Where to stay in Basilicata, from the Sassi of Matera to the Maratea coast

Where to stay in Basilicata, area by area

The places to stay in Basilicata fall into four very different areas: Matera, the Tyrrhenian coast near Maratea, the Ionian coast and the inland mountains. Here are the five I have gathered, starting with the most visited, and the kind of traveller each one suits.

Matera and the Sassi

Matera is why many travellers choose the region. Sleeping near the Sassi means you can explore it on foot, without worrying about parking, and it is the most sensible base for seeing it at leisure.

• Dimora La Gravina, in Matera. A bed and breakfast a few steps from the Cathedral and the Sassi, with a panoramic terrace and air-conditioned rooms. The hosts are much appreciated, and it works well for anyone walking the town with a dog.

Tyrrhenian coast, near Maratea

This is the stretch of sea for those seeking quiet and views rather than activity. Around here a car is almost a must.

• B&B Zia Yaya, in Cersuta. A small bed and breakfast with air-conditioned rooms, a garden, private parking and sea views. Liked for its generous breakfast and its quiet, as a couple or for a weekend.

Ionian coast and Pisticci

Towards the Ionian the landscape opens into hills and countryside, with beaches a short drive away. It is a good base if you travel by car.

• B&B le perle fg, in Pisticci. Surrounded by greenery, with modern rooms, a private bathroom, Wi-Fi and parking. Liked for its quiet, its cleanliness and a very helpful host.

Inland Basilicata, Brindisi Montagna and Viggiano

Here you sleep for the mountains, the villages and the festivals, not for the sea. It takes time and, again, a car or a bike.

• Basilicata Al Volo, in Brindisi Montagna. A small hostel-hotel in a former school, with a panoramic garden, spacious rooms with bathrooms and shared spaces. Suits families or groups, less so for anyone wanting flawless service.
• Hotel Theotokos, in Viggiano. In a panoramic position near the square for religious festivals, with spacious rooms and a restaurant serving local cooking. Guests find the staff kind.

What kind of accommodation you find in Basilicata

In Basilicata you will mostly find small places. Among those I have gathered there are three bed and breakfasts and two hotels, and no farm stays.

B&Bs are the most suitable option for anyone seeking quiet, whether by the sea, in the Ionian countryside or in town. Hotels are set in the inland areas and work well for families, groups and anyone arriving for the mountains or village festivals. Basilicata Al Volo is somewhere between a hostel and a hotel, with shared spaces, and makes sense for those travelling in company. If you are after a masseria or a farm stay, I do not have any on this list yet.

Matera or the rest of the region, how to decide

If you have only a few days, sleep in Matera and see the rest with a day trip. If you have more time, alternate the city with a stop on the sea or in the mountains.

Matera is the choice for an art city, to be explored on foot at a slow pace. The sea at Maratea is for those who want to switch off, and the Ionian coast for those who want a country base with beaches close by. The inland hills, finally, are the least touristy part of Basilicata and reward anyone curious about villages. It is not a region to rush through, and getting between one area and another takes longer than the map suggests.

Which place to choose depending on your trip

The choice depends on what you want to see and how you get around. With a car the region opens up; without one, Matera is the main option.

When to visit Basilicata and how to get around

Spring and autumn are the seasons I choose for Matera and the inland areas, because walking is effortless. Summer is the season for the sea, at Maratea and on the Ionian coast, but you should book well in advance.

Outside Matera, public transport is not the most convenient way to get around the region. For the coasts and the inland areas you almost always need a car, and cyclists should factor in the climbs to the mountain villages. That is why I paid particular attention to parking, which almost all the places here offer.