Andiamo! Citalia Magazine Winter 2023

SIX UNMISSABLE DESTINATIONS
WHERE IS IT?
Basilicata
Basilicata is nestled between Puglia and Campania in southern Italy.
WHY BASILICATA?
Basilicata is often overlooked - and wrongly so. You’ll find a sleepy rural
region characterised by rolling mountain landscapes that are crowned
with age-old hilltop towns. From the beautiful scenery to a patchwork
of historic sites, this is the off-the-beaten track destination you’ve been
dreaming of!
Ancient cave dwellings. The star attraction of the region, head to the
historical centre of Massi, where you'll find the sassi - an entire network of
stone caves that have been dug out from the rock. They’re thought to be
some of the oldest human settlements in this part of the world, and would
have been used to shelter pastoral families and livestock. Today they’re
frequently featured in major films.
Archaeological sites among natural wonders. You’ll find so much natural
beauty in Basilicata, which is often mixed in with the ancient world. Go to
Metaponto and Heraclea, where you’ll find Greek remains.
HOW TO GO SLOW?
It’s easy to feel unhurried in this deeply mountainous region as you hike
through nature. If, however, you wish to relax by the water, then you can
head to some wonderfully roomy beaches that are surrounded by pine
and eucalyptus forests, and take a leisurely dip in the Tyrrhenian Sea.
HIDDEN GEMS?
Delve into Parco Nazionale del Pollino, which is one of Italy’s largest
national parks and home to unique flora and fauna. Or head to gravitydefying
mountain villages like Castelmezzano, Pietrapertosa, and Melfi.
6 Puglia
WHERE IS IT?
Puglia is located right on the southeastern tip of Italy, in what’s known as
the ‘heel’ of the country.
WHY PUGLIA?
Puglia looks, feels, and tastes quintessentially Italian, from the authentic
whitewashed villages to the daydreamy seaside culture. Puglia is ideal if
you like the heat - it’s so warm you’ll find an amazing display of pretty, wild
cacti lining the roadside.
Brilliant beaches. Puglia arguably has some of the best beaches in
mainland Italy. There are plenty of enchanting destinations like Polignano
a Mare or Marina di Pescoluse to venture to.
Homegrown food. Puglia is one of the main food-producing regions.
The hot sun helps nurture the endless, heavily protected olive groves
that supply the region's renowned olive oil, as well as the bountiful vine
tomatoes that thrive here. By the sea, the Apulian dishes always feature
fresh seafood, such as pasta with a sea urchin sauce.
HOW TO GO SLOW?
Rest your head in a masseria (farmhouse) for delicious and daily farm-tofork
experiences. Or, find a small hidden beach and a little cove, where
you can go for a private dip in the blue waters of the surrounding Adriatic
or Ionian Sea.
HIDDEN GEMS?
There are plenty of delightful hilltop towns and villages to explore, some
of which are off-the-beaten track. You’ll find towns that have their roots
as far back as the stone age, from the UNESCO World Heritage site of the
trulli in Alberobello (see page 18) and the baroque architecture of Martina
Franca, to the ‘white city’ of Ostuni.
WHERE TO STAY
Sextantio Le Grotte della Civita in Matera, for a
unique cave hotel experience. Car hire recommended.
7 nights from £1,225 per person.
WHERE TO STAY
Canne Bianche Lifestyle & Hotel in Torre Canne
di Fasano, for a boutique seaside escape.
7 nights from £1,125 per person.
Inspired to plan your next Citalia holiday? Speak to one of our Personal Travel Planners on 01293 765061
Winter 2022/23
Andiamo!