Terzo Cavone Beach

Terzo Cavone is the largest free beach on this part of Basilicata's Ionian coast, a long, open stretch of soft golden sand backed by dunes and a pine forest, taking its name from the Cavone river that meets the sea at its northern end. It sits within the Costa Jonica-Foce Cavone site of community importance, and its water was rated "excellent" by the Ministry of Health.

Terzo Cavone is often described as the definitive free beach of this stretch of Basilicata's Ionian coast: wide, largely undeveloped, and long enough that you can generally find your own space even in summer. Its position near the mouth of the Cavone river and the WWF Oasis Policoro Herakleia also makes it worth a look for birdwatching, with herons and black-winged stilts recorded in the area, and occasional sightings of dolphins and nesting loggerhead turtles. The beach has also become known, over time, as one of Basilicata's few openly friendly beaches, drawing a mixed crowd of locals and visitors especially on summer weekends, alongside informal nudism practised in parts, more so in the section south of the river. This isn't an official designation, more a pattern that's built up organically, and it's generally described as low-key and respectful rather than a defining feature of the whole beach. If you're specifically looking for a standard family beach day, the nearby Lido Torre in central Scanzano Jonico is the more conventional option. For the best experience, come in the morning, bring your own shade and supplies, and treat the walk through the pine wood as part of the appeal rather than an inconvenience.

Other beaches in Liguria are shown on the map — tap a pin to open its page.