In Matera, the splendid capital of Lucania and European Capital of Culture 2019, beyond staying in the classic hotel, you can have the thrilling experience of spending the night in the famous Sassi (a UNESCO World Heritage site), brought back to life also as atmospheric small hotels, guesthouses, and B&Bs. Or in Maratea, a beautiful tourist destination with crystal-clear sea.
Among fresh tuff-carved walls, little windows, balconies, and small doors opening onto courtyards and tiny alleys, you can savor the typical atmosphere of one of the oldest cities in the world, which still holds surprises and emotions for its guests. In the Sassi, nothing is missing, from the basic comforts of the simplest B&B to the refined furnishings of the charming stone hotel. Expanding the discussion to the region, it’s immediately noticeable that here, harmful tourist-driven building projects have fortunately been avoided, and the entire territory has the great fortune of presenting itself harmonious and unspoiled.
Basilicata has two coasts, the Ionian in the province of Matera and the Tyrrhenian in the province of Potenza (the regional capital). On the Tyrrhenian coast is the splendid Maratea, a chic yet undercover resort featuring a high and steep coast. Here, you can stay in many hotel facilities offered over the years by local entrepreneurs to exploit the great potential of the area. Among new hotels and B&Bs, the “Santavenere” certainly stands out, carrying an important piece of the city’s history among the hotels in Maratea. On the Ionian side, the coast is low and sandy, bordered by dense pinewoods, hosting various types of accommodations, ranging from classic hotels, all-inclusive resorts, B&Bs, guesthouses, to farm stays nestled just a stone’s throw from the sea, where guests are always welcome and can immerse themselves in the simple rituals of rural life and a truly enviable palette of flavors, colors, and scents.
