Policoro
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Latest page update: 16 May 2025
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By: Dion Protani
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Where to Stay
Where to Stay in Policoro
Policoro, on the Ionian coast of Basilicata, is a modern town with archaeological sites, sandy beaches and a lively summer atmosphere. It has a good range of established hotels, many of them catering to visitors drawn to the seaside and nearby nature reserves.
Hotel Hermes provides modern rooms, a restaurant and convenient access to the beach, regularly praised for comfort and value (€€). Heraclea Hotel Residence features a large pool, spacious rooms and leisure facilities, often noted for its family-friendly atmosphere (€€). For a resort-style experience, Hotel Marinagri offers direct beach access, wellness facilities and consistently strong guest feedback (€€€).
Hotel Hermes provides modern rooms, a restaurant and convenient access to the beach, regularly praised for comfort and value (€€). Heraclea Hotel Residence features a large pool, spacious rooms and leisure facilities, often noted for its family-friendly atmosphere (€€). For a resort-style experience, Hotel Marinagri offers direct beach access, wellness facilities and consistently strong guest feedback (€€€).
Where is
Where is Policoro?
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The town of Policoro is situated within the Province of Matera and has a population of 17,875 inhabitants.
Covering an area of 67 km², it stands 25 metres above sea level and is located 130 km south east of Potenza, capital of Basilicata. The main attraction of Policoro is its nearby beach at Lido di Policoro and accompanying holiday village. |
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Comune di Policoro
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Province: Matera
Region: Basilicata Population: 17,789 (in 2024 - source) Size: 68 km² Elevation: 0-25 metres Water quality: Blue Flag Beach 2024-2025 Highlights: Chiesa della Madonna del Ponte, Piazza Eraclea Close by: Lido di Policoro, Rotondella, Nova Siri, Tursi, Pisticci Recommended accommodation: Hotel Marinagri |
What People Ask About Policoro, Basilicata
Is Policoro worth visiting?
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What are the main attractions in Policoro?
When is the best time to visit Policoro?
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Discover
Discover Policoro
Policoro lies on the Ionian coast of Basilicata, within the province of Matera, and stands on the fertile plain between the Agri and Sinni rivers. The town combines a modern layout with ancient roots, having developed near the site of Heraclea, an important Greek colony. The coastal area is known for its long beaches, pine forests, and clear waters that stretch along the Gulf of Taranto, making it one of Basilicata’s main seaside destinations.
Cultural attractions include the National Archaeological Museum of Siritide, which houses artefacts from the Greek and Roman eras discovered in the area. The nearby countryside is rich in agriculture, particularly citrus groves and vineyards, while the town’s location provides convenient access to Metaponto, Nova Siri, and the nature reserves that protect the Ionian coastline. Policoro serves as both a lively resort and a gateway to southern Basilicata’s historical and coastal heritage.
Cultural attractions include the National Archaeological Museum of Siritide, which houses artefacts from the Greek and Roman eras discovered in the area. The nearby countryside is rich in agriculture, particularly citrus groves and vineyards, while the town’s location provides convenient access to Metaponto, Nova Siri, and the nature reserves that protect the Ionian coastline. Policoro serves as both a lively resort and a gateway to southern Basilicata’s historical and coastal heritage.
Things to Do
Things to Do in Policoro
- Historic centre of Policoro blends modern development with traces of its ancient past, including remnants of the ancient Greek city of Heraclea nearby. The town features wide streets, squares, and a seafront promenade that reflects its role as a coastal community in Basilicata. Its setting near the Ionian Sea gives it a relaxed, maritime character.
- Parco Nazionale del Pollino Visitor Centre is located close to Policoro, offering exhibitions about the region’s natural environment, including flora, fauna, and geology. It serves as a gateway for visitors interested in exploring the nearby national park’s extensive trails and wildlife.
- Lungomare di Policoro is a lively seafront promenade lined with cafés, restaurants, and shops. It provides a pleasant space for walking and socialising while enjoying views of the Ionian Sea. Seasonal events and markets create a vibrant atmosphere during the summer months.
- Beaches of Policoro offer wide sandy stretches and calm waters suitable for swimming and sunbathing. The area includes public beaches as well as beach clubs, catering to families and visitors looking for recreational water activities. Facilities and services are well developed along the coast.
- Guided tours combining natural and cultural experiences often explore Policoro’s archaeological sites, coastal environment, and nearby national park. Local guides provide insights into the area’s history, ecology, and culinary traditions. These tours often include visits to traditional farms and tastings of regional food and wine.
Tours and Activities
Policoro Tours and Activities
Photo Gallery
Policoro 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
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
How to Get to [Place Name]
How to Get to Policoro
By Rail: Policoro has its own train station on the Taranto–Reggio Calabria line, operated by Trenitalia. Regional trains connect the town to Taranto in about 1 hour and 15 minutes and to Reggio Calabria in roughly 3 hours. The station is centrally located, within walking distance of the main town area and a short drive from the beaches along the Ionian coast.
By Road: Policoro is situated in the province of Matera, close to the Ionian Sea, around 70 kilometres southeast of Matera. The drive takes approximately 1 hour via the SS407. From Taranto, the distance is about 90 kilometres, with a journey time of around 1 hour and 30 minutes via the SS106. Policoro is well connected by major coastal and inland roads, with ample parking near the town centre and seafront areas.
Nearest International Airports:
By Road: Policoro is situated in the province of Matera, close to the Ionian Sea, around 70 kilometres southeast of Matera. The drive takes approximately 1 hour via the SS407. From Taranto, the distance is about 90 kilometres, with a journey time of around 1 hour and 30 minutes via the SS106. Policoro is well connected by major coastal and inland roads, with ample parking near the town centre and seafront areas.
Nearest International Airports:
- Bari Karol Wojtyła Airport: Located about 145 kilometres northwest of Policoro, with a drive of around 2 hours via the SS407. This is the most convenient airport, offering a wide range of domestic and international flights.
- Brindisi Salento Airport: Situated approximately 140 kilometres northeast, taking about 2 hours by car via the SS106. It provides regular flights to destinations across Italy and Europe.
- Lamezia Terme International Airport: Around 190 kilometres southwest, with a journey time of about 2 hours and 40 minutes via the A2 and SS653. It serves numerous national and international routes.
Private Transfers
Policoro Private Transfers
A private transfer offers a convenient and comfortable way to travel to or from Policoro, allowing you to reach this coastal town without the need to drive or depend on public transport. You’ll be picked up from your chosen location and taken directly to your destination by a professional driver.
Bari Karol Wojtyła Airport and Brindisi Salento Airport both provide good access to the Ionian coast, with routes passing through open countryside and coastal plains. Transfers can also be arranged to nearby towns such as Scanzano Jonico, Nova Siri, and Metaponto, or to destinations across Basilicata and Puglia.
To request a quote or check availability for a private transfer, just fill out the short form below and we’ll get back to you with all the details.
Bari Karol Wojtyła Airport and Brindisi Salento Airport both provide good access to the Ionian coast, with routes passing through open countryside and coastal plains. Transfers can also be arranged to nearby towns such as Scanzano Jonico, Nova Siri, and Metaponto, or to destinations across Basilicata and Puglia.
To request a quote or check availability for a private transfer, just fill out the short form below and we’ll get back to you with all the details.
