The best traffic-free bike rides around Pisticci

The historic center of Bernalda is a dive into an ancient and panoramic corner, white to soften the sun and made of well-maintained light stone. The church and the castle ramparts appear as a single entity, but this architectural aspect should be explored further. From below the town, it's a beautiful sight.

From the Bradanica pass, the road climbs for 2.6 km at an average gradient of 5% to reach the top of Bernalda. The climb will be resurfaced for long stretches in May 2025 for the Giro d'Italia, but given the traffic, caution is still advised. After 1 p.m., the climb is shaded for long stretches, thus avoiding excessive heat.

The square at the top of the village, still decorated for the feast of San Rocco, the town's patron saint. From the square, a road leads to the old town, a well-established place to visit, all the way to the viewpoint overlooking the countryside to the north, a little-known gem. Around the square, there are several fountains for refueling and bars for a tasty break!

This 8km climb towards Montescaglioso begins from the south, on the road leading to Ginosa. It's a gentle, low-traffic road through the countryside, with no unusual houses, all the way to the finish line. The average gradient is 3.5%.

Excellent stop for coffee/pastries before going back down the cliff towards the cable

One of Ginosa’s most striking landmarks, perhaps the most prominent historical site, is the Norman Castle. Built towards the end of the land spur in what is the northern end of the historical centre, the castle has commanding views over both Rioni di Casale and Rioni di Rivolta, and on to the surrounding plains beyond the ravine. The castle is the handiwork of Robert Guiscard, born in Normandy who was a significant figure in the Norman conquest of southern Italy during the 11th and 12th centuries. Guiscard became the Count of Apulia and Calabria between 1057 and 1059, and then Duke of Apulia and Calabria as well as Duke of Sicily between 1059 and 1085. He had the Ginosa castle built in 1080. A fortress, clearly occupying the most strategic spot being almost entirely surrounded by the ravine, built to protect the town against Saracen raids. At this time Puglia and much of southern Italy was being fought over between the Normans and the Byzantines. Today the castle looks more like a large palazzo than a Norman castle. This is because the distinctive Norman features, crenellated towers and a drawbridge, were removed or altered in the 16th century when the castle became the baronial seat of the Doria family. For example, the drawbridge was replaced by an arched bridge that links the castle’s entrance to Corso Vittorio Emanuele.

Municipality in the Basento valley of around 12,000 inhabitants, Bernalda boasts a characteristic historic center which stands on a plateau sloping towards the sea. From here it is splendid to observe the Ionian Sea and the hamlet of Metaponto. Also of particular beauty are the church of San Bernardino and the castle of Bernalda, probably built by the Normans.

Pisticci, a natural amphitheater between hills and the Ionian Sea, stands out for its unique charm. The three hills, Serra Cipolla, San Francesco and Monte Corno, surround an Italian municipality that embraces a varied landscape. Among the hamlets such as Casinello, Centro Agricolo and Marina di Pisticci, the beauty of this location emerges. Located between the Basento and Cavone rivers, Pisticci connects the ancient eastern plateau to the Ionian coast, although the clay hills to the west present natural challenges. With its S shape, it is the balcony over the Ionian Sea, offering breathtaking views and telling a story that is reflected in the architecture and dominant position. Pisticci captures the heart with its picturesque nature and role as a privileged spectator on the splendor of the Ionian Sea.