Biagio and is second in size only to the one in Rio de Janeiro. From here, you can enjoy a breathtaking view of the sunset over the sea and the lights of the town below. Maratea also offers a lively nightlife, with many restaurants and bars along the harbor.
Day 2: Trecchina
From Maratea, you can take the provincial road that leads to Trecchina, a small village in the middle of the Lucanian Apennines. The road winds through scenic landscapes of dense forests and lush vegetation. Trecchina is located on a plateau surrounded by three peaks, known as the "three chines". In the center of the village, you can visit the Church of San Michele Arcangelo, one of the largest churches in Basilicata. Trecchina is also renowned for its bread, recognized as a traditional agricultural product of Basilicata, its walnut-based sweets, and its chestnut ice cream.
Day 3: Lake Pertusillo and Tramutola
The natural itinerary continues with a visit to Lake Pertusillo, an artificial reservoir created by a dam on the Agri River. The lake is surrounded by green hills and woods and is home to many species of birds and fish. You can enjoy a relaxing walk along its shores or rent a boat to explore its waters. Nearby, you can also visit Viggiano, a town close to the natural park of Monte Papa, where you can admire the archaeological site of Grumentum and the Sanctuary of the Black Madonna.
From there, you can head to Tramutola, another village in the valley of Agri. Tramutola is known for its mineral water springs and its spa center. Here you can treat yourself to some wellness treatments or taste some local specialties such as lamb chops with mint sauce or fried cheese balls.
Day 4: Pollino National Park
The next stage of the journey takes you to Pollino National Park, the largest protected area in Italy. The park covers an area of over 1900 square kilometers and includes mountains, valleys, rivers, forests, and meadows. Here you can admire some rare plants such as the Bosnian pine and some endangered animals such as the Apennine wolf and the golden eagle. You can also enjoy some outdoor activities such as hiking, biking, rafting, or horse riding.
A must-do experience in Pollino National Park is the "Flight of the Eagle", a zip-line that allows you to fly over the valley at a speed of up to 120 km/h. Another attraction not to be missed is Timpe di Terranova del Pollino, a spectacular rock formation that offers a panoramic view of the surrounding landscape.
Day 5: Dolomiti Lucane
The "path of the stones" begins with the enchanting village of Pietrapertosa, bordering with Castelmezzano, one of the ten most beautiful villages in Italy. These two villages are nestled in the rocks of the Dolomiti Lucane, a mountain range that resembles the Dolomites of northern Italy. The two villages are connected by the "Flight of the Angel", another zip-line that lets you soar over the valley at a height of 400 meters.
From these two places, you can enjoy a stunning view of the rocky scenery, typical of this area of Basilicata. You can also visit some historical and cultural sites such as the Castle of Pietrapertosa, the Church of Santa Maria dell'Olmo, and the Museum of Rural Life.
Day 6: Aliano and Craco
The journey continues with a visit to Aliano, a village perched on a clay hill overlooking the Calanchi Valley. Aliano is famous for being the place where Carlo Levi, a writer and painter, was exiled by the fascist regime in 1935. Here he wrote his masterpiece "Christ Stopped at Eboli", a memoir of his experience in this remote and poor land. You can follow the literary itinerary that retraces Levi's footsteps and visit his house, his tomb, and his paintings.
From Aliano, you can also reach Craco, a ghost town abandoned since 1963 due to a landslide. Craco is a fascinating example of medieval architecture, with its houses, churches, and castle clinging to the rock. Craco has been used as a movie set for several films such as "The Passion of the Christ" and "Quantum of Solace". You can explore its ruins with a guided tour or admire it from a distance.
Day 7: Scanzano Jonico
The final destination of the itinerary is Scanzano Jonico, a town on the Ionian coast of Basilicata. Scanzano Jonico is known for its long and sandy beaches, washed by a clear and warm sea. Here you can relax under the sun, swim, or practice some water sports. Scanzano Jonico is also the location of the Theatre-Song Festival, where the protagonists of the movie "Basilicata coast to coast" perform their songs. You can attend this event or enjoy some other cultural and musical shows that take place in the town.
Conclusion
Basilicata coast to coast is an itinerary that will make you fall in love with this region, its nature, its history, and its people. It is a journey that will challenge you, inspire you, and reward you with unforgettable memories. Whether you choose to walk it, bike it, or drive it, you will discover a land that has much to offer and that will surprise you at every step.
If you want to know more about Basilicata and its attractions, you can visit [this website] or watch [this movie]. You can also find more information about the itinerary and its stages on [these websites] .
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