Basilicata Coast to Coast, Maratea-Matera

Maratea is composed of numerous hamlets, a system of villages that revolve around the Historic Center, located 310 meters above sea level, at the foot of Mount San Biagio. Each hamlet, from Fiumicello to Cersuta, passing through Acquafredda and Porto, offers bike paths immersed in nature and spectacular views. Cycling through these fractions will allow you to discover picturesque landscapes, breathtaking views of the sea and mountains, and experience the authentic local atmosphere. The Historic Center of Maratea is a true gem to explore by bike. With its cobblestone streets, ancient churches, and lively squares, it offers an authentic glimpse into local life. Take a break in the picturesque Piazza Buraglia or visit the Church of Santa Maria Maggiore. Every corner of the Historic Center tells a story and deserves to be discovered. Whether you are an experienced cyclist or a beginner, Maratea offers routes suitable for all levels. From coastal roads that offer breathtaking sea views to mountain trails that cross forests and valleys, each itinerary is a unique experience. Choose from our recommended routes and discover the best of Maratea by bike. After a day of cycling, treat yourself to a delicious break in one of the area's typical restaurants. Lucanian cuisine, famous for its genuine flavors and fresh ingredients, will offer you delicious dishes such as fish soup, seafood appetizers, and homemade pasta. Free dinner and overnight stay.

We start from Maratea, a charming coastal town, following the route of the famous film "Basilicata Coast to Coast", heading towards Trecchina. We pass through this picturesque village, renowned for its excellent bread, immersing ourselves in local traditions and enjoying the breathtaking surrounding landscapes. We then proceed towards Lauria, where some of the film's most iconic scenes were shot. This stop offers the opportunity to explore another fascinating Lucanian locality, rich in history and culture. The road then leads us towards Nemoli and the picturesque Lake Sirino, located at the foot of the eponymous massif. Here, the natural beauty of the lake and the surrounding mountains provides a perfect moment of relaxation and contemplation. We conclude the day with a delicious dinner, tasting the specialties of Lucanian cuisine, and stay overnight in a welcoming local accommodation, ready to continue our adventure the next day. A bicycle journey through nature, culture, and gastronomy, following in the footsteps of "Basilicata Coast to Coast". Free dinner and overnight stay.

The route starts in Lagonegro, where the bike path follows the track of the former railway line, leading you through breathtaking scenic landscapes. Along the way, your eyes will be delighted by views that encompass majestic mountains, lush forests, and picturesque countryside. The tranquil atmosphere and the absence of vehicular traffic make this experience even more relaxing and rewarding. Cycling towards Rotonda, your path will wind through historic bridges, railway tunnels, and abandoned stations, offering a fascinating perspective on the history of the railway and its adaptation into a bike path. Every kilometer traveled will bring you closer to new discoveries and adventures, ensuring a variety of sensations along the entire route. We conclude the day with a delicious dinner, savoring the specialties of the local cuisine, and stay overnight in a welcoming accommodation in the area, ready to continue our adventure the next day. A bicycle journey through nature and history for an unforgettable experience along the old railway line. Free dinner and overnight stay.

Leaving behind the silence of the Murgie di Sant’Oronzo, we continue on isolated roads that traverse the ridges of the hills in the Val D’Agri. The route follows the river along a dirt road that borders orchards and the aqueduct that quenches the thirst of Puglia. After a few kilometers of gentle uphill slopes, we begin the ascent towards Aliano, the village where Carlo Levi was exiled during the Fascist regime. Upon reaching Aliano, we cycle along a magnificent road through the Calanchi di Aliano Park. From here, the climb takes us to Tursi, an ancient village surrounded by dramatic cliff formations known as “jaramme.” The historic district, Rabatana, is a splendid tangle of houses built from stones and bricks. The surrounding landscape is dominated by clay formations called Calanchi, which feature bizarre and striking shapes. We conclude the day with a delicious dinner, savoring the specialties of the local cuisine, and spend the night in a cozy accommodation in the area, ready to continue our adventure the next day. A bicycle journey through rolling hills and unique landforms for an unforgettable experience in the heart of the Val D’Agri. Free dinner and overnight stay.

Today’s route takes us to the Ionian coast, passing through the picturesque towns of Policoro and Scansano Jonico, where the famous route from the film “Basilicata Coast to Coast” comes to an end. We start the day by cycling through the beautiful Fiume D’Agri Valley, enjoying breathtaking views of the sea that accompany every mile of our journey. Our path then leads us to the Regional Reserve of the Calanchi di Montalbano Jonico, a unique natural area with a lunar landscape marked by strange and captivating geological formations. As we ride through these impressive calanchi, the silhouette of Craco Vecchia becomes increasingly visible on the horizon. Craco is an ancient village that was abandoned in the 1970s due to a landslide and became famous as a film set for several movies, including Mel Gibson’s renowned “The Passion”, where it was used for the dramatic scene of Judas’s death. A visit to this evocative location offers an immersive experience into the history and beauty of deserted and surreal landscapes. After leaving the almost mystical silence of the abandoned houses of Craco, we head towards Pisticci, a charming hilltop village. We end the day with a delicious dinner, enjoying local culinary specialties, and stay overnight in a comfortable accommodation, ready for the next day’s adventures. Free dinner and overnight stay.

As the journey continues, the route leads to Pomarico, a picturesque hilltop village known as the birthplace of the famous composer Antonio Vivaldi. During the climb to Pomarico, spectacular views of the Matera hills can be admired, and the historical and cultural atmosphere of this quaint village can be experienced. After exploring Pomarico, the trip proceeds to the Lake San Giuliano Nature Reserve. This enchanting natural area features rich biodiversity and offers breathtaking landscapes. Here, visitors can also explore the Cripta del Peccato Originale, known as the “Sistine Chapel of Rock Art” for its extraordinary prehistoric frescoes. The visit to the crypt provides an opportunity to admire ancient frescoes and discover the rock art of ancient times. Following the visit to the Cripta del Peccato Originale, the route continues to Matera. Upon arriving in Matera, the next stop is Piazza Vittorio Veneto, a panoramic viewpoint offering a spectacular view of the Sassi of Matera. This belvedere is the perfect spot to capture a memorable photo of the magnificent Sassi landscape and the historic city. The day concludes with a typical dinner at a local restaurant in Matera, where the delights of Lucanian cuisine can be enjoyed. After a delicious meal, the night is spent in a comfortable accommodation in the city, preparing for the next day's adventures. Free dinner and overnight stay.

Start a biking adventure that takes you through some of the most enchanting and evocative locations in Basilicata. The journey begins at the famous Sassi of Matera, an ancient cave-dwelling district that stands as one of the most extraordinary examples of the coexistence between humanity and nature. These historic districts, carved into the rock, have been recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1993 and were named European Capital of Culture in 2019. They offer a unique panorama of cave houses and rock-cut churches that narrate centuries of history and tradition. Leaving the Sassi behind, the route meanders through the Murgia Materana Park, one of Italy's most spectacular rupestrian landscapes. This vast natural area, located just a few kilometers from the Puglia border, features a dry and captivating terrain, with dramatic geological formations and ancient relics from Magna Grecia. Cycling along the trails of the Murgia, you can observe rock-cut churches, ancient monasteries, and fascinating settlements that offer a glimpse into the ancient relationship between humans and the natural environment. This itinerary is not just a ride through breathtaking landscapes, but also a genuine movie tour celebrating the cinematic beauty of Matera. The route guides participants through the locations where scenes from some of the most significant films in Italian and international cinema were shot. Free dinner and overnight stay.

After breakfast at the hotel, you will head back to your own destinations. End service.