Metaponto Travel Guide

Discover the best things to do in Metaponto, from cultural attractions to natural wonders and outdoor adventures, to the must-try dishes, accommodations, and travel logistics to help plan your trip to this beautiful town in Southern Italy.


Introduction to Metaponto

Metaponto is a charming town located in Basilicata region, Southern Italy. This small town attracts tourists with its beautiful sandy beaches, clear blue waters of the Tyrrhenian sea, ancient architecture, and rich history. If you are planning to visit Italy and looking for a peaceful escape from busy cities, Metaponto could be a perfect destination for you.

List of Places to Visit in Metaponto

Culturally Important Attractions: Museums and Historical Places

Metaponto is a town with a rich cultural heritage. The following are some of the top museums and historical places that are a must-visit for travelers:

  • Metaponto Archaeological Park: Explore the ruins of ancient Greek civilization dating back to the 6th and 7th centuries BC.
  • National Museum of Siritide: Discover the works of art and rich history of the town, including the collection of ancient coins and early Christian architecture.
  • Venosa Castle: Take a trip to the nearby town of Venosa and visit the impressive medieval castle with a long history, from the Roman Empire to the Normans.

Natural Attractions of Metaponto: Outdoor Adventures and Scenic Views

Metaponto is a stunning town surrounded by natural beauty, with forests, hills, and a clear blue sea. Here are the top natural attractions that are worth a visit:

  • Bike Trail in the Pine Forest: Rent a bike and cycle through the beautiful green pine forest
  • Metaponto Beach: Relax or take a dip in the crystal clear waters of the beach with soft, white sands.
  • San Basilio Nature Reserve: Take a guided tour to explore the impressive landscapes, flora, and fauna of the reserve.

Hiking/Biking Routes of Metaponto

Metaponto is a fantastic place for hiking and biking activities, and here are some excellent places to explore:

  • Pantano di Policoro: Explore the protected natural area of Policoro, which boasts of over 600 plant species and several hiking trails.
  • Mount Volturino: Experience stunning panoramic views from the top of Mount Volturino, located at an elevation of 1250 meters above sea level.
  • Sila National Park: Take a day trip to explore the picturesque forests, mountains, and lakes of Sila National Park.

Best Things to Do in Metaponto: Activities and Tours

Beyond natural beauty, Metaponto provides a lot of activities for tourists to indulge in:

  • Boat Tour: Explore the Tyrrhenian Sea with a guided boat tour, where you can see some of the best sites of the Southern Coastline.
  • Cooking Lessons: Join a cooking lesson with a local chef and learn how to make traditional dishes from the region.
  • Wine Tasting Tour: Take a tour of the local wineries in the area and get a chance to taste some of the delicious homemade wines.

Week-Long Itinerary for Metaponto

Here is a week-long itinerary for Metaponto, giving ample time to explore the beautiful beaches, ancient ruins, and other notable attractions of the town:

Day Itinerary
1st Day Arrival in Metaponto & relaxation
2nd Day Visit the National Museum of Siritide, explore ancient ruins of Metaponto Archaeological park
3rd Day Explore the nearby town of Venosa and enjoy its many historical sites and museums
4th Day Visit San Basilio Nature Reserve for a guided tour in nature, dine at local restaurants with a seafood menu
5th Day Take a bike ride in the Pantano di Policoro area, and explore the charming small town of Bernalda
6th Day Visit Sila National Park and tour around the lochs and forests
7th Day Enjoy Metaponto Beach and relax at the end of the trip

Food and Drink Scene of Metaponto

Must-Try Dishes

Metaponto is famous for its traditional regional dishes. Some of the must-try dishes include:

  • Salsiccia Lucanica: A delicious grilled pork sausage seasoned with garlic, parsley, and chili flakes.
  • Peperoni Cruschi: Fried peppers indigenous to Basilicata.
  • Orecchiette alle Cime di Rapa: A classic dish of orecchiette pasta with broccoli rabe and chili flakes.
  • Lagane e Ceci: A pasta dish made with chickpeas and a local pasta shape called lagane.

Local Beverages

No trip to Metaponto would be complete without tasting some of the local beverages. These are some of the best options:

  • Aglianico del Vulture: This is a classic red wine with a rich aroma and a fruity taste, grown in the volcanic soils of Vulture.
  • Pisticci Grappa: A drink made from fermented grape juice with a high alcohol content.
  • Sambuca Lucana: A traditional Italian liqueur made from elderflowers.

Where to Stay in Metaponto: Hotels, Hostels, and Guesthouses

Metaponto offers a range of accommodations, from luxurious hotels to budget-friendly guesthouses. Here are some of the best options:

  • Hotel Turismo: This 4-star hotel offers comfortable rooms, great food and provides all amenities for an enjoyable stay.
  • B&B Il Girasole: This B&B is perfect for backpackers and budget travelers, located near the train station and provides comfortable rooms and excellent breakfast.
  • Hotel Villa Maria: This hotel is the perfect mix of peacefulness and luxury, located near the famous Metaponto beach with its views of olive groves and the coastline.

What to Buy in Metaponto: Souvenirs and Local Products to Bring Home

Some of the most popular souvenirs and local products to bring home from Metaponto include:

  • Pure Olive Oil: Metaponto is famous for its olive oil, and you can purchase the finest quality olive oil in the town’s local markets.
  • Hand painted pottery: Take home the beautifully handcrafted pottery from the nearby town of Grottaglie, famous for its artistic works.
  • Cacc’e Mmitte: This is one of the oldest traditional musical instruments in the world, widely produced in Metaponto, mostly used in countryside tunes and dances.

Local Culture and Customs of Metaponto

The people of Metaponto are friendly and known for their warm hospitality. They take pride in their local customs and traditions, with festivals and folk events celebrated throughout the year. Some prominent events include the “Sagra di Peperoni Cruschi” in August, and the “Festa di Madonna della Stella” in September.

Best Time to Visit Metaponto

The best time to visit Metaponto is from late May to early October, when the weather is sunny, warm, and dry, making it easier to enjoy outdoor activities and festivals. The busiest tourist season is from July to August, with slightly higher prices and more extensive crowds.

Do’s and Don’ts of Metaponto

Do:

  • Respect local customs and traditions.
  • Enjoy the rich cultural landmarks and experience the natural wonders of the town.
  • Try as much as the traditional dishes and regional wines.

Don’t:

  • Litter on the street or the beaches.
  • Avoid visiting some of the archeological areas without a guide.
  • Avoid making too much noise in places with extra freedom restrictions at nights.

Safety and Health

Safety in Metaponto

Metaponto is an excellent tourist destination with low crime rates. However, visitors must take precautions like not leaving valuables in cars, avoiding isolated areas late in the evening, and avoiding unlit streets.

Health in Metaponto

Metaponto has excellent medical facilities. Travelers need to have medical insurance before visiting, and it is also essential to check if there are any specific health precautions to take.

Getting to Metaponto: Transportation Options and Logistics

Airports Near Metaponto

The closest airports to Metaponto are Bari Palese Airport and Brindisi Airport, both located about 100 km away from the town. Some airlines that offer flights to these airports include Alitalia, Ryanair, and EasyJet.

Bus Stations Near Metaponto

There are also local bus services connecting Metaponto to nearby towns and cities. The town has a good bus service, with regular services to other cities and towns within the region and further north to Naples and Rome.

Other Options

Taxis and rental cars are also available, visitors are recommended to book in advance before arrival to avoid any inconvenience.

How to Get Around in Metaponto

Metaponto is a small town with many places that visitors can access on foot, and visitors who do not want to walk can take advantage of the local bus service or rental bikes for a comfortable experience.

Where to Go Next from Metaponto: Nearby Destinations and Excursions

Visitors to Metaponto can explore other areas in Basilicata, including the following:

  • Matera: A UNESCO World Heritage Site is one of the most stunning places to visit in Italy and renowned for its cave dwellings.
  • Policoro: A charming town located near the National Park of Policoro, with a stunning coastline and beautiful landscapes.
  • Taormina: A popular tourist destination in Sicily, known for its rich history and amazing coastline.

Conclusion

Metaponto is a beautiful town packed with cultural heritage, natural beauty, and many exciting activities. With so much to see, do, and explore, visitors can be sure they will have an enjoyable time in this stunning coastal town. Whether you are a solo traveler, traveling with family or friends, with this comprehensive guide, you will discover some of the best things to do in Metaponto, and everything you need to plan and enjoy your holidays in Southern Italy.

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