Ideas and itineraries to discover Basilicata

What to see in Policoro

Sea, history and nature: these are the three ingredients that make Policoro the ideal destination for a relaxing holiday, to rediscover the fascination of a noble past and let yourself be enchanted by the beauty of fauna and flora.

THE FASCINATION OF MAGNA GRECIA, BETWEEN NATURE AND RELAXATION 

Policoro rises up a few steps away from Heraklea's ancient ruins, important polis of Magna Grecia. It is here where Pirro fought the Roman Army in 280 b.C. As proof of this glorious past, there is the Sirtire Archeological Museum, which safeguards the remains of the ancient city. 

However, it is impossible to leave these places without having savoured the famous Policoro's strawberries, flavourful fruit that finds in this area a fertile ground on which to grow luxuriantly. Moreover, there is the sea: a pristine landscape, crystal-clear water (Blu Flag 2016) so much that Loggerhead sea turtles have chosen this shore to lay eggs...so we can trust it!

La spiaggia di Policoro 


THREE GOOD REASONS TO VISITE  POLICORO


1. THE PURE IONIAN SEA WATER

Unlike the other Lucanian beaches overlooking the Ionian Sea, Policoro's one is made of sand and pebbles. The water is deep on average and sometimes it is possible to catch sight of groups of dolphins swimming in the open sea. The seaboard is equipped with beach clubs alternating with stretches of free beach. There are also many accommodating facilities offering hospitality at moderate prices.


2. ANCIENT HERAKLEA

Policoro rises up a few kilometres away from the ruins of the ancient Greek polis of Heraklea. Close to the archeological park, it is possible to visit the Sirtide National Archeological Museum which safeguards grave goods, bronze armours, silver, golden and amber jewellery: proof of a glorious past. The museum adopted the Card (Mark) of quality services of MiBACT

Gli scavi di Policoro


3. THE WEALTH OF FAUNA

Only a few kilometres away from the city, there is the WWF Policoro Heraklea Oasis, belonging to the vast Bosco Pantano di Policoro Natural Reserve (500 hectares). This is one of the last coastal forests of our country and represents an unmissable destination for birdwatching lovers.

Policoro, oasi WWF

The Pantano of Policoro is in fact an important pit stop area for numerous migratory birds, of which roughly 170 species have been identified, such as the Major White Heron, The Grey Heron, The Eurasian Sponbill. The Oasis is shelter to many sea turtles, such as the Loggerhead sea turtle.

The park is open every day between 9 a.m. and 1 p.m. For guided tours booking is necessary.

BEFORE LEAVING FOR POLICORO READ OUR ITINERARY TO DISCOVER THE IONIC COST!