Originally Posted by
KLouis
On the way back to Naples from Matera, again you are on similar roads until after Potenza where you'll get back to the autostrada.
This piece of the road is my definition of Italian "middle of nowhere".
I think Matera is worth a visit, especially with a guide, because one needs to understand what is behind "sassi", but just see them. The city did not have a decent plumbing system till 1980s.
The problem of Matera is that is cannot be easily linked to any loop, it's just a standalone. I am planning a trip there this spring.