Basilicata Holidays

Basilicata is a region that’s stayed relatively unexplored compared to Italy’s big-name destinations. Down in southern Italy, sharing a border with Puglia, this rural, agricultural region is characterised by rolling mountain landscapes crowned with historic hilltop towns.

The region is a fascinating place to explore for visitors interested in off-the-beaten-track Italy, with beautiful scenery to hike and a patchwork of sights for history buffs to seek out.

Former capital Matera is a must-see; it’s best known for a village-like sprawl of Sassi, neighbourhoods of pre-historic stone houses believed to have been home to Italy’s first settlers around 9,000 years ago. These cave dwellings have experienced some modernisation in recent years, which has seen the Sassi districts develop into small communities filled with shops, hotels and restaurants. Added to UNESCO’s World Heritage List in 2003, they’re certainly some of the most unique places to stay in the country.

a woman standing in front of a mirror posing for the camera

Your plans, our expertise

Start planning your Citalia holiday by getting in touch with one of our Personal Travel Planners.

Lines open: Monday to Saturday 09:00 to 17:30 (Wednesdays from 9:30), Bank Holidays 10:00 to 16:00.

Request Your Quote

Call us on 01293 765055

Destinations in Basilicata

Matera

Holidays to Matera, situated in the southern region of Basilicata, transport you back to ancient times.

Find Out More

Handpicked Hotels in Basilicata

Discover the real Basilicata while staying in one of our carefully selected hotels

Basilicata, Matera

Aquatio Cave Luxury Hotel & Spa

Stay in a unique cave hotel experience in the heart of Matera
Feel pampered in one of southern Italy’s best spas
Unearth the ancient city of stone, a UNESCO World Heritage site

Find Out More

Basilicata, Matera

Sextantio Le Grotte Della Civita

Unique property of 18 restored cave rooms
Located in the UNESCO site of Sassi di Matera

Find Out More

Things to do in Basilicata

Things to doEnjoy the coastlineBasilicata borders two coasts: Ionian and Tyrrhenian. The beaches here are ruggedly beautiful, with dramatic mountain backdrops and plunging cliffs. Find out more about the coastline

Things to doGo hiking in the countrysideBasilicata’s beautiful countryside is beginning to catch the interest of hikers and cyclists, with breathtaking scenery, rural towns and national parks to explore.Find out more about hiking in the countryside

Things to doMatera cave housesMatera’s sassi are one of the region’s best-known sights. These neighbourhoods of pre-historic cave dwellings are said to be the oldest habitations in Italy, and today have formed small communities with cafes, houses and even a few hotels.Find out more about the matera cave houses

Flight Information

Flights to Basilicata arrive into Bari (BRI) from London Gatwick and London Stansted or Brindisi (BDS) from London Gatwick, London Stansted and Manchester and take approximately 3 hours. Please call our Italy Experts in order to book flights to Brindisi.

When to go

Situated in southern Italy, Basilicata has a typically Mediterranean climate with mild winters and hot, dry summers. The region enjoys around 300 days of sunshine a year, making May to September a popular time to visit, when temperatures often peak at 30 degrees. However, the cooler shoulder seasons are ideal if you’re planning on hiking, cycling and other active pursuits.

Visa Information

At the current time, British citizens do not require a visa to visit Italy.

Tipping

Whilst tipping isn’t embedded into Italian culture it is always appreciated as an acknowledgement of good service. Nowadays people generally round up a bill in a bar or cafe and leave 5-10% extra on a restaurant bill. Taxi bills are usually also rounded up.

On guided tours/excursions, it is customary to leave a token of appreciation for the driver and guide.

On small group escorted tours, it is customary to leave a token of appreciation for the driver and guide at the end of the tour.

Introduction to languages

The official language of Italy is Italian. English is widely spoken too, so getting by is easy.

Basilicata Specialities Basilicata is an agricultural region with strong wheat, olive and grape production. That means plenty of pastas and traditional large loaves of bread, as well as an abundance of olives, olive oil and wine like the DOC Aglianico del Vulture.

Basilicata Specialities Soups and hearty sauces are popular in Basilicata, with many dishes featuring a classic base of garlic, olive oil and tomatoes, as well as meat like pork sausages, lamb and veal. Classic dishes include pasta with lu’ntruppc (meat and sausage sauce) and ragù.

Basilicata HistoryBasilicata is one of the oldest regions in Italy, dating back to the Paleolithic era. The stone cave dwellings (Sassi) located in former capital Matera are believed to have housed the country’s first inhabitants, and were honoured as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1994.

Basilicata HistoryThere’s evidence of Basilicata’s fascinating history across the region from its time under Greek, French, Arabian and Spanish rule, while ancient churches and architecture range from Byzantine and Benedictine to Romanesque in style.

Basilicata Holidays

Your plans, our expertise

Destinations in Basilicata

Matera

Handpicked Hotels in Basilicata

Aquatio Cave Luxury Hotel & Spa

Sextantio Le Grotte Della Civita

Things to do in Basilicata

Flight Information

When to go

Visa Information

Tipping

Introduction to languages

What our customers think