Basilicata is squashed in between the regions of Campania, Calabria and Apulia. It is one of the least visited areas in Italy. Much of the region is mountainous with far between the villages and towns.
Several of Basilicata's towns are more than 700 m above sea level making them relatively cool even on summer evenings. In fact, Basilicata is one of the coldest regions in Italy in the winter months.
Basilicata's landscape is very varied and staying on the Ionic coast is very different to staying on the western coast, which is very rocky. The northern part of Basilicata is volcanic. Here the soil is more fertile and the area has plenty of medieval forts and castles.
Like its neighbours, Basilicata has also been under the influence of many different nationalities and empires including the Greek, Roman, Byzantine, Saracen and Norman. Remnants from these different eras can be found in several places in the region.
