The city of Policoro is located in Basilicata, in the province of Matera.
Understand
Policoro is a beach resort on the Ionian coast and it has been awarded the Blue Flag for 7 consecutive years. The weather is mild, reaching +40 °C (104 °F) in July and August and ±0 °C (32 °F) in January and February. Then, summer is the best period to come here: you will have the chance to take a swim in the Ionian sea and to live the Italian summer life.
History
Policoro was founded by the Greeks in the highest part of the actual city under the name of Siris. In 433 BC, it was replaced by Herakleia, a city founded by the inhabitants of Taranto in honor of Hercules. In fact, the main square of Policoro is called Piazza Eraclea and houses a statue of Hercules fighting against the lion. In 280 BC, during the Battle of Tarentum (during the Second Punic War), before beating the Roman troops, the Greek king Pyrrhus, with his elephants, took shelter in the near territory of Anglona. In spite of this, the territory was conquered by the Romans and went through a period of economic decline. Another period of social and economic decline occured during the feudalism: the territory was surrounded by a marshy area and, because of malaria, the remaining population had taken refuge on a hillock named Policoro (from the Greek 'Poliucoros', meaning 'spacious', most likely referring to the characteristics of the primitive village). Then, under the command of the Baron Berlingieri, the village was turned into a baronial feud and the town expanded around the baronial castle. The land reform of 1950 represented a turning point for Policoro, both economically and demographically: the marshy area was reclaimed, while the baron-owned houses and lands were assigned to families from neighbouring towns. Initially developed as a hamlet of Montalbano Jonico, Policoro became an autonomous municipality in 1959.
The train station Policoro-Tursi is part of a long railway line that connects Taranto to Reggio Calabria following the coast of the Ionian sea.
By sea
Marinagri is the little harbour of Policoro, located within the Marinagri Residential Tourist Complex. It offers 322 berths for boats up to 40 metres (131 ft.) long with a draught up to 3.5 metres (11 ft.). You can get in touch with the harbour through the 74 VHF channel.
Get around
You can visit the city centre on foot.
By public transport
Line 5 of the city bus connects the city centre to the beach. The bus ride starts from the bus station Terminal Bus and ends in Piazza Polieion (near the beach resort "Il Sirena") every hour.
See
🌍Museo Archeologico Nazionale della Siritide,Via Cristoforo Colombo, 8,☏ +39 0835 972154,drm-bas.museopolicoro@cultura.gov.it.W-M 09:00-20:00 The ticket office closes one hour before the museum.In its 14 rooms, the museum preserves the archeological heritage of the territory and enhances the relationship between all the peoples who inhabited the area.€2.50 full-price ticket. €2.00 reduced-price ticket for EU citizens aged between 18 and 25. Free for under 18s, subscribers and entitled people.(updated Jan 2025)
Archeological site Siris-Herakleia
🌍Parco Archeologico Siris - Herakleia,Via Cristoforo Colombo, 13,☏ +39 0835 972154.Daily 09:00-half an hour before sunset.Archeological site where you can visit the foundations of the first village.free.(updated Jan 2025)
🌍Castello Baronale(Palazzo Berlingieri),Via degli Artigiani, 12.The castle belonged to the Baron Berlingieri. It now houses restaurants and various services, but you can visit the entrance free.free.(updated Jan 2025)
🌍Casalini,Piazzetta Italia.The "Casalini" area corresponds to the former houses of the permant workers at the service of the Baron Berlingieri. These little houses have now been converted into restaurants.(updated Jan 2025)
🌍Cappella della Madonna del Ponte(Chiesa del Castello),Via Castello.The most ancient church in Policoro, near the castle. It is the house to the statues of Saints Cosmas and Damian.(updated Jan 2025)
Chiesa Madre on the background and the statue of Hercules on the foreground.🌍Chiesa Madre,Piazza Eraclea.The main church in the city that houses the statue of the patron saint of the city.(updated Jan 2025)
🌍Parrocchia Buon Pastore,Piazza Segni.A modern church built in the 1980s.(updated Jan 2025)
🌍Chiesa San Francesco,Via del Lido.The last church in order of construction, a few minutes' walk from the sea.(updated Jan 2025)
🌍Piazza Heraclea.The main square of the city, around which the current town initially developed. It is characterised by arches, called "portici", which are illuminated at night. It is home to the Mother Church and the Statue of Hercules fighting the lion.(updated Jan 2025)
🌍Giardini Murati,Via Corinto, 1.The "Walled Gardens" date back to the feudal period and their name comes from the red brick wall that surrounded them, now completely rebuilt. The area is characterised by spring water that still feeds the fountain and the ruins of an ancient aqueduct running over five brick arches.(updated Jan 2025)
🌍Piazza Segni.A monumental square dedicated to Antonio Segni, former President of the Italian Republic and one of the advocates of the land reform that marked the history of Policoro. The arches, the pyramid and the water that characterise this square are symbols recalling that period.(updated Jan 2025)
Do
Cultural events
Blues in Town.The association "La Mela di Odessa" has organised this pop music festival every year since 1995.(updated Jan 2025)
Policoro in Swing.August.Swing lessons and exhibitions. You can partecipate as a dancer or as audience.(updated Jan 2025)
Premio Heraclea.People who are originally from Basilicata and who have contributed to the global recognition of the region's distinctive work, economic and productive culture are honoured every year.(updated Jan 2025)
Vivi Heraclea,icoloridellanima2012@gmail.com.An annual festival organised by the association "I colori dell'anima" to discover the treasures of art and history housed in the museum.(updated Jan 2025)
Un sorriso in corsia.7 december.Charity concert organised every year by the association "World of Colors".(updated Jan 2025)
🌍Cinema Hollywood,Viale Pitagora,☏ +39 0835 910428 (call), +39 350 12 81 858 (WhatsApp).Th-Tu.One-screen cinema. You can see also 3D films (3D glasses cost €2.00)€7.00 full-price ticket. €6.00 reduced-price ticket.(updated Jan 2025)
Religious events
All religious events in Policoro typically feature a procession with the statue of the saint and an accompanying band, live music performances, sandwich trucks called paninari, diverse market stalls, and amusement park rides.
Madonna del Ponte.Third weekend in May.Patron saint of the city, the statue of the Madonna del Ponte was found under a bridge in the current Madonnella area. The original statue is now displayed in the Chiesa Madre.(updated Jan 2025)
Madonna del Carmine.Last weekend in July.The religious event takes place the last weekend in July. The previous Sunday a pilgrimage on foot is usually organised, starting from the Chiesa Buon Pastore and arriving at the Basilica of Anglona.(updated Jan 2025)
Santi Medici..Last weekend in September.It takes place near the Castle.(updated Jan 2025)
Madonna del Mare.August 15th.Procession of the Virgin by boat. You can see it from the foreshore.(updated Jan 2025)
Sport events and activities
🌍Bosco Pantano(Oasi WWF),Piazza Siris, 1(Località Idrovora),☏ +39 0835 1825157, +39 327 953 9814,wwf.poli@gmail.com.This oasis is a Regional Nature Reserve, one of the few forests to be located near the sea. You can book guided tours and excursions on foot or by bike.(updated Jan 2025)
🌍Sailing trip with aperitif,☏ +39 349 462 3378.from April to October.2-hour sailing trip along the Ionian coast with aperitif on board at sunset.(updated Jan 2025)
🌍Aquarius,Via San Giusto(Località Torre Mozza),☏ +39 083 5910273, +39 3384609321, +39 3339152279,info@aquariuspolicoro.com.Aquarius Società Cooperativa Sportiva Dilettantistica is now a Nautical Club recognised by CONI and affiliated to the F.I.V. It offers school camps and holidays to combine sea, nature and culture. It organises sailing, canoeing and sup activities.(updated Jan 2025)
🌍Circolo Velico Lucano,Largo Demetra,☏ +39 0835 910097, +39 334 600 7002, +39 335 127 7907.all year round.A sports club committed to promoting the knowledge of the natural and socio-cultural environment through sports such as sailing, rowing, swimming, wind-surfing, kiteboarding, orienteering and horse riding.(updated Jan 2025)
🌍F.M. Equestrian Club A.S.D.,Via Giuseppe Verdi, 24,☏ +39 329 197 6925.You can book horse riding and riding lessons.(updated Jan 2025)
Straherakleia,info@podisticapolicoro.org.Half Marathon. All Italian FIDAL or RUNCARD registered athletes and foreign IAAF registered athletes can participate.(updated Jan 2025)
🌍Stadio comunale "Rocco Perriello"(Campo sportivo),Via San Gottardo, 6.The Policoro football team ‘Associazione Sportiva Dilettantistica Policoro’ plays its home matches here.(updated Jan 2025)
Beach clubs
Being located on the Ionian coast, Policoro is suitable for those who want to take a swim and get a tan during the summer season. Public beaches and private beach clubs are both available. Private beach clubs offer not only beach umbrellas and beach loungers, but also a coffe shop, a restaurant, a playground, entertainment for children and grown-ups, football fields and beach volleyball courts.
🌍Bambulé Republic,Largo Esperia(left side of the seafront),☏ +39 389 235 0173,INFO@BAMBULEREPUBLIC.IT.Since 1997, it has offered either beach umbrellas or large wooden futons, a coffe shop and a bistrot.(updated Jan 2025)
🌍Lido La Conchiglia,Largo Esperia(left side of the seafront),☏ +39 333 384 4693.Equipped with a playground, it is suitable for families with children.(updated Jan 2025)
🌍Lido Sporting Beach,Largo Enotria(left side of the seafront),☏ +39 340 817 0173.It is characterised by exotic-style straw beach umbrellas.(updated Jan 2025)
🌍La Stiva,Largo Enotria(left side of the seafront),☏ +39 327 881 2822.A historical family-run beach resort, open since 1975.(updated Jan 2025)
🌍Lido Heraclea(da Pippo),Largo Atena(left side of the seafront),☏ +39 377 348 8431.One of the first beach resorts, it offers also a game room with table football and pool table.(updated Jan 2025)
🌍Lido Summer Time(Eleven Beach Club),Piazza Polieion, 5,☏ +39 342 848 1711.One of the most recent beach resorts.(updated Jan 2025)
🌍Lido La Playa,Largo Dionisio(right side of the seafront),☏ +39 392 431 2003.Happy hour on the beach every Sunday.(updated Jan 2025)
🌍Tropicana Lido,Largo Dionisio(right side of the seafront),☏ +39 377 384 9852.It has a restaurant serving traditional seafood specialities.(updated Jan 2025)
🌍Swami Beach,Largo Chonia(right side of the seafront),☏ +39 333 166 1466.In addition to beach umbrellas, it offers 14 gazebo equipped with beach lounge chairs, beach deck chairs, tables and chairs.(updated Jan 2025)
🌍Lido La Capannina,Largo Chonia(right side of the seafront),☏ +39 0835 910331, +39 327 718 0817,lacapanninapolicoro@gmail.com.One of the historical beach resorts, it is organised into two areas: the Beautiful area with beach umbrellas and beach loungers, and the Relax area with larger beach umbrellas and beach loungers. It offers shower service and personal changing rooms; pets are welcome. The restaurant/pizzeria is open all year round.(updated Jan 2025)
🌍Lido La Duna,Largo Italia(right side of the seafront),☏ +39 334 600 7002.You can attend sailing, windsurfing, kitesurfing, canoeing and swimming classes.(updated Jan 2025)
Playgrounds
🌍Villa Comunale.The town public playground.(updated Jan 2025)
🌍Joypark,Via Polibio,☏ +39 328 746 7104.Daily 17:30-00:00.Private playground near the sea.(updated Jan 2025)
Buy
🌍Centro Commerciale Heraclea,Strada Statale Ionica km 422,☏ +39 0835 901397.Daily 09:00-20:30.Shopping centre, with many clothing and shoe stores, a supermarket, a smoke shop, a bar and a restaurant. An ATM is available inside.(updated Apr 2024)
🌍Just Sud,Via Napoli, 44,☏ +39 329 196 6422.M-Sa 08:30-13:00, 16:00-20:30.High quality food and wine products typical of southern Italy.(updated Jan 2025)
🌍Il Buongustaio,Via Siris 121/d,☏ +39 342 778 0880,castronuovorosa@yahoo.it.Since 1995, it has been selling typical products from Basilicata, including "GinUino", the local-produced gin.(updated Jan 2025)
🌍Il Corso,Via Siris.The city's main street.(updated Jan 2025)
🌍Monthly market.Last Saturday of each month, 08:00-13:00.You can buy clothes, shoes, food, linen and much more.(updated Jan 2025)
🌍Weekly market.Sa (except the last of each month), 08:00-13:00.(updated Jan 2025)
Eat
Budget
🌍La Golosa,Via Sant'Uberto, 11,☏ +39 338 962 9175.Tu-Su 08:00-13:00, 16:30-20:30.A historical pastry shop, the best one.(updated Jan 2025)
🌍Caffé Lo Spuntino(Bar Da Elio),Viale Salerno, 49,☏ +39 0835 972457.M-Sa 04:00-21:00, Su 04:00-13:30.Excellent breakfast, with a wide choice of vegan products.(updated Jan 2025)
🌍Tipità Family Bar,☏ +39 377 331 3900.A coffee shop suitable for families with children, offering a play area and organising birthday parties.(updated Jan 2025)
🌍Nanà - like at home,Via Siris, 155,☏ +39 389 195 8021.Th-Tu 16:30-01:00.Homemade desserts and a wide range of dishes made with fresh, local ingredients.(updated Jan 2025)
🌍Gelateria Heraclea,Largo Enotria(left side of the seafront),☏ +39 340 370 4681.open in summer, closed in winter.Artisan ice-cream parlour located on the seafront.(updated Jan 2025)
🌍Bar Rosa,Via Siris, 160,☏ +39 0835 971819.M Tu 07:00-22:00, W 05:00-13:00, Th-Su 05:00-22:00.You can have the best breakfast in Policoro, with a wide range of croissants and desserts.(updated Jan 2025)
🌍Nemea Dessert Shop,Piazza Vitantonio Ripoli, 14.Tu-Sa 09:30-13:30 and 16:30-20:30, Su 09:30-13:30.Artisan pastry shop, selling homemade desserts, both in their classic version and gluten-free, lactose-free and vegan variants.(updated Jan 2025)
🌍Essenza il Ristorante di Enza Crucinio,Via Medaglia D'Oro Sinisi, 43,☏ +39 377 386 7983 (Whatsapp) +39 0835 685517 (call)FORMAT.Tu-Sa 18:30-23:30, Su 13:00-15:00.You can have a real food experience based on bringing innovation to the typical local dishes.(updated Jan 2025)
🌍Lucanino - Fast Good,Borgo Casalini,☏ +39 388 772 5875.Th-M 19:00-23:00.A local fast food selling sandwiches filled with typical local dishes.(updated Jan 2025)
🌍Gusti Lucani,Via Puglia, 40,☏ +39 388 768 7007.Daily-15:00, 19:00-01:00.Restaurant with typical local dishes.(updated Jan 2025)
🌍Lo Sgranocchio,SS 106 Jonica, snc,☏ +39 0835 973964.Tu-Su 12:00-15:00, 19:00-00:00.Pizzeria. Every month you can taste the special pizza of the month, with seasonal products.(updated Jan 2025)
🌍Ricciardulli Pizzeria,Via Monte Grappa, 21,☏ +39 340 244 0437.Contemporary neapolitan pizza.(updated Jan 2025)
🌍Al Chiosco da Tonino,Viale San Giusto,☏ +39 333 863 9195.M-Sa 19:00-23:00, Su 13:00-17:00.Seafood restaurant on the beach.(updated Jan 2025)
🌍Ristorante Le Terrazze,Viale San Giusto, Villaggio Marinagri, Località Torremozza,☏ +39 0835 950880.Restaurant with a view over the harbour.(updated Jan 2025)
🌍Hostaria Due Emme Beach,Largo Enotria(left side of the seafront),☏ +39 340 370 4681.W-Mo 12:30-14:30 and 19:30-22:00, Su 12:30-14:30.Seafood restaurant on the seafront.(updated Jan 2025)
🌍Paninello's Food,Villa Comunale,☏ +39 392 150 4825,Lucapanox@hotmail.it.Sandwich truck, called "paninaro" by the locals. The most typical stuffings are sausage or porchetta, but you can also taste sandwiches with hotdog, hamburgers and much more.(updated Jan 2025)
🌍Jungle,Borgo Casalini,☏ +39 340 166 7461.Th-Tu 05:00-00:00.Cocktails, beer and finger food. Karaoke on summer evenings.(updated Jan 2025)
🌍Beerock 1995,Via Monte Rosa, 24,☏ +39 0835 1854523.Tu-Su 18:00-01:00.A pub famous for its hamburgers, beer and live music.(updated Jan 2025)
🌍Smitherson Summer House,Piazza Chonia(right side of the seafront),☏ +39 348 762 3242.Daily 10:00-03:00 (only in summer).Open-air lounge and cocktail bar on the seafront. It organises musical events.(updated Jan 2025)
🌍Bar H Chic,Piazza Chonia(right side of the seafront),☏ +39 338 322 2417,ecobasilicata@libero.it.Daily 10:00-05:00.Lounge bar and restaurant on the seafront.(updated Jan 2025)
🌍La Playa Lounge Club,Riva dei Colofoni(right side of the seafront),☏ +39 392 431 2003,federicopandolfi.fp@gmail.com.in summer.Open-air lounge bar on the seafront. It organises disco nights.(updated Jan 2025)
🌍Swami Club,☏ +39 333 931 2258,info@swamiclub.it.Daily 20:00-03:00.Lounge bar on the seafront. It organises disco nights in summer.(updated Jan 2025)
🌍La Maison,Piazza Mitidieri, 22B,☏ +39 327 1224 941.W-M 17:00-02:30.Restaurant, pizzeria, cocktail bar. Dinner Show every Friday. Disco night every Saturday.(updated Jan 2025)
Sleep
Budget
🌍Hotel Callà 2,Via Lazio, 11,☏ +39 0835 981098.Check-in: 15:00, check-out: 12:00.Basic hotel, with wifi, terrace, a tv area and rooms equipped with mini-bar and tv. Parking and breakfast are included in the price.(updated Jan 2025)
Mid-range
🌍Policoro Village,Via Aristarco, 1,☏ +39 0835 910168,policoro.village@libero.it.Check-in: 16:30, check-out: 10:00.A bungalow village surrounded by a pine forest, a short stroll from the beach, offering on-site amenities such as a swimming pool, a restaurant, a supermarket, a launderette and entertainment options.(updated Jan 2025)
🌍Villaggio Riva Azzurra,Viale Lido,☏ +39 0835 259572.Self-catering accommodation with a private terrace and shared garden, swimming pool and parking area.(updated Jan 2025)
🌍Hotel Hermes,S.S. 106 Km 427+150 Complanare destra Località Madonnella,☏ +39 0835 980885,info@hermeshotel.it.Check-in: 16:00, check-out: 10:00.A 3-star hotel equipped with swimming pool, garden, meeting room, and a private parking area under videosurveillance.(updated Jan 2025)
🌍Hotel Villa Cirigliano,Borgo Panevino, 19(by car via the Policoro-Tursi provincial road),☏ +39 0835 810218,info@hotelvillacirigliano.it.Check-in: 14:00, check-out: 11:00.A 4-star hotel, located in the hamlet of Panevino, only 5 km from the city centre of Policoro. Its "central" position is excellent to reach both the sea and the mountains. It has free indoor parking and a swimming pool. The hotel has also a venue for weddings and other events.(updated Jan 2025)
🌍Hotel San Vincenzo Resort,Viale Catone, 218,☏ +39 0835 910195,info@hotelsanvincenzoresort.com.Check-in: 14:00.Italian Religious Hospitality partner hotel. A 4-star hotel equipped with free parking, gym, swimming pool, meeting room, safe, bicycle hire service and electric car charging station.(updated Jan 2025)
🌍Commissariato Polizia di Stato,Via Puglia, 32,☏ +39 08359 52211.State police and Traffic police.(updated Jan 2025)
🌍Polizia Municipale - Caserma "Igino Stoja e Nicola Guerra",Via Dante Alighieri, 4,☏ +39 08359 80876.Municipal police.(updated Jan 2025)
🌍Carabinieri Comando Compagnia Policoro,Via Monte Bianco, 18,☏ +39 0835 9850.Carabinieri, the national gendarmerie of Italy.(updated Jan 2025)
🌍Guardia di Finanza Comando Compagnia Policoro,Via Bologna, 2,☏ +39 0835 972112.Italian finance police.(updated Jan 2025)
🌍Vigili Del Fuoco Distaccamento Policoro,Corso Pandosia,☏ +39 0835 972122.Fire station.(updated Jan 2025)
Connect
🌍Biblioteca Comunale Massimo Rinaldi,Piazza ERaclea, 1,☏ +39 0835 972895.M-F 09:00-13:00, 16:00-19:00.Public library with Internet access.(updated Jan 2025)
🌍Poste Italiane,Via Giustino Fortunato, 30,☏ +39 0835 903422.M-F 08:30-19:00, Sa 08:30-12:30.Post office with parcel service.(updated Jan 2025)
🌍R&P Planet Phone,Via Salerno, 113,☏ +39 0835 972302.M-F 09:30-13:00 and 17:00-20:30, Sa 09:30-13:00.Telephony shop where you can buy temporary phone cards.(updated Jan 2025)
🌍Wash & Relax,Via Resegone,☏ +39 393 954 9711.From October to April: daily 07:00-22:00. From May to September, 24/7.Self-service launderette with Wi-Fi and entertainement for kids.(updated Jan 2025)
Go next
If you want to visit other beauties of the Basilicata region, from Policoro you can easily reach the following places:
Tursi, with its old town founded by the Arabs in the 4th century and the Basilica of Anglona dating back to the 11th century.
Valsinni, where you can take part in a guided tour of the poetess Isabella Morra's castle and the alleys of the old town.
Colobraro, where in August you can attend a free theatrical performance named "sogno di una notte a quel paese" organised by the local people in the streets of the town to tell the story of the monachicchio, a type of elf from Lucanian folklore who loves practical jokes, and to disprove the fact that the name of the village Colobraro brings bad luck at the mere mention of it.
Castelsaraceno, famous for housing the longest rope bridge in the world.
Pollino National Park, where you can simply take a walk in the forest, join a guided walking or cycling tour, or participate in one of the many activities on offer such as rafting, kayaking, canoeing, adventure park and more.
Strada Statale 106 Jonica
Strada Statale 598 di Fondo Valle d'Agri
Strada Statale 407 Basentana
Strada Statale 653 Sinnica
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