Bernarda, pearl of the Ionian Sea

Bernalda - Bernalda is a Lucanian town in the province of Matera, rises 127 meters above sea level and has 12,500 inhabitants. Located in the heart of the Ionian coast, it is located close to the splendid beaches of Metaponto and especially in summer it is an essential stop for those visiting Basilicata. In its territory there is not only the sea, in fact between the mouths of the Bradano and Basento rivers there is a large natural reserve of 240 hectares: the wood of Metaponto, an ideal site for hiking and biking.

A short distance from Bernalda it is absolutely worth visiting the archaeological area with attached museum of Metaponto. Bernalda was the birthplace of the grandfather of the famous director Francis Ford Coppola who often returns to Basilicata having created a very strong relationship with his origins. In the heart of the city stands a historic 19th century mansion, Villa Margherita, purchased by the director and transformed into a luxurious resort, as well as his personal residence. The ancient village of Bernalda extends from the Aragonese castle, now home to the picture gallery, up to the mother church and Piazza San Bernardino. Also noteworthy is the seventeenth-century convent of Sant'Antonio da Padova with its adjoining church. Thanks to its strategic position on the Ionian coast, where sea, culture, art, archeology blend harmoniously, in Bernalda it is possible to practice a wide range of sports: windsurfing, diving, golf, sailing and canoeing.