By: The Savour Italy TeamPosted on
Historic street in Ferrandina, Basilicata, Italy, looking towards the main square and clock tower, with terracotta steps and potted plants in the foreground.

Tucked between Puglia and Calabria, the region of Basilicata remains one of Italy’s best-kept secrets. With its rugged landscapes, hilltop towns, and deep-rooted traditions, it offers a truly authentic slice of southern Italian life, one that’s refreshingly untouched by mass tourism. If you are looking for a quieter, more soulful travel experience filled with history, charm, and local flavour, these five Basilicata towns deserve to be explored.

 

Pisticci 

Perched on a hilltop with sweeping views of the surrounding countryside, Pisticci is a vision of whitewashed houses, narrow streets, and terracotta rooftops. Its elevated position makes it ideal for a quiet, scenic stroll or an afternoon of photography. But Pisticci is also home to a beloved local spirit: Amaro Lucano. The famous herbal liqueur has been produced here for over a century and remains a symbol of Basilicata’s rich culinary heritage.

Charming evening street scene in Pisticci, Basilicata, Italy, with string lights, whitewashed houses, and the Ristorante Pizzeria L’Incontro at sunset.
Night view of the illuminated arches and historic buildings along the main promenade in Pisticci, Basilicata, Italy.
Vintage blue Amaro Lucano van parked in front of the illuminated Essenza Lucano visitor centre in Pisticci, Basilicata, Italy.

 

Ferrandina 

Ferrandina is a picturesque village surrounded by olive groves and rolling hills. It’s renowned for producing some of the region’s finest olive oil, a staple of local cuisine. Visitors can sample and buy directly from small producers who still follow traditional methods. Ferrandina is also famous for its “sospiri,” delicate sponge cakes filled with cream and glazed with icing. The town’s elevated position offers panoramic views that are especially stunning at sunset.

Palazzo building with clock tower in the main square of Ferrandina, Basilicata, Italy, framed by ornamental olive trees and vibrant red flowers.
Freshly harvested olives in a green crate at an olive oil farm in Ferrandina, Basilicata, Italy, with panoramic countryside views under a bright blue sky.

 

Miglionico 

Miglionico may be small, but it boasts one of Basilicata’s most impressive medieval landmarks: the Castello del Malconsiglio. This 9th-century fortress has a dark past, it was the site of a conspiracy and massacre in the 1400s, but today it stands as a powerful symbol of local history. The town is also known for its luscious figs, which are often sun-dried and used in traditional desserts. A stroll through Miglionico offers a perfect mix of culture and culinary delight.

Historic pink church facade with a small fountain in the main square of Miglionico, Basilicata, Italy, under a clear blue sky.
Traditional Italian appetisers on a white tablecloth overlooking the scenic hills and lakes of Basilicata at sunset, near Miglionico, Italy.

 

Grottole 

Grottole is a peaceful hill town with a timeless atmosphere and a rich artisanal tradition. One of its most striking landmarks is the Chiesa Diruta, a 15th-century Catholic church that suffered significant damage from earthquakes, fires, and construction issues, leading to its early abandonment. Today, its haunting ruins stand as a dramatic testament to the town’s layered past. Grottole is also known for its traditional pottery-making, with artisans keeping centuries-old techniques alive in their studios.

Ruins of the Chiesa Diruta, an abandoned 15th-century church in Grottole, Basilicata, Italy, with towering arches and dramatic stone walls against a vivid blue sky.
Panoramic view of Grottole, Basilicata, Italy, with historic stone houses clustered on the hillside and bright yellow wildflowers in the foreground under a clear blue sky.

Matera

Known as “la Città dei Sassi,” Matera is one of the oldest continuously inhabited cities in the world. Its ancient cave dwellings, or sassi, carved into limestone cliffs, create a dramatic and unforgettable landscape. Once abandoned and forgotten, these traditional homes have been transformed into boutique hotels, artisan shops, and museums. Wandering through the winding alleys of Matera feels like stepping into a living museum and is one of the most memorable experiences in all of Italy.

Panoramic view of Matera, Basilicata, Italy, at sunset, showing ancient stone houses and the bell tower rising above the historic Sassi cave dwellings.
Historic centre of Matera, Basilicata, Italy, with the Cathedral of Matera and stone cave dwellings under a dramatic blue sky with clouds.

These five towns are just a glimpse into what makes this part of Italy so special. Whether you’re sipping Amaro Lucano in Pisticci or watching the sun set over the olive hills of Ferrandina, Basilicata invites you to travel deeper and savour the true spirit of Italy.

Discover Basilicata, Italy’s hidden gem where ancient hilltop towns and unspoiled landscapes invite you to slow down and savour authentic southern Italian life. From the haunting cave dwellings of Matera to the panoramic olive groves of Ferrandina and the centuries-old traditions of Pisticci, Miglionico, and Grottole, each town offers a unique blend of history, culture, and local flavour untouched by mass tourism. 

Categories: About Italy Travel Guide Trip Idea