Top 10 Summer Activities in Southern Italy Presented by Coppola Resorts

In addition to a number of fun outdoor summer activities such as mountain biking, hiking and rafting, the Palazzo is pleased to announce the start of its new private beach excursions and cycling tours.

To help you plan your summer trip, the Palazzo Margherita has put together a list of the Top 10 Summer Activities in Southern Italy, all of which are easily accessible from the property:

1. PRIVATE BEACH EXCURSIONS

One of Palazzo's best-kept secrets is its close proximity to soft, sandy beaches – unlike many hotels on the Amalfi Coast where the beaches are rugged, rocky and difficult to access. Within 15 minutes of the Palazzo, many miles of sandy beaches extend along the cobalt-blue shores of the Ionian Sea, where we have a special private beach club area close to the old pine forest. Palazzo can transport guests to this secluded beach for the day (departing at 10:30am and returning at 4pm). Enjoy a delicious picnic meal prepared by Palazzo's chef or fresh fish of the day caught by local fishermen. Upon arrival, guests will find a welcome drink and fresh fruit to begin a relaxing day at the beach!

Cost: 25 EUR to rent an umbrella and 35 EUR for a gazebo

Both umbrella and gazebo include 2 sunbeds, 1 beach chair and a small table

Extra sunbeds upon request (5 EUR for sunbed)

2. CYCLING TOURS

Palazzo Margherita has partnered with Butterfield and Robinson, the world's premier active travel company, to create scenic cycling tours exclusive to guests of the hotel.

Bike Tour Bernalda – Beach club - 32.00 km - Level - EASY

The bicycles arrive in the morning at Palazzo Margherita to begin the tour. The route crosses the Basento valley to arrive at San Teodoro Nuovo. From there it's a leisurely ride through orchards and along country roads to reach the Ionian coast and our Beach club.

Cost: 150 EUR per person (includes bike rental, transfer back to Palazzo Margherita, maps and picnic lunch); Min 2, max 6 people

Bike Tour Bernalda - Matera - 45.00 km - Level - MODERATE

The bicycles arrive in the morning at Palazzo Margherita to begin the tour. The route crosses the Bradano valley and continues to Montescaglioso. The fittest riders may follow a route of 7 km leading to the medieval center, with the possibility to visit the Benedictine Abbey and enjoy a picnic lunch in the country. A less strenuous alternative is to continue until reaching the Parco dei Monaci, where a climb of 10 km begins gradually and increases in the last 3 km to arrive at the center of Matera, and lunch at one of the outdoor cafes.

Cost: 150 EUR per person (includes bike rental, transfer to come back to Palazzo Margherita, maps and picnic lunch); Min 2 people, max 6 people

3. POLLINO ADVENTURE- NORDIC WALKING

Nordic walking is considered one of the most comprehensive and effective exercises. It can be practiced year-round as both a fitness and sporting activity and it is suitable for people of all ages. The Pollino Adventure program consists of:

1) Beginning courses

2) Technical lessons

3) Pollino National Park excursions

4) Training programs for weight loss and toning

5) Equipment rental

Our instructors are certified by the Italian Nordic Walking School, and we guarantee professionalism and competence.

Cost: 50 EUR per person for ½ day; 160 EUR per person for full day; Min 2 people

4. TORRENTISMO

Torrentismo or "canyoning" is the descent of narrow mountain canyons with flowing water. Our clients are safely accompanied in these extraordinary environments with suitable equipment. The descents are accomplished with and without the aid of ropes, as the location requires. Some of the most interesting canyons or gorges are the “Raganello” and the “Garavina.” Our programs, each providing equipment rental, allow guests to spend a day in the wilderness.

Cost: 100 EUR per person (insurance and equipment included)

5. MOUNTAIN BIKING

Mountain biking is a great way to experience the Pollino Park with many dirt roads and paths suitable for biking. We offer professional guides and designated paths for every skill level ranging from beginner to the most demanding and extreme trails in the Pollino.

Cost: 100 EUR per person for ½ day; 140 EUR per person for full day (bike rental included); Min 2 people

6. SPORT CLIMBING

Sport climbing is offered on a natural or artificial surface, on pre-rigged and secured cliffs. We offer beginner lessons and can provide equipment.

Cost: 100 EUR per person for ½ day (equipment included); Min 2 people

7. RAFTING

An exciting excursion into the gorges of the Lao River in the Pollino National Park.

Easy Route: Easy and fun, 4km length with all the excitement of rafting; Duration: approx. 1hr.

Cost: 40 EUR per adult; 35 EUR per child (until 15 years old)

(includes equipment and insurance)

Adventure Route: A more challenging path that goes through the spectacular gorges of the Lao River. 14km Length; Difficulty II - IV degree; Duration: 3/4 hr.

Cost: 110 EUR per person (includes equipment and insurance)

8. WATER TREKKING

An easy, family-friendly activity that takes place in the park streams of Pollino. Enjoy wading through the water (waders, suit and boots included) accompanied by a guide. Transfer to the mountain with our off-road vehicles and swim in the clear river waters.

Costs:

Easy Route: (1.5 km in the river) 30 EUR per adult; 20 EUR per child (includes equipment, insurance, guide, “aperitivo”)

Canyon Route: (3.5 km in the counter-current river) 40 EUR per person (includes equipment, insurance, guide, “aperitivo”)

9. MATERA ADVENTURE

EASY WALK IN THE ROCK CHURCHES PARK

A short trip through the Matera plateau to discover the rock civilization secrets and its wildlife heritage.

• 4 participants minimum


• Length: max 3 hours


• Grade: easy

Cost: 35 EUR per person (picnic lunch included)

10. WALKING TOUR: FROM THE SASSI OF MATERA TO CRISTO LA SELVA

Hiking through gorges and ravines (typical fissures of the Murgia area). Grotta dei Pipistrelli (Bats Cave), Jazzo di Lama Quacchiola, Cristo la Selva.

• 4 participants minimum


• Length: max 4 hours


• Grade: moderate

Cost: 55 EUR per person (picnic lunch included)

Please note that reservations must be made at least eight days in advance. For more information on these and other fun summer experiences, please feel free to contact us at info@palazzomargherita.com or concierge@palazzomargherita.com for further info.