Cycling the Mystical Basilicata
Basilicata, a land of unexpected beauty, invites you on an unforgettable journey. Its allure lies in the exploration of secondary roads, mountains, and hills that unveil striking landscapes at every turn. This region embodies a captivating contrast—a tapestry of lush forests coexisting with the otherworldly allure of Matera’s rocky terrains, sandy Ionian beaches contrasting with the rugged Tyrrhenian coastline, and verdant Apennine pastures juxtaposed against golden wheat fields in the valleys.
Ranked low in population density, Basilicata offers tranquillity and safety for cyclists along its dense network of paths.
Here, you can cycle at ease, far from the bustling traffic, immersing yourself in landscapes that evoke a return to a more organic pace of life. Exploring Basilicata reveals not merely monuments or specific sites, but a gradual unfolding of beauty that beckons to be discovered at your leisure.
Uncover the Vulture in a Leisurely Expedition
Embark on a cycling adventure that delves into the lesser-explored Vulture area, renowned worldwide for producing Aglianico, an esteemed DOC wine. Venosa serves as our strategic starting point, exuding historical significance as the birthplace of Horace, the revered Roman poet. Here, the Holy Trinity complex and ancient catacombs hint at a rich past waiting to be unearthed.
IN YOUR GLASS
Aglianico del Vulture named for an extinct Vulcano near the city of Potenza – aglianico is the grape and here in this are reach the top quality
in your plate
There are many typical Lucanian products and they are all delicious, we name four that must absolutely be tasted, starting with caciocavallo podolico, a typical cheese obtained using the pasta filata technique after a second cooking of the curd.
Among the symbols of the area is the bread of Matera, made exclusively with durum wheat semolina.
Among the area’s most popular agricultural products are the red aubergines of Rotonda, which look like tomatoes and grow in the valleys of the Pollino National Park.
Finally, it is worth tasting the unmissable crapiata materana, a legume soup typical of the Matera area with a very old recipe.
Thrill seeker?
Adrenaline junkies will enjoy il volo dell angelo a zip line that runs between Pietrapertosa and Castelmezzano in the lucanian dolomites – after ending the bike tour!Basilicata: Discover Tranquility and Timeless Beauty
A journey to Basilicata is an unforgettable escape, immersing you in a tapestry of colors, scents, and flavors, offering a rejuvenating silence that melts away the strains of everyday life.
Embraced by the Tyrrhenian Sea in the west and the Ionian Sea in the east, Basilicata boasts diverse landscapes with striking coastal hues. Delight in charming villages nestled over 1,000 meters above sea level, lush forests adorning the mountains, and unspoiled natural vistas that harmonize with a rich historical tapestry. This compact region unfolds an array of attractions catering to every taste.
Basilicata’s history dates back to ancient times, witnessing the rise of indigenous cultures evident in sites like the Serra d’Alto and Castelluccio necropolis. Its zenith arrived during Magna Graecia’s colonization, epitomized by Metapontion, modern-day Metapontum, chosen by Greek settlers for its fertile Ionian shores, propelling it to become a prominent city of ancient Greece.
Not-to-be-missed in Basilicata
Embark on a Basilicata holiday starting with Venosa, a quaint village nestled in the Potenza province’s Vulture region. Considered among Italy’s most stunning, it boasts ancient roots – the Notarchirico prehistoric site stands as Basilicata’s oldest treasure trove.
Enter the awe-inspiring realm of Pollino Park, a sprawling protected haven straddling Basilicata and Calabria. Delve into the depths of the Vulture volcano, where the Monticchio Lakes enthrall with archaeological marvels and a rich tapestry of rare flora and lake fauna.
Journey through the Basilicata hills, where the landscape’s serene rhythm is broken by the arresting Lucanian Dolomites, with their majestic spires that whisper tales of unparalleled natural allure.
The Ionian coast offers sublime beaches, while Maratea’s Tyrrhenian shores boast renowned spots like Macarro, Acquafredda, and Fiumicello – the epitome of coastal beauty.
Experience the extraordinary in two incredible towns: The ‘Volo dell’Angelo’ lets you soar between Castelmezzano and Pietrapertosa suspended on a steel cable amid the Lucanian Dolomites, a thrilling adventure for adrenaline junkies flying solo or in pairs.
Castelmezzano is a medieval marvel, a cluster of houses clinging to rocky outcrops, oozing charm at every corner. For a dose of spirituality, the Crypt of the Original Sin in Matera is a divine treasure. Dubbed the ‘Sistine Chapel of Rock,’ it enchants visitors with its exquisite frescoes and sacred ambiance.”
Movie-Inspired Coast-to-Coast: The Basilicata Adventure
Have you heard of the famous Italian film ‘Basilicata Coast to Coast’?
This captivating movie sparks intrigue, offering a glimpse into the rugged Tyrrhenian coasts and serene Ionian dunes of Basilicata, much like the epic journey taken by director-star Rocco Papaleo.
This cinematic adventure captures the essence of Basilicata’s diverse landscapes, inviting curiosity about the region’s hidden gems. From mountains to beaches, valleys to forests, and timeless villages, the film’s portrayal sparks an exploratory spirit.
This incredible coast-to-coast journey—inspired by film, beckons adventurers, many exploring these marvels on two wheels, offering a biking adventure into Italy’s heart and soul.