As you travel south to the Cilento, you can stop en route at the extraordinary ruins at Paestum, the medieval hilltop town of Castellabate or the fishing town of Acciaroli, best known for its connections with Ernest Hemingway.

Inland, the Cilento National Park offers some exceptional walking and the chance to visit the magnificent UNESCO World Heritage Certosa di Padula monastery.

Simple but extremely stylish, the Hotel Marulivo has been converted from a 14th century monastery to offer a little touch of heaven between the sea and lemon groves of southern Italy.

The coastline around Maratea in the Basilicata is known for its hideaway coves and bays, sea caves and crystal clear water. In Maratea’s harbour, yachts and fishing boats jostle for space, overlooked by restaurants and bars.

By contrast, perched up on the hillside above the coast, the medieval town of Maratea is a mass of narrow lanes linked by hideaway piazzas dotted with churches and some good cafés and trattorias.

Surrounded by private parkland and boasting an impeccable line-up of facilities (private beach, pool, a spa and gym), the Hotel Santavenere is perched on a promontory above the sea just outside the port of Maratea.

From Maratea, it is just under a 3-hour drive across the Pollino National Park, to Matera.

The setting for several Biblical films, Matera’s ‘Sassi’ neighbourhood is an extraordinary sight, comprising narrow lanes and stairways characterised by stone dwellings and churches carved out of the rocks.

Our hotel choice for Matera is the Corte San Pietro, a 5-room boutique hotel housed in restored from decaying, abandoned ancient caves.