The relatively small, mountainous region of Basilicata in Southern Italy has growing potential as a travel destination, with it stunning scenery, ancient rural villages and regional delicacies It has two coastlines, one in the centre of the Gulf of Taranto in the Ionian Sea, plus a small frontage to the Thyrrenian Sea

When considering Italy’s most exciting and interesting locations, it is really difficult to name a top 10 However, you can’t ignore the icons, so here are 10 superb places that will stay in your memory as evocations of all that is unique and remarkable about Italy today

The SR 222 (Strada Chiantigiana) is one of Italy’s classic rural drives This back road runs through Tuscany’s famous wine country to Chianti's small cities and towns such as Greve, Radda, and Gaiole, between Florence and Siena

Wild nature, the best cured meats, and St Benedict all combine in Eastern Umbria Perugia is Umbria's political capital, but it is the walled town of Norcia, which lays claim to being its culinary capital

There are so many wonderful destinations in Tuscany that it’s difficult to know which you should visit on your vacation All Tuscan villages have interesting restaurants, coffee shops and wine bars, but each has an amazingly varied and interesting history on show in their many buildings and museums

Sicily’s beaches are renowned as some of Italy’s best, with transparent blue-green waters, long sandy beaches and nearby picturesque villages While everyone has his own opinion about which beach should make the top five, here are five of the most popular and possibly the best Sicily has to offer, and certainly worth a visit on your holiday

Rightly referred to as the 'Golf Coast', Costa del Sol has around 60 courses to choose from, and choosing the top five is always difficult There is plenty of choice in course styles and price ranges, and any number of accommodation options

Set between the Pyrenees Mountains and the Mediterranean Sea, the Costa Brava has more than ten golf courses and plenty of excellent holiday accommodation to choose from Reasonable green fees are a bonus