Originally Posted by
mreynolds767
Yes, I am aware of where it is and still think it may be valuable for the OP.
The OP wanted stops / things to do not too far out of the way they intended to drive.
The fastest driving route for the OP would not even go into Basilicata at all ; once you route the trip going through Basilicata you will see Paestum is a possible stopping point. Slightly out of the way, but not drastically so and in Italy the reality is no stop is ever on the way.
If they decide on Matera or on the Pietrapertosa/Castelmezzano as an overnight stop in Basilicata ; Paestum could be a day time stop before they get there.
Basilicata is one of the least populated areas in Italy and there are not going to be a ton of great options.
The OP may decide that Paestum is too close from their starting point of Naples, but personally would take the scenic even if stressful and longer drive time way through the Amalfi Coast ; then would be up for a rest by the time I got past Salerno making Paestum a perfect stop for lunch and some afternoon site seeing. From there continue on to either Matera or Pietrapertosa/Castelmezzano to reach in time for sunset ; stay the night and a few hours the following day before continuing onto the final destination.
What is your helpful contribution to where the OP should look into?
You wrote "technically not Basilicata" when the place is completely in another region and not even near the border of Basilicata, so I replied to
your post - adding also an emote to show it was done a bit jokingly.
By the way, I'm Italian, I know various areas in Campania (I have relatives there, not so far from Paestum, by the way), Calabria (I have relatives and a family house there and visit every year), Puglia (went on vacation in 2021), but for a lot of places that non-Europeans find appealing I can't give suggestion because I don't like them or find them not interesting. Like Basilicata.