Southern Italy tourism: Salento walks, Basilicata summer spots

Lido Pineta, an eco‑friendly beach resort in the Ugento Natural Park of Salento, runs a series of guided excursions called “Esplorando” every Thursday until 20 August. Participants walk 5 km along dune‑lined beaches, explore reclaimed canals, and visit seven historic artificial basins for birdwatching and biodiversity observation. The tours are led by guides Emanuela Rossi and Totò Inguscio, with optional lunch and self‑service options at the resort.

Travel advice for August highlights the Basilicata region, recommending a mix of coastal and inland experiences. Highlights include the Sassi of Matera, best visited in early morning or at sunset for optimal light, and the seaside town of Maratea. The guide advises pacing visits to avoid the midday heat, suggests combining cultural sites with beach time, and notes the region’s festivals, local cuisine, and photographic opportunities.