In the heart of Basilicata lies Matera, one of the oldest continuously inhabited cities in the world.
While popular tourist destinations like Rome, Venice and Milan are overrun with summer tourism, seasoned holidaymakers are looking for quieter, lesser-known options. This is reported by the Daily Express.
According to Joanne Lynn, the head of Riviera Travel, Basilicata is one of the most exciting and little-known regions in Italy.
“Basilicata offers a truly exciting experience. Its landscapes are wild, its villages unspoilt, and its history is amazing. This is Italy as it once was and as it remains in this part of the country,” she said.
At the heart of Basilicata lies Matera, one of the oldest continuously inhabited cities in the world. Famous for its Sassi, ancient cave dwellings carved into the limestone cliffs, Matera is a surreal blend of prehistoric architecture and modern luxury.
Interestingly, many of these caves have been transformed into boutique hotels, restaurants, and museums, offering a unique experience unlike any other in Italy.
A short drive away is Castelmezzano, a dreamy village high in the Lucan Dolomites. It is perched on picturesque cliffs, reached by winding roads. There, a network of narrow lanes, hidden staircases and stone houses create a breathtaking adventure without crowds.
“For those seeking something more surreal, the abandoned ghost town of Krakó offers an unsettling yet captivating experience. Once a thriving hilltop city, it was evacuated due to landslides in the 1960s,” the article states.
It is noted that today it seems frozen in time: its empty houses still have furniture, and the streets are eerily silent. Now Krakò is used as a film set and is open for tours, allowing you to look into the forgotten past of Italy.
Lynn urged vacationers to venture beyond the tourist routes before regions like Basilicata lost their original appeal. She said:
“If you want to see Italy in its pristine, poetic and peaceful expression. Basilicata is where you need to go. It’s not just a hidden gem, it’s a real treasure trove waiting to be discovered.”
