Matera Your Ultimate Travel Guide

Disclaimer: In my blog I use some affiliation links to travel related activities where I earn small amount of commission at NO ADDTIONAL cost to you. This way, you help me maintain and grow my blog and help others finding the best travel advice for hidden gems around the world.

Matera, one of the oldest cities worldwide been inhabitant continuously for over 9,000 years. Homes carved as caves into the limestone rocks, making you feel like stepping inside an open-air historic museum, so charming and so enchanting.

A Brief History of Matera

Matera’s story begins more than 9,000 years ago. People carved their homes directly into the soft limestone, creating the now-famous Sassi di Matera districts – Sasso Caveoso and Sasso Barisano.

In 1952, the Italian government relocated most residents due to overcrowding and poverty.  For decades, the caves were abandoned, their frescoes fading and their doors sealed.

The turnaround began in the 1980s, when restoration projects took hold. In 1993, UNESCO declared the Sassi a World Heritage Site.

Matera’s  Location

Matera is an Italian city located in a Southern region called Basilicata, that is less than 20-minute drive from the bordering region of Puglia.

Closest airport ro Matera is Bari’s International Airport in Puglia, which is 65km in distance.

How to Get to Matera

By Air

Closest airport to Matera is Bari International Airport, around 1-hour drive. Bari’s airport connects Puglia and Basilicata with domestic and international flights.

By Train

Once you arrive at Bari’s airport you could take a slow train or a bus from Bari FAL station on the Ferrovie Appulo Lucane (FAL) trains and not Trenitalia. Tickets usually are less than £10. The journey takes less than 2-hour ride.

By Bus

If you prefer bus rides, there are different companies that serve BARI – MATERA route, go to Bari Bus Centrale station and hop on the Flexibus, the ride is about 1:30- hour.

By Car (Rental Car)

My personal preference is going to Matera by car and rent a car from Bari’s airport, I usually book my cars through rental cars as it offers competitive prices and reliable vendors.

Car Parking in Matera

For people staying at the Sassi di Matera (inside the historic city), cars are not allowed inside the old town (the Sassi).

Either using the blue street marked spots around the old town and paying by EASYPARK APP, or check directly with your accommodation about the closest car parking spaces to their location.

Pro Tip: Pack light for your Matera Adventure, as the last thing you need is carrying a big or several suitcases while hiking up and down the stairs in Matera. You could check with your stay to assist in your luggage.

Is Matera Worth Visiting

Matera is more than a photogenic stop – it’s a rare chance to step inside a living history book. Its transformation from “the shame of Italy” to one of its most admired cities mirrors the resilience and creativity of Southern Italy itself.

Whether you’re drawn by its cinematic cave skyline, its slow-food traditions, or the simple romance of wandering through an ancient city at dusk, Matera rewards every visitor with memories as enduring as its stone walls.

Best Time to Visit Matera

The best time to visit Matera is during the Autumn (September to December) and Spring (March to May) seasons, and during the Christmas period. The weather is warm enough during the day to enjoy comfortable walks and hikes.

During summer months, Matera can become too hot to explore the city during the day.

Pro Tip: Pack proper comfy shoes to wander around Matera comfortable. If it was a rainy day, make sure to wear non-slip footwear, since it will be very slippery when it rains.

Top Unusual Things to Do in Matera

Matera offers so many unique experiences and things to do, such as staying in a cave hotel or swimming in your own pool inside a cave or even sipping a delicious wine inside the limestone caves, here are the top unusual things to do in Matera:

#1: Sleeping in a Cave Hotel

Staying & sleeping in a cave is a must when you are visiting Matera! Why not to upgrade your stay in a cave that either has a terrace overlooking the Sassi or has a Jacuzzi to relax after a long day of walking!

But yet better, why not combining both features in one! We stayed at this boutique hotel L’Hotel in Pietra, we chose the Suite with Hot tub & Terrace and it was just beyond!

#2: Wander around Rock-Hewn Cathedrals

Matera is home to more than 150 rupestrian cathedrals, many adorned with Byzantine frescoes. Don’t miss Santa Maria de Idris, dramatically perched on a rock at the edge of Sasso Caveoso, or Santa Lucia alle Malve, one of the oldest monastic complexes.

To learn more about the history of the Sassi, book a walking tour with an English speaking guide to understand more the rich history of Matera.

#3: Visiting the Palombaro Lungo

The Palombaro Lungo is a huge underground cistern beneath Piazza Vittorio Veneto.

It’s often called Matera’s “water cathedral” and is part of the Museo Idraulico / water heritage circuit.

The Palombaro Lungo was the main reservoir in the city’s historic rainwater-collection system. Visitors can walk on catwalks through the giant, hand-carved chambers and see how Matera’s unique system of canals, tanks, and cisterns worked.

To entre, tickets costs under £5 purchased directly onsite.

#4: Enjoy a Mysterious Sunset View Aperitivo

Aperitivo is an Italian word describing eating snack and drinking wine before the dinner meal in the Italian culture.

Sunsets in Matera are phenomenal and reflects a must-see colour on the caves! My top Bars to watch the magical sunsets in Matera are:

• Zipa Café is a quirky and chilled aperitivo bar tucked between the Matera rocks
• 14^th American Pub is a cocktail bar with no views
• Crialoss panoramic café cave Bistrot

#5: Taste Basilicata’s Region Flavours

You can’t leave Matera without trying Pane di Matera, the city’s PDO-protected bread made from local durum wheat, best paired with Crapiata, a rustic legume soup, or sample local cheeses and wines in a candlelit grotto restaurant.

Also don’t forget to try the fried red peppers (they are sweet, crunchy and light), the perfect starter to your meals in Matera.

#6: Explore the Murgia Plateau National Park

Across the ravine lies the Parco della Murgia Materana, a rugged plateau dotted with prehistoric caves and panoramic hiking trails. From here you’ll get postcard-perfect views back over the Sassi.

It is an easy hike/walk with marked paths and beautiful scenery, or if you fancy riding a horse through the park, then this tour is made for you!

#7: Day Visit to Altamura “Citta del Pane”

Short of 20-minute drive from Matera, Altamura, “Citta Del Pane” the city of bread awaits to be explored.

This hilltop Apulian city with its rich history and Baroque Architecture mixed with the smell of the fresh Bread and Focaccia is a must visit!

To taste the best Altamuran Bread and that fresh Focaccia, head to Forno Santa Caterina for the best Focaccia you will ever taste in your life! Believe it or not, the Forno “Bakery” has been running since 1391!

Pro Tip: Pre- Book the traditional Altamura bread making experience at Forno Santa Caterina for an additional and fun experience!

#8: A Day Visit to the Twin City – Gravina

30-minute drive from Matera, you will find the sister city of Matera. Gravina welcomes you with lesser crowds. Book a walking tour to tour this ancient city and walk on top of Ponte Acquedotto, an18th-century stone aqueduct/bridge that spans the ravine of Gravina.

Dine at one of these authentic restaurants to maximise your day visit in Gravina!

• Osteria Radici
• Porta Central Bistort

#9: Purchasing Handmade Souvenirs  & Gifts

While wandering in the ancient paths of Matera, you will come across lots of handmade boutiques for jewellery, ceramics, local foods and more.

Make sure to support the local community in Matera and buy a memorable handmade gift for you or your loved ones for an eternal memory of this magical place!

How Many Days You Should Stay in Matera

Personal preference is to spend not less than 3 – 4 days to enjoy the city in its full character and make is a base to visit nearby lesser-known towns and hiking around the national park.

But it can be completely doable for 1-day visit and have a taste of the Matera by walking around the Sassi and enjoy a meal inside a cave!

Top Cave Stays in Matera

In addition to the L’Hotel in Pietra mentioned above, Matera offers endless options of unique stays, my favourite ones are:

#1: Vetera Matera

At Vetera Matera, book in one of the King, Queen or Executive Suites to enjoy dipping in your own room plunge pool that is inside the cave! A memorable stay in Matera!

#2: BV Quarry Matera

Indulge in your own Spa room if you book the King Suite with Spa Bath. At BV Quarry Matera guests will surely be treated as celebrities!

#3: Sant’Angelo Matera

Keeping probably the best to the last is Sant’Angelo Matera Hotel, where it is located conveniently in Piazza San Pietro Caveoso in the Sassi di Matera, with a very short walking distance to Madonna de Idris Church and Via Madonna delle Virtù.

All the rooms enjoy the romantic city views with comfy outdoors seatings.

Top Authentic Restaurants in Matera

I am listing some of my favourite restaurants with nice views, however, if you would like to explore my full top restaurants, bars, and places to visit in Matera, I created this special Google Map Pins for Matera to guide you through your trip.

• Conzato – perfect for light fresh lunch and/or romantic dinner
• Era Convivial Cave Restaurant – perfect spot for romantic dinners with amazing wine list
• Perperoncino best for lunch and trying local gastronomy experience
• Tratorria del Caveoso – beautiful patio for lunch or dinner spot

Matera Top Tips from a Local!

• Tip 1: Due to the city nature of stairs and limestone rocks, packing lightly is recommended as dragging too many suitcases or heavy ones may become a headache.
• Tip 2: Staying at least 2 nights with 1 – night to be booked inside a cave for the full Matera experience
• Tip 3: Pack comfy shoes and clothes for the walks and hiking shoes for the hiking days. During wet days, Matera can be difficult city to walk around, waterproof shoes that prevent from slippering is recommended
• Tip 4: Purchase the carefully curated Matera Google Map Pins, I created, for the top restaurants, bars and things to do in Matera!

To explore the nearby region of Puglia, check out my other articles!