Via Lucana

The Via Lucana is one of the official routes of the Cammino Materano network: seven stages and 136 km through the heart of Lucania, from Albano di Lucania to Matera. The route winds its way through the valleys of the Bradano and Basento rivers, offering a mosaic of landscapes marked by woods, pastures, cultivated land, olive groves and the dazzling whiteness of the badlands. This route is perfect for hikers interested in both cultural heritage and natural beauty, providing a well-rounded experience of Lucania’s diverse environment and history.

It is a public, waymarked trail. Anyone can walk it independently, free of charge, following the official signage and the pilgrim’s credential.

However, if you prefer to walk with a light daypack and have it comfortably arranged at the end of each stage, Slow Italy Tours will organize the luggage transfer between stages for you, pre-book the accommodations along the route, and provide you with a dedicated support line for questions and emergencies. Also, you can count on our expertise to enrich your walking tour with experiences that will engage you in the local culture, alongside mindful immersion in the beauty of nature.

DAY 1 | Albano di Lucania – Tricarico

The route starts in Albano di Lucania, nestled on one of the peaks of the stunning Lucanian Dolomites. Leaving the village behind, you cross fields of wheat before entering the Monte Cupolicchio woodland. The trail continues gently to the Albano di Lucania Adventure Park and then climbs to an altitude of 1,017 meters (the highest point of the Cammino Materano trail network) before descending again to reach the Tre Cancelli woods. Continuing through the woods, you will reach Tricarico. The first stage ends at its Norman Tower.

DAY 2 | Tricarico – Grassano

The second stage of the route begins in the historic center of the Arab-Norman village of Tricarico. The ancient path you will take as you leave the village was paved by Rocco Scotellaro to make it easier for farmers to get about. The route continues through rural hamlets and along footpaths, passing two further historic sites. Continuing towards Grassano, the path climbs up to the Cinti di Grassano, a site of geological, natural and architectural interest. The stage ends once you enter the village, leaving you with a sense of discovery.

DAY 3 | Grassano – Grottole

On the third day, the route winds its way through valleys and hills, surrounded by wheat fields, as well as Mediterranean scrub and oak and beech woods. Highlights along the route include the Sanctuary of Sant’Antonio Abate and the Bilioso rivulet, which you’ll need to cross to continue towards Grottole, the end of this stage.

DAY 4 | Grottole – Miglionico

You leave Grottole along the historic Via Appia, the first and most important of the great roads built by the Romans. The trail continues past villas and countryside and, as it climbs, reaches the Bosco Coste wind farm, which you cross for 5 km. It then descends through wheat fields, reaching the slopes of Miglionico. After a 3 km climb, you arrive at the centre of the village, dominated by the imposing Castello del Malconsiglio.

DAY 5 | Miglionico – Pomarico

From Miglionico, the route continues downhill along the historic Via Appia. The path offers panoramic views of Lake San Giuliano and the River Basento. Along the way, you pass a fig orchard and then reach the Church of La Porticella, where you can enjoy the shade of a centuries-old oak tree. The next few kilometres wind through the Manferrara woods, before crossing the countryside to reach the centre of Pomarico.

DAY 6 | Pomarico – Montescaglioso

The second-to-last stage of the route begins at the edge of a woodland and then leads through a valley between the badlands. It continues through olive groves to reach the rural village of Tre Confini. Following the old local railway line, the route descends along the Bradano valley before finally climbing to Montescaglioso.

DAY 7 | Montescaglioso – Matera

Leaving Montescaglioso behind, the path continues down into the valley, through olive groves and vast areas of wheat fields. For a few kilometres, you walk along a picturesque path that runs close to the Matera canyon, dotted with cave dwellings and rock churches. You arrive in Matera via the Casalnuovo neighbourhood, where the ancient beauty of the Sassi welcomes you, evoking a sense of timeless wonder.