Italy is a country that hosts many ancient cultures within its magical land. If you travel to the North of Italy you will find colourful pink and peachy houses and if you move more towards the south of Italy, the warm colours turn into lemon pastel and white colours.
In this article, I will share my top 7 reasons to visit Matera and take you with me to explore why Matera should be on your travel bucket-list.
Top 7 Reasons to Visit Matera in Italy
Reason 1: Sassi Di Matera is a host to beautiful caves carved in white rocks that are used as houses for the locals. However, because it was classed as a poor town, most of those caves were deserted in the 1950s.
Nowadays, Matera is a host to many hidden gems, museums, and fine restaurants. However, the most important experience is Matera’s stays and accommodations.
Staying for at least one night in Sassi di Matera is a lifetime experience because you will get the chance to stay in caves, some caves offer terraces with views of the Sassi. Personally, I would recommend this place to stay and upgrade to the King Room to enjoy this experience, Gardelle San Nicola, Matera.
Bonus Tip: I recommend coordinating with your booked accommodation to check on how to get your luggage from/to your accommodation. As some stays offer porter services and others don’t, just make sure your luggage is not heavy when visiting Matera as sometimes you would need to carry them on steep and slippery stairs.
Food in Matera
Reason 2: Matera is located less than a 1-hour drive from the famous region of Puglia, Italy. The well-known region for its delicious wines and fresh foods. Both regions, Basilicata and Puglia share similar earth characteristics which make their cuisine so fresh and delicious.
Obviously, when you choose to dine in Matera, do not forget to dine in one of those caves for a complete Matera experience and prepare to try the best wine selection in the country.
Tip: When trying local Matera cuisine, make sure you try the fried dried peppers for your “antipasti” (starter course), it is so tasty and crunchy.
Best time to visit Matera
Reason 3: Because Matera is a small town located on a hillside, it is best to visit Matera during Spring or Autumn times as the cool breeze will be refreshing during your walks.
In summertime, Matera can be a bit too hot as the temperature could reach 36 degrees which are not pleasant for walking and climbing the ancient stairs. Make sure you bring comfortable clothes and non-slippery walking shoes.
Unfortunately, Matera doesn’t accommodate those with limited mobility issues due to its slippery rocks and ancient stairs and climbs.
Things to do in Matera
Reason 4: There are many things to do in Matera, of course number one is walking around the Sassi di Matera and explore its narrow streets and cathedrals.
Also, dining and cooking experiences are highly recommended in Matera due to the freshness of its food. For more information and details what to do in Matera, click HERE.
Reason 5: It may be not an actual reason to visit Matera, but the latest James Bond movie “No Time to Die”, was filmed in the Sassi of Matera, so perhaps this gives you a good reason to go and explore the beauty of Matera.
Reason 6: On my last trip to Matera, I opted to book a photo shooting session with a local talented photographer. The experience was so unique, and the photographer shared some lovely stories about the city he showed me around and took me to unique locations that only locals are familiar with.
This is perhaps another way to enjoy wandering in the Sassi from a local point of view and document all those beautiful memories in photos.
If you are like me, enjoy your photos being taken, here is the link to the photographer I hired, his name is Emanuele Taccardi, you can find his Instagram Profile HERE.
Getting to/ from Matera
Reason 7: Matera, can be reached by car or bus from 2 main airports in Puglia, first one is Bari’s Airport and the second is Brindisi and each airport is around 1 to 1:30 hours away from Matera.
I suggest, you rent a car from the airport, as it is the most feasible option to get to Matera, given it is in the heart of southern Italy. You don’t have to worry about the roads to get to Matera, as the roads are mostly flat and spacious.
Tip: There is no space to park your car in the “Sassi di Matera”, you would need to park your car in one of many car parking lots located in the new Matera (outside the Sassi), check out this link for more information on how to get to those car parking and book a space:
Best parking Matera – Google Search
Then you either can book a taxi to drop you off inside the “Sassi di Matera” or wait for many of the small public buses they loop around the city (they are reliable in their services).
Italy Hidden Gems
On a final note, Italy indeed has lots of hidden places and gems, and Matera is one of those places where it took my heart, that is why I shared my Top Reasons to Visit Matera above.
I already visited this small town twice in a span of 3 years, this is how much this city is magical. If you are looking for a unique experience and for a place where it is outside the beaten tracks, look no more and visit the Sassi!
