Weekend in Basilicata: what to see and where to go
Are you looking for a destination in Italy for a long weekend but don’t know where to go and want to choose a less popular spot? Basilicata might be for you: easily reachable from the airports of Bari and Naples, it will surprise you with breathtaking landscapes, cultural treasures, and millennia-old traditions. Let’s discover together what makes it unique and what to do on a weekend in Basilicata.
What to do in 2 days in Basilicata: must-visit cities
Potenza, the capital of Basilicata, is a city that combines the charm of the old with the energy of the modern. You could start your weekend right here, after transferring by car from the nearest airport, with a stroll through the historic center, where cobbled streets and historic buildings will take you on a journey through time. Admire the splendid Cathedral of San Gerardo, a superb example of Baroque architecture, and visit the National Archaeological Museum of Basilicata, which hosts a rich collection of artifacts ranging from prehistoric times to the Roman era.
For an authentic culinary experience, treat yourself to dinner in local restaurants, where you can savor the delicacies of Potenza: among the tastiest and most genuine dishes, you will find fresh pasta with turnip tops, fava bean puree with chicory, spit-roasted eel, and raw cod.
The next day you can continue your itinerary towards Matera, world-famous for its Sassi: houses, churches, caves, and narrow streets carved directly into the limestone rock of the Matera ravine, a canyon created over the centuries by the action of water. Declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site, Matera is just over an hour's drive from Potenza and is therefore an essential stop on your Lucanian weekend. In particular, don't miss the Rupestrian Church of Santa Maria de Idris and the Rupestrian Church of San Pietro Caveoso, two jewels of rock art that testify to Matera’s millennia-old religious history.
Where to go in Basilicata if you have an extra day
In addition to the cities of Potenza and Matera, Basilicata offers a myriad of enchanting places to explore during your weekend. If you are passionate about nature, don't miss the chance to visit the Pollino National Park, a protected area that offers spectacular landscapes ideal for excursions, trekking, and outdoor adventures.
For a taste of Lucanian rural life, take a detour to the medieval villages of the Lucanian Dolomites, such as Pietrapertosa and Castelmezzano, nestled among the mountain rocks and famous for their incredible panoramic views and adventurous activities like the Flight of the Angel. They are located about 40 and 30 minutes by car from Potenza along the road to Matera (with a slight detour).
To conclude your weekend in style, if the weather permits, you could opt for a visit to the picturesque seaside villages of the Ionian coast, such as Maratea, with its golden sandy beaches and crystal-clear waters.
If traveling by car, you can reach Basilicata via various highways and state roads: from northern Italy, you can take the A1 highway to Naples and then continue along the A3 highway south to Potenza or Matera; from central or southern Italy, you can take the A14 highway and then the A16 highway, followed by the A3 highway, which will take you to the western part of Basilicata.
