Basilicata: Matera, ghost towns and the Lucanian Dolomites
Matera from across the ravine, the abandoned town of Craco, rock villages linked by a zip line and crater lakes on an extinct volcano.
- Distance
- 197 km (123 mi)
- Driving
- 2 h 43 min
- Suggested days
- 4
- Stops
- 8
- Countries
- Italy
- Updated
- September 11, 2026
At a glance: 4-day road trip of about 197 km (123 mi) with 8 stops, from Matera to Venosa. About 2 h 43 min of driving in total.
More road trips in Italy · More road trips from Bari
Route description
After Matera’s Sassi, drive round to the Murgia Timone viewpoint on the other side of the ravine, where cave churches dot the plateau. Then head south-west through clay badlands to Craco, abandoned after a landslide and visitable only on guided tours.
Join the SS407 Basentana up the Basento valley, then climb to Castelmezzano and Pietrapertosa, two villages wedged into the sandstone spires of the Lucanian Dolomites. The Volo dell’Angelo zip line connects them in summer, and a footpath with a Tibetan bridge links them on foot.
The access roads are steep with sharp bends and parking is tight, so larger motorhomes should use the car parks below each village. Continue north past Potenza to the Vulture, an extinct volcano whose crater holds the two Monticchio lakes.
Melfi’s Norman castle houses a museum of ancient finds, and Venosa, birthplace of the poet Horace, has Roman ruins and an unfinished abbey church. Try the local Aglianico del Vulture red wine; spring and autumn avoid both the heat and the winter snow on the hills.
Stop-by-stop itinerary
In driving order. Distances are estimates between consecutive stops.
- 1Start
Matera
Italy - 21 km
Belvedere Murgia Timone
ViewsMatera, ItalyThe viewpoint facing the Sassi of Matera across the ravine, with rock churches in the park around it. A steep path and a suspension bridge link it with the town.
- 344 km
Craco ghost town
OdditiesCraco, ItalyA hilltop village abandoned after a landslide in the 1960s, its tower and houses still standing against the badlands. Entry is only on guided tours with a helmet.
- 446 km
Castelmezzano
Italy - 52 km
Pietrapertosa
Italy - 675 km
Monticchio lakes
NatureRionero in Vulture, ItalyTwo lakes in the crater of the extinct Vulture volcano, ringed by forest, with an abbey clinging to the slope above. A pleasant picnic and walking stop.
- 710 km
Melfi
Italy - 818 km
Venosa
Italy
Suggested stages and overnight stops
4 days, split by driving time. Campsites from OpenStreetMap: check opening dates before you go.
- Day 1: Matera → Craco ghost town · 46 km · 0 h 38 minOn the way: Belvedere Murgia Timone.Overnight nearby, for example: Area Sosta Camper Agriturismo Il Calanco (7 km); Area Aliano (19 km).
- Day 2: Craco ghost town → Pietrapertosa · 49 km · 0 h 40 minOn the way: Castelmezzano.Overnight nearby, for example: Area camper Accettura (9 km); Area camper Tricarico (13 km).
- Day 3: Pietrapertosa → Monticchio lakes · 75 km · 1 h 02 minOvernight nearby, for example: Guarda esterni Parco Naturale Europa (< 1 km); Area Camper Venusia (19 km).
- Day 4: Monticchio lakes → Venosa · 28 km · 0 h 23 minOn the way: Melfi.Overnight nearby, for example: Area Camper Venusia (< 1 km); Guarda esterni Parco Naturale Europa (18 km).
Best time to go
The most pleasant months are usually April–June and September–October. Still fine, with some compromises, in March, July–August and November. July and August are the busiest months: book campsites early.
Estimate from long-term temperature averages, terrain and pass seasons
Practical notes for the road
- Italy: Motorway tolls. Tolls on most autostrade; pay at the barrier by card or cash. Motorway limit for cars: 130 km/h.
Road rules and fees change. Check official sources before you travel.
FAQs
How long is Basilicata: Matera, ghost towns and the Lucanian Dolomites?
4-day road trip of about 197 km (123 mi) with 8 stops, from Matera to Venosa. About 2 h 43 min of driving in total.
How many days do you need for Basilicata: Matera, ghost towns and the Lucanian Dolomites?
We suggest 4 days: about 2 h 43 min of driving, which leaves time for the stops.
Where does Basilicata: Matera, ghost towns and the Lucanian Dolomites start and end?
It starts in Matera and ends in Venosa.
Which countries does Basilicata: Matera, ghost towns and the Lucanian Dolomites pass through?
Italy.
Where can you camp along Basilicata: Matera, ghost towns and the Lucanian Dolomites?
OpenStreetMap lists 21 campsites and motorhome stopovers within 20 km of the stops on this route. For example: Pantaleone, Area Camper Matera and Area Camper Masseria Radogna.
When is the best time for Basilicata: Matera, ghost towns and the Lucanian Dolomites?
The most pleasant months are usually April–June and September–October. Still fine, with some compromises, in March, July–August and November. (Estimate from long-term temperature averages, terrain and pass seasons)
More like this
© Adbar · CC BY-SA 3.0Castles and ravines of the Alta Murgia
© Bernd Thaller from Graz, Austria · CC BY 2.0Eastern Slovenia: castles and wine hills
© Luistxo · CC BY-SA 4.0