Eraclea (Policoro): a taste of the Gods by the sea with Lucanian wines

Explore Eraclea (Policoro): a taste of the Gods by the sea with Lucanian wines, a short but memorable experience that marries the beauty of the Ionian coast with authentic flavors from Basilicata. This one-hour tour combines a sea-view lunch, regional wines, and a walk on the beach. With the option to extend the experience by meeting wine producers, visitors get a taste of Lucania’s culinary heritage in a setting that’s both elegant and relaxed. Perfect for those seeking a quick yet rich experience of the local flavors while enjoying breathtaking coastal scenery.

While the tour is brief, it offers a well-rounded introduction to Metapontino’s culinary offerings, with appetizers, a choice of pasta and fish courses, and Lucanian wines. The location on the Policoro promenade provides a guaranteed view of the Ionian Sea, rain or shine, making it ideal for a leisurely, scenic meal. The tour is accessible, with wheelchair-friendly facilities, and suited for private groups, ensuring an intimate atmosphere.

Key Points

• Short but immersive experience: 1 hour, extendable to 2 hours with winery visits.
• Location: Directly on the Policoro promenade, overlooking the Ionian Sea.
• Highlights: Authentic Metapontino flavors, sea-view lunch, and Lucanian wines.
• Food: Assortment of appetizers, a choice of pasta or daily specials, and a fish main course.
• Drinks: Carefully selected Lucanian wines paired with each course.
• Accessibility: Wheelchair accessible with private group options.
• Flexible booking: Cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund, reserve now, pay later.

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Sitting on the Coast of Policoro: Where Greek Heritage Meets Italian Hospitality

The tour begins with a walk barefoot on the sandy beach of Policoro, a place historically linked to a large Greek colony called Heraclea. Visitors breathe in the salty sea air mingled with the scent of the surrounding Oasis. This setting offers a peaceful prelude to the tasting experience, with the sound of waves and the gentle breeze creating a calming atmosphere. It’s an ideal spot to relax before heading to the restaurant.

The meeting point is conveniently located on the right side of the promenade, easily accessible with the coordinates 40.18529510498047, 16.713603973388672. The tour’s relaxed pace allows for enjoyment of the coastal scenery and prepares guests for the upcoming culinary delights.

Dining with a View: The Eraclea Restaurant on the Promenade

The experience takes place at a restaurant situated directly on Policoro’s promenade, offering spectacular views of the Ionian Sea. The reserved table ensures a quiet, intimate setting, where guests can enjoy their meal protected from the elements in all weather conditions. Whether in summer sun or winter chill, the sea view remains enchanting, adding to the dining experience.

This location provides a perfect backdrop for savoring the flavors of Lucanian cuisine while soaking up the coastal scenery. The restaurant’s elegant yet relaxed atmosphere makes it a fitting venue for a casual yet refined tasting experience.

A Gourmet Journey of Appetizers and Fish Courses

The food offering includes an assortment of appetizers reminiscent of an Olympic banquet, setting a festive tone. Guests then select their first course from daily specials—often pasta or regional dishes—before choosing a fish-based second course. The focus on fresh, local ingredients makes each dish a reflection of Metapontino’s culinary tradition.

The pairing of Lucanian wines with each course enhances the flavors, offering a taste of Basilicata’s renowned viticulture. The meal concludes with a sweet finale, rounding out the experience with a delicious dessert that complements the wine selection.

Savoring Lucanian Wines in an Elegant Atmosphere

A significant highlight is the wine pairing, featuring Lucanian wines served in the elegant setting of Eraclea. The wines come from the region’s producers, adding authenticity to the tasting. The pairings are carefully curated to match each dish, allowing guests to appreciate the distinctive flavors of Basilicata’s wines.

For those interested, the tour can extend to include a meeting with local wine producers, adding an extra layer to the experience. This optional additional experience increases total duration to about two hours, providing insight into wine production in Lucania.

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The Experience of the Sea and the Oasis

Beyond food, the tour emphasizes the unique location of Policoro, with views of the Ionian Sea and the surrounding Oasis. This environment offers a tranquil setting for the tasting, where natural beauty complements culinary delights. The salty air and seaside scenery serve as the perfect backdrop for a leisurely lunch.

Guests can walk along the promenade before or after their meal, enjoying the relaxed pace of the seaside town. The combination of nature and local flavors makes this tour a refreshingly simple yet satisfying experience.

Flexibility and Practical Details for Booking

The tour is designed with flexibility in mind, allowing reservations to be canceled up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund. It operates with a reserve now, pay later policy, making it easy to plan without upfront commitment. The duration is about one hour, but with the optional meeting with the wine producer, it can last around two hours.

The activity is hosted by an Italian guide or greeter, ensuring a friendly and knowledgeable atmosphere. It is also wheelchair accessible and available for private groups, making it suitable for various travelers.

Why This Tour Stands Out in Policoro

This experience stands out by offering a combination of scenic coastal views, authentic regional cuisine, and quality Lucanian wines, all within a short timeframe. The location on the promenade provides an ideal setting for a relaxed yet flavorful outing. The focus on local flavors and the option to meet wine producers make it a more enriching experience for those interested in Basilicata’s culinary culture.

The brief duration makes it suitable for travelers with limited time but who still want a taste of the region. Its accessibility and private group options also enhance the appeal for a wide range of visitors.

Eraclea’s Seaside Tasting: Who Will Enjoy It Most

This tour is perfect for food lovers seeking regional specialties, wine enthusiasts, and those wanting a scenic, seaside experience. It suits travelers who prefer a relaxed pace with ample opportunity to enjoy the natural beauty of Policoro. Visitors interested in local wines and cuisine will find this experience especially rewarding.

However, those looking for a long or comprehensive tour might find the one-hour duration too brief, unless they opt for the additional wine producer meeting. The experience is best suited for casual outings or as part of a broader day exploring Basilicata.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does the tour last?
The main experience lasts about one hour, but if you include the meeting with the producer, it extends to roughly two hours.

Can I cancel my booking?
Yes, full refunds are available if you cancel up to 24 hours in advance.

Is the tour suitable for wheelchair users?
Yes, the experience is wheelchair accessible.

Where is the meeting point?
The meeting point is on the right-hand side of the promenade in Policoro, with coordinates 40.18529510498047, 16.713603973388672.

What does the tasting include?
Guests enjoy appetizers, a choice of pasta or daily specials, a fish course, and Lucanian wines paired with each dish, finishing with a sweet dessert.

Can I book for a private group?
Yes, private group options are available, making this suitable for family gatherings or special occasions.

Is the experience available in other languages?
The activity is conducted in Italian.

Is there an option to meet the wine producer?
Yes, an additional experience includes meeting local wine producers, extending the experience to about two hours.

What is the setting like?
The experience takes place directly on the Policoro promenade, with sea views and the relaxing ambiance of the nearby Oasis.

Is this experience suitable in winter?
Yes, thanks to the guaranteed all-weather views, the experience remains enchanting throughout the year.

Who manages this experience?
The activity is provided by Tropicana Lido.

This seaside tasting tour in Policoro offers a delightful blend of regional flavors, breathtaking scenery, and authentic local wines—all within a compact, accessible experience. It’s an excellent choice for those wanting a quick yet meaningful taste of Basilicata’s culinary and coastal charm.

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