Greek temple remains on the plain and long sandy beaches – the other side of Basilicata.
Metaponto lies about an hour’s drive southeast of Matera on the Ionian Sea. Unlike the rocky Adriatic coast, the shore here is flat and sandy.
Magna Graecia
Metapontum was an important Greek colony; Pythagoras is said to have spent his last years here. Of the city, foundations survive together with the Tavole Palatine – a row of Doric columns standing free on the plain.
Swimming
The beaches are broad and shelve gently, with pine woods behind – more comfortable for families than the cliff coast of the Adriatic. In high summer the beach clubs are busy.
Combine with
Policoro further south has an archaeological museum and a reserve with sea turtles.
Read on
- Craco – in the same direction
- Day trips around Matera – all the destinations in overview
