Travel advice for Italy's Basilicata region and Sardinia's Cala Goloritzé

A guide to visiting Basilicata recommends traveling in spring or early autumn when temperatures are mild and the iconic Sassi of Matera are illuminated by soft light. The nearest airport is Bari, while the main railway station is Ferrandina‑Pisticci, from which buses connect to Matera. Renting a car is advised for exploring inland villages, the Ionian coast and the city of Maratea. Suggested accommodations include historic stone houses in the Sassi and boutique hotels near the coast, and a sample five‑day itinerary covers major sights, dining and natural attractions.

Cala Goloritzé on Sardinia’s Ogliastra coast is highlighted as a protected natural monument with limited visitor capacity. Access is managed through a closed‑number system that requires advance online booking, especially in the busy summer months. The beach can be reached on foot via a challenging trail or by boat, and visitors are reminded to respect strict preservation rules. The site is famed for the 130‑metre Aguglia rock spire, turquoise‑emerald waters and pristine pebble shoreline, making it a prized destination for nature‑focused tourists.