Starting from the Sassi of Matera, you will cross the Bradano valley coasting the lake of San Giuliano, a fauna oasis where some migratory species from North Africa stay.
Once passed the Basento valley, you will climb the Lucanian Dolomites (Pietrapertosa and Castelmezzano hamlets are picturesque) and you will go through the woods of the Appenino. This is the heart of the region from which a long downhill leading to the moonscape of the Calanques starts, eroded by time and weather rock formations.
After spending the night in Aliano, you will visit the ghost town of Craco, then towards Montalbano Jonico.
The tour ends on the beaches of the Ionian Sea.

Highlights

Sassi of Matera
Lake of San Giuliano
Pietrapertosa and Lucanian Dolomites
The Calanques
Metaponto and the Ionian Coast

Itinerary

Day 1 – Matera

Arrival in Matera, B&B accommodation in the Sassi and guided tour of the ancient districts. A city that deserves at least a three days stay for its cultural offer.

Day 2 – The Bradano Valley

After coasting the lake of San Giuliano, a fauna oasis in the Bradano valley, you will reach Grassano, an agricultural village of the hill of Matera.
Distance: 48 km
Grade: moderate

Day 3 – The Lucanian Appennine

After crossing the valley of Basento, you will climb to Accettura. Cycling through the wood of Montepiano you will arrive to Pietrapertosa, the highest village of the region stuck in the rocks.
Distance: 55,6 km
Grade: challenge

Day 4 – The Lucanian Dolomites

From Pietrapertosa you can reach Castelmezzano, its twin hamlet, both on foot and by bike, with the Seven Stones trekking. In addition, you have the possibility “to fly” hanging by a thread, with the Flight of the Angel (zip line).
Distance: 32 km
Grade: moderate

Day 5 – From Pietrapertosa to Aliano

After crossing the wood of Montepiano, you will get to Cirigliano, one of the smallest hamlets of the region, then you will descend into the valley of Sauro until you will climb up to Aliano where Carlo Levi wrote “Christ stopped at Eboli”.
Distance: 56,4 km
Grade: challenge

Day 6 – The Calanques

Once left Aliano, you will cross the gullies area. A nearly lunar landscape will take you to Craco, an abandoned village in the Sixties because of a rockslide. After the visit, you will continue towards the dry valley of Cavone to get to Montalbano Jonico.
Distance: 69 km
Grade: challenge

Day 7 – The Sea

Last biking day. A long downhill will take you to the Ionian Sea where, after a well-deserved dip, our van will bring you back to Matera. End of services.
Distance: 29 km
Level: easy