Photo of Mateola. Basilicata is lapped by two seas, which give the coast different conformations: the Tyrrhenian coast, characterized by high waters, inlets and caves and the Ionian coast, where the beaches are more suitable for children and similar to that of Greece, and usually preceded by very thick pine forests. Let’s see together the 10 most beautiful beaches in Basilicata .
Beach Location, Province Type Lido di Metaponto Bernalda, Matera sand
Nova Siri Marina Nova Siri, Matera sand
Calette di Maratea Maratea, Potenza gravel and pebbles
Cala Jannita Maratea, Potenza volcanic sand
Beach of Bosco Pantano di Policoro Policoro, Matera sand
Porticello di Maratea (Acquafredda) Maratea, Potenza dark gravel and
Illicini pebbles Maratea Maratea, Potenza volcanic sand
Lido di Scanzano Jonico Scanzano Jonico, Matera sand
Lido di Policoro Policoro, Matera sand
Riva dei Ginepri Marina di Pisticci, Matera sand
Map and photos of the beaches
Metaponto Lido, Bernalda, Matera
Metaponto Lido, Bernalda, Matera
Calaficarra, Calette di Maratea
Calaficarra, Calette di Maratea
Beach of the Bosco Pantano di Policoro
Porticello di Maratea (Acquafredda)
Porticello di Maratea (Acquafredda)
Riva dei Ginepri, Marina di Pisticci – Matera
Riva dei Ginepri, Marina di Pisticci – Matera
1/17
1 – Metaponto, Bernalda
Photo of Mateola. Metaponto is the cradle of some of the most beautiful beaches in Basilicata, ranging from beaches equipped with all comforts, to large free beaches, located among unspoiled nature.
The beach runs along the entire coast of the municipality of Bernalda , and is characterized by beautiful golden sand . Behind the beach then, the presence of an expanse of pine forests allows you to relax in the shade, in the hours of particular summer heat.
The beach is experiencing a particular period of recovery, post nourishment in 2010, due to the destruction of the beach due to the winter tides.
- How to get there: it is located on the Ionian coast of Basilicata, in the municipality of Bernalda. By car via the Adriatica motorway, exit at Palangiano, continue along the SS106, towards Reggio Calabria, and follow the signs for Metaponto. Alternatively, Autostrada del Sole, exit Sicignano, and then follow the Basentana highway to Metaponto – Get directions
- Type : golden sand
- Where to sleep in the surrounding area : Hotels and b & b from € 40.00 per room – see the offers
2 – Nova Siri Marina, Matera
Photo by Pufui Pc Pifpef I. The Nova Siri Marina beach is located in the Municipality of Nova Siri in the province of Matera, formerly known as Bolliti. Long beach of golden sand, surrounded by landscapes ranging from the sea to the mountains, the beach is bathed by blue and crystalline waters, with sandy and shallow bottoms suitable for “little ones”.
The beach is characterized both by the presence of lidos, which offer all comforts, and by free beach areas. These shores were the set of some shots of the film “Tre Fratelli” by Francesco Rosi.
In the evening, when the sun goes down, the various beaches organize aperitifs and open-air disco evenings.
- How to get there: it is located on the Ionian coast of Basilicata. Reachable by car from Matera in an hour along the A1 Autostrada del Sole towards Metaponto, exit for Scanzano Jonico, and then follow for Nova Siri. We do not recommend using the train as it takes at least 4 hours – Get directions
- Type : golden sand
- Where to sleep nearby : Hotels and b & b from € 45.00 per room – see the offers
3 – Calette di Maratea, Maratea
Hidden and set between rocky spurs and wild vegetation, the Calette di Maratea are a series of small solitary beaches of gray sand including, the most beautiful and wild and certainly Calaficarra, made of gravel and dark pebbles .
These beaches are particularly suitable for lovers of nature and relaxation , except for snorkelling and diving enthusiasts, given the particular depth of the waters, which allows you to enjoy the view of the extraordinary prairies of Poseidonia.
- How to get there: Tyrrhenian coast, overlooking the Gulf of Policastro. By car, take the SS18 road, from Sapri to Castrocucco, and stop at the villages of Cersuta, Acquafredda, Porto, Fiumicello, Marina and Castrocucco. From here look for the entrances that lead to the sea – Get directions
- Type : gravel and pebbles
- Where to sleep in the surrounding area : Hotels and b & b from € 47.00 per room – see the offers
4 – Cala Jannita, Maratea
Among the most famous beaches of the Basilicata coast, Cala Jannita is also known as Black Beach, due to the dark color of the sand. A large stretch of beach surrounded by cliffs surmounted by woods, which form the Illicini Natural Park, the Cala can be reached by following a path between the rocks, also suitable for children , like the rest of the beach.
The charm of the place is enhanced by the presence of the Grotta Sciabella, which reflects the turquoise color of the sea. Laura Pausini recorded the video of the song “Non e dire” on this beach.
- How to get there: in Maratea, Province of Potenza, overlooking the Tyrrhenian Sea. By car, take the SS18 that leads to the sea, after a wide curve, turn right and head towards the large parking lot. Once the car is parked, take the small road surrounded by greenery, which ends with a staircase that ends on the coast – Get directions
- Type : volcanic sand
- Where to sleep in the surrounding area : Hotels and b & b from € 41.00 per room – see the offers
5 – Spiaggia del Bosco Pantano di Policoro, Matera
The magnificent Bosco Pantano di Policoro is a WWF nature reserve as the last testimony of the vast plain deciduous forest, which once covered the entire Ionian coast of Basilicata. The beach can be reached by passing through the wood, which gives its name to the beach, today the chosen point of some specimens of sea turtles , including the Caretta Caretta, which meet there to lay their eggs.
The beach is a quiet expanse of soft sand, bathed by blue and clear waters, which have made it a site of great naturalistic importance.
- How to get there: it is located on the Ionian side of Basilicata, in the province of Matera. By car, take the SS106 southbound, pass the town of Policoro and continue to the Bosco Pantano nature reserve, which you must cross on foot to reach the beach – Get directions
- Type : golden sand
- Where to sleep in the surrounding area : Hotels and b & b from € 47.00 per room – see the offers
6 – Porticello di Maratea (Acquafredda), Potenza
The Portacquafridda beach is better known among the inhabitants of the area as the Porticello beach, as it overlooks a bay like a dock, which is well sheltered from the sea currents.
This beach is particularly known among tourists and inhabitants of the area, for the presence of a bubble of fresh and cold water in the middle of the sea, visible to the naked eye even from the road, thanks to the difference in density.
The beach is surrounded by lush vegetation, and enjoys the presence of the largest natural cavity ever explored in Basilicata , the Dragon’s Cave.
- How to get there: Acquafredda, a hamlet of Maratea, in the province of Potenza. By car from the north, take the Milan – Naples motorway, continue towards Salerno. The beach is about 2 hours from Potenza – Get directions
- Type : dark gravel and pebbles
- Where to sleep in the surrounding area : Hotels and b & b from € 49.00 per room – see the offers
7 – Illicini beach of Maratea, Potenza
The curious name of the beach indicates the holm oaks which, given their unusual characteristic of being dwarfs, have become “illicini” in dialect. This particular beach is in fact surrounded by a dense forest of dwarf holm oaks , which grow particularly numerous on this stretch of coast. The beach, wedged between the rocks, is equipped with umbrellas and sunbeds, and enjoys shallow waters , which stretch for several meters from the shore. It is also easily accessible by land .
- How to get there: Tyrrhenian coast, near Maratea. By car via the A3, exit Lagonegro nord, direction Maratea / Praia a Mare. Or from the A14, exit Foggia, move towards Candela. The beach is about 2 hours from Potenza – Get directions
- Type : volcanic sand
- Where to sleep nearby : Hotels and b & b from € 500.00 per room – see the offers
8 – Lido di Scanzano Jonico, Matera
The long and wide beach of Lido di Scanzano Jonico can be defined as “the town beach”. This alternates free stretches at times equipped with umbrellas and sunbeds, all kissed by a clear and clean sea, with sandy bottoms that become deeper as you go out to sea.
Rich in services and comforts , the beach has dunes and vegetation typical of the Mediterranean maquis behind it, and boasts a series of clubs, which in summer ensure diversified night entertainment .
- How to get there: Ionian coast, province of Matera. By car you have to travel about 63 km (about an hour) on the SS106 – Get directions
- Type : golden sand
- Where to sleep in the surrounding area : Hotels and b & b from € 47.00 per room – see the offers
9 – Lido di Policoro, Matera
Photo of Butega. The Lido di Policoro is the beach of the town of Policoro, and is located a short distance from the archaeological site of the ancient city of Eraclea .
The beach is a long sandy beach, which alternates between free and equipped sections, with all the comforts needed to enjoy a day at the beach in total relaxation. The sea is crystalline everywhere, with shallow waters that gently become deeper, as you walk out to sea.
The beach borders to the south with the WWF Policoro Herakleia Oasis and the management of the equipped parts of the beaches is entrusted to some of the historic beaches of the place.
- How to get there: Ionian coast, by car take the A3 motorway towards Salerno. By train, direct train line to Metaponto – Get directions
- Type : golden sand
- Where to sleep in the surrounding area : Hotels and b & b from € 47.00 per room – see the offers
10 – Riva dei Ginepri, Pisticci – Matera
The Ginepri beach is one of the most exclusive beaches in the area and is suitable for everyone. The well-spaced umbrellas promote relaxation and the lounge corners with sofas and straw covers are tailor-made for those who want to enjoy an aperitif with a sea view . The beach is wide and long, and has very fine sand kissed by a crystalline sea , with shallow waters for many meters from the shore: ideal for the little ones.
- How to get there: Marina di Pisticci, province of Matera. By car via the E90 or A14 motorway, then along the SS407 known as La Basentana – Get directions
- Type : golden sand
- Where to sleep nearby : Hotels and b & b from € 55.00 per room – see the offers
Plan your holiday in Basilicata: flights, hotels and tours
Basilicata is a region that has recently entered the Italian tourist panorama. Rich in both historical and natural attractions, it boasts some of the most beautiful coasts of our country but, given the predominantly mountainous territory, communications within the same region by public transport are scarce: for this reason it is recommended to go on holiday by car own, or rent one.
- Low cost flights: Flights to Bari (58km from Matera) from € 29.00 – check the offers
- Where to sleep: Hotels and b & b from € 47.00 per room – see the offers
- Recommended cards, tickets and tours:
