Explore Matera to its fullest with this detailed guide of things to do in Matera, Italy. Matera is Italy's oldest city and one of the oldest cities in Europe. It’s nestled among rocky lands in the Basilicata region of Italy, and the historic Sassi (rocks) and cave dwellings carved into the mountainside have earned Matera a UNESCO World Heritage site. Matera is over 30,000 years old and is a city truly unlike any other, adorned with 13th-century churches and breathtaking views.
If it wasn’t already on your bucket list, I'm sure that this post will convince you that it should be!
HOW TO GET TO MATERA
Although often recommended as a must-see site in Puglia, Matera is found in the Basilicata region of Italy. The best way to get to Matera is directly from Bari.
Matera is a great spot to visit all season long, as the town is very much alive even in the winter months. I personally recommend anywhere from April - October, where you'll catch the warmest months, and avoid August as it will be too hot, there will be many tourists, and many shops will be closed for the Italian August holiday.
From Bari Airport
By Bus: There is a bus that takes you directly from the Bari Airport to Matera. It costs around 8€ one way and is a convenient 65-minute ride. You can find tickets on flixbus.com.
The one drawback to this is that there aren’t many departures from the airport, and you may have trouble finding tines that will get you there and back on the same day.
From Bari Central Station
By Bus: At the Bari Centrale train station, you will be able to catch all kinds of buses going to nearby towns. Make sure you are on the Via Capruzzi side of the station, and here you can get a Flix bus to go to Matera, which costs about 8€ one way and takes 65 minutes.
By Train: You can also get to Matera by train, which takes 1 hour and 45 minutes and costs 6€ each way. You can book your train tickets directly at the train station, or online at ferrovieappulolucane.it.
Note: The train does not depart from the main part of the Bari Centrale station. I learned this the hard way, as I was making circles around the train station trying to find the right entrance. The train from Bari to Matera departs only from the Appulo Lucane Railways line, which has its own separate entrance. You can search “Appulo Lucane Railways" in Google Maps and you’ll find it right next to the Bari Centrale station main entrance.
BEST THINGS TO DO IN MATERA
Photo by gaiaonthego
APE CALESSINO TOUR
This experience was one of my favorite things to do in Matera, as you'll get to Explore the city's charm with an expert guide while riding the infamous Ape Calessino! Our guide was super knowledgeable, he gave us so many fun historical facts about the city, and showed us some of the most hidden gems.
Photos by gaiaonthego
HIKE IN PARCO DELLA MURGIA MATERANA
If you have the time, you absolutely must hike the Parco Regionale della Murgia Materana, a collection of paleolithic caves dating back more than 7,000 years.
The hike begins by crossing the ravine, and you can take the stairs by Porto Pistola. You'll then cross one of the rock bridges, followed by the suspension bridge "Ponte Tibetano della Gravina", and then choose a path leading up the hill.
TRY THE FAMOUS BREAD
Matera is known for its delicious bread, a local delicacy celebrated for its unique taste and traditional preparation. For a truly authentic experience, you can take a bread-making class where you'll get a chance to make your own loaf. Looking to learn more about the process? You can also visit a traditional bread-making laboratory and taste plenty of local ways to prepare the bread.
HOT AIR BALLOON EXPERIENCE
Capadoccia who? I can't imagine a more scenic and romantic spot for a hot air balloon experience than Matera. You can book your experience here!
CHURCHES, CATHEDRALS & SITES
Chiesa San Pietro Caveoso
Visit the Chiesa San Pietro Caveoso, an ancient cave church with remarkable frescoes and unique architecture.
Cattedrale di Matera
Immerse yourself in history at the Cattedrale di Matera, a stunning cathedral that boasts original 13th-century Romanesque-Puglian architecture.
Fontana dell’Amore Statue
The Fontana dell’Amore Statue is a symbol of love and a picturesque spot to relax in Matera.
Photos by gaiaonthego
Chiesa Rupestre di Santa Maria dell’Idris
Explore the Chiesa Rupestre di Santa Maria dell’Idris, a rock-hewn church that offers some incredible panoramic views.
Casa Grotta di Vico Solitario (Museum)
Step back in time at the Casa Grotta di Vico Solitario, a museum showcasing traditional cave-dwelling life.
MUSMA Contemporary Art Museum
Experience modern art at the MUSMA Contemporary Art Museum, featuring a diverse collection in a captivating cave setting.
Casa Noha
Casa Noha is an ancient cave dwelling, that offers a 25-minute multimedia exhibit that narrates the poignant history of the city, providing an incredible opportunity to gain deeper insight into the Sassi and its locals.
Photos by gaiaonthego
SPA EXPERIENCE IN THE CAVES
Relax and rejuvenate at Sextantio Le Grotte Della Civita Spa, a truly unique spa experience where you can enjoy massages and whirlpools nestled inside the caves.
Photos by gaiaonthego
PANORAMIC VIEW POINTS
Belvedere Luigi Guerricchio detto dei Tre Archi
Belvedere di Piazza Giovanni Pascoli
Panoramic Walk along Via Madonna delle Virtu
EAT & DRINK
Photos by gaiaonthego
Crialoss
My personal favorite, Crialoss is a bar with delicious aperitivo snacks and cocktails. The bar offers stunning views of the city, and I recommend going around sundown to see the city light up!
Photos by gaiaonthego
Zipa Cafe
Another personal favorite of mine, this bar is literally in the rocks of Matera and offers an ambiance unlike anything you've seen before.
Area 8
A cozy cocktail bar with indoor and terrace seating, and delicious local snacks.
Caffe Lanfranchi
A cozy coffee bar with a small balcony overlooking the sassi, and 5€ spritz!
Regiacorte
An upscale restaurant that offers a lounge terrace with magnificent views and delicious high-end local cuisine.
Dimora Ulmo
A Michelin-starred restaurant with fine cuisine and breathtaking views.
La Nicchia nel Sasso
The perfect stop for a tranquil lunch or aperitivo at a reasonable price.
5 Lire Matera
A casual pizzeria perfect for a quick bite on the go.
Photos by gaiaonthego
La Grotta nei Sassi
Offering refined local cuisine of both meat and fish, you can choose to dine within a medieval cave or enjoy a panoramic terrace. I enjoyed a delicious plate of paccheri pasta with mussels.
Photo by gaiaonthego
Palazzo del Duca
A 4-star hotel restaurant, Palazzo del Duca offers a lovely outdoor terrace to enjoy a romantic dinner. I ordered a delicious pasta with lobster!
WHERE TO STAY
Step into the timeless allure of Sextantio Le Grotte Della Civita, where ancient caves house luxurious rooms adorned with stone floors and antique treasures. Indulge in the charm of Matera's UNESCO-listed Sassi area while savoring fresh fruit in the candle-lit dining area, and soak in panoramic vistas of Murgia National Park from the enchanting terrace.
Perks when booking through me:
Complimentary glass of wine per guest on arrival
Welcome fruit plate in room on arrival
Upgrade to next room category, based upon availability at check-in
Guaranteed 1pm early check-in
Experience the epitome of luxury amidst Matera's UNESCO World Heritage Site at Palazzo Gattini Luxury Hotel. Immerse yourself in the allure of unique cave rooms with stone bathrooms, indulge in the spa's thermal pool nestled within ancient cisterns, and savor regional delicacies at Le Bubbole Restaurant, all while overlooking the enchanting Sassi landscape from the terrace.
Perks when booking through me:
90 EUR hotel credit per room, per stay
Complimentary welcome gift in room on arrival
Upgrade to next room category, based upon availability at check-in
Complimentary daily parking
Nestled in the picturesque countryside of Matera, just a stone's throw away from Palombaro Lungo. Indulge in the luxury rooms with private patios and modern amenities, while savoring exquisite Italian cuisine at the hotel's restaurant. Unwind in the seasonal outdoor pool, relax in the hot tub, and immerse yourself in the beauty of the surrounding garden and terrace.
Perks when booking through me:
Complimentary welcome drink per guest, per stay
Welcome fruit plate in room on arrival
Upgrade to next room category, based upon availability at check-in
Guaranteed 1pm late check-out
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