The name Basilicata takes its name from the Latin Basileus, meaning land of kings. This beautiful region indeed deserves such a reputation as it beautifully represents the essence of southern Italy.
Each town in Basilicata hangs on to its local culture, customs and traditions tightly. Whilst in the region, take time to observable their traditions, like the harvesting of grapes for example, and explore the Ionian coast which is characterized by a wide sandy shore, stretching from the Apulian to the Calabrian borders. All along the coast are small seaside resorts, like Lido di Metaponto, (with its archeological remains) while the Tyrrhenian coast has a more dramaticaly jagged rocky coastline behind which luxuriant mediterranean vegetation flourishes. Maratea, with its charming outlying hamlets, is one of the most beautiful resorts of the south Tyrrhenian Sea. The mountain scenery is arid but fascinating as are the `Lucanian Dolomites'. The typical inland villages perched on the hills are worth a visit as well.