Basilicata is a southern Italian region situated between Puglia and Calabria, bordered by the Ionian Sea to the south and the Tyrrhenian Sea to the west. The region combines dramatic rolling hills, mountains, and dual-coast beaches that offer varied landscapes. The population is under 550,000 as of 2024, making it far less crowded than major Italian cities like Rome. Maratea provides clear, sparkling-water beaches and is often compared to the Amalfi Coast. Local cuisine is niche and regionally distinctive. The region offers affordable beach escapes and an authentic, less-touristed Italian experience.
Although I have great memories of Emilia-Romagna's incredible food and Sardinia's therapeutic salty air, nowhere has quite stolen my heart like Basilicata - a region I've visited six times since 2021, and come to think of as the country's best-kept secret. Basilicata is located in Southern Italy, right between Puglia and Calabria. I'll admit that I have an emotional connection to the area, too: My great-grandmother hails from a small town called Pignola, right in the heart of the region near its capital, Potenza.
I'm a frequent traveler who's been to all 20 regions of Italy, and Basilicata is my favorite. This southern region has a relatively small population, but I believe it's Italy's best-kept secret. I've been back multiple times to see Basilicata's beautiful beaches and eat delicious local cuisine. Last month, I accomplished my goal of visiting all 20 regions in Italy when I set foot in Molise (which Italians cheekily refer to as "the region that doesn't exist," because it's so small).
Uniquely surrounded by the sea on two coasts - to the south, the Ionian Sea, and to the west, the Tyrrhenian Sea - Basilicata offers a beach escape on a budget. Most notably, Maratea is my favorite Amalfi Coast "dupe" in the country. The beaches in this town are top-notch with clear, sparkling water, and their beauty has been recognized by Borghi Più Belli d'Italia, a nonprofit that works to pres
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