Top 10 Places to Visit in Basilicata
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Latest page update: 14 April 2025
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By: Dion Protani
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This top ten list explores the quiet, rugged landscapes of Basilicata — a region defined by hill towns, mountain peaks and dramatic historic settings.
From the cave dwellings of Matera to the perched villages of Castelmezzano and Pietrapertosa, each place offers something unique. It’s a region of hidden beauty, shaped by nature and time. There are seaside views in Maratea, ancient ruins in Venosa, and forest trails in Pollino National Park. Basilicata remains one of Italy’s least visited regions — and one of its most rewarding. |
Pietrapertosa, Basilicata
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Matera
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Matera is famous for its ancient cave dwellings, known as the Sassi, carved into the rock above a deep ravine. These historic districts form one of Italy’s most extraordinary urban landscapes, now protected as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Visitors can explore rock-hewn churches, narrow stairways, and cave museums that reveal thousands of years of human habitation. Many of the caves have been restored and now house hotels, shops, and cafés, blending history with modern comfort. The views at sunset are unforgettable, with golden light washing over the pale stone buildings. |
Matera, Basilicata
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Craco
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Craco is an abandoned hilltop town that was evacuated due to landslides in the 20th century, leaving behind a dramatic ghost town.
Its crumbling towers, narrow streets and empty stone houses attract photographers, filmmakers and curious travellers from around the world. Visitors can join guided tours to explore the ruins safely and learn about the town’s former life before its sudden abandonment. It’s one of Basilicata’s most haunting and visually arresting places. |
Craco, Basilicata
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Maratea
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Maratea is Basilicata’s only major coastal town, spread over hills, beaches and cliffs along the Tyrrhenian Sea.
Its medieval old town is filled with churches and alleyways, while the modern marina offers restaurants and sea views. Above it all stands a giant white statue of Christ the Redeemer, visible from land and sea for miles around. The coastline includes coves, caves and some of the region’s best beaches. |
Maratea, Basilicata
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Melfi
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Melfi was once the seat of Norman power in southern Italy and is still dominated by its well-preserved medieval castle.
The fortress now houses an archaeological museum with finds from the area’s Greek, Roman and Lombard past. The town itself has historic churches, traditional shops and a peaceful, lived-in feel that reflects its deep-rooted heritage. It lies in the volcanic landscape of Monte Vulture, known for wine production. |
Melfi, Basilicata
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Pietrapertosa
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Pietrapertosa is dramatically built into the side of a jagged mountain in the Dolomiti Lucane range.
Its Arab quarter and crumbling castle ruins offer panoramic views, while staircases wind steeply through the stone-built houses. The town is linked to neighbouring Castelmezzano by the Volo dell’Angelo, one of the highest ziplines in the world. It’s a destination for nature, history and a dose of adrenaline. |
Pietrapertosa, Basilicata
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Sant'Angelo Le Fratte
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Sant'Angelo Le Fratte is a small village is best known for its colourful murals, which decorate houses with scenes from everyday life and legends.
The historic centre has a stepped layout with narrow alleys, small fountains and views over wooded hills and valleys. It’s one of several mural towns in Basilicata, each adding artistic character to otherwise traditional rural settings. The village also hosts an annual wine festival and local art events. |
Sant'Angelo Le Fratte, Basilicata
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Venosa
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Venosa is a historic town with Roman ruins, Jewish catacombs and one of southern Italy’s most interesting unfinished churches.
It was the birthplace of the Roman poet Horace, and its archaeological zone includes mosaics, baths and amphitheatre remains. The medieval Abbey of the Holy Trinity stands beside the shell of a never-completed church, creating a striking contrast. The town is quiet, elegant and full of historical interest. |
Venosa, Basilicata
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Pollino National Park
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This vast Pollino National Park covers part of Basilicata and Calabria and includes some of the highest peaks in southern Italy.
It’s home to rare species, ancient forests, karst landscapes and remote villages that preserve old traditions and dialects. Outdoor activities include hiking, canyoning, wildlife watching and visits to caves with prehistoric rock art. It’s a destination for nature lovers and slow, rural tourism. |
Pollino National Park, Basilicata
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Satriano di Lucania
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Satriano di Lucania is another of the region’s mural towns, with large painted scenes stretching across stone walls and buildings.
The artwork tells stories of Basilicata’s culture, from agriculture and family life to local myths and religious traditions. The village also has viewpoints, churches and peaceful lanes ideal for short strolls and quiet discovery. It’s best visited on foot, with time to stop and take in the details. |
Satriano di Lucania, Basilicata
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Castelmezzano
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Castelmezzano sits across from Pietrapertosa in a dramatic mountain setting, with houses that seem to merge into the cliffs.
Steep staircases and narrow arches wind through the village, leading to castle ruins and viewpoints over the Lucanian Dolomites. It’s connected to Pietrapertosa by the Volo dell’Angelo zipline, a thrilling ride between two of Italy’s most scenic towns. The town is also known for festivals and traditional mountain cuisine. |
Castelmezzano, Basilicata
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