A day out in Basilicata
Tuscany Collection
General information Traditional crafts including ceramics , wrought�iron , wood�carving , glass�making , textiles survive in both regions . Costumed dolls and shawls , lace and embroidery in Calabria . Enjoy the breathtaking views from the summit of Monte Biagio above Maratea , crowned as it is by a huge statue of the Redeemer . Take a boat from Praia a Mare to see the grottoes at the Isola di Dino . Visit the striking hill town of Rivello . Explore the Sassi , the cave district of fascinating Matera . Drive inland from Paolo on the coast to the old Calabrian town of Cosenza through vineyards and orchards , forests of oak and chestnut and enjoy the panorama as far at the volcanic Aeolian island of Stromboli . Tropea is famous as being one of the most picturesque towns on the Calabrian coast , with its cathedral , palaces and beaches . Marvel at the famous 10th Century Byzantine cathedral of Stilo .
Cultural highlights The 13th Century Duomo in Matera containing the ‘ Madonna della Bruna ’ an anonymous 12th Century painting . The 13th Century frescoes in the church of Santa Maria di Idris in Matera . Rossano ’ s Museo Diocesano houses the Codex Purpureus Rossanensis , a rare 6th Century Greek gospel with silver lettering . The church of San Francesco in Stilo has an ornate carved wooden altar and a 16th Century painting of the ‘ Madonna del Borgo ’ by an unknown artist . Tropea ’ s cathedral has a 14th Century painting by an unknown artist , the ‘ Madonna di Romania ’. In the church of the Ritiro in Cetraro are three statues by Giovanni Battista Mazzola .
Gastronomic highlights
The gastronomy of these regions is based on traditional , strong , sharp and sun�filled flavours . Basilicata is known for its pasta made in old�fashioned shapes , scamorza cheese , use of fennel and Pollino mushrooms . Calabria uses chilli , aubergines and peppers lavishly . Roast kid with potatoes , peas and artichokes is a regional speciality . Provolone cheese comes from Sila and one of the most famous cakes is the Cozzupa , shaped as an animal , person , basket or heart . The most well�known wine in Calabria is Ciro produced near Crotone . Aglianico del Vulture is the best red wine in Basilicata .
Festivals Drama festival is held in Maratea in August . Matera holds the Sagra della Madonna della Bruna on the 2nd July .
Our two centre recommendations Calabria and Basilicata can be combined as a two centre holiday but each of the regions can also be combined with Puglia , the Amalfi Coast and Sicily in particular .
How you get there By air Airport at Naples ( Daily flights with British Airways from Gatwick direct to Naples ). Airports at Lamezia Terme and Reggio di Calabria - served by ' No frills ' airlines . We can also offer you charter flights from UK regional airports to Naples . Easyjet flies from Stansted to Naples . Hire�cars We include a hire�car with our hotels in Calabria and Basilicata . You may collect and return the car from and to different locations at no additional cost , ideal for a two centre holiday .
A day out in Basilicata
A day ’ s excursion from Maratea
Take the road up to Monte Biagio for a panoramic view of the coast and the Gulf of Policastro . Then drive northwards towards the town of Sapri , passing through the resort of Acquafredda . The road then becomes one of the most beautiful in Italy with breathtaking views . At Sapri leave the coast and drive inland to the perched town of Rivello , a picturesque village where you could pause for exploring or refreshments ( perhaps lunch ). Then take the motorway south as far as Mormanno in Calabria leaving it to take the winding road to Scalea back on the coast . Follow the coast road northwards passing the Isola di Dino with its grottoes which you can reach by boat from Praia a Mare . At Praia a Mare take a detour to the Santuario della Madonna della Grotta above the town where there is a mediaeval wooden statue of the Madonna and Child and another marble Madonna . Back to Maratea .
Traditionally unexplored southerly regions of dramatic natural beauty , stunning coast and mountainous interiors
Matera
Maratea BASILICATA AND CALABRIACosenza
Tropea
Reggio di Calabria
Average temp . in ° Centigrade for Reggio di Calabria . Source : Italian State Tourist
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S Eufemia Lamezia
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