Picnics are very popular in Italy with the arrival of spring and summer weather. Here are the top-three picnic destinations in the countryside close to Irsina (very busy on Italian bank holidays):

Grottole – Bosco Coste Picnic and play area:

Just outside the neighbouring village of Grottole, overlooking the reservoir of San Giuliano and surrounding countryside, is a beautiful park equipped with an extensive childrens play area, wooden gazebos, tables and benches plus stone BBQ's ready to use (take a cooking grate length 75cm). The perfect place to spend the day eating, playing and relaxing.

Diga (Reservoir) of San Giuliano:

A protected WWF reserve not far from Matera is the 'Diga of San Giuliano'. Here, immersed in rich flora and fauna, you can find areas on the bank of the lake suitable for picnics. No equipment is provided other than bins on the side of the lake road. Swimming is not allowed and there are also 'agriturismi' (farmhouses) that serve food on Sundays.

Verrutoli Woods Picnic Area:

The nearby woods of Verrutoli is a traditional location for locals to have Sunday BBQs and picnics. There is a picnic area equipped wth wooden tables and benches not far from the deer reserve found in the woods, plus a childrens play area and outdoor exercise route popular with joggers.

A local favourite for BBQ's is fresh sausage, lamb and pork, with sliced and grilled courgette and aubergines!

Distance and directions (from Irsina):

Leave Irsina from Via Tolve, the old SS96 (rear view of the Cathedral). After 2kms there is a crossroads on a curve, turn left and drive down the hill for 7-8kms. On the valley floor there is a T-junction going either straight-on or right. Go straight and after 300mtrs there is a bridge crossing the Bradano river onto a crossroads signed 'Grassano' or 'Grottole/Matera'.

From here follow the directions below to your chosen location:

Grottole 'Bosco Coste' (30kms/30mins): Turn for 'Grottole/Matera' and follow for 10kms. Turn right at the next junction for 'Grottole/Grassano' (straight-on is for 'Matera/Metaponto') and then left at the following junction, after 3kms, towards Grottole (up the hill). Close to Grottole there are brown signs indicating left for 'Bosco Coste' (near the windmills). Ask the locals if you get lost – it's worth it!

Verrutoli Woods (20kms/20mins): Go straight-on for 'Grassano', climbing up Verrutoli hill. After 6-7kms (near the top) turn onto a ramp on the right leading onto a country road. Follow for 2 kms until you reach the woods and parking area. Picnic area (table and benches) found close to a couple of buildings.

Diga di San Giuliano (40kms/35mins): Turn for 'Grottole/Matera' and follow for 10kms and straight-on at the next junction for 'Matera/Metaponto'. Straight on again at the next roundabout. You will join and fast road and when the lake is visible on the left, look out for a left-hand turning (countryroad) for the 'diga'. Take this and follow for a couple of kms until you are 20/30mtrs from the lake where you can see open areas ideal to have a picnic - also indicated by rubbish bins on the road.