Metaponto, with it's Greek ruins is certainly the best-known landmark on the Ionian coast in Basilicata, but, not necessarily the ideal beach location as it is over-constructed and often over-crowded in the summer months. Below are a couple of suggestions that are still popular with the locals, but off the beaten track and with better beaches... Lido's are popular in Italy and can be handy if you are looking for sunbeds/umbrellas, showers and food on the beach. Both suggestions below have large stretches of free beach close by.

NOTE: Lido's will be open typically from June - September, depending on the weather and number of tourists.

Pepete Beach Lido, San Teodoro (80km):

Pepete Beach is a 5 minute drive from Metaponto, with large golden sandy beaches.

• There is a relaxed atmosphere, with a bar for drinks/snacks and a informal restaurant where you can eat freshly grilled seafood for €20.
• An umbrella with 2 lounges costs €5-15 depending on how long you stay

Roto Beach, Marina Di Rotondella, (100km)

Rotò beach is found another 20 mins down the coast, towards Calabria, and has a mixture of sandy and small pebbles on the beach. Sunbeds, lounge bar and snacks made from local produce are available. Cocktail evenings are also organised. See: www.rotobeach.com/il_lido

Directions from Irsina to Pepete Beach & Roto Beach (step-by-step for the quickest route):

It will take you a comfortable 60 minutes to get there (slightly further for Lido Rotò).

1. Leave Irsina from Via Tolve, the old SS96 (rear view of the Cathedral).
2. After 2kms there is a crossroads on a curve, turn left signposted Grassano and drive down the hill for 7-8kms.
3. On the valley floor there is a T-junction going either straight-on or right. Go straight and after 300 mtrs there is a bridge crossing the Bradano river onto a crossroads signed Grassano or Matera.
4. Turn for 'Matera' and follow for 10 km and straight-on at the next junction for Matera.
5. Straight on again at the next roundabout and you will join and fast road with a lake visible on the left (San Giuliano).
6. Follow the road for 10 km, you will pass two tunnels and 1 km after the second tunnel you will reach a junction. Turn right for 'Ferrandina' (not straight on for Matera).
7. Follow the road, after a while you will be driving down a steep hill and at the end of this hill you will reach the bridge of the Basento river. After this turn left towards Metaponto (not right for Potenza.
8. This is the SS407 Basentana and will take you straight to the coast (25 min) where it merges with the SS106 coastal road (you can't see the sea). There are road works currently in this area.
9. Turn right on the SS106 towards Reggio Calabria.
10. Pepete Beach: After 5-6 mins you will see a turning for San Teodoro. Take this exit and follow the road round to the left towards 'il mare', the sea. Drive straight on until you reach the car park and the sea. Park here. Looking at the sea, turn left and follow the beach until you reach the last lido called Pepete Beach. You will see palm trees and a green lawn.
11. Lido Rotò: Stay on the SS106 for another 15 minutes until you see signs for Marina di Rotondella on the left. Take this exit and follow the road to the beach – Rotò beach is on your left.

Getting Back to Irsina:

1. Return in the direction for Matera/Metaponto on the SS106 (yellow sign).
2. When you reach the roadworks at Metaponto continue following the signs for Potenza.
3. Follow the SS407 (Basentana) until you reach the exit signed Bari/Matera (on the right there is a big factory red/brown colour)
4. After the exit you will cross a bridge and go up a steep hill
5. After a tunnel, you will find a sign for Miglionico and immediately afterwards a sign for Grassano (careful, this is slightly hidden in the curve). Take this road.
6. After 2 tunnels you will reach a roundabout with a right sign for Irsina – DON'T follow this sign. Instead, go straight on for Grassano.
7. You will reach another crossroads with a sign for Irsina...from here continue to follow the signs for Irsina.