Cycling Italy's varied south

With less traffic than other Italian regions, Basilicata is ideal for serious bikers. Several routes put together by the local government cover challenging terrain, yet offer varied and panoramic rewards.

The ride from Picerno to the lakes of Monticchio crosses one of the highest mountain passes of the region, where the water flow decides its own course, either to the Adriatic sea or the Mar Mediterranean. The journey covers several climbs, high altitude bridges and mountain villages as well as a hint of ancient history.

Spartacus, leader of the Roman slaves revolt of 72 A.D. was killed in this area. He and his men were attempting to escape across the mountains to Brindisi. Historians pinpoint the Sele River as the spot where Spartacus was slain, although his body was never found. His followers on the other hand, were captured and killed and strung up along the Appian Way road to remind people what happened to rebels.

While musing Spartacus' fate, cyclists negotiate Basilicata's undulating hills and sparsely vegetated mountain crags, with views of Monte Vulture filling the background. This extinct volcano is home to the region's key viticulture and produces the black grape wine of Aglianico del Vulture. A tasty drop to sate the palate at ride's end.

Averaging about 80 km a day, the suggested cycling itineraries are configured with scenic and cultural highlights that touch much of the Basilicata region. The Maratea to Rotonda route, for example, starts at the beach zone of Maratea, dips into two valleys, and finishes at the base of the Pollino National Park. Or the abandoned village of Craco, with its empty houses, churches and defensive towers, followed by fields of yellowing wheat, form part of the attraction along the Accetture to Policoro trip.