Quick Guide to Matera, Italy

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Planning a trip to explore Matera, Italy? This is your quick guide to Matera, Italy, which will provide you with things to do, day trips, accommodation options to help you plan your trip.

A little bit about Matera

Matera is an incredibly fascinating city perched upon a rocky outcrop in the region of Basilicita in southern Italy.

While the city draws hundreds of thousands of visitors through tourism each year, Matera did not always hold the allure that it does today. In fact, Matera was once a city of severe poverty and was known as the “shame of Italy,” with some of the small caves housing up to ten people. People still live in the Stassi to this day, and it is the third oldest continually inhabited settlement in the world!

When you visit Matera, the ancient caves and alleys form the Sassi di Matera, which has been recognised as a UNESCO World Heritage site. You can wander through the narrow, ancient stone streets and explore all of the history this fascinating town has to offer.

in this guide to Matera, we’ll dive into things to do, restaurants, accomodation and transport options to help you plan your trip.

Getting around Matera and surrounds

While the best way to get around Matera is by foot, there are a few options should you wish to explore towns and surrounds of Matera, depending on your preference:

• Train: You can look at train tickets here. 
• Bus: You can look at bus options here.
• Hire a car: Hiring a car will give you the freedom to visit Matera and surrounds towns and cities at your own pace. You can check out rental car options here.

What to do in Matera

From dining in ancient cave dwellings to simply wandering through the historic Sassi district, there’s a range of things to do in Matera, Italy: 

• Wander through the ancient stone streets of Stassi di Matera
• Take in the views overlooking Matera from the Belvedere di Piazza Giovanni Pascoli viewpoint
• Take a guided walking tour of Stassi di Matera during the day – or you can even take a nighttime guided stroll.
• Explore Matera by tuk tuk or open bus.
• Step back in time with a visit to the Casa Grotta di Vico Solitario, a traditional furnished cave dwelling.
• Visit the ancient cave churches of Chiesa di San Pietro Barisano and Chiesa di Santa Maria de Idris.
• Take a guided tour of Palomaro Lungo, an underground rock cistern.
• Spend a night in a cave hotel (Like this one that’s on my bucket list!)
• Dine in a unique cave setting at one of Matera’s former dwellings.
• See Matera from the sky on a hot air balloon ride.
• Take a cooking class at a local farm

Day trips to take from Matera

• Polignano a Mare: A stunning coastal town perched on rugged cliffs, overlooking the turquoise waters of the Adriatic Sea. Look at public transport options here or rental car options here.
• Alberobello: Known for its iconic trulli houses, which are white-stone structures with cone-shaped roofs, you’ll feel like you’re stepping into a fairytale. Look at public transport options here or rental car options here.
• Lecce: Known as the “Florence of the South,” wander through this city’s beautiful Baroque architecture. Look at public transport options here or rental car options here.
• Locorotondo: This is a beautiful whitewashed city perched upon a hilltop with views of the surrounding countryside. Look at public transport options here or rental car options here.
• Cisternino: A quaint town filled with narrow streets, white stone buildings, and authentic Italian atmosphere. Look at public transport options here or rental car options here.
• Ostuni: Known as the “White City,” Ostuni another beautiful place with whitewashed houses, winding alleyways, and panoramic views over the Adriatic. Look at public transport options here or rental car options here.
• Bari: A bustling port city and capital of the Puglia region that’s known for its historic old town and vibrant city life. Look at public transport options here or rental car options here.

Where to eat and drink in Matera

From your morning espresso to dining like a local, here are some suggestions for coffee, a budget-friendly meal, and a drink to end your day:

If you’re looking for a unique dining experience, you might like to check out Era Convivial Cave Restaurant or Crialòss Café Bistrot – Panoramic Cave.

Must-know travel tips for Matera

• Siesta time: Siesta is a common tradition in Matera, with many shops and restaurants closing from around 1 or 2 pm until 5 pm, so plan ahead for lunch—arrive early, or you might miss out!
• Learn some basic Italian phrases: Although many people in tourist areas speak English, knowing a few basic Italian phrases can be incredibly helpful.
• Rent a car and explore: While public transport and tours are available, renting a car allows you to explore hidden gems beyond Bari, like secluded beaches, countryside towns, and wineries, at your own pace.

Map of Matera

View the interactive map I’ve curated on Google here: Matera, Italy Google Map

Frequently Asked Questions

Have I missed something in this guide to Matera?

Please leave any questions about this guide to Matera or about travelling to Matera in the comments below and I will do my best to answer your queries. Alternatively, feel free to send me a message via my contact page.