Tursi​

Latest page update: 16 May 2025
By: Dion Protani

  Where to Stay

Where to Stay in Tursi
Tursi, a historic hill town in the Province of Matera, is characterised by its medieval Rabatana district and surrounding valleys. Accommodation in the town is mainly limited to small residences, so for established hotels the best options are found along the Ionian coast.
​
In Policoro, Hotel Hermes provides modern rooms, a restaurant and convenient access to the seafront, often praised for comfort and practicality (€€). Also in Policoro, Heraclea Hotel Residence features a pool, spacious rooms and leisure facilities, regularly noted for its family-friendly services (€€). For a resort-style stay, Hotel Marinagri offers direct beach access, wellness facilities and consistently strong guest feedback (€€€).

Where is

Where is Tursi?
The town of Tursi is situated within the Province of Matera and has a population of 4,956 inhabitants.

Standing at an elevation of 243 metres above sea level, it covers a total area of 159 km². There are two hotels within 12 km while nearby places of interest include Valsinni, Rotondella, Diga di Montecotugno and Senise.
Comune di Tursi
Province: Matera

Region: Basilicata

Population: 4,750 (in 2024 - source)

​​​​​​​​​Size: 160 km²

Elevation: 243 metres

Close by: Valsinni, Rotondella, Diga di Monte Cotugno, Senise​

Recommended stay: ​Best Western Hotel Imperiale (29 km)

What People Ask About Tursi, Basilicata

Is Tursi worth visiting?
Yes, Tursi is worth visiting for its historic Rabatana quarter, a medieval district of narrow lanes and stone houses. The town is also known for the Sanctuary of Santa Maria di Anglona, an important Romanesque church surrounded by countryside.
How do I get to Tursi?
Tursi lies in the province of Matera, around 120 kilometres from Bari. It is best reached by car along the SS407 Basentana and regional roads. The nearest train station is at Policoro, about 20 kilometres away, with bus connections to Tursi.
What are the main attractions in Tursi?
Main sights include the Rabatana district, with its maze of medieval houses, and the Sanctuary of Santa Maria di Anglona, a UNESCO-listed site for its Romanesque architecture and frescoes. The Mother Church of Tursi and views over the Agri valley are also highlights.
When is the best time to visit Tursi?
The best time to visit is spring and autumn, when temperatures are ideal for walking through the old quarters and countryside. Summer is lively but hotter, while winter is quieter with fewer visitors.
How long should I stay in Tursi?
A half-day visit is enough to explore the Rabatana quarter and the Sanctuary of Anglona. Staying one full day gives time for a more relaxed walk through the town, visits to local churches, and enjoying views of the surrounding hills.
Related links

Discover

Discover Tursi
Tursi lies in the province of Matera in Basilicata, built across a ridge that overlooks the Agri River valley. The town’s structure follows the contours of the hillside, with winding alleys and stairways connecting its ancient quarters. Its elevated position offers sweeping views across the surrounding countryside, where olive groves and clay hills stretch towards the Ionian coast.
​
One of its most striking areas is Rabatana, the oldest part of the town, which preserves traces of its Arab origins in its layout and architecture. Among the notable landmarks are the Cathedral of the Annunziata and the Sanctuary of Santa Maria di Anglona, set just outside the town and renowned for its Romanesque design. Tursi’s setting places it within easy reach of Policoro, Pisticci, and the Ionian shoreline, making it an ideal point from which to explore southern Basilicata.

Things to Do

Things to Do in Tursi
  • Historic centre of Tursi is perched on a hillside, characterised by narrow streets, stone houses, and a blend of medieval and Baroque architecture. The town’s layout includes small piazzas and ancient churches, reflecting its long history. From elevated points, visitors can enjoy views of the surrounding Basilicata countryside.
  • Rabata di Tursi is a notable medieval fortress area featuring narrow alleyways, defensive walls, and stone buildings. This historic quarter offers a glimpse into the town’s past and its strategic importance. Exploring Rabata provides insight into local architecture and community life.
  • Piazza Garibaldi acts as the social heart of Tursi, lined with cafés, shops, and historic buildings. The square hosts markets and festivals, offering visitors a chance to experience local traditions and everyday life. It is a lively meeting place within the town.
  • Surrounding natural walks lead through hills, olive groves, and farmland typical of the region. These trails provide opportunities to explore the rural landscape and traditional agriculture that have shaped Tursi’s economy and culture. Walkers can enjoy scenic views and peaceful surroundings.
  • Guided cultural and historical tours focus on Tursi’s medieval quarter, religious sites, and local traditions. Guides share stories about the town’s heritage, festivals, and artisan crafts. These tours often include tastings of regional food and wine, providing a rounded experience of the area.

Tours and Activities

Tursi Tours and Activities

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

How to Get to [Place Name]

How to Get to Tursi
By Rail: Tursi does not have its own train station, but the nearest one is in Policoro, about 25 kilometres away, on the Taranto–Reggio Calabria line operated by Trenitalia. Regional trains connect Policoro to Taranto in around 1 hour and 15 minutes and to Reggio Calabria in roughly 3 hours. From Policoro, local buses and taxis provide regular services to Tursi.

By Road: Tursi is located in southern Basilicata, around 60 kilometres southeast of Matera. The drive takes approximately 1 hour and 10 minutes via the SS407 and SS598. From Taranto, the distance is about 100 kilometres, with a journey time of around 1 hour and 40 minutes via the SS106. The town is well connected by regional roads, with parking areas situated near the centre and below the historic district of Rione Rabatana.

Nearest International Airports:
​
  • Bari Karol Wojtyła Airport: Situated about 145 kilometres northwest of Tursi, with a drive of around 2 hours via the SS407. This is the most convenient airport, offering frequent domestic and international flights.
  • Brindisi Salento Airport: Located roughly 140 kilometres northeast, taking about 2 hours by car via the SS106. It provides several Italian and European connections.
  • Lamezia Terme International Airport: Approximately 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

Tursi Private Transfers
A private transfer provides a comfortable and direct way to travel to or from Tursi, ideal for reaching this hillside town without the need to drive or depend on public transport. You’ll be collected from your preferred location and taken straight to your destination by a professional driver.

Bari Karol Wojtyła Airport and Brindisi Salento Airport are the main air travel options, with routes passing through the Agri Valley and the Ionian countryside. Transfers can also be arranged to nearby towns such as Rotondella, Policoro, and Aliano, or to destinations throughout 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.

    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