A beautiful destination for scuba diving
Given the omnipresence of the sea in the three regions (especially in Puglia and Calabria), scuba diving is the undisputed queen of water sports. For those who do not practice it, snorkeling is also a nice alternative. Many seaside resorts have diving centres where you can also rent motorboats. In Puglia, there are diving centres in Peschici and Vieste (Gargano), in Castro and Gallipoli, in Salento. In Basilicata, the seaside resort and diving centre of Maratea are very well equipped. In Calabria, in the area of Crotone, where there is also the nature reserve of Capo Rizzuto, you can explore the seabed where Roman columns are submerged.
Beautiful conditions for sailing
In addition to the many classic water sports (jet-skiing, water-skiing, towed buoys, etc.), there are often favourable climatic conditions here (optimal sunshine and wind) for sailing, especially off the coast of Salento, in Puglia, and on the "purple" coast of Calabria. Although there are many spots, these two are the preferred sites for yachting enthusiasts. Kitesurfing enthusiasts can also enjoy themselves.
Many hiking trails
Back on earth to put on your hiking boots! For those who enjoy trekking and mountain sports, there are numerous hiking routes in the Gargano area and in the Pollino National Park, a vast mountain area shared by Basilicata and Calabria, two regions that are particularly suitable for walking. The Pollino National Park, with its 192,565 hectares and a maximum altitude of 2,267 metres (Serra Dolcedorme), offers routes for all levels in a wild and majestic landscape. The Calabrian Sila Park and the Aspromonte Park are also very pleasant places to walk.
Some options for skiing
Surprising but true! If the summer temperatures are sometimes difficult to bear, the winter in Basilicate and Calabria can sometimes be very cold... and allow the practice of winter sports! Basilicate has three ski resorts. The Sellata-Pierfaone resort, 24 km from Potenza, has among its assets a privileged position, a vast panorama and advanced equipment, which makes it the most important ski resort in the region.
The Volturino mountain (1,836 metres) has also been equipped with state-of-the-art ski lifts. The Sacro Monte di Viggiano resort and Mount Sirino are also among the best winter sports locations. In Calabria there are two popular ski resorts: Camigliatello Silano in the Sila Park and Gambarie in the Aspromonte.Regions renowned for their thermal baths
The thermal baths are part of the privileged leisure activities of the southern regions. Dating back to Antiquity, they were a social institution within the Greco-Roman society. These regions have kept this tradition but in other forms. In a region as well endowed by nature as Basilicata, there is no shortage of thermal springs: waters and mud contribute to the well-being and physical fitness of all. Among the most famous spas are those of 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.
