Visiting Matera: 25 Best Things To Do In Matera, Italy (2024)

Visiting Matera on your South Italy trip is an absolute must. Known as a stone city, this fascinating place in the less-trodden Basilicata region offers intriguing history, culture, incredible views of ancient cave dwellings, and even a wonderful hike. Here I share all the best things to do in Matera, Italy including interesting facts, essential travel tips to plan your visit, and a map.

I spent two nights and one day in Matera exploring as much as humanly possible in such a short time. From wondering the maze of cobblestone alleyways, and finding the best photo spots, to getting acquainted with city’s paradoxical story through its rock-hewn churches and cave museums, to sampling local specialties and staying in a cave hotel- Matera can be experienced in so many exciting ways.

This post covers a bucket list of Matera attractions, that includes all the highlights, and free and unusual things to do. I also include some fantastic day trip suggestions for those of you who base yourself in Matera and are eager to explore more of the Basilicata region.

Is Matera worth visiting? What is it known for?

Yes, Matera is absolutely worth visiting! I fell in love with the place and I am looking forward to re-visiting it on my next trip to Basilicata.

Matera is one of the longest inhabited places in Italy, dating back to the Paleolithic period for over 7000 years or much more, and was passed through the hands of the most powerful conquerors such as Romans, Byzantines, Saracens, and Aragonese. It experienced ups and downs, with people living below the poverty level just as recently as a half-century ago. However, Matera managed to rise from the ashes like a phoenix and is now welcoming not only curious visitors but also setting a stage for mega films including James Bond’s “No Time to Die”.

A UNESCO heritage site since 1993, the old town of Sassi di Matera, built at the edge of the Gravina ravine, boasts some of the most incredible views in Italy, making it enough of a reason to visit it.

The city is an example of extraordinary engineering solutions, characterized by cave dwellings carved out of porous limestone rock called “tuff”. This stone is relatively easy to carve, making it possible for inhabitants to create entire dwellings directly into the rock face. Over the years, the stone houses were stacked on top of one another in layers creating a visually stunning city that looks like a sand castle.

The best things to do in Matera, Italy

Here is an ultimate list of what to see and do in Matera. You will need more than a day to tackle it all.

What to do Matera Italy map

Use this Matera map to locate all the sights and attractions.

1. Appreciate the views (belvedere)- the best free thing to do in Matera

Matera is a very photogenic city. To me, as a photographer,Materais largely about the views. Thus, visiting the breathtaking viewpoints is one of the best things to do in Matera, especially if you have only a day in town.

It is a true photographer’s playground. That said, I spent most of the time with the camera in hand photographing the cave city from different photo spots at sunrise, during the day, and at sunset.

If you have less than a day inMatera, make sure you visit these Matera panoramic views:

• Piazza Belvedere Pascoli– one of the most photographed and gorgeous views over Sassi di Matera and Murgia Materana Park in the distance.
• Belvedere Rione Casalnuovo– a less visited viewpoint at the south side of the old town.
• Belvedere San Pietro Barisano– a terrace above the San Pietro Barisano church is the other iconic view of the city, especially gorgeous at sunset.
• Belvedere Murgia Timone– an expansive panorama of Matera from a viewpoint located in Murgia Materana Park (not in the city)- you can get there by car or by hiking (see below).
• Tre Arche– a popular viewpoint in Piazza Veneto that looks at Duomo di Matera Cathedral.

2. Hike to Belvedere Murgia Timone – an unusual thing to do in Matera

Hiking in Murgia Materana Park to Belvedere Murgia Timone is the other highlight of my visit to Matera. The town is surrounded by a Gravina canyon and green hills that are crisscrossed by several hiking trails.

One of the main hikes is Murgia Materana Park trail #406. It is a relatively easy 2-kilometer path that leads you down to the canyon, crosses the La Gravina River over a Tibetan suspension bridge, and winds up the hills opposite the town ofMatera.

Along the way, you are rewarded with breathtaking Sassi diMateraviews and also get a chance to explore dozens of ancient caves that dot the face of the canyon. You will also find a few ancient rock churches like Chiesa Rupestre Sant’Agnese.

The hike culminates at Belvedere Murgia Timone observation deck 250 meters above sea level. It is one of the viewpoints I mentioned earlier that you should visit. You can also drive here if you aren’t keen on doing the hike. Otherwise, I recommend hiking early morning at sunrise for the best experience.

Guided hiking tours to Murgia Materana Park are also available:

3.Spend a night or two in a cave hotel- a unique thing to do

Just as recently as the 1950s many of the stone dwellings used to be homes for some of the poorest people in Italy. Today, the majority of these unusual spaces have been converted to intriguing boutique hotels with all the modern-day amenities.

With their asymmetrical ceilings carved out of limestone rock, some of the cave rooms look like a set from a Star Wars movie. Equipped with standalone bathtubs, or even indoor pools, the cave accommodations get booked out well in advance during the high season.

Staying in a cave hotel is one of the most unique experiences in Matera. Similarly to staying in trulli in Puglia, cave houses are traditional homes that can only be found in the area of Matera. Many cave hotels also afford amazing views of Matera from private or shared terraces.

Cave hotels in Matera aren’t the cheapest accommodations. However, you can find both luxury options and great mid-range deals.

Here are a few of my top picks of cave hotels in Matera for different budgets:

4. Explore the labyrinth of Sassi di Matera

The historic town is Sassi diMateraformed of two districts Sasso Caveoso and Sasso Barisano. The old city is built in layers of stone houses interconnected by narrow cobbled streets, creating a maze fun to get lost in.

The main thoroughfares cross two Sassi and are shared between people and vehicles (only those with permits to enter the historic town which is a ZTL zone). Those streets are Via Fiorentina, Via d’Addozio, Via Duomo, Via Bruno Buozzi and Via Madona della Virtu.

While they will bring you to the main historic sights of Matera which you should also visit (listed below), I suggest aimlessly wandering up and down the small streets, drifting away from the main paths. Those hidden alleyways where even Google Maps gets confused are where you will find yourself lost in time gazing at yet another beautiful view or appreciating the little corners and small courtyards.

If you are short on time or would prefer someone to lead you through the labyrinth of Sassi and tell a more in-depth story about the city, you may consider joining this highly-rated walking tour or this one. It can be especially beneficial if you have only a few hours and don’t want to miss a thing. You can also opt for the panoramic tuk tuk ride if you don’t feel like walking.

5.Visit Santa Maria di Idris rock-hewn church

The Rupestrian Church of Santa Maria di Idris, together with the Crypt of San Giovanni in Monterrone, is one of Matera’s most intriguing religious landmarks and a must-see.

Sitting high on the rocky Monterrone outcrop in Sasso Caveoso, this complex stands out with its distinctive tuff facade, overlooking Piazza San Pietro Caveoso. Santa Maria de Idris, carved into the rock between the 14th and 15th centuries, is unlike any church I’ve come across. The terrace right beside it also offers fantastic views of the Sassi di Matera.

The Crypt of San Giovanni in Monterrone, older than the main church, dates back to the 12th and 13th centuries. After being abandoned, it was linked to Santa Maria de Idris in the 19th century by a narrow corridor inside the rock. Inside the crypt, you’ll find a remarkable set of frescoes from the 12th and 13th centuries.

• Opening time:10:00 AM to 1:30 PM and from 3:00 PM to 6:30 PM.
• Entrance fee:4 EUR.

6. Visit San Pietro Caveoso church and square

Chiesa di San Pietro Caveoso just right next to Santa Maria di Idris church is one of Matera’s most important sights, sitting dramatically on the edge of the Gravina ravine. While many of Matera’s churches are carved from rock, this one has undergone several changes and was reconstructed in a Baroque style, yet it still fits perfectly with the rugged stone surroundings. The interior is understated but tasteful. If you get up early for sunrise, you’ll have Piazza San Pietro Caveoso all to yourself—much quieter than the midday crowds—making it the ideal moment for stunning photos.

• Entrance fee: free.
• Opening times: daily from 9:00 AM to 1:00 PM and 3:00 PM to 6:00 PM.

7.Visit Malve district and the rupestrian church of Santa Lucia alla Malve

The Church of Santa Lucia alle Malve is another of Matera’s key rupestrian churches, situated right next to Santa Maria di Idris. Dating back to the 8th century, it’s the oldest church in Matera and was the first female monastic community of the Benedictine Order. It’s especially famous for its well-preserved frescoes, many illustrating moments from the life of the Virgin Mary. Like much of the ancient Malve district, the church is carved directly into the rock, merging effortlessly with the landscape around it.

• Entrance fee:4 EUR
• Opening hours:daily from 10:00 AM to 1:30 PM and from 3:00 PM to 6:30 PM.

The Malve district is set on two rocky levels, with buildings facing via Bruno Buozzi on one side and a series of small squares at the back. The paving follows the curves of the cave dwellings beneath, a unique feature of the Sassi districts. In the Piazzetta Interna, social life thrived—children played, and on sunny days, women gathered to do laundry.

The Malve district is one of the most interesting areas in Sasso Caveoso where you can see some of the old homes still in use. The rock terrace above the Santa Lucia alle Malve Church provides another nice vantage point overlooking Murgia Materana Park.

8. Visit Rione Casalnuovo

Heading south from Sasso Caveoso, you’ll come across some of the oldest dwellings in Matera. The Casalnuovo district, dating back to 1550, was once home to landowners, farmers, and day laborers. In the 16th century, it also housed immigrants from Albania and the Balkans, who were involved in agriculture, wax production, and leather dyeing. They lived somewhat separately from the rest of the city, divided by the “grabiglione,” a drainage valley that was in use until the 1930s.

Follow Rione Casalnuovo alleyways, which winds up and down to the edge of the ravine. This quieter part of the city just on the outskirts of Sasso Caveoso feels like you’re stepping off the beaten path and is well worth exploring. It also offers some of the best views of Matera and Gravina Canyon.

In this area, we met a local who welcomed us to see a cave home tucked away in the district—an unofficial spot, unlike the typical museums.

10. Visit the cave house museums

There are several casa grotta– cave house museums spread around the old town of Matera. Those are the old cave dwellings turned into educational spaces to showcase what life used to be during those hard days when people used to live in the caves under very difficult conditions. The original artifacts along with some installations are displayed. Some of the museums offer audio and even video guides, or guided tours.

I didn’t have time to visit them all, but I don’t think it’s necessary. If you have a short time in Matera, one or at most two cave house museums are more than enough to get some insights.

Casa Grotta nei Sassi di Matera di Vico Solitario

Our host in Matera suggested Casa Grotta nei Sassi di Matera di Vico Solitario, conveniently found on a small street below Santa Maria di Idris church. Thus, you can easily add this museum before or after your visit to the church.

The museum offers a window into the past, displaying what peasant life was like in Matera’s caves before the city changed. The restored home is filled with original furniture and tools, giving a true sense of how families lived in tight, shared spaces—often with animals right in the same room.

Similar to Casa Grotta is Casa Grotta del Casalnuovo, which is perhaps a bit less frequented by tourists as it is in the Rione Casalnuovo neighborhood. You can choose one of the two as they are somewhat similar.

• Entrance fee:5 EUR
• Opening times: daily from 9:30 AM to 7:30 PM.

Vicinato a Pozzo – Parco della Storia dell’uomo – Museo della civiltà Contadina

A great spot to dive into the history of the Sassi is The Vicinato a Pozzo in the Malve district. I wasn’t aware of it during my time of visit and only discovered it recently. It is a very highly rated interactive cave house museum which I believe is worth your time.

Set up by the Parco della Storia dell’Uomo, it provides a hands-on look at life in Matera’s Sassi. Using multimedia displays and outdoor projections, it brings seven restored cave rooms to life. Through videos, rare film clips, and interactive exhibits, visitors can explore both the traditional cave lifestyle and the social changes that transformed Matera in the mid-20th century.

• The entrance fee: is 5 EUR.
• Opening hours:from 10:00 AM to 1:30 PM and 3:00 PM to 6:30 PM.

Casa Noha

Casa Noha is a multimedia cave museum in Matera that provides a deep dive into the city’s history. Unlike other museums, it doesn’t have many artifacts, but instead offers an engaging audiovisual journey that tells the story of Matera, from its ancient cave dwellings to its modern transformation. You can watch a series of video projections in different rooms with an audio guide, illustrating the challenges and evolution of the city over the centuries.

• The entrance fee: is 6.5 EUR.
• Opening hours:from 10:00 AM to 6 PM, closed on Wednesdays, hours may vary by season, so it’s a good idea to check in advance. More info here.

11. Piazza di Duomo and MateraCathedral

The Duomo di Matera, or Cattedrale di Maria Santissima della Bruna e Sant’Eustachio, is a key religious site in Matera. Located at the highest point of the Sassi, this 13th-century cathedral stands out on the skyline, visible from almost every part of the city. Its Romanesque design features a stunning rose window and detailed carvings on the façade. Inside, you’ll find ornate chapels and frescoes, but its significance lies in its central role in Matera’s religious and cultural heritage.

Even if you don’t plan to go inside, a visit to Piazza Duomo is worthwhile. The square offers a fantastic panoramic view of the Sassi, showcasing the distinctive cave homes and stone rooftops that cascade down the hillside.

• Opening hours:daily from 9:00 AM to 6:30 PM, although hours may vary slightly depending on the season.
• Entrance fee:3.5 EUR, tickets can be booked onlinehereor bought inside Matera Cathedral.

12. Sunset aperitivo with a view of Sassi diMatera

Since Matera is blessed with so many stunning views, sunset aperitivo is one of the most romantic things to do. After a long day walking up and down the steep streets, sitting down at one of the terrace bars or restaurants, and unwinding while watching the sun go down creating a magical atmosphere is a cherry on top of your day in Matera.

Here are a few bars and restaurants that offer incredible views.

• Crialoss Bistro– one of the best spots offering sunset drinks with views of Matera. It is located beside the San Pietro Barisano viewpoint. The tables in the evening are on a first come first serve basis. Locationhere.
• Terrazza Cavaliere– a rival to Crialoss Bistro with awesome Matera views from their outdoor terrace. Locationhere.
• Il Terrazzino-next to Tre Arche viewpoint, this restaurant has a terrace with a view towards the Duomo di Matera- must book in advance if you want to sit on a terrace. Locationhere.
• Ristorante Baccus– one of the nicest restaurants in Matera. It overlooks Sassi Barisano. Locationhere.

13.Visit Polombaro Lungo

One of the most remarkable engineering feats of Matera is its ancient water collection and storage system. Due to the lack of natural water sources, early inhabitants developed an intricate network of underground cisterns, channels, and wells. Rainwater was collected, filtered through layers of rock, and stored in these cisterns, ensuring a stable supply even during dry seasons.

Situated beneath Piazza Vittorio Veneto, the Ipogei e Palombaro Lungo, a massive underground water cistern, is an example of this ingenuity. This vast cistern, carved directly into the rock, was once a crucial part of Matera’s rainwater collection system, supplying water to the city.

The space is quite impressive and the visit is relatively quick, taking around 15 minutes, so you can easily add it to your Matera itinerary.

• Entrance fee:3 EUR,
• Opening times:every day from 9:30 AM to 1:00 PM, 3:00 PM to 6:30 PM, from 11^thof March to 31^stof October.

14. Church of San Pietro Barisano

The Church of San Pietro Barisano is the largest rock-hewn church in Matera. It dates back to the 12th century and has undergone several transformations over the centuries.

While the façade showcases Baroque elements, the interior retains much of its original cave-like atmosphere. It houses a unique underground crypt with ancient frescoes and niches where mummified bodies of priests were once placed.

• Entry fee: 4 EUR
• Opening hours: daily from 10:00 AM to 1:30 PM and 3:00 PM to 6:30 PM.

15. Visit other interesting churches in Matera

San Giovanni Battista church

Chiesa di San Giovanni Battista is one of the most beautiful churches you’ll come across in Matera, showcasing stunning Romanesque architecture from 1233. It’s incredibly well-preserved, both inside and out, with intricate stone carvings that are definitely worth a closer look and a few photos. This church has a peaceful, intimate feel—perfect if you need a quiet moment to pause and reflect.

You’ll also recognize the square it’s in if you’re a James Bond fan, as it’s where the famous DB5 scene with firing rail guns was shot in “No Time To Die”. Plus, entry is completely free!

Convent of Saint Agostino

The 16th-century Convent of Saint Agostino, located at the northern edge of Matera’s old city, provides a stunning viewpoint over the Sassi and Murgia Materna Park. It also hides a unique secret beneath its surface. When you visit, make sure to ask in the sacristy (where the office is) for access to the underground church. This medieval church, which predates the current one, contains captivating frescoes. Unlike many of Matera’s cave churches, these frescoes have a more Western style, showing less Byzantine influence.

• Opening hours:daily from 7:30 AM to 1:00 PM and 5:00 PM to 8:30 PM.
• Entrance fee:free.

Church of Purgatorio

As you follow Via Domenico Ridola, you’ll come across the Church of Purgatorio (Chiesa del Purgatorio). Its Baroque façade is hard to miss, adorned with carved skulls, crossbones, and hourglasses—symbols of time passing and the certainty of death. This striking and somewhat eerie exterior stands out against the surrounding stone buildings, making it worth a closer look. However, the interior is quite simple and doesn’t quite match the dramatic façade, so unless you’re especially interested in local religious history, you might not spend much time inside or skip it overall.

The Basilica of Saint Francis of Assisi

The Basilica of Saint Francis of Assisi in Matera is a stunning Baroque church with elaborate frescoes and decorations, making it a key cultural and religious spot in the city. Interestingly, it stands out in Piazza San Francesco, surrounded by more modern buildings, giving it a slightly out-of-place yet charming feel. Although the basilica isn’t a separate UNESCO site, it’s part of the UNESCO World Heritage area that includes the Sassi of Matera and the Park of the Rupestrian Churches, which highlights Matera’s unique historic and cultural significance.

Rock complex of Maddona della Virtu

If you want to tick off all the cave churches in Matera, then also visit The Rock Complex of the Madonna della Virtù. It showcases a series of interconnected rock-hewn churches and monastic spaces. It is situated in the Sasso Caveoso district along the Via Madonna della Virtu street.

I haven’t visited and I noticed that the site tends to receive mixed reviews. Many visitors feel that while the rock-cut architecture is interesting, the experience may not live up to the price, which is considered steep by some at around 12 EUR. Additionally, a popular Dali exhibition that once drew people is no longer there.

16.Try local specialties: pane di Matera bread and puccia

Matera bread, or “Pane di Matera”, is a local specialty known for its distinctive taste and texture. Made using traditional methods with durum wheat flour and a natural sourdough starter, it has a thick, crispy crust and a soft, airy interior. The bread’s unique flavor comes from slow fermentation, giving it a slightly tangy taste.

We bought it to have for breakfast in a local store and a huge loaf lasted for good 3-4 days.

Puccia is a traditional southern Italian sandwich made from a soft, round bread with a slightly crispy crust. Typically filled with local ingredients like cured meats, cheese, roasted vegetables, and olives, it’s a delicious street food staple in the Puglia and Basilicata regions.

17. Dinner in a cave restaurant – a unique experience

Just like staying in a cave hotel, dining in a cave is the other atmospheric experience in Matera. Here are some great restaurants worth booking a table at:

• Dottoni 3.0– this restaurant/pizzeria is located in the cave- a suggestive setup. We visited because it was recommended by our host and it was great. Even the prices were very reasonable considering the location and quality of the food. A must-try ispuccia– a hybrid between pizza and sandwich- very filling and delicious. Google Maps locationhere.
• Baccus– for a fancier dinner in a suggestive cave, with an artsy food presentation in Sassi Barisano, and also the view. It is also highly recommended by locals. Locationhere.

18. Stroll along Via Fiorentini and Via Bruno Buozzi- historical streets

Via Fiorentini

Parallel to Via Duomo, you can reach historic Via Fiorentini Street through the narrow alleyways and staircases. This street, named after the Florentine textile merchants who once traded here, winds through the Sasso Barisano district. It follows the route of an old water channel that was covered in 1934, creating one of the few vehicle-accessible roads connecting the two Sassi.

Today, Via Fiorentini is lively, lined with shops, boutique hotels, and a few restaurants. You can also stop by Antica Casa Grotta, another cave house museum featuring traditional interiors and a miniature model of Matera (entrance fee 2 EUR). However, if you’re short on time, you can skip it.

Via Bruno Buozzi

Via Bruno Buozzi, the other of the main routes and tourist paths leading to Santa Maria di Idris, descends into the Sasso Caveoso. This road, just like Via Fiorentini was created in 1934 by covering a small rainwater channel called “grabiglione,” and now serves as a steep street lined with diverse buildings from the 17th to 19th centuries, blending harmoniously with the rocky landscape.

Along the way, you’ll find charming local stores selling regional products and several excellent restaurants. On both sides, stairways invite you to explore hidden corners and traditional ‘vicinati’—small communal courtyards that were once central to the social life of the Sassi districts.

19. Evening passeggiata in Via Ridola

Via Ridola, one of Matera’s liveliest streets, is part of the city’s “eighteenth-century backbone.” Built in the 1700s as the first neighborhood outside the Sassi and Civita, it was known as “case nuove” (new houses). The street is lined with elegant buildings from the 18th and 19th centuries. It’s a popular spot for a passeggiata (an evening stroll), with several bars offering terrace views (5 Lire Matera and Terrazza Cavaliere), and a well-loved ice cream shop I Vizi degli Angeli – Laboratorio di Gelateria Artigianale.

20. Piazza Vittorio Veneto- one of James Bond filming locations

There are a couple of notable piazzas (squares) in Matera that you will eventually pass on your Matera itinerary.

Piazza Vittorio Veneto, formerly called Piazza Del Plebiscito or “Piazza della Fontana,” was known for the grand “Fontana Ferdinandea,” built in 1832 to collect water from the castle hill. The fountain has since been moved a bit further down the road. This lively square, a notable filming location for the James Bond movie *No Time to Die*, is also the starting point for exploring Sasso Barisano via the underground Church of Santo Spirito, with a narrow passage leading to Via Fiorentini.

Piazza Vittorio Veneto hosts the Ipogei e Palombaro Lungo and the well-known Tre Arche viewpoint, which was revealed during the 1993 restoration. This viewpoint offers a spectacular panorama of Sasso Barisano’s winding neighborhoods and staircases.

21. Piazza del Sedile

Once known as “Piazza Maggiore”, Piazza del Sedile was a bustling market square in the 14th century, surrounded by warehouses, taverns, and shops. In 1550, it became the site for the governor’s offices, city prisons, and the municipal palace.

16^th century Palazzo del Sedile stands out in the square with its distinctive large entrance arch flanked by niches with terracotta statues symbolizing the four cardinal virtues: justice, strength, prudence, and temperance. The two rococo-style towers include a sundial and a clock, with statues of Matera’s patron saints watching over the city. Today, it houses the National Conservatory and a modern auditorium for cultural events.

Piazza del Sedile is also a lively spot, with several cozy bars perfect for enjoying a coffee or an aperitivo.

22. MUSMA museo della Sculptura

MUSMA (Museum of Contemporary Sculpture Matera) is a unique museum located in the heart of the Sassi, blending ancient cave architecture with modern art. Housed in the 16th-century Palazzo Pomarici, the museum is entirely carved into the rock, creating a dramatic setting for its collection of contemporary sculptures.

• Entrance fee: 7 EUR.
• Opening hours: Tuesday to Sunday, 10:00 AM to 6:00 PM, more info here.

23. Sassi in Miniatiura

Sassi in Miniatura is a miniature model of Matera’s iconic Sassi districts, showcasing the intricate layout of the ancient cave dwellings and streets. It’s a great way to get an overview of the city’s unique architecture and history in a detailed, small-scale format.

You can find it on Via Fiorentini, right in the heart of the Sasso Barisano district in Matera. The entrance is free but donations are appreciated.

24. MOOM Olive Oil museum

The MOOM (Matera Olive Oil Museum) offers a glimpse into the ancient tradition of olive oil production in the region. Located in an underground olive oil mill, the museum showcases the tools and techniques used for centuries to produce this essential Mediterranean ingredient. You can only visit on a guided 30-minute tour which must be booked a few days in advance. More info here.

25. Crypt of Original Sin

The Crypt of the Original Sin, often boldly referred to as “The Sistine Chapel of Rupestrian Art,” is located about a 20-minute drive from Matera. This cave church is renowned for its well-preserved frescoes, which date back to the 8th century and depict scenes from the Bible, including the story of Genesis.

However, I read mixed reviews from visitors, with some praising its artistic significance while others feeling a bit underwhelmed. Be sure to check the opening hours here before planning your visit, as the site often closes for a mid-day siesta or needs a reservation in advance.

Unfortunately, we couldn’t visit as it was closed when we arrived, so cannot share my first-hand experience if it’s really worth it or not.

Day trips from Matera

Day trip to Castelmezzano and Pietrapertosa

Castelmezzano and Pietrapertosa are twin mountain villages one hour drive from Matera. These colorful villages are some of the most unique places I have ever been to in Italy. They are built on the slopes of jagged peaks of the Dolomiti Lucane and offer breathtaking views, scenic hiking trails, and the chance to experience the thrill of the *Volo dell’Angelo*—a zip line that connects the two towns.

While I would recommend spending at least one night in Castelmezzano, it is worth as a day trip visit. I have a complete guide about those two spectacular villages here.

Alberobello

Known for it thousands of trulli houses clustered tightly, Alberobello is one of the most famous towns in Puglia region. It is only 1 hour from Matera. Thus, unless you are planning to continue your road trip to Puglia, Alberobello can easily be visited from Matera as a day trip.

Day trip to Gravina in Puglia and Altamura

Gravina in Puglia and Altamura are two small towns in Puglia region, but just a short distance from Matera, making them ideal for a day trip.

30 minutes drive from Matera, Gravina in Puglia (that’s the name of the town) is known for its impressive canyon, ancient cave dwellings, and the scenic Roman bridge that spans the ravine, offering dramatic views of the landscape.

Altamura, just 15 minutes drive from Gravina in Puglia, is famous for its delicious DOP-certified bread, Pane di Altamura, and the well-preserved medieval cathedral

Both towns are still hidden gems steeped in history, with winding alleys, local shops, and traditional bakeries that give a true taste of southern Italy’s rich culture.

They can also be visited on your way to Puglia region.

Day trip to the ghost town of Craco

Craco is a mysterious ghost town located about an hour’s drive south of Matera. Once a thriving medieval village, Craco was abandoned in the 1960s due to landslides and instability, leaving behind a hauntingly beautiful landscape of crumbling stone buildings and narrow alleyways.

The town’s eerie atmosphere, perched dramatically on a hilltop, was a perfect backdrop for the movie The Passion of the Christ.

A guided tour is the only way to explore its ruins, where you can wander through the remains of ancient churches, houses, and the old town square, all frozen in time. You would have to contact the Municipality of Craco in advance to arrange the tour, their website is here.

Tips for visiting Matera, Italy

Where to stay in Matera

Here are a few of the best rated to stay in Matera for different budgets:

How to get to Matera

By car: If you’re road-tripping through Basilicata or Puglia, Matera is an easy and convenient stop. I drove from Naples and stayed for two nights in Matera as part of a broader southern Italy route. In fact, driving is one of the easiest ways to reach Matera.

By train: Matera Centrale station is about 1 km from the historic center. Traveling from Bari to Matera by train is straightforward, with the trip taking around 1 hour and 45 minutes and costing 6 EUR at the time of writing. The local train service is run by Ferrovie Appulo Lucane—timetables are available on their website. For train connections to other cities, you can check schedules on Omio, though you may need to make a transfer depending on your route.

By bus: If you’re not driving or coming from Bari Centrale, taking a bus is a great alternative. Several bus companies operate routes to Matera from all over Italy, including cities like Rome, Milan, Florence, and Naples. The easiest way to find which bus service runs from your city is by checking the route on Omio, where you can often book your ticket directly.

How many days do you need in Matera?

While some people come to Matera as a day trip from Bari, ideally two full days to explore the town at a slow pace would be perfect. I spent 1 full day and two nights and for me, it wasn’t enough time to fully enjoy. Although I visited the majority of sights in Matera, I wish I had one extra night and a day so I could do my explorations at a slower pace.

Thus, if time isn’t a constraint, stay for 3 nights and two full days just to enjoy the atmosphere, and maybe add a day trip.

What is the best time to visit Matera?

Mid-September- October and mid-April-May are ideal for visiting Matera. The weather will be pleasantly warm, maybe a bit hot during the day, but not too extreme. There won’t be too many people either (unless it is a weekend or a public holiday).

I visited in spring (end of April), and the weather was just right. Summers in Matera are known to be extremely hot. Winter brings winds, rain, and even snow, but no crowds at all.

Is Matera difficult to walk? How to get around Matera?

Matera is walkable but hilly. The cobbled streets can be slippery after the rain. Even without the rain, you should be paying attention while walking on some streets as they can be slippery.

Forget heels, wear comfy shoes. Also, have in mind that Matera is fully exposed to the sun and the bright stone surface is very reflective and bright. Thus, it gets really hot during the day, and you can even get a sun burn easily. Thus, prepare accordingly with the sunscreen or wear covered light clothes, a hat and sunglasses.

Alternative to walking, you can take a tuk-tuk, or rent a bicycle. You cannot drive into the old town of Matera as it is a restricted traffic zone.

Bars and restaurants in Matera

I hope you found a lot of amazing things to do in Matera and are excited about your trip. I have a lot of Italy travel guides, Italy itineraries, including travel guides to Basilicata and Puglia. Scroll down for links to other useful Italy posts.

More Italy travel guides

Basilicata travel guides

• The Best Cave Hotels in Matera, Italy
• One day in Matera itinerary (+walking map)
• 25 best things to do in Matera: an ultimate list
• Best viewpoints in Matera (+photos & map)
• Hiking to Belvedere Murgia Timone viewpoint in Matera: a complete guide.
• Guide to Castelmezzano and Pietrapertossa– magical twin towns in Basilicata, Italy.
• Maratea travel guide: visit the Pearl of the Tyrrhenian.

Puglia travel guides

• Driving in Puglia, Italy: essential tips for a road trip
• Renting a car in Puglia: what you need to know
• Renting a car in Bari: Useful tips
• Most beautiful coastal towns in Puglia, Italy
• Airports in Puglia: how to reach Puglia by air
• Where to stay in Puglia as a base
• 2 weeks in Puglia itinerary
• The most beautiful towns in Itria Valley
• How to spend a day in Polignano a Mare
• A guide to Monopoli, Puglia
• The best things to do in Alberobello: one day itinerary
• Which one to visit, Polignano a Mare or Monopoli?
• Is Puglia safe to visit?

Italy Itineraries

• 15 Most Beautiful Road Trips in Italy: great ideas for your Italy itinerary
• 10-Day South Italy Itinerary: Naples to Calabria road trip
• 14-Day Sicily Itinerary: a 2-week Sicily road trip
• 2 Days in Amalfi Coast Itinerary: how to spend 48 hours on Amalfi Coast, Italy
• 2 weeks Puglia itinerary– Italy’s heel in 14 days
• 10-day Tuscany itinerary from Florence