Metaponto is in Basilicata, Italy
There is a bus to Matera (1 hr, €4), train to Sibari (1 hr 15 min, €3.50) From the station it is 2 km to the beach (Lido). Take bus line 1, last bus at 20:25. €0.7, 5-15 min.
There are old ruins in Metaponto. But the main attraction is the 1-km stretch of perfect beach with white powdery sand.
The beach can be crowded with Italians, but once you get into the water there is plenty of room. The water gets deep only after you get 30-50 m out and most Italians stay on the beach. You can rent parasols and beds, but there are many free strips.
The sheds on the beach sell beer and limocelli for El€2.
2nd-order administrative division
Primary administrative division