Basilicata isn't an area that you'll find listed in many tourism brochures. Tucked away in the far south of Italy at the southern end of the Apennines, it is a mainly inland region of timeless mountain villages and undeveloped forest wilderness.

Much of the terrain is around 1,000m above sea level, with the Serra delle Ciavole at 2,127m the most notable mountain in Basilicata. The high scenery lends itself to walking, cycling, climbing and horse riding, with many paths both marked and unmarked winding through the forests before revealing breathtaking views.

One of the most spectacular locations is the extinct volcano of Mount Vulture, whose two craters are now filled by the lakes Grande and Piccolo - two high stretches of water surrounded by thick, unspoiled vegetation. The many rivers and lakes of the region offer excellent rafting, canoeing, diving and fishing opportunities. It's not just about mountains though - for a change of scene, a brief journey will take you to Basilicata's short coastlines on the Ionian or Tyrrhenian seas where you can relax in quiet sandy coves well away from the tourist crowds.

Basilicata is truly a land of "monte e mari" with something for everyone.