Policoro between Ancient History, Nature and the Coast

Policoro between Nature Conservation and History

Several clearly identifiable travel interests come together in Policoro. The Oasi del Bosco Pantano di Policoro is a regional nature reserve and a Natura 2000 site. It is designated both as a Special Area of Conservation with the identifier IT9220055 under the Habitats Directive and as a Special Protection Area under the Birds Directive. In addition to the historical themes, this places an explicitly protected natural area at the heart of travel planning.

Greek Colonies at the Museo Nazionale della Siritide

The Museo Nazionale della Siritide is dedicated to the Greek colonies of Siris and Herakleia. Its permanent exhibition includes material evidence from sacred, domestic and necropolis-related contexts. The objects date from the 9th century BCE to the 3rd century. This creates a broad chronological framework in which religious, everyday and funerary aspects of life become visible together.

The chronologically structured tour ranges from prehistory and early history to the history of the two Greek colonies. Those interested in the development of a region over long periods can view the different eras in a coherent sequence without limiting the themes to a single historical period.

Herakleia and Archaeological Evidence

The Parco Archeologico Siris - Herakleia includes the acropolis of Herakleia, which was built in 433/32 BCE. In the archaeological park adjacent to the Museo Nazionale della Siritide, the foundations of a temple of Dionysus and a nearby agora with an altar are also visible. The residential quarters of Herakleia show houses with different layouts that also served production and trade purposes.

Heraclea is an ancient site in the immediate vicinity of Policoro. Together with the museum and the archaeological park, it creates a clear focus on the material traces of the Greek past, with each place conveying its own segment of this history. The Castello di Policoro is also one of the defining historical themes: it was established around the year 1000 as a fortified monastery.

Bosco Pantano and Activities on the Coast

A guided trekking tour is offered in the Riserva Naturale Bosco Pantano. The tour lasts about two hours and follows a flat route.

The beaches of Policoro also offer a distinct travel focus. Facilities and clubs along the beaches offer windsurfing courses. This allows cultural and historical sightseeing, time spent in the Bosco Pantano natural area and water sports to be considered as different focal points for your days in Policoro.

The Right Accommodation for Your Plans

When choosing a hotel in Policoro, you can use the themes that shape your trip as a guide: the collections of the Museo Nazionale della Siritide, the archaeological evidence of Herakleia, the guided trekking tour in Bosco Pantano or windsurfing courses along the beaches.

Discover More Destinations

If you would like to combine Policoro with other places in the same region, here are the nearest destinations: Salandra, San Giorgio Lucano, Grottole, Tursi, Bernalda, Tinchi, Marina Di Pisticci and Rotondella.

To the overarching travel overview: Matera.