Travel Itinerary

Short drive to the trailhead village; grab pastries while the sky turns pink.

Chalky mule-track climbs 600 m through holm-oak woods to the first false summit—steady heart-rate zone.

Scramble the last volcanic boulders to the 918 m peak—Basilicata’s rolling wheat fields spread north to south.

Break out cured salami, pecorino and bread while scanning the snow-dusted Apennine backbone to the west.

Drop 500 m on switch-backs to the 11th-century Benedictine abbey carved into the cliff—worth a wander among fresco fragments.

Short transfer to a stone farmhouse for house-made ricotta, grilled lamb chops and warm bread under olive branches.

Stone stairway climbs from the gravine floor up the canyon wall—golden light hits the caves above.

Circle the plateau to visit frescoed cave churches—Santa Lucia alle Malve and San Falcione—hidden among boulders.

Follow the old shepherd path back into town for a final sweeping view of cave roofs and churches.

Slow-food trattoria in a cave—try handmade cavatelli with wild boar ragù and local DOC wine.

Reward tired legs in naturally warm sulphur pools surrounded by hills—steam rises against winter air.

Back in Matera for one last feast—lucanica sausage, crusco pepper and a glass of potent primitivo to toast the trails.