The experiences to be had in Metaponto are diverse, but almost all are deeply connected to the history and nature of the place. Those who want to relax by the sea will find what they are looking for at Metaponto Lido where free beaches alternate with equipped lidos and where golden sand meets crystal-clear water. Nature lovers should not miss a stop at the 'Metaponto Nature Reserve', an area shrouded in Mediterranean maquis, where various activities such as trekking and mountain biking are possible. History, on the other hand, is the protagonist inside the archaeological area that hosts the remains of four Magna Graecia temples: among these, the most famous is the one dedicated to Hera, whose remains are also known as the 'Tavole Palatine'. Adjacent to the archaeological area is the National Archaeological Museum of Metapontum where you can discover ancient artefacts dating back to different historical periods, starting from the Palaeolithic, found not only in Metapontum but also in neighbouring centres.

In Metaponto, you can taste various typical Lucanian products that embrace the gastronomic tradition of the Murge and that of the Lucanian Apennines. Local first courses, as in the whole of Basilicata, include home-made pasta such as cavatelli, strangolapreti and orecchiette to be enjoyed with hearty meat sauces or with turnip tops. For soup lovers there is, instead, Capriata made with wheat, pulses and potatoes, but you can also try excellent fish dishes, tasty impepate di cozze or the famous baccalà e peperoni (salt cod and peppers), also to be enjoyed in its variant with fresh onions and chilli peppers. Also special and tasty is the Pythagorean cacioricotta, made with goat's milk thanks to a process that is halfway between that of cheese and ricotta. Meat processing has a long history, as demonstrated by the many meat dishes to be enjoyed roasted, among which a prominent place is occupied by wild boar meat dishes. Finally, we cannot fail to include among the specialities the 'scorzetta di Bernalda', which is a crescent-shaped biscuit made of almond paste, covered with a layer of dark chocolate, a real treat for the palate!

The events to take part in at Metaponto all fall within the territory of Bernalda, the municipality to which Metaponto belongs. In autumn, in November, there is the chestnut festival, an event dedicated to this product that is tasted in many recipes and variations in a festive and cheerful atmosphere. In May, on the other hand, you can participate in the festival of roast meat and local wine, an opportunity to discover the most genuine and authentic flavours of the town. The patron saint's festival of San Bernardino takes place on 20 August. It includes religious, cultural, musical and historical re-enactment events, involving the entire local community of Bernaldo in a great moment of aggregation. Another festival not to be missed, if you are travelling in this area, is the wild boar festival, which falls in August and is the perfect way to discover one of the typical dishes of Metaponto and much of the Lucania region.