Hard
Basilicata · Italy
- Distance
- 17.0 km / 10.6 mi
- Elevation gain
- 550 m
- Typical duration
- 4 hr 26 min
Via Lucana - Tappa 3
HardBasilicata · Italy
- Distance
- 19.7 km (12.3 mi)
- Elevation gain
- 743 m (2,438 ft)
- Typical time
- 5 hr 22 min
- Difficulty
- Hard
- Route type
- Point to point
- Highest point
- Not recorded
About Via Lucana - Tappa 3
Via Lucana - Tappa 3 is a 19.7 km hiking route in Basilicata, Italy. It climbs roughly 743 m (2,438 ft) along the way. Most people take around 5 hr 22 min at a comfortable pace, plus stops. Treat it as a full day out: the ascent is relentless in places and there are few easy escape points.
The character of the walk comes from the landscape it crosses rather than a single headline sight, which is exactly why it stays quiet even in high season.
It runs point to point, so arrange transport at the far end or plan a return leg before you set off. It is not consistently waymarked, so carry a map or a downloaded track rather than relying on signs.
Plan this one outside the summer months: cooler air makes the exposed sections far more pleasant. The nearest town of any size is Gravina in Puglia, about 20.2 km away, which is where most people base themselves.
In short, Via Lucana - Tappa 3 suits fit hikers with a habit of long days and an eye on the forecast. Dog access is not formally recorded here, so check locally before bringing one.
Route map
Hard19.7 km743 m
Numbered marks every 5 km
Route line from OpenStreetMap contributors, ODbL. View the source relation
The route in detail
The route is normally walked in the direction described below. The first third does most of the climbing, so settle into a slow rhythm early rather than trying to hold a flat-ground pace. Because the finish is away from the start, check return transport before committing to the second half.
Highlights
- 19.7 km of quiet walking
Know before you go
- Best season
- October to May
- Waymarked
- Not consistently
- Surface
- Mixed natural surface
- Dogs
- Not recorded, check locally
- Wheelchair access
- Not accessible
- Entrance fee
- No fee recorded
- Camping
- Not recorded
- Drinking water
- Carry your own
- Toilets
- Not recorded
- Mobile coverage
- Generally usable
- Parking
- Park at the trailhead, arrive early in high season
- Emergency
- 112 in Europe, 911 in North America
How this trail scores
Computed from distance, ascent, terrain features, surface and access data.
- Scenery
- 34/100
- Adventure
- 38/100
- Difficulty
- 65/100
- Accessibility
- 17/100
- Family
- 9/100
- Dogs
- 62/100
Terrain features, relief and photographic interest
Distance, ascent and how wild the ground is
Effort index from distance and climbing
Surface, gradient and ease of reaching it
Suitability for children who already walk
Access rules, terrain and water along the way
Tips from the trail
- Start at first light. A long day is far more pleasant when you are not racing the sunset on the descent.
- Aim for october to may for the most reliable conditions.
- Download the track to your phone before you leave. Signal is not guaranteed.
- Leave nothing behind, including fruit peel, and stay on the marked line to protect the ground either side.
Warnings
- This route is long and sustained. Turn back early rather than late if the weather closes in.
Safety
Emergency services in Italy are reached on 112. Tell someone your route and expected finish time before you set off, particularly if you are walking alone. Mobile coverage is generally usable along this route, but do not rely on it as your only plan. If the weather deteriorates, descending the way you came is almost always the safer option.
What to bring
- Comfortable, broken-in hiking shoes or boots
- Weatherproof jacket
- At least 1.5 litres of water
- Trekking poles for the descent
- Offline map and compass
- Head torch and spare battery
- Extra warm layer
- Small first aid kit including blister plasters
Photography
Overcast light suits this route better than harsh midday sun, especially under tree cover. Take the shot on the way out. Conditions rarely improve by the time you come back past. A wide lens captures the scale, but a short telephoto is what turns a good view into a photograph.
Frequently asked questions
Reviews
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