2026 Basilicata Travel Guide: must-see attractions, popular food, hotels, transport & travel experiences (updated in January)

▪️As a loyal fan of 007, I have followed 007 to many places, Venice, the Alps, and because of "007. No Time to Die", I am full of curiosity about this cave town. - ▪️I drove from Sorrento for 7 hours to Matera. I have to complain that the roads in Italy are really not good at night, and there are no street lights, it's really too dark. - ▪️It is recommended that friends who drive by themselves park their cars in the new city and then walk to the scenic area. The ancient city of Matera has a history of more than 9,000 years and is listed as a World Cultural Heritage by UNESCO. The cave buildings here are all excavated on the cliffs, and the church's report building is still preserved, the whole city is like a maze, walking on the old stone road is a special experience. There are also craftsmen making stalactite sculptures by hand on the roadside, remember to buy a stalactite refrigerator sticker to take home~

️⃣ Peru's Lake Titicaca Floating Islands 🇵🇪 👉 Floating islands built by the local Uros people using reeds! The entire village floats on the water 🚣‍♀️ So amazing~ 📍 Location: Border of Peru and Bolivia, South America 2️⃣ Oia Town, Santorini Island, Greece 🇬🇷 👉 The most beautiful sunset town with blue and white colors✨ 📍 Location: Northern Santorini Island, Greece 3️⃣ Reine Village, Norway 🇳🇴 👉 A fairy-tale village surrounded by snowy mountains and fjords 🧚‍♂️ The aurora season is super dreamy! 📍 Location: Lofoten Islands, Norway 4️⃣ Guoliang Village, China 🇨🇳 👉 A cliffside village on a sheer rock face! Still preserves the original farming lifestyle 🥰 📍 Location: Huixian City, Xinxiang, Henan Province 5️⃣ Habitat 67, Montreal, Canada 🇨🇦 👉 A futuristic modular housing complex! Full of sci-fi vibes 🚀 📍 Location: Montreal, Quebec, Canada 6️⃣ Sassi District, Matera, Italy 🇮🇹 👉 A millennium-old cave dwelling civilization site 🏛️ 📍 Location: Basilicata Region, Southern Italy 7️⃣ Palm Jumeirah, Dubai, UAE 🇦🇪 👉 Vacation on the world’s largest man-made island 🌴 📍 Location: Dubai, UAE 8️⃣ Varanasi, India 🇮🇳 👉 The thousand-year-old holy city by the Ganges River 🛕 📍 Location: Eastern Uttar Pradesh, India 9️⃣ Shirakawa-go, Japan 🇯🇵 👉 A winter village that looks like gingerbread houses from a fairy tale ❄️ 📍 Location: Shirakawa-go, Gifu Prefecture, Japan 🔟 San Andrés Island, Colombia 🇨🇴 👉 A colorful island in the Caribbean Sea 🌈 📍 Location: Caribbean region, Colombia 🌍 I really want to experience these places in person~ Which one excites you the most? ✨

I absolutely love visiting Southern Italy in winter ⛱️! Temperatures are in the teens (Celsius), the sun is gentle, and there are fewer crowds and beautiful scenery. There's no tourist hustle and bustle, just stone walls, sea breeze, and a perpetually slow pace of life. I've compiled 5 lesser-known towns in Southern Italy perfect for a "winter escape," all accessible by train without needing a car. Save this now! 1️⃣ Lecce | Southern Italian Baroque City 📍Direct train from Rome or Naples 🌤️In winter, daytime temperatures can reach 15℃ (59°F), and the sunlight on the golden stone walls looks like a filter. Sitting at an outdoor cafe, sunbathing and chatting, that 'slow living' is the soul of Southern Italy. 2️⃣ Matera | Sunny Stone City 📍Accessible by train from Bari in 1.5 hours. 🏛️A UNESCO World Heritage town, its cave dwellings appear even more mysterious in the winter mist. When the lights come on at night, the entire city looks like a starlit valley floating in the clouds, unrealistically beautiful. 3️⃣ Siracusa | Sicilian Coastal Ancient City 📍Direct train from Catania in 1 hour. 🌊Temperatures of 20℃ (68°F) are common in winter, you can truly walk along the coast in short sleeves! I recommend staying on Ortigia Island; listen to the waves in the morning, watch the sunset in the evening, and enjoy a fresh seafood dinner at night. The happiness of Southern Italy is that simple. 4️⃣ Salerno | Naples' Winter Harbor 📍Direct train from Naples, only 40 minutes. 🎄Every winter, the "Luci d’Artista" Christmas light festival is held here, and when the city lights up, it feels like entering a fairy tale. During the day, you can also take a boat to Amalfi or Positano, easily visiting two places in one day. 5️⃣ Trani | The Pink Harbor of the Adriatic Sea 📍Direct train from Bari in 30 minutes. 🏖️There are fewer tourists in winter, the old town is quiet, the sun is soft, and photos have a natural film-like quality. Enjoy a seafood lunch at a small restaurant by the harbor, watching the shimmering reflections on the sea—that's winter in Southern Italy.

Italy Matera Stone City Guide: Travel Through 9,000 Years and Encounter the 007 Secret Realm On the cliffs of Basilicata in southern Italy, a millennia-old stone city stands against the mountain. Walking through it feels like stepping into a time-traveling film. Matera Stone City is one of the oldest continuously inhabited cities in the world, with a history dating back to the Paleolithic era. The city is made up of natural caves and man-carved dwellings, forming the unique "Sassi" cave dwellings complex. In 1993, it was listed as a UNESCO World Cultural Heritage site, becoming the first site globally to be inscribed under the "Cultural Landscape" category. The rise, fall, and rebirth of Matera: once a prehistoric human settlement, it became a slum in the Middle Ages due to poor sanitary conditions. In the mid-20th century, the government implemented relocation plans and gradually restored the area, giving new life to this ancient region, which is now a popular destination for tourists. 🎥 007 Movie Filming Location Experience The 2019 film "007: No Time to Die" was shot here. You can follow James Bond’s footsteps and explore iconic scenes from the movie. · Matera Cathedral: The filming location of Bond’s thrilling motorcycle jump, with a summit offering panoramic city views. · Sasso Barisano Viewpoint: The site of Bond’s intense car chase scenes. · Via Muro Street: Where Bond and Madeleine share a quiet moment. · San Pietro Caveoso Square: The filming location of the car drifting scene. 📸 Must-Visit Attractions and Experiences 1. Sassi District Maze Stone Alleys: Wander freely through the Sasso Caveoso and Sasso Barisano districts to experience the layered cave dwellings. 2. Cave Churches: Recommended is the Church of Santa Maria de Idris, with well-preserved interior frescoes. 3. Nighttime Light Show: After sunset, warm yellow lights illuminate the caves, creating a fairy-tale atmosphere. 4. Murgia National Park: Hike through the canyon and enjoy a panoramic view of Matera from the opposite viewpoint, especially spectacular at sunset. 🍷 Food Recommendations · Traditional Saint Lucia Dishes: Osteria San Francesco offers traditional dishes fried in olive oil, including chili peppers, pork, and lamb. · Local Specialties: Try Matera bread (Pane di Matera), orecchiette pasta, and cavatelli. · Culinary Experience: Join a century-old olive grove tour to taste local olive oil and specialty platters. 💡 Practical Information · Best Season: Spring and autumn (April to June, September to October) to avoid the summer heat. · Transportation: Take a train from Bari to Matera Central Station (about 1.5 hours), then transfer to a bus or walk 20 minutes to the old town. · Accommodation Recommendation: Stay in a cave hotel to experience the blend of primitive and modern. Standing on the Murgia National Park viewpoint, overlooking Matera at sunset, golden light spills over the stone houses of the Sassi district. This stone city, weathered by 9,000 years of history, seems to tell the story of human civilization’s resilience and wisdom. Matera is not only a witness to history but also a symbol of vitality—from prehistoric caves to slums, and now a World Cultural Heritage site, its rebirth reminds us that the most precious heritage often comes from the simplest perseverance. Interactive Topic: If you had the chance to stay in Matera for three days, what would you most want to experience? Feel free to share your thoughts in the comments!

Southern Italy 5-Day Chinese Tour🔥Starting from €750 per person! Traveling off-peak in April-May is amazing Avoid the intense sun and crowds of July and August; spring in Southern Italy hides the gentlest romance🌞 The sunlight is just right, not glaring, the coast is less crowded and super comfortable, even the sea breeze carries a lemon scent～ Join the Chinese tour for a worry-free, relaxed trip, check in at the world's most beautiful coastlines and fairy-tale towns, with unbeatable value! 🌟5-Day Highlight Itinerary · No Backtracking 1. Rome → Pompeii (explore the ancient city) → Caserta Palace (European court aesthetics) → Naples 2. Naples → Positano (cliffside colorful houses) → Amalfi (coastal secret spot) → Matera 3. Matera → Bari → Alberobello (mushroom house fairy-tale town) → Ostuni 4. Ostuni → Lecce (Baroque art city) → Potenza 5. Potenza → Capri Island (Blue Grotto + jelly sea) → Naples → Rome 🏖️Must-Visit Spots in Southern Italy · Unique Scenery Every Time - Amalfi Coast: Top 50 scenic spots worldwide! Clear waters perfect for diving and sailing, every snapshot is wallpaper-worthy - Positano: A colorful secret nestled in the mountains, pristine nature + rich culture, strolling the alleys is so healing - Blue Grotto (Capri Island): One of the Seven Natural Wonders of the World! Sunlight refracts into gem-blue waters, stunning at first sight - Capri Island: Celebrities’ private vacation spot! Jelly sea + lemon scent + cliff sea views, romantic to the core - Naples: A charming city embraced by the Mediterranean, stroll and shop along Umberto I Gallery, experience local life - Alberobello: Unique mushroom house architecture, like stepping into a fairy tale, perfect for photos 💰All-Inclusive · Worry-Free with No Hidden Fees ✅ Accommodation: Local 3-star hotels throughout, double rooms, comfortable sleep ✅ Transportation: Tour bus/business vehicle, smooth itinerary without hassle ✅ Guide & Driver: Chinese-speaking guide + dedicated driver (or driver-guide), zero communication barriers ✅ Meals: Daily hotel breakfast to start your day energized ✅ Luggage: 1 checked bag up to 23kg + 1 carry-on, travel stress-free

When you reach the summit of Monte San Biagio at 640 meters above sea level, time seems to stand still. Before you stands majestically the Cristo Redentore di Maratea, a monumental sculpture that at 21.13 meters tall dominates the entire Golfo di Policastro. It is the third tallest Christ statue in Europe and the second in Italy after the Colossus of San Carlo Borromeo. A Masterpiece of Art and Engineering This extraordinary work was created between 1963 and 1965 by the Florentine sculptor Bruno Innocenti, commissioned by Count Stefano Rivetti di Val Cervo. The statue is made with a reinforced concrete frame anchored into the rock with over 14 tons of iron, covered with a mixture of white cement and Carrara marble chips giving it that dazzling brightness under the Mediterranean sun. The numbers are impressive: 19 meters of arm span, a head 3 meters high, and a total weight of about 400 tons. Inside there is even a ladder for maintenance access, although it is not open to tourists. A Fascinating Optical Illusion What makes this statue even more special is its unique configuration: Christ’s shoulders face the sea and his face toward the mainland, as if watching over the people of Maratea. Yet, thanks to the particular angle of the face and eyes inclined downward, from afar sailors seem to feel his gaze directed toward them on the sea—a distinctive landmark for seafarers. Breathtaking Panorama The viewpoint at the statue’s base offers a 360° stunning view: the deep blue Tyrrhenian Sea blending with the sky, rugged cliffs plunging into the Gulf, towns dotting the coast up to Sapri and Diamante, and inland the majestic Lucanian Apennines rising up to 1,500 meters. It is considered the most spectacular panoramic spot in the entire Maratea territory. How to Reach the Statue The road to the summit is an experience in itself: a series of scenic hairpin bends resting on tall pillars, offering ever more impressive coastal views. In summer, to manage tourist flow, cars are stopped at the Madonna degli Ulivi parking (€5/hour), from where a shuttle bus (€1) rapidly takes visitors to the Basilica of San Biagio and the Cristo. For the more adventurous, there is a "path of faith" starting from Santa Caterina that in about 20 minutes leads to the top, avoiding the curves. A Place of Spirituality and Beauty Next to the Christ stands the Basilica of San Biagio, which since 732 A.D. holds the precious relics of the Armenian patron saint of Maratea. The area is steeped in spirituality: Maratea is known as the "city of 44 churches." Nearby is also the Grotta dell’Angelo, considered the area's first Christian place of worship with a rare Byzantine fresco from the 9th-10th century depicting the Crucifixion. Practical Tips ✨ Best moment: Sunset is magical—the sky lights up in warm colors, bathing the statue and landscape in golden light. 🚗 Access: Open 24 hours with free entrance. 📸 Photo tip: At the statue’s feet, look up to capture those

🏰 Matera, a millennium-old city grown out of rock, is located in the Basilicata region of southern Italy. It is known as "one of the oldest continuously inhabited cities in the world," with ancient cave dwellings and churches embedded in the canyon cliffs, as if time has frozen here. Matera is famous for its unique "Sassi" cave dwellings. These structures are carved directly into the limestone rock, layered to form a labyrinthine cave community. They are not only living fossils of human cave-dwelling culture but were also designated a World Cultural Heritage site in 1993, carrying the weight of millennia of history. Walking through the intricate alleys and stone steps feels like stepping into an ancient myth. 💡 Must-visit attractions: Matera Cave Cathedral: Built in the 13th century, located at the highest point of the city, blending Romanesque and Arab styles. From the square in front of the cathedral, you can see the entire "Sassi" district, especially stunning at sunset. San Pietro Caveoso Church: An ancient church hidden in a cave, preserving exquisite Byzantine-style frescoes inside. Quiet and mysterious, it is an important window into local religion and art. Sassi Cave Dwelling District: The soul of Matera. It is recommended to stroll here at dusk when the lights gradually come on, and warm light shines through the cave windows, as if the entire mountain city is illuminated, resembling an alien landscape from Star Wars. 🚌 Transportation tips: Train: Take a train from Bari Central Station to Matera, about 1.5 hours, with tickets around 5 euros. Along the way, you can enjoy the pastoral and hilly scenery of southern Italy. Self-drive: Suitable for travelers who like to explore freely. Driving from Alberobello takes about 1 hour, allowing you to experience the strong contrast between two World Heritage sites along the way. 🏨 Accommodation tips: Matera has many boutique hotels and guesthouses converted from ancient caves, preserving the original stone wall texture while incorporating modern design. Staying here offers a unique atmosphere of "sleeping in history." Be sure to book popular rooms months in advance. 🌿 Other tips: Try local cave restaurants (such as Ristorante Francesca) to taste traditional "farmhouse pasta" and Basilicata hill wines. The best travel seasons are spring (April to June) or autumn (September to October), avoiding the summer heat and winter cold waves. If time allows, join a night tour to hear locals tell the past and present stories of the Sassi district and feel the life behind the stones. City cultural notes

The Matera Museum of Contemporary Sculpture, where the works of artist Gianni Dessì were particularly impressive, is housed in a well-preserved, elegant space that was once home to nobility. The museum offers a unique atmosphere, completely different from typical art galleries. The entire exhibition space, with its modern sculptures set against the backdrop of historic architecture, feels like one cohesive masterpiece. If you visit Matera, I highly recommend stopping by. 📍Via S. Giacomo, 75100 Matera MT, Italy

#ThailandFlightEvent MUSMA Museo della Scultura Contemporanea Matera The Matera Museum of Contemporary Sculpture is not just an art museum in a modern building. It uses the old noble residence and cave structure built in the Sassi area of ​​Matera, especially in the 16th century, as an exhibition hall, so the atmosphere is really different. The works you can see inside are works you can't see anywhere else. I recommend you stop by if you go to Matera. #materamagic #overseastravel #Europeantravel

Marvelous contemporary artworks at the Matera Museum of Modern Sculpture. The museum's greatest charm lies in its harmonious blend of tradition and modernity. Modern sculptures are displayed within ancient residential spaces that seem frozen in time, creating an atmosphere where the past feels alive once more. It's a must-visit for art lovers. If you're in Matera, make sure to explore the Duomo Cathedral and then walk behind it to find the museum. Highly recommended!

#ThailandFlightEvent The Amazon work by Saverio Todaro that I was able to see at Matera MUSMA was a work that raised questions. It was fun to find the deeper meaning of the work while looking for the meaning of the plastic bag with the name Amazon. I thought that it might be a symbol of the Earth losing its connection with nature due to the excessive use of plastic. If you go to Matera and like seeing art pieces, I recommend it because you can see wonderful works in a unique place. #italytravel #EuropeanTravel #OverseasTravel #ItalyTravel

Passing through a dark cave, I came across a building that seemed to have been used as an old palace, now serving as the MUSMA exhibition hall. The exhibition space inside the cave was truly unique, offering a special experience for viewing the artworks. Moreover, the view of Matera's deep canyon through the window gallery added to the charm. If you visit Matera, I highly recommend stopping by the MUSMA Museum of Contemporary Sculpture. Unlike typical art museums, you'll be amazed by the cave setting, the stunning views, the atmosphere, and the artworks themselves.

The ceiling of the Cattedrale di Matera was so magnificent that I couldn't take my eyes off it from the moment I saw it. When I learned that the decorations were actually paintings directly created on wood, I couldn't help but feel a deep sense of reverence for the dedication and artistry of Italian craftsmen. For an entrance fee of €3.50, you can explore the interior of the cathedral, including its museum. I recommend checking the mass schedule and opening hours before visiting.

#ThailandFlightEvent I was able to see the warehouse where the people of Matera stored snow in the old days when ice was scarce. It was a chance to learn again that ice has been used for food storage and medical purposes regardless of the East or the West. I recommend visiting the cave dwellings of Matera to see and learn with your own eyes. #italy🇮🇹 #italytravel

#ThailandFlightEvent If you are traveling to Matera, Italy, the first place that comes to mind is probably the Matera Duomo Cathedral. However, before you go to see the sunset, there is one place I would like to recommend. It is the Museum of Modern Sculpture Art hidden in the Sassi residential area. In the dark caves where real people used to live, the sculptures placed alone quietly shine. Since I am used to seeing them in bright galleries, the silence between the space and the artwork felt a little awkward when I first entered the exhibition hall. I recommend stopping by before seeing the sunset where Matera's old stone walls and modern art meet. #italytravel

#ThailandFlightEvent To enter the Cathedral of Matera, you have to pay an entrance fee of 3.5 euros, but it is worth it because the interior of the Duomo Cathedral is beautifully decorated with gold. If you go to Matera, I recommend you to visit the Duomo Cathedral. 📍Cathedral of Maria Santissima of the Bruna & Sant'Eustachio #beautiful_italy

#HawaiiFlightEvent The space inside Matera Duomo Cathedral, where the Virgin Mary mourns the suffering of Jesus, felt really special. I felt reverent looking at the Virgin Mary in a quiet atmosphere. I was impressed by the delicate architecture of the cathedral, so I recommend you to definitely take a look inside. #beautiful_italy

#HawaiiFlightEvent I was so lucky to be able to visit Matera. I thought there wouldn't be much to see because it was famous for being the place where the famous movie 007 was filmed, but there are so many museums in every corner and the entire city is like an open-air museum, so I recommend visiting Matera, Italy. #beautiful_italy

#AprilTravelSupport As you go down the stairs in Matera Old Town, you can see not only cafes and restaurants, but also many handicraft shops. If you look around slowly, you can also discover hidden handicraft artists in Matera. I recommend visiting Matera Old Town, which also provides photo spots for passing visitors. 📍Via Rosario, 48, 75100 Matera MT, Italy #beautiful_italy

#AprilTravelSupport I recommend Matera because you can see the unspeakable view on the way down from the Sassi residential area to the rock church. If you walk towards Piazza San Pietro Caveoso, you will find the way right away. I recommend Matera, another place I want to visit. #beautiful_italy

#AprilTravelSupport It was a modern sculpture museum that I found by chance in Matera. At first, I hesitated whether to go in because the admission fee was 10 euros, but I think it was a good decision to visit. What made the museum feel more special was that it was using the dwellings where people used to live in caves as exhibition halls. There were many great modern sculptures, and I recommend it because you can view the sculptures by making good use of lighting that matches the caves. #beautiful_italy

#AprilTravelSupport This is a view of Matera Cathedral from Piazza Duomo. Since car parking is available, if you rent a car and travel, I recommend driving here to see the beautiful scenery and enjoy Matera. #beautiful_italy

#AprilTravelSupport I toured the Matera Cathedral before watching the sunset. I recommend it to those who are interested because you can see the crosses used during mass and old wooden sculptures on display before entering the Duomo. #beautiful_italy 📍Piazza Duomo, 75100 Matera MT, Italy

#AprilTravelSupportThe flowers blooming along the road seemed to know the history of Matera. Maybe it was because it was the off-season, but when I went, the Matera Sassi area was quiet and nice to walk around. The old houses that could be seen here and there became photo spots, so no matter where I took a picture, it looked like a postcard. I recommend spending time in Matera because it was really special. #beautiful_italy

#AprilTravelSupport At the Matera market where many locals come to shop, I was able to buy fresh vegetables and fruits at really cheap prices. Oranges and apples sold in large boxes like containers were really cheap. If you travel to Italy, I recommend eating lots of fruits that are delicious, cheap, and bursting with juice. #beautiful_italy

#AprilTravelSupportThe Italian city of Matera is famous for being the place that appeared in the 007 movie. When looking around the old town Sassi area, it was a city that made me curious about the history of the city and the stories of the people who lived in caves. It is a place that is suitable for walking, so I recommend that you set aside plenty of time to look around. #beautiful_italy

#AprilTravelSupport The entrance to Matera Duomo is marked with an arrow at the entrance to the cathedral, but you have to go a little deeper into the back alley. The entrance fee is 3.5 euros. You can also use the bathroom for 50 cents. However, they only accept cash, so I didn't have much money to change, so the staff told me to just go in, and I used it for free. #beautiful_italy

#AprilTravelSupport I was able to see the splendidly decorated manger scene of the birth of Jesus at the Matera Duomo Cathedral. In front of it, I was able to see the stones used to build the cathedral through the glass on the floor. It's worth taking the time to see, so I recommend it if you go to Matera. 📍 Cathedral of Maria Santissima of the Bruna & Sant'Eustachio #beautiful_italy