A beautiful destination for scuba diving
Given the omnipresence of the sea in all three regions (especially Puglia and Calabria), scuba diving is the undisputed queen of water sports. For those who don't go scuba diving, snorkeling (fins, mask, snorkel) is also an attractive alternative. Many seaside resorts have diving centers where you can also rent motorboats. In Puglia, you'll find diving centers in Peschici and Vieste (Gargano), Castro and Gallipoli in Salento. In Basilicata, the seaside resort and diving center of Maratea are very well equipped. In Calabria, in the Crotone region, where the Capo Rizzuto nature reserve is also located, you can explore the seabed where Roman columns are immersed.
Beautiful conditions for sailing
In addition to the many classic water sports (jet-skiing, water-skiing, towed buoys, etc.), the weather conditions here are often favorable (optimal sunshine and wind) for sailing, especially off Salento, in Puglia, and on the "purple" coast of Calabria. While there are plenty of spots to choose from, these two are particularly popular with yachting enthusiasts. Kitesurfers will also find plenty to enjoy.
Many hiking trails
Back on earth and into your hiking boots! For trekking and mountain sports enthusiasts, there are numerous hiking itineraries in the Gargano area and in the Pollino National Park, a vast mountain area shared by Basilicata and Calabria, two regions that are particularly well-suited to walking. The Pollino National Park, with its 192,565 ha and a maximum altitude of 2,267 m (Serra Dolcedorme), offers routes for all levels, in a wild and majestic landscape. You can also enjoy pleasant walks in the Calabrian Sila Park and the Aspromonte.
Some options for skiing
Surprising but true! While summer temperatures can be hard to bear, winter in Basilicata and Calabria can be very cold... and make winter sports possible! Basilicata has three ski resorts. The Sellata-Pierfaone resort, 24 km from Potenza, boasts a privileged position, a vast panorama and state-of-the-art facilities, making it the largest ski resort in the region.
State-of-the-art lifts have also been installed on Mount Volturino (1,836 m). The Sacro Monte di Viggiano resort and Mount Sirino are also among the region's top winter sports locations. In Calabria, there are two popular ski resorts: Camigliatello Silano, in the Sila Park, and Gambarie, in Aspromonte.
Regions renowned for their thermal baths
Thermal baths are one of the most popular leisure activities in southern France. Dating back to Antiquity, they were a social institution in Greco-Roman society. These regions have preserved this tradition, but in other forms. In a region as well endowed by nature as Basilicata, there's no shortage of thermal springs: waters and mud contribute to the well-being and physical fitness of all. Among the most famous spas are Rapolla, in the Vulture region, and Latronico, in the Pollino National Park. In Puglia, the resorts of Santa Cesarea Terme and Marguerita di Savoia are also popular.
