This is probably the easiest stage of the Via Lucana: 17 km that start with the usual descent, dropping from Miglionico’s 460 meters down to about 133 at the valley floor. From there, the path climbs again up to a plateau dotted with wind turbines and solar panels, and with no major changes in elevation, it continues all the way to Grottole — a small town of fewer than 2,000 inhabitants.

Before heading to my accommodation — a B&B just outside the center — I stopped by Grottole’s two main sights, located close to each other: the Chiesa Diruta, a large ruined church with only its tall side walls still standing, and the Sichinulfo Castle, which unfortunately is only open on special occasions.

Like the other towns along the route, Grottole offers wide, panoramic views in every direction. You can even spot Matera in the distance, and the Apennine mountains — which, when I passed through in early January, still had a few snowy peaks.