The Undiscovered Path: Hiking the Soul of Basilicata

Nestled in the instep of Italy’s boot, Basilicata is a land that time, and mass tourism, have largely forgotten. This is not the Italy of Renaissance palazzos or rolling Chianti hills; this is a region of raw, elemental beauty, where ancient traditions cling to dramatic landscapes carved by wind and water. For the discerning hiker, Basilicata offers not just trails, but a journey into the very soul of the Mezzogiorno. It is a place where every path tells a story of geology, history, and human resilience. To hike here is to engage in a profound dialogue with the earth itself. This guide explores the best travel routes to experience the multifaceted grandeur of this hidden gem.

The Route of the Ancient Volcano: Monte Vulture

Our journey begins in the north, in an area that defies the typical image of southern Italy. Monte Vulture is an extinct volcano, a solitary sentinel rising from the surrounding plains. Its unique microclimate and fertile volcanic soils create a landscape of lush forests and renowned vineyards, home to the robust Aglianico del Vulture wine. A multi-day circuit around and over the volcano provides an unparalleled hiking experience.

• Stage 1: The Crater Lakes. Start in the charming town of Melfi and ascend towards the heart of the volcano. The goal is the twin crater lakes of Lago Grande and Lago Piccolo. The trail winds through beech and chestnut forests, emerging at the serene, dark waters of the lakes, which are often shrouded in mist. The atmosphere is almost mystical. A stay at a rifugio (mountain hut) near the lakes allows for a peaceful evening immersed in nature.
• Stage 2: The Summit and the Abbey. An early start leads to the summit of Monte Vulture (1,326m). The climb is challenging but rewarding, offering panoramic views that stretch from the Gargano Promontory to the Apennine peaks. The descent on the southern flank brings you to one of Basilicata’s most iconic landmarks: the Abbey of San Michele. This 11th-century Benedictine monastery is built directly into the rock face of the ancient crater, a breathtaking fusion of human devotion and natural architecture. From here, the path descends through vineyards to the town of Rionero in Vulture, where a tasting of Aglianico wine is the perfect reward for weary legs.
• Why it's a Best Route: The Vulture route combines geological wonder, historical depth, and culinary excellence. It’s a gentler, greener introduction to Basilicata’s hiking, perfect for those who appreciate nature interspersed with cultural gems and fine wine.

The Stone City and the Canyon: The Sassi di Matera and the Gravina Gorge

No trip to Basilicata is complete without witnessing the Sassi di Matera, a UNESCO World Heritage site and European Capital of Culture in 2019. But to truly understand Matera, one must not just walk in it, but around it. The city is inextricably linked to the deep ravine, the Gravina di Matera, that cradles it. The best hiking route here is a circuit that explores this profound relationship.

• The Hike: Begin in the Sasso Caveoso, the most ancient part of the city. Instead of heading upwards into the modern center, descend into the Gravina gorge. A well-marked path leads you along the riverbed, offering ever-changing, breathtaking perspectives of the Sassi, which appear as a majestic, natural extension of the canyon wall. You’ll pass ancient rock-hewn churches, jazzi (old sheepfolds), and caves that have been inhabited for millennia. The trail continues to the opposite side of the ravine, to the plateau of the Murgia Materana Park.
• The Murgia Perspective: From the Murgia plateau, the view of Matera is simply unforgettable. The entire city unfolds before you, a stunning labyrinth of stone glowing in the afternoon sun. Explore the park’s own network of cave churches, like the Chiesa di Madonna delle Tre Porte, adorned with faint Byzantine frescoes. The hike culminates with a descent back into the gorge and a climb up into the Sassi, allowing you to re-enter the city as its ancient inhabitants would have.
• Why it's a Best Route: This is more than a hike; it’s a journey through 9,000 years of continuous human history. It transforms Matera from a spectacle to be observed into a landscape to be experienced, revealing the ingenious and challenging symbiosis between humanity and a harsh environment.

The Wild Heart: The Pollino National Park

For those seeking true wilderness, the Pollino National Park, Italy’s largest, straddling Basilicata and Calabria, is the ultimate destination. This is a land of superlatives: deep canyons, vast high-altitude plains, and the legendary Italus Australis, a Heldreich’s pine estimated to be over 1,230 years old, making it the oldest tree in Europe. A multi-day trek across the park is a test of endurance and a feast for the senses.

• The Alta Via (High Path) del Pollino: This is the premier long-distance route, traversing the park's most dramatic scenery. Starting from the Lucanian side, near the town of San Severino Lucano, the trail ascends into a world of karst landscapes. You’ll hike across the Piano di Ruggio, a vast, rolling highland dotted with rare Loricato pines, which cling tenaciously to the dolomitic limestone.
• The Peaks and the Gorges: The route challenges hikers with ascents of the park’s highest peaks, Monte Pollino (2,248m) and Serra Dolcedorme (2,267m). The reward is a 360-degree view of the Ionian and Tyrrhenian Seas on a clear day. The descent leads into the Raganello Gorge, a deep, narrow canyon requiring some scrambling and a good head for heights. The sound of the river echoing between the towering walls is an exhilarating experience. Base yourself in the alpine village of Viggianello or the ancient Albanian-arbëreshë community of San Paolo Albanese to experience unique local cultures.
• Why it's a Best Route: The Pollino offers pure, unadulterated adventure. It’s for the hiker who wants to feel small against the power of nature, to sleep under stars undimmed by light pollution, and to walk in the presence of ancient, silent giants like the Italus tree.

The Two Seas Trail: The Lucanian Dolomites and the Coast

Basilicata may be landlocked, but it possesses two short but stunning coastlines on the Tyrrhenian and Ionian seas. A unique hiking itinerary connects the rugged interior mountains with the azure waters of the coast.

• The Inland Stage: The Lucanian Dolomites. Near the town of Pietrapertosa, a range of dolomitic rock spires rises abruptly from the hills. This is a paradise for rock climbers, but hikers can explore the area via the thrilling Percorso delle 7 Pietre (Path of the 7 Stones), a trail connecting Pietrapertosa to its sister village, Castelmezzano. The path is steeped in local legend and offers dizzying views. For the ultimate adrenaline rush, you can return via the "Flight of the Angel," a high-speed zip-line that connects the two villages across the valley.
• The Coastal Stage: The Maratea Coast. From the mountains, travel west to the Tyrrhenian coast and the jewel of Maratea. Unlike the mountainous interior, the hiking here is coastal and Mediterranean. The path to the summit of Monte San Biagio is a pilgrimage of sorts, leading to the iconic giant statue of Christ the Redeemer that watches over the town. The views of the coastline, a succession of hidden coves and dramatic cliffs, are spectacular. Further trails wind along the coast, offering access to secluded beaches like Cala Ficarra, reachable only by foot or boat.
• Why it's a Best Route: This itinerary showcases Basilicata’s incredible diversity in a short span. In just a few days, you can transition from the thin air of dramatic mountain peaks to swimming in the crystalline waters of the Mediterranean—a contrast that few regions in the world can offer so seamlessly.

Practical Tips for Hiking in Basilicata

Hiking in this undiscovered region requires preparation. The best seasons are spring (April-June) and autumn (September-October), avoiding the intense summer heat. Trails, while often well-marked, are less serviced than in northern Italy. Carry detailed maps, ample water, and supplies. The true magic of Basilicata, however, lies in its people and their hospitality—the ospitalità lucana. Don’t hesitate to stay in an agriturismo (farm stay), eat at a family-run trattoria, and accept the generous help of locals. In Basilicata, the journey is not just about the path under your feet, but the connections you make along the way. This is where hiking transcends physical activity and becomes a deep, soul-stirring discovery.