Scanzano Jonico Beach

History

This stretch of coast was for a long time an area of marshes and pine woods. After land reclamation and agrarian reform, it became a holiday destination. In 2003, the Scanzano coast was at the centre of a large popular protest against a plan to build a national nuclear waste repository, which was later abandoned. The final scene of the film Basilicata coast to coast was filmed here.

What to see

• The mouths of the Agri and Cavone rivers, protected areas of European interest, where birds such as the fratino (kentish plover) live.
• Terzo Cavone, with pale sand, shallow water close to the shore and the pine forest right behind.
• The Torre della Scanzana, with the only lighthouse in Basilicata.

Useful information

• There are equipped beach establishments and stretches of free beach. The shallow water makes it suitable for families.
• Protected birds nest on the dunes, so please respect the fences and signs.
• Nearby are the Oasi WWF Bosco Pantano and the Museo della Siritide in Policoro.