SUP and kayaking on the Ionian coast at Metaponto
Very long sandy beaches, pine woods and shallow water on the coast of Magna Graecia: the right place to learn to paddle, with the Greek temples a few kilometres away.
The story
Metaponto was one of the richest cities of Magna Graecia, and the philosopher Pythagoras taught and died here. The Tavole Palatine, the columns of a temple dedicated to Hera, still stand in the countryside.
Why go
Because you combine an easy sea with Greek ruins, far from the crowds.
Which wind
Good with Calm sea in the morning
Avoid with Scirocco, Libeccio
Practical information
- Activities
- SUP, Kayaking
- Level
- Beginners
- Seabed
- Fine sand, shallow water
- Best time
- June–September
- Seasons
- Summer
- Getting there
- Beach clubs and rentals at Metaponto Lido and Policoro.
Get directions ↗Marine reserve rules
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Weather and sea forecast
The forecast for the next 7 days at this spot: sky, temperatures, rain and wind, wave height and sea temperature.
Forecast by Open-Meteo (CC BY 4.0), from the models of national weather services. Your browser downloads it directly from Open-Meteo, and only when you ask. In the mountains and at sea the weather changes quickly: check the official forecast as well before you set off.
Getting there
- By train. The nearest station is Metaponto station, 1.8 km away (about 30 minutes on foot). Alternatively: Marconia station, 8.2 km away.
- By air. The nearest airport is Bari Airport (BRI), about 87 km away.
- Parking. There are 4 signposted car parks within a kilometre; the nearest is 250 m away.
Stations, ports, airports and car parks from OpenStreetMap (© OpenStreetMap contributors, ODbL); distances as the crow flies. Timetables and connections change: check them before you travel.
Climate and sea month by month
The most pleasant months for weather are from April to June and from September to November, with average highs between 18 and 29 °C. From July to August it is hot: average highs exceed 30 °C. The wettest month is February (about 91 mm), the driest June. The sea is above 22 °C from June to October, peaking at 27 °C in August.
| Month | Temperature | High / low | Rain mm | Sea |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | from 7 to 14 °C | 14° 7° | 57 | 15° |
| Feb | from 8 to 15 °C | 15° 8° | 91 | 14° |
| Mar | from 9 to 15 °C | 15° 9° | 60 | 14° |
| Apr | from 11 to 18 °C | 18° 11° | 36 | 15° |
| May | from 15 to 22 °C | 22° 15° | 38 | 18° |
| Jun | from 21 to 27 °C | 27° 21° | 28 | 23° |
| Jul | from 24 to 31 °C | 31° 24° | 36 | 26° |
| Aug | from 24 to 32 °C | 32° 24° | 47 | 27° |
| Sep | from 21 to 28 °C | 28° 21° | 43 | 26° |
| Oct | from 17 to 24 °C | 24° 17° | 86 | 23° |
| Nov | from 13 to 19 °C | 19° 13° | 84 | 20° |
| Dec | from 9 to 16 °C | 16° 9° | 43 | 16° |
Averages for 2015–2024, estimated for an altitude of 0 m. Air: NASA POWER (MERRA-2 reanalysis), corrected for the altitude of the place; rain: average monthly total; sea: surface temperature from NOAA OISST. These are indicative values: the weather on any given day can be very different, so always check the forecast before you go.
In the guide
Other spots nearby
- Caves and seabeds of MarateaKayaking, Snorkelling, Scuba diving · 104 km
- Monticchio LakesKayaking, Lake swimming · 122 km
Sea conditions can change within hours: before going in, check the marine forecast and the local harbour office (Capitaneria di porto) rules. Emergencies at sea: 1530.