You want the best beaches in Basilicata, Italy — a region where wild coves meet sweeping golden strands, and every visit feels fresh, even surprising. This guide draws on my own explorations, blending rugged Ionian and Tyrrhenian coastlines with beaches that are both postcard-perfect and local-favorite. If you’re after a beach trip here, expect both tranquility and adventure — and leave room for discovery.
Best Hotels in Basilicata🔥
- 💎 Luxury Hotel: Saxaurea
- ✨ 5-Star: La Suite Matera
- 🏨 4-Star: Heraclea Hotel Residence
- 🛏️ 3-Star: Cave Room In The Center
- 💸 Cheap: Central Rooms Matera
- 🏢 Apartment: Umbra Idris Holiday Home
- 👪 For Families: CaseNelCuore Holiday Home
- 🏩 For Couples: La Corte Dei Cavalieri Matera
Quick Guide to the Best Beaches 📃
- 🏖️ Golden Sands — Lido di Metaponto Beach
- 🌳 Shaded Slice — Lido di Policoro Beach
- 🌊 Family Bay — Nova Siri Marina Beach
- 🏞️ Nature Hideout — Marina di Pisticci Beach
- 🐚 Black Beach — Cala Jannita Beach
- ⛰️ Cliffside Gem — Santa Teresa Beach
- 🕵️♂️ Secret Cove — Cala della Secca Beach
- 🌿 Pine Forest Path — Fiumicello Beach
- 🌌 Wild Escapade — A’Gnola (Castrocucco) Beach
- 🌊️ Local Legend — Macarro Beach
1. Lido di Metaponto Beach: Sun, History & Gentle Waters
Golden sand meets turquoise water beneath hot, dry summers — Lido di Metaponto Beach is Basilicata’s classic seaside and a relaxed beach resort choice among families planning places to visit along the Ionian coast. I once wandered inland and found myself among the ancient ruins of the Temple of Hera, a gentle reminder this coast has stories stretching back millennia, much like the sassi of Matera that echo the region’s deep history. The beach is wide and gently shelving, ideal for families, with best conditions from early June to late September — warm water, lifeguards, and volleyball nets, plus easy day trips to Acquafredda or Pollino National Park.
The Lay of the Land & Local Advice:
From Metaponto’s main strip, follow Via Lido through a canopy of eucalyptus toward the Tavole Palatine temple — pause here for sunset selfies and add this to your places to visit list before continuing along the coast. Locals love the side stretch near the river mouth for its quiet currents, ideal for floaty afternoons and clear shallow paddles that feel far from the busier beach resort sections. Arrive before 10 am in high season for shade; the coastal bus stops nearby, and the beach is a base for hikes to Pietrapertosa or Pollino National Park. Sand dunes, the Herakleia Archaeology Park, and a drive north to Acquafredda offer extra sights.
- Pro: Safe, shallow seas ideal for toddlers and slow swimmers.
- Con: Gets busy midday in July and August; head early or to the northern end.
Best / Skip:
Lido di Metaponto is best for classic sunbathing and gentle paddling. Skip if you dislike crowds — try Marina di Pisticci for a quieter vibe.
Best Hotels near Lido di Metaponto Beach
💎 Luxury Hotels
- Golf Club Metaponto — Refined country-house stay on the golf course with sauna, hot tub, and a serene garden setting close to Tavole Palatine.
- Blu Village 2 (MT) — Beachfront apartment in Marina di Pisticci with private pool, sea-view patio, and direct access to the coast.
⭐ Best Value Hotels
- All’Ombra Del Carrubo – Metaponto — Peaceful villa-style suites with infinity pool, barbecue area, and garden lounges near Metaponto Lido.
- Abaton – Casa Vacanza — Simple, well-equipped holiday home with garden and shared lounge, convenient for Metaponto’s beach zone.
💶 Smart Budget Hotels
- Lido Venere Affittacamere — Guest rooms 5–8 minutes’ walk to Metaponto Lido Beach; air conditioning and easy access to seaside services.
2. Lido di Policoro Beach: Shade, Forest & Calm
A sandy beach edged by a pine forest, Lido di Policoro gives relief from the sun and promises shallow waters that suit even cautious swimmers. The water here is so clean, I’ve seen fluttering shoals of fish just by wading in, and on calm afternoons a guided raft outing sometimes bobs past the buoy line. The sand stretches wide, the sea is calm, and families settle in for the day, making this lucanian favorite an easy add-on to a wider excursion inland toward the Dolomiti Lucane.
On-the-ground Feel & Insider Tips:
Park at Via del Mare and walk through the Bosco Pantano Nature Reserve — listen for birds and watch for turtles in the dunes before planning an afternoon excursion along the shaded boardwalk. The local kids’ favorite is the sandbar near the lifeguard chair, where the water sparkles ankle-deep, and confident teens sometimes practice a safe raft launch near the markers under staff supervision. Policoro Lido station is a 20-minute walk, or take the shuttle from Piazza Plebiscito. Many combine a beach morning with a sunset trip to Castelmezzano and Monte Coppolo, or explore the reserve’s boardwalk and coastal bike path while spotting herons.
- Pro: Shallow, translucent water year-round.
- Con: Some sections are busy with clubs and rental chairs.
Best / Skip:
Best for families and nature lovers. If you crave wilder shores, head to Macarro Beach.
Best Hotels near Lido di Policoro Beach
💎 Luxury Hotels
- Tartaruga House — Spacious beachfront apartment with terrace and on-site restaurant, about 2 km from Spiaggia di Policoro; good for families and longer stays.
- Policoro Village — Family-oriented holiday village offering bungalows, sports facilities, and organized entertainment close to the sand.
⭐ Best Value Hotels
- Hermes Hotel — Comfortable 3-star with seasonal pool, on-site restaurant, and a private beach area shuttle option; a practical base in Policoro.
- Hotel San Vincenzo Resort — Modern resort-style stay near Policoro Beach featuring pool, garden, and easy access to the shoreline.
💶 Smart Budget Hotels
- I Giardini Elisei — Budget-friendly rooms with simple comforts and convenient access to Policoro’s beach zone and local services.
3. Nova Siri Marina Beach: Peaceful, Green & Shallow
Pine and eucalyptus trees fringe this wide, gentle beach — a local spot on the Ionian Sea in Basilicata where I once watched a family of dolphins cruise the bay at sunset. The sand is soft, the water crystal, and the incline so slow you can wade out for ages beneath rows of umbrellas and sunbeds. July and August are lively but never frantic, and the nearby archaeological heritage gives day trips extra depth between swims.
Atmosphere & A Pro Tip:
Enter through the pine woods from Via Marina — pick up fresh fruit from the roadside market on your way, then ask locals about Marinagri for waterside strolls and easy access to a public swimming pool. Local regulars claim the stretch beside the stream, where the water is coldest and clearest, and in town the Rotonda is perfect for an early evening passeggiata before scouting the best restaurants for seafood. For a side trip, the beachfront promenade leads to the Torre Bollita watchtower, with views south to Calabria and a nod to ancient towns inland.
- Pro: Laid-back, uncrowded, and fringed by nature.
- Con: Limited bars and amenities on the wilder northern end.
Best / Skip:
Great for people who like long, empty walks. Skip if you want buzzing beach bars — try Lido di Metaponto instead.
Best Hotels near Nova Siri Marina Beach
💎 Luxury Hotels
- Villaggio Giardini D'Oriente — Family-friendly beachfront village in Nova Siri Marina with private beach, multiple pools, spa, and daily activities close to the Ionian coast.
⭐ Best Value Hotels
- Best Western Hotel Imperiale — Modern family-friendly hotel with air-conditioned rooms, private bathrooms, verandas, and excellent breakfast service.
- Oasi Felicità — Peaceful countryside stay offering garden views and easy driving access to Nova Siri Marina’s sandy shoreline.
💶 Smart Budget Hotels
- Agriturismo Macchia Di Riso — Rural agriturismo with on-site dining and relaxed rooms, a short drive from the Ionian Sea beaches.
4. Marina di Pisticci Beach: Untamed, Easygoing & Blue
This is a workhorse of a beach — honest sand, honest waves, and a relaxed vibe along the Siritide stretch of coast. The water here is a crisp, mineral blue, and I found a quiet spot to sketch the boats drifting by between little bays that dot the shoreline. The season runs May to September, with the warmest water in late summer and visibility good enough to count a kilometer of horizon on clear days.
Navigating the Neighbourhood & Insider Knowledge:
From the Porto degli Argonauti, stroll the jetty and pick up a coffee at Bar del Molo before tracing the beech-shaded path behind the dunes. Locals prefer the stretch east of the harbor, where the sand is fine and the vibe is mellow, and history-lovers often pair a beach afternoon with a quick look at sites linked to Siris and Heraclea. The nearest bus stop is Marina di Pisticci, but cycling here from Pisticci village is a local ritual past San Nicola chapel turnoffs; for panoramic views, hike to the Belvedere di San Teodoro — a hidden lookout over the Ionian that frames cave houses inland toward the hills.
- Pro: Unpretentious, real, and never crowded.
- Con: Fewer facilities than the big resorts.
Best / Skip:
Best for independent travelers. Not the spot for beach parties — if that’s your thing, Lido di Policoro has more energy.
Best Hotels near Marina di Pisticci Beach
💎 Luxury Hotels
- Agrumare Farm Holiday — Upscale farm holiday with spa center, sauna, and peaceful rural setting near the Marina di Pisticci coast.
⭐ Best Value Hotels
- Masseria Crocco — Scenic wine-producing estate with seasonal pool, on-site restaurant, and wide-open hill views near the Calanchi landscape.
💶 Smart Budget Hotels
- Agriturismoteo — Relaxed farm stay in Bernalda with garden spaces and countryside views, a short drive from Metaponto’s sandy beaches.
5. Cala Jannita Beach (Spiaggia Nera): Exotic, Dramatic & Black
Basilicata’s most distinctive beach is a crescent of volcanic black sand, embraced by sheer cliffs and turquoise water beneath beech-scented pines in the valley below the headland. I scrambled down the sentiero at dawn and had the cove to myself, the sand still cool underfoot as waves excavate small shelves along the tideline. Access is via a steep trail from Via dei Gabbiani — sturdy shoes are a must for the final section beneath the castello-like lookout on the ridge.
On-the-ground Feel & Insider Tips:
Park at the small lot near the tunnel shortcut and follow the cobbled steps through the valley bend. A local bar, La Taverna del Pescatore, serves the best granita in town beside a shaded beech grove. For a real local’s secret, continue along the coastal sentiero to Grotta delle Meraviglie, a sea cave shimmering with light where the cliff seems excavated by centuries of surf. Go early to avoid the midday sun, which turns the sand scorching and makes the final pitch toward the castello viewpoint feel steeper on the return.
- Pro: Unforgettable, dramatic, and unique.
- Con: No facilities, and the walk is steep for some.
Best / Skip:
Best for adventurers and photographers. Not for toddlers or anyone with mobility concerns — try Fiumicello Beach for easier access.
Best Hotels near Cala Jannita Beach
⭐ Best Value Hotels
- Nel Cuore Del Centro Storico Di Maratea — Spacious historic-center apartment with balcony and city views, walkable to Maratea’s main square and a short drive to Fiumicello Beach.
- B&B Dal Maestro — Friendly B&B with terrace and mountain/sea outlooks near Maratea’s old town lanes; an easy base for reaching Porto Turistico di Maratea.
💶 Smart Budget Hotels
- Beb Centro Storico — Simple, central guesthouse close to cafes and viewpoints, about 2–3 km from Punta Santavenere and Maratea Port.
6. Santa Teresa Beach: Sheltered, Picturesque & Azure
Santa Teresa feels like a secret, even when the sun is high, and the views seem to soar above the Tyrrhenian shimmer. Cliffs cradle a pebbly cove where the water is so clear, you can count fish without a mask, a tranquil counterpoint to the busier sands south of Metaponto on the Ionian side. I once snorkeled here at dusk, watching seabirds dive into the glassy surf while thinking of Carlo Levi’s Lucanian journeys and the nearby UNESCO World Heritage allure of Matera.
Atmosphere & A Pro Tip:
Enter via the steps off Via Santa Teresa, then cross Piazza Vitolo for an espresso at Bar del Porto before timing a sunset climb when colors soar over the coast. Locals love the hidden bench above the cove, perfect for a sunset spritz and quiet reading on days you won’t day-trip south of Metaponto. The nearest stop is “Maratea FS,” with a free shuttle to the beach in summer, and for a spectacular view, hike the path to the Redentore statue at sunset — the vistas are legendary and pair well with a cultural detour to Carlo Levi sites and UNESCO World Heritage highlights inland.
- Pro: Sheltered, calm, and perfect for snorkeling.
- Con: Pebbles instead of sand, and few sunbeds.
Best / Skip:
Ideal for couples and tranquility seekers. Skip if you want sandcastles — head to Lido di Metaponto for softer shores.
Best Hotels near Santa Teresa Beach
💎 Luxury Hotels
- La Locanda Delle Donne Monache — Historic boutique hotel in Maratea’s old town with outdoor pool, hydromassage, and charming period accommodations.
⭐ Best Value Hotels
- Willy – Maratea — Beachfront apartment 3 minutes from Santa Teresa Beach with a sea-view terrace and easy walk to Porto Turistico di Maratea.
💶 Smart Budget Hotels
- La Casa di Michele — Simple, tidy rooms in the hills above Maratea with easy access to SS585; a budget-friendly base for day trips to the Policastro Gulf beaches.
7. Cala della Secca Beach: Secluded, Wild & Crystal
Reach this spot via a dusty trail through Mediterranean scrub — the reward is clear, calm water and silence that frames distant silhouettes of Monte San Biagio above Maratea. I picnicked here with only lizards and seabirds for company, the waves lapping gently over smooth rocks as the light recalls vineyard hills where Aglianico thrives inland.
The Lay of the Land & Local Advice:
Park near the Hotel Villa Cheta and follow the path etched into the hillside toward viewpoints that line up with Monte Pollino on the clearest days. Only the locals know the best shaded ledge for lunch — look for a flat boulder under a twisted pine and toast the scene later with a glass of Aglianico at the port. The beach has zero facilities, so bring water and snacks, and for the curious, the seaward hike to Grotta della Sciabella is a local rite of passage — the cave’s entrance is a glistening blue slit in the rock that sits in the same wild panorama crowned by Monte San Biagio.
- Pro: Utter peace, pristine water, and privacy.
- Con: No amenities, and the path is rugged.
Best / Skip:
Perfect for solitude and simple pleasures. Skip if you need lifeguards or beach bars — Santa Teresa is safer for swimming.
Best Hotels near Cala della Secca Beach
💎 Luxury Hotels
- La Casa In Piazza – Maratea — Spacious 3-bedroom apartment with balcony and town views in Maratea’s center, a short walk to Piazza Buraglia and an easy drive to Fiumicello Beach.
⭐ Best Value Hotels
- B&B Maratea — Central B&B offering straightforward, comfortable rooms near cafes and viewpoints; a practical base for exploring Maratea’s old town and port.
💶 Smart Budget Hotels
- B&B Terra Mare – Trecchina — Well-reviewed hilltown B&B 14 km from Maratea Port with free parking and city views; a value pick for day trips to the Policastro Gulf.
8. Fiumicello Beach: White Sand, Coves & Comfort
This is Maratea’s most popular beach — white sand, gentle waves, and views of the cliffs that showcase an Italian region renowned for dramatic coasts. I remember the scent of pine and salt as I leaned back in a rented sunbed, the sun filtering through the trees and sea light that once connected these shores culturally to Grecia across the water.
Navigating the Neighbourhood & Insider Knowledge:
Park at the lot near La Locanda del Pescatore, then walk past the bright umbrellas toward the river mouth — this is where the sand is softest as the stream carves a tiny gravina through the shore. Locals bring their own iceboxes and picnic on the rocks below the railway bridge, and stories of ancient traders from Grecia linger in these inlets. The nearby Skywalk at Cersuta is a must for vertigo lovers; arrive midweek to avoid the weekend bustle and enjoy sweeping views of an Italian region that still feels secluded.
- Pro: Easy access, family-friendly, and well-equipped.
- Con: Gets crowded in high season.
Best / Skip:
Great for families and comfort-seekers. Skip if you’re after wild isolation — Cala Jannita is waiting.
Best Hotels near Fiumicello Beach
⭐ Best Value Hotels
- B&B La Giancarla — Central Maratea B&B with sea-view terrace, air-conditioned rooms, and easy walks to Square Buraglia and the historic lanes.
💶 Smart Budget Hotels
- La Perla Del Tirreno – Guest House — Simple, well-located guest house near Maratea’s old town with tidy rooms; a practical base for trips to Fiumicello and the Tyrrhenian coast.
9. A’Gnola (Castrocucco) Beach: Wild, Dramatic & Free
This wild stretch of sand and rock, known locally as A’Gnola, feels like the edge of the world, with cliffs that rise like a natural palazzo above the surf. I arrived by kayak, gliding past cliffside caves into a cove where the water was a shocking blue and seabirds trace high-altitude arcs on the thermals. The beach is reached by a steep, winding path — a small challenge for a big reward that feels like reaching a coastal rifugio at the end of a quiet trail.
Atmosphere & A Pro Tip:
Park at Castrocucco village and follow the signs — sturdy sandals are essential for the last rocky turns below the ruins of the old palazzo at the headland. The locals’ secret is the tidal pool south of the main strand, perfect for floating when the breeze drops and those high-altitude views sharpen over the Tyrrhenian. For a cultural detour, visit the 14th-century Castel San Costantino overlook, a short drive inland that once served as a strategic rifugio; go early for the quietest experience — by noon, the cove can fill with day-tripping adventurers.
- Pro: Untouched, dramatic, and invigorating.
- Con: No facilities, and the approach is steep.
Best / Skip:
Best for wild swimmers and explorers. Not for those who prefer loungers and cocktails — Fiumicello is your pick.
Best Hotels near A’Gnola (Castrocucco) Beach
⭐ Best Value Hotels
- Webus Apartments — Modern, centrally located apartments with kitchens and balconies; a handy base for exploring Maratea’s historic center and coastal viewpoints.
💶 Smart Budget Hotels
- Porto Di Mare — Simple guest rooms steps from the marina area, with easy access to beachfront promenades and boat departures along the Etruscan coast.
10. Macarro Beach: Black Sands, Legends & Local Love
Few tourists find Macarro Beach, a cove of black sand under watchful cliffs near an old monastery site above the headland. The water here is a deep, moody blue, and the only sounds are the waves and seabirds as bells from the hillside monastery sometimes drift faintly on the wind. After a swim, I climbed the rocky outcrop at the north end for a view of the entire Maratea coast that sweeps past churches and the monastery precinct.
On-the-ground Feel & Insider Tips:
Reach the beach via a steep track off the SS18 coastal road — park where you can and descend carefully past the stone wall below the monastery path. Locals know to bring a picnic and claim the flat boulders for sunset, when light washes the old abbey façade gold. For the adventurous, the coastal path leads to hidden inlets and sea caves, and Macarro is best in late afternoon, when the sun warms the sand and the crowds have gone and the abbey ridge glows above the bay.
- Pro: Unique beauty, solitude, and local legend.
- Con: No services, and the path is rugged.
Best / Skip:
Best for photographers and quiet contemplation. Skip if you need amenities — Fiumicello Beach is nearby and fully serviced.
Best Hotels near Macarro Beach
💎 Luxury Hotels
- EKOA Comfort E Relax — Sea-view B&B with modern, air-conditioned rooms, a sun terrace, and seasonal outdoor pool; handy for reaching Macarro Beach and coastal viewpoints.
⭐ Best Value Hotels
- Praia Sea Home — Beachfront apartment with balcony and kitchen facilities, a practical self-catering base near promenade walks and seaside cafés.
💶 Smart Budget Hotels
- Pizinno CasaPonzi — Cozy self-catering apartment near Tortora’s coast, with a furnished terrace and easy driving access to La Secca di Castrocucco and Maratea Port.
FAQ
What budget should you plan for a beach holiday in Basilicata?
Beach days in Basilicata are affordable compared to Italy’s big-name coasts. Expect to pay €8–15 for a sunbed, €5–10 for a simple lunch, and €1.50 for a bus ticket. In peak season (July–August), prices rise slightly. Pristine public beaches are free, while private lidos offer more comfort for a fee.
Which beaches in Basilicata are best for families with young children?
Lido di Metaponto, Lido di Policoro, and Nova Siri Marina Beach have shallow, calm waters and lifeguards in summer. All three offer plenty of shade and space for sandcastles. For a quieter option, try Marina di Pisticci, with its gentle waves and relaxed atmosphere.
Which beaches are ideal for water sports in Basilicata?
Maratea’s wild coves are perfect for snorkeling and diving — especially Cala Jannita and Cala della Secca. For windsurfing and kayaking, head to Lido di Metaponto or Marina di Pisticci, where rental shops operate in high season. The Ionian Coast’s calm waters are also great for stand-up paddleboarding.
What is the best time of year to visit Basilicata’s beaches?
June to September offers the warmest weather and sea temperatures (23–28°C). July and August are busiest, while June and September are quieter and still sunny. Spring and fall are cooler but uncrowded, with water temperatures dipping below 20°C by October.
How can you easily get around Basilicata’s beaches?
Public buses connect major beach towns (Metaponto, Policoro, Nova Siri, Maratea), and local shuttles run in summer. Renting a car gives the most flexibility for exploring coves and viewpoints. Coastal bike paths link some beaches, and taxis are available but pricey.
Are there any hidden or less-crowded beaches in Basilicata?
Cala della Secca, Macarro Beach, and A’Gnola (Castrocucco) are local secrets, often empty even in August. The northern end of Nova Siri Marina Beach and the fringes of Marina di Pisticci are also quiet escapes. For solitude, avoid weekends and the midday sun.
What practical tips should visitors know when going to Basilicata’s beaches?
Bring water, sunscreen, and a hat — many beaches lack shade. Some coves are pebble or rock, so sturdy sandals help. Check local weather, as summer storms can roll in fast. Respect nature reserves and don’t leave litter. In Maratea, parking can be tight in peak season — arrive early or use the shuttle.
