Craco​

Latest page update: 11 June 2025
By: Dion Protani
​The village of Craco is situated within the Province of Matera and has a population of 707 inhabitants.

Standing at an elevation of 391 metres above sea level, it covers a total area of 77 km². ​The closest hotel is 20 km away while nearby places of interest include Ferrandina, Aliano, Tursi, Bernalda and Rotondella.

What People Ask About Craco

Where is Craco located?
Craco is located in the region of Basilicata, in the province of Matera. It lies about 50 km southeast of Matera and 40 km from the Ionian coast, in a hilly area above the Cavone Valley.
Why is Craco abandoned?
Craco was abandoned due to a series of natural disasters. Landslides in the 1960s, followed by floods and an earthquake in the 1980s, made the town unsafe to inhabit. The population was relocated to a nearby area called Craco Peschiera.
Can you visit Craco?
Yes, you can visit Craco as part of a guided tour. Due to safety concerns, access to the ghost town is only permitted with authorised guides, who provide helmets and explain the history as you explore the abandoned buildings and streets.
What is Craco known for?
Craco is known as one of Italy’s most famous ghost towns. Its dramatic appearance and deserted medieval streets have been featured in films such as *The Passion of the Christ* and *Quantum of Solace*, attracting photographers and film enthusiasts.
How do you get to Craco?
Craco is best reached by car. It’s about 1 hour and 15 minutes from Matera and 1 hour from Taranto. The town is isolated, and there are no direct train services. Guided tours can be booked locally or online in advance.
Related links

Discover

Discover Craco
Craco is a historic ghost town located in the Basilicata region of southern Italy, perched on a hilltop in the Murgia plateau. Known for its dramatic landscape and eerie atmosphere, Craco was once a thriving village, but it was abandoned in the 1960s due to a series of landslides that made the area increasingly unsafe. Today, it stands as a hauntingly beautiful testament to the past, with its ancient stone buildings, narrow streets, and towering bell tower offering a glimpse into its former life.

The town is surrounded by rugged, untouched countryside, providing a striking contrast to the decaying ruins. Visitors are drawn to Craco for its unique charm and its role as a filming location for various movies, thanks to its ghostly appearance and breathtaking setting. The town itself offers a fascinating exploration of old houses, churches, and other structures that tell the story of its once-thriving community.

Nearby, the town of Matera, famous for its ancient Sassi cave dwellings and UNESCO World Heritage status, is just a short drive away. The region of Basilicata, with its untouched landscapes and quaint villages, offers ample opportunities for hiking and nature exploration. Craco, with its combination of history, mystery, and natural beauty, remains a captivating and evocative destination in southern Italy.​

Things to Do

Things to Do in Craco
  • Craco, Paese Fantasma (Ghost Town): Craco is a historic village in Basilicata, southern Italy, known for its dramatic cliffside location and as a "ghost town." Abandoned due to landslides and earthquakes, it offers visitors a haunting glimpse into its storied past. The village’s old houses, narrow streets, and churches remain largely intact, providing a fascinating and eerie atmosphere.
  • Parco Museale Scenografico di Craco: This open-air museum provides guided tours of the abandoned village, highlighting its historical significance and the events that led to its abandonment. Visitors can explore the remnants of the old town, including houses, churches, and the central square, immersing themselves in the history of this once-thriving community.
  • Torre Normanna (Norman Tower): The Norman Tower, dating back to the 11th century, stands as a key historical landmark of Craco. The tower offers panoramic views of the surrounding valley and hills, making it an excellent spot for photography. It is a reminder of Craco’s medieval importance as a defensive and strategic location.
  • Chiesa di San Nicola Vescovo (Church of Saint Nicholas the Bishop): Built in the 17th century, this Baroque-style church features beautiful frescoes and an ornate altar. The church reflects Craco’s religious history and is an important symbol of the town's spiritual heritage. It remains a significant site in the village, offering a serene atmosphere amidst the town’s abandoned landscape.
  • MEC - Emotional Museum of Craco: This immersive museum uses multimedia exhibits to tell the story of Craco, focusing on the village’s rise and eventual decline. Through photographs, videos, and interactive displays, visitors can learn about the lives of those who once lived in Craco and understand the factors that led to its abandonment.
Craco Tours and Activities
Comune di Craco
Province: Matera

Region: Basilicata

Population: 592 (in 2024 - source)

Size: 77 km²

Elevation: 391 metres

Highlights: Torre Normanna, MEC - Museo Emozionale di Craco

​Close by: Ferrandina, Aliano, Tursi, Bernalda, Rotondella, Valsinni

Recommended stay: Hotel ​Ristorante Mariano (25 km)

Where to Stay

Where to Stay in Craco
  • Hotel La Locanda (Located 5 km from Craco centre.) Situated in a scenic location with views of the surrounding hills, this hotel offers comfortable rooms, a restaurant serving traditional Basilicata cuisine, and a bar. Guests appreciate the peaceful setting, the welcoming staff, and the proximity to local attractions. Price Guide: €€€ (mid-range)
  • B&B Craco Antica (Located in Craco centre.) Set in the historic centre of Craco, this B&B offers a charming stay with views of the ancient village and surrounding countryside. The property includes well-appointed rooms, a garden, and a terrace for guests to unwind. Visitors often highlight the personal service, the tranquil environment, and the fascinating history of the area. Price Guide: €€ (affordable)
  • Agriturismo Il Casale (Located 7 km from Craco centre.) This agriturismo offers a relaxing retreat with panoramic views of the countryside. The property features rustic rooms, a restaurant serving farm-to-table dishes, and a garden. Guests enjoy the authentic atmosphere, the fresh produce, and the quiet surroundings. Price Guide: €€€ (mid-range)
  • Hotel Giubileo (Located 8 km from Craco centre.) Located in a tranquil area, this hotel offers comfortable rooms with views of the hills and surrounding nature. The property includes a restaurant serving Mediterranean cuisine, a bar, and a terrace. Guests appreciate the serene location, the high-quality service, and the easy access to local attractions. Price Guide: €€€ (mid-range)
  • Villa San Michele (Located 10 km from Craco centre.) Set in a peaceful countryside location, Villa San Michele offers elegant rooms and a relaxing atmosphere. The property features a garden, an outdoor pool, and a restaurant with local dishes. Guests enjoy the beautiful surroundings, the attentive service, and the quiet environment for a restful stay. Price Guide: €€€€ (high-end)

Photo Gallery

Basilicata Top 10 - My Recommended Destinations in Basilicata

1. ​Matera
2. Craco
3. ​Maratea
4. Melfi 
5. Pietrapertosa 
6. ​Sant'Angelo Le Fratte
7. Venosa
8. Pollino National Park
9. ​Satriano di Lucania
10. Castelmezzano ​

​👉 Explore the Top 10 Places to Visit in Basilicata

    Private  Transfer  Request

    WE OFFER PRIVATE TRANSFERS ACROSS THE WHOLE OF ITALY!
    To request the price and availability of any transfer route in Italy please use the form below or contact us via the [email protected] mailbox. Make sure you've included details such as the name of the hotel, name of the town/city or which airport/train station where relevant. Our English booking team will get back to you ASAP to assist with your enquiry.
To book one of our private transfers you can contact us via the [email protected] mailbox or use the Whatsapp button above for live chat and general advice about your upcoming trip to Italy. 

SITE SEARCH

If you want to find a page quickly and you're not sure where to look you can use the Site Search box below and it'll point you in the right direction. 

YOUR COMPLETE GUIDE TO ITALY

Italy Review is an independent guide to Italy, showcasing the very best that the country has to offer. Throughout the four thousand pages of the website you'll find comprehensive tourist information, opinion and original photos.

​Alongside the major tourist destinations that you've already heard of, there are thousands of others that may come as a surprise with the intention of the website to provide inspiration for your future trips to the country. 

The photos and descriptions on the website are all my own work and are the fruit of my extensive travels around the country. I've visited every place that's listed on the website which means I'm able to give useful advice for first-time visitors. 

​You can keep in touch with the latest developments in Italy via  my Facebook and Instagram pages. 

If you'd just like to start your exploration of Italy with some ideas of places to go then I'd recommend starting at the highlighted must see Italy page.  Or using the grid to your right you can click a photo to enter  the main menus.                 

THE ITALY REVIEW NETWORK SISTER SITES:

​All photos and images on the site that are marked with the © copyright symbol or with the Italy Review series logos are the property of Italy Review and must not be used elsewhere without prior permission. All written content on the website is also the property of Italy Review and its use is strictly limited to this website alone. 
Chat with us on WhatsApp