In a nutshell
- Basilicata is still pretty under the radar, so planning a solid road trip there isn’t all that easy. Our Italy insider has visited the region many times and knows it well — here she shares the ideal 10-day Basilicata itinerary.
- The road trip starts and ends in Bari, which is also the most conveniently located airport for reaching Basilicata.
- Along the route you’ll stay in five places, all worth visiting: Matera, Villa Lancellotti in the countryside, Castelmezzano, Maratea, and Bari. We have a specific hotel recommendation for each stop.
- Make sure your rental car is covered by comprehensive insurance, including glass and underbody protection — the roads here can be rough.
General Tips for a Road Trip Through Basilicata
Before we get into the Basilicata road trip itinerary, here are a few important tips.
Flying into Bari Airport
Bari Airport is technically outside of Basilicata, but it’s only a few kilometers from the border. Flying in here makes the most sense because Bari is just 45 minutes from Matera, the top highlight of Basilicata. Matera is also our first stop.
Alternatively, you can fly into Naples. However, that’s a two-hour drive from Basilicata and at least three hours from Matera.
Car Rental Tips
Make sure to rent a car with full coverage and glass and underbody protection.
The roads in Basilicata aren’t always in the best condition, and flying gravel could cause damage you’d otherwise have to pay for out of pocket.
Even on country roads, you’ll frequently run into some pretty large potholes. It’s better to be covered insurance-wise.
By the way, we always book our rental cars through Discovercars — that’s what we did for our rental in Bari too, and everything went very smoothly.
One more thing: you don’t need a GPS unit in your rental car. They’re often outdated, and things in Basilicata can change quickly — a road might be closed, for example.
Your best bet is to use Google Maps on your smartphone, which is far more reliable. We never had any issues with signal either.
Book Hotels in Advance
This is especially important for accommodations in Maratea and Matera.
If you’re doing your Basilicata road trip in summer, especially in July and August, you should book in both towns at least a month in advance.
At other places in Basilicata, though, this isn’t necessary.
The Best Time to Visit
The best time for a road trip in Basilicata is June and September — especially if you also want to hit the beach. In June and September you’ll get perfect swimming weather without the scorching heat.
If you’re not interested in swimming at all, you can visit Basilicata anytime between March and October. Rainy days are few and far between throughout the year.
By late February we already had blooming meadows and temperatures of 61–63°F, though not every single day — and not everywhere.
Some of Basilicata’s highlights are at higher elevations, for example Acerenza and Castelmezzano. Acerenza sits above 2,600 feet. While you might be walking around in a T-shirt in the valley in spring, you could still need a jacket up here.
Pack Smart
Especially if you’re planning to stay at a cave hotel in Matera, avoid bringing a large suitcase.
Cave hotels are only accessible on foot and up many flights of stairs — a rolling suitcase would make your life very difficult. A duffel bag or a backpack would be a much better choice.
That said, this really applies to all of Basilicata, since the region is very hilly and many accommodations can only be reached by stairs.
Basilicata Road Trip on a Map
We’ve mapped out our Basilicata travel route — all the top highlights — so you can follow along easily.
In total, we were on the road for 10 days and stayed in five different places: Matera, Villa Lancellotti in the countryside, Castelmezzano, Maratea, and Bari.
Day 1: Arrival in Bari and Onward to Matera
Our hotel recommendations in Matera:
Palazzotto (cave hotel)
Hydria Rooms (standard hotel)
On your first day, you’ll arrive in Bari and pick up your rental car. Bari Airport is small, and the rental car counters are located right at the exit of the security area.
If you’ve already reserved your car in advance, the process is quick: show your credit card, ID, and driver’s license, sign a few things, and you’ll have your keys. The parking lot is right in front of the terminal too.
Your first destination is Matera. From Bari, it’s about 45 minutes by car.
You’ll need to park outside the Sassi — your best option is the underground parking garage Welcome Matera. It’s only a few minutes’ walk from the old town.
Your car will be parked by an attendant. Parking here costs €20 per day.
Lies auch:
Day 2: Exploring Matera
The second day is devoted entirely to Matera. These are the highlights you absolutely shouldn’t miss:
- The Belvedere viewpoint at Piazza Vittorio Veneto
- Palombaro Lungo, the largest hand-dug cistern in Europe
- The cave church San Pietro Barisano
- Casa Grotta, a cave dwelling with its original furnishings from the 1950s
These four highlights are must-sees in Matera and easily doable in a single day. Otherwise, just let yourself wander through the Sassi — every corner is seriously Instagram-worthy!
We of course tried out several restaurants. Here are our recommendations:
- Trattoria del Caveoso: classic home-style cooking in the Sassi. Be sure to make a reservation!
- Più Sud: incredibly delicious pizza in a stylish restaurant. You can also pick up local specialties here.
- I Vizi degli Angeli: the best gelato shop in Matera. Loads of unusual flavors — think basil-pineapple or lavender. Our tip: try the ice cream in a brioche bun!
- Terrazza Cavaliere: aperitivo with a view. Enjoy delicious cocktails on a terrace overlooking the Sassi.
Day 3: Checking In at Villa Lancellotti
On your third day, you’ll check out of your accommodation in Matera in the morning and head to your next base: Villa Lancellotti in the countryside.
The property is located pretty centrally in Basilicata, making it a great base for day trips.
The villa has five large rooms that can be rented individually. Alternatively, you can rent the entire house.
The decor is a bit old-fashioned, but it’s an incredibly relaxing place to stay. There’s a huge pool and a tennis court, both free to use.
There’s also a really spacious garden with palm trees and a hammock, plus stunning views over the wide-open landscapes of Basilicata.
On request and for an extra fee, the owner Angela will cook for you: homemade pasta, lasagna, salads — whatever you’re in the mood for.
For the first afternoon, we planned to spend time by the pool at the villa. But if that sounds too low-key for you, you can drive to Irsina — a small, absolutely charming village about 15 minutes from Villa Lancellotti.
Our tip: Don’t miss the night sky in the evening. Because there are no other light sources around Villa Lancellotti, you can see countless stars!
Day 4: Acerenza and Venosa
Day four is dedicated to Acerenza and Venosa. It’s best to start the morning in Acerenza, since it’s closest to Villa Lancellotti — about an hour’s drive.
Acerenza
Acerenza sits above 2,600 feet and is visible from miles away. It truly perches on top of the mountain, somehow reminding you of Gondor from The Lord of the Rings. Why?
The old town, which sits at the peak of the mountain, is surrounded by fortified walls that look completely impenetrable. From up here, you get a truly spectacular panorama over the entire Basilicata landscape.
The old town is a wild maze of tiny, narrow lanes that can only be explored on foot. Getting lost in the labyrinth is a lot of fun.
Acerenza also has its own cathedral, located within the historic center. And right behind it, along Via Guglielmo Marconi, there’s a really wonderful viewing terrace.
For lunch in Acerenza, we recommend Ristorante al Duomo. It unfortunately doesn’t have a terrace, but it’s known throughout the region for its excellent food!
Venosa
From Acerenza, you’ll head to Venosa in the afternoon.
It’s about a 45-minute drive from Acerenza. The town is officially recognized as one of the most beautiful places in Italy.
Italy has a private association called “I borghi più belli d’Italia” that highlights and protects small towns that are particularly worth visiting — and Venosa is one of them.
And it truly is worth visiting: there’s an archaeological park with excavated Roman villas, catacombs, and an amphitheater.
Venosa also has two castles and a beautiful historic district of medieval lanes. Something else you absolutely have to do in Venosa: a wine tasting.
You can do that, for example, at the Cantina di Venosa, one of the most well-known wineries in southern Italy.
Venosa sits in the Vulture wine region, where the prized southern Italian red wine Aglianico del Vulture is produced.
Day 5: Castelmezzano
Our hotel recommendation in Castelmezzano: Hotel Dolomiti (with its own restaurant)
On day five, you’ll check out of Villa Lancellotti in the morning and make your way to Castelmezzano. The official drive time is about 1.5 hours, but in reality it might take longer.
The drive passes through some truly spectacular landscapes — you’ll definitely pull over here and there to take photos!
Castelmezzano is one of the most stunning villages in Basilicata. It’s wedged between the peaks of the Lucanian Alps at an elevation of 2,460 feet. Anyone who knows Basilicata associates “Castelmezzano” with one thing above all: the Angel Flight.
This is where you hurtle along a zip line in a horizontal position over a valley 1,300 feet below, all the way to the next village, Pietrapertosa. Many visitors come to Castelmezzano specifically for this experience.
If you want to add some adrenaline to your Basilicata road trip, this is the place. But even without the Angel Flight, Castelmezzano is absolutely worth the trip.
You’ll spend one night in Castelmezzano before heading toward the coast the next day.
Day 6: Maratea
Our hotel recommendation in Maratea: Hotel Murmann
On your sixth day, you’ll continue toward the coast and Maratea. It’s a two-hour drive from Castelmezzano.
Maratea is by far the most beautiful seaside resort in Basilicata. It’s located on the western coast, just before the border with Calabria. The water here is crystal clear and full of fish.
And because the coastline is very hilly, there are plenty of vantage points — most notably the viewing terrace at the Cristo Redentore.
It looks a lot like the Cristo Redentor in Rio de Janeiro — especially thanks to its prominent position on the mountain overlooking the sea.
After checking in to your hotel, make sure to visit the harbor first. There’s an excellent seafood restaurant with views of the water right there: 1999 Il Ristorante Porto di Maratea.
In the afternoon, it’s worth exploring Maratea’s old town, which sits a little higher up on the hill.
You can stroll around, grab a gelato, and wander the lanes. You should also definitely head up to the Cristo Redentore — in the late afternoon and at sunset, it’s seriously impressive up there!
Day 7: Beach Day in Maratea
Your seventh day is a pure beach day.
Maratea has several beautiful beaches. Spiaggia di Fiumicello is one of the largest and is closest to Hotel Murmann.
There are both public sections of beach and beach clubs with umbrella rentals. There are also two beach bars where you can grab lunch. At the northern end of the beach, there are rocks where you can do some great snorkeling.
One of Maratea’s most unique beaches is Spiaggia Nera. It’s made up of black pebbles and sits a little further out. What makes it especially special are the caves at both ends of the beach — you can actually swim through them!
Day 8: Craco
On your eighth day, you’ll check out of your hotel in Maratea and make your way back toward Bari. But there’s one essential stop along the way: the ghost village of Craco.
From Maratea, it’s about a two-hour drive to Craco.
Our tip: If you’d like to grab a bite before your visit, we recommend Ristorante 292 in Montalbano Jonico. It’s a slight detour, but there’s nowhere to eat in Craco itself. The restaurant sits right on the edge of the Calanchi Natural Park, with an outdoor terrace — from your table you look directly out over the park’s distinctive landscape.
Craco is a genuine ghost village that was completely abandoned around 50 years ago. You can only visit it as part of a guided tour, which runs from April through October, once per hour in English. The tour takes you through the eerie lanes and buildings of Craco.
You can buy tickets on the official Craco website or on-site. There’s also a museum included with the ticket.
After your afternoon in Craco, it’s on to Bari, where you’ll check in to your final hotel.
Day 9: Bari
Our hotel recommendation in Bari: Dimora Fimabechi (in the old town, with parking)
Bari’s old town, known as “Bari Vecchia,” is genuinely worth seeing.
Narrow white lanes, Italian grandmothers kneading pasta on their doorsteps, hidden little piazzas, and Bari’s massive fortress with its museum.
Just let yourself drift through the maze of lanes toward the sea. At Bari’s harbor, you’ll find one of Italy’s most beautiful waterfront promenades, the “Lungomare.”
It runs between Bari’s new and old harbors. The best place to start is along Lungomare Nazario Sauro, strolling all the way to Lungomare Imperatore Augusto.
Here you’ll find a string of stunning Art Nouveau buildings and palm gardens — you can watch the fishermen on their boats or settle into one of the cafés with sea views.
Our restaurant recommendations in Bari:
- Ristorante Antò: good prices, local cuisine, and an outdoor terrace. Be sure to try the Orecchiette con Cime di Rapa!
- Antica Pizzeria da Michele: a historic pizzeria that’s been around since 1870. Absolutely delicious, generously sized pizza.
- La Uascezze: solid home-style cooking, popular with locals too. Best to reserve ahead!
Day 10: Return Flight from Bari
On day ten, you’ll fly back home. Bari Airport is about a half hour by car from the old town. Depending on when your flight departs, you might still have time for a quick side trip to the fishing villages near Bari.
The small town of Polignano a Mare, half an hour south of Bari, is absolutely worth a visit. If your flight doesn’t leave until the evening, make sure to check out and explore the town before heading to the airport!
