Basilicata

In Italy’s instep, Basilicata, or Lucania, is Italy’s most unknown region, ideal for discovering on our guided walking holiday. Its heyday was as part of the Magna Graecia. The Greeks colonised the coast but not the mountains, believing them the home of their gods. Pollino comes from the Greek meaning 'Mount of Apollo'. The Romans saw them off in 6C. Subsequent invasions and civil wars turned Basilicata into a lawless place with bandits hiding out in mountain passes. The lucani evolved a resourceful, wary people whose society revolved around their small villages. Even today traditions are maintained, and villagers practise crafts like weaving and woodcarving.

Home to the Loricate pine (the only place it grows in Italy), the Pollino National Park has not been 'discovered' yet, hopefully it will remain that way. It’s noted for its curious geological mix of limestone, ophiolite and basalt. 1500 different species of flora line the pathways. In the forest you may spot porcupine, pine martens and falcons. Maratea is an unspoilt corniche of vine-covered cliffs, olive groves, pebbly coves, limpid seas ranging from azure to periwinkle, Saracen watchtowers and Baronial castles.