Matera Travel Guide
City Historic city known for its cave dwellings
Matera’s Sassi - stone dwellings carved into calcareous rock - pull curious travelers to cave churches, narrow stairways and cave hotels; expect local bread, sharp pecorino and film locations that turned old caves into cinematic sets.
Why Visit Matera? #
Ancient cave dwellings known as the Sassi make Matera unlike almost any other Italian town, offering cave churches like Santa Maria de Idris and hotel rooms carved into rock. This UNESCO site mixes rupestrian architecture with a lively food tradition - taste pane di Matera and local Lucanian specialties in stone‑lined restaurants. Narrow stairways and panoramic viewpoints provide a strong sense of place for history-minded travelers.
Who's Matera For?
Matera’s Sassi cave dwellings and narrow lanes are uniquely romantic-sunset on a terrace overlooking the ravine is unforgettable. Cave hotels offer atmospheric stays and intimate dinners in stone cellars. Evenings are peaceful off-season.
Lucanian cuisine-homemade pasta, peperoni cruschi and local lamb-shines in Matera’s osterie. Many restaurants in the historic quarter combine traditional recipes with modern twists; local olive oil and bread are standout products.
The Parco della Murgia Materana offers dramatic rocky plateaus, rupestrian churches and scenic hikes overlooking the Sassi. Guided walking tours and nearby canyon routes attract walkers and photographers seeking raw, lunar-like landscapes.
Matera has a strong budget scene with affordable guesthouses, shared cave hostels and cheap local trattorie. It’s popular on southern Italy itineraries, and local bus links make day trips to Alberobello and the coast easy on a tight budget.
Top Things to Do in Matera
All Attractions ›
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- Sassi di Matera - Ancient cave dwellings carved into limestone, exploring layered streets and rock churches.
- Cattedrale di Matera (Matera Cathedral) - 12th-century cathedral perched above the Sassi with ornate interior and city views.
- Parco della Murgia Materana (Park of the Rupestrian Churches) - Expansive plateau of cave churches and viewpoints across the Sassi gorge, rich frescoes.
- MUSMA (Museo della Scultura Contemporanea) - Contemporary sculpture museum set within a cave dwelling, unusual exhibitions and installations.
- Palombaro Lungo - Huge underground cistern beneath Piazza Vittorio Veneto accessible by guided tours and steps.
- Casa Noha - Multimedia cave-house museum narrating Matera's modern history with audio-visual presentations.
- Cripta del Peccato Originale - Medieval rock church famed for extraordinary frescoes among remote Murgia fissures.
- Casa Grotta di Vico Solitario - Reconstructed cave dwelling showing daily life in Matera before twentieth-century evacuations.
- Museo Archeologico Nazionale Domenico Ridola - Small archaeological collection with prehistoric artifacts revealing Basilicata's ancient human presence.
- Belvedere di Murgia Timone - Dramatic viewpoint across the Sassi gorge popular for sunset photography and panoramas.
- Alberobello - Town of conical trulli houses, UNESCO site, charming lanes and artisan shops.
- Polignano a Mare - Clifftop Adriatic town with sea caves, pebble beaches and cliffside cafés.
- Altamura - Renowned for its ancient cathedral and world-famous pane di Altamura bread.
- Grotte di Castellana - Extensive limestone cave complex offering guided tours through stalactite-filled caverns.
- Gravina in Puglia - Historic town carved into limestone with bridges, ravine trails and cave churches.
Where to Go in Matera #
Sassi
The Sassi are Matera’s stone quarters carved into the ravine - ancient cave dwellings now hosting restaurants, hotels and museums. Wandering the alleys feels cinematic; stay overnight to see the light change on the stone and experience the unique cave‑hotel scene.
Top Spots
- Sasso Caveoso - The more dramatic cliff-side Sassi with cave dwellings and views.
- Sasso Barisano - Slightly busier area with cave restaurants and narrow lanes.
- Casa Grotta di Vico Solitario - Recreated cave dwelling showing how people lived.
Civita
The upper town (Civita) sits above the Sassi and offers a different pace: churches, a cathedral and easy viewpoints over the stone neighbourhoods. It’s the town’s civic core - a good place to orient yourself before descending into the cave quarters.
Top Spots
- Matera Cathedral (Duomo) - Overlooks the Sassi with panoramic views.
- Piazza Vittorio Veneto - Central square and entry point to the medieval town.
- Museo Ridola - Local archaeology and regional exhibits.
Modern Centre
Outside the ancient stones, Matera’s modern centre offers restaurants, shops and contemporary cultural venues. It’s practical for services and makes a pleasant contrast to the historic quarter - useful for evening meals and standard hotels after a day exploring the Sassi.
Top Spots
- Museo MUSMA - Museum of contemporary sculpture inside a palazzo.
- Ponte di pietra - Bridges and streets linking modern Matera with the Sassi.
- Local bakeries - Places to try regional breads and sweets.
Plan Your Visit to Matera #
Best Time to Visit Matera #
Visit Matera in spring or early autumn when Mediterranean temperatures are mild and the Sassi are ideal for exploring on foot. Summers are hot and crowded, while winters are milder but wetter and much quieter.
Best Time to Visit Matera #
Matera's climate is classified as Hot-Summer Mediterranean - Hot-Summer Mediterranean climate with warm summers (peaking in July) and cold winters (coldest in February). Temperatures range from 3°C to 29°C. Moderate rainfall (606 mm/year).
January
January is cold with highs of 10°C and lows of 3°C. Moderate rainfall (56 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
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February
February is the coolest month with highs of 10°C and lows of 3°C. Moderate rainfall (59 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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March
March is cold with highs of 12°C and lows of 4°C. Moderate rainfall (59 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
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April
April is cool with highs of 15°C and lows of 7°C. Moderate rainfall (46 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
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May
May is cool with highs of 21°C and lows of 11°C. Moderate rainfall (41 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
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June
June is mild with highs of 26°C and lows of 15°C. Moderate rainfall (31 mm).
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July
July is the warmest month with highs of 29°C and lows of 18°C. The driest month with just 25 mm and mostly sunny skies.
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August
August is mild with highs of 29°C and lows of 18°C. Moderate rainfall (32 mm) and mostly sunny skies.
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September
September is mild with highs of 24°C and lows of 14°C. Moderate rainfall (44 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
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October
October is cool with highs of 19°C and lows of 11°C. Moderate rainfall (69 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
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November
November is cool with highs of 14°C and lows of 7°C. The wettest month with 73 mm of rain and partly cloudy skies.
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December
December is cold with highs of 11°C and lows of 4°C. Moderate rainfall (71 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
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How to Get to Matera
Matera is easiest to reach via Bari Karol Wojtyła Airport (BRI) or by rail/coach from Bari and surrounding Apulian towns; Brindisi is a secondary airport option. The city has a small regional train terminus (Matera Centrale, served by Ferrovie Appulo Lucane) and good coach links - expect to interchange between bus and rail on some routes.
Bari Karol Wojtyła Airport (BRI): Bari is the closest major airport and the most convenient for Matera. There are direct coach services (FlixBus / Marozzi) from Bari Airport to Matera that take roughly 1h15-1h30 and typically cost about €7-€12. Alternatively, take the airport shuttle to Bari Centrale (≈20-25 minutes, ~€5), then change to Ferrovie Appulo Lucane (FAL) services to Matera Centrale (≈1h-1h20, €4-€6) for a combined journey of about 1h30-1h50.
Brindisi - Salento Airport (BDS): Brindisi is a second option, useful if you find cheaper flights. Direct coach connections to Matera (FlixBus and other regional coaches) run less frequently; expect about 1h45-2h15 travel time and fares around €8-€15. If you prefer rail, travel into Brindisi station and connect by regional train/bus combinations toward Bari or Ferrandina then transfer to a bus for Matera (total journey usually 2-3 hours).
Train: Matera is served by Ferrovie Appulo Lucane (FAL) at Matera Centrale on regional routes from Bari and surrounding towns (journey from Bari Centrale ≈1h-1h20, €4-€6). For national rail travellers, the nearest mainline FS station is Ferrandina (often shown as Ferrandina-Matera); many long-distance trains stop there and you then take a connecting bus to Matera (bus transfer ≈35-45 min).
Bus: Regular intercity coaches link Bari, Brindisi and other Puglian/Basilicata towns with Matera - operators include FlixBus and regional carriers. From Bari the coach trip is about 1h15 and fares are typically €7-€12; from Brindisi coaches take around 1h45-2h15 for €8-€15. Within the area, regional buses also connect Matera with nearby towns and with Ferrandina rail services.
How to Get Around Matera
Matera is a compact city where walking around the Sassi is the most rewarding way to get around, supplemented by short funicular rides and local buses for steep or longer transfers. For arriving and departing, regional trains (FAL) and intercity coaches from Bari are the most practical public-transport options; a hire car is handy for exploring the wider region but unnecessary inside the historic centre.
- Ferrovie Appulo Lucane (FAL) / Train (€4-€6) - FAL runs the regional rail line into Matera Centrale from Bari and nearby towns; it's the best public-transport way to arrive from Bari without driving. Trains are basic but reliable - buy tickets at stations or via machines. Expect around €4-€6 for a one-way regional journey from Bari and roughly 1-1.25 hours travel time; check timetables as frequencies are regionally spaced.
- Regional & Intercity Coaches (€7-€15) - Coaches (FlixBus and local carriers) link Matera with Bari, Brindisi and other towns; many run to Matera's bus stops near the modern centre. Coaches are often the cheapest direct option from airports and larger cities - book in advance for the best fares. Typical coach journeys: Bari-Matera ~1h15, Brindisi-Matera ~1h45-2h15.
- Taxi & Private Transfer (€10-€120) - Taxis are convenient for door-to-door trips - especially with luggage or late arrivals - but can be expensive from airports. Expect a high single-figure to low three-figure euro fare from Bari airport to Matera depending on time and supplier; always confirm the price beforehand or arrange a fixed-rate shuttle. Local taxis work well for short hops inside the town when you need to save time or avoid steep walks.
- Car Rental & Driving (€25-€70/day) - Renting a car gives freedom to explore Basilicata and surrounding Puglia, useful for day trips to grottoes and coastal towns. Driving into Matera's historic Sassi is restricted at times and parking near the Sassi can be limited; park in designated lots above the ravine and walk or use local shuttles. Rates vary seasonally - expect typical Italian compact-car rates.
- Funicular & Local Shuttles (€0.50-€2) - Matera's funicular links the upper town with the Sassi and is the quickest way to avoid steep stairs when moving between districts. Short city minibuses and tourist shuttles also run on tighter schedules during high season; they are practical for short transfers if you have luggage or mobility needs. Check local timetables, as schedules can change seasonally.
- Walking - Walking is the essential way to experience Matera: the Sassi's narrow lanes, stairways and viewpoints are best explored on foot. Many streets are steep, uneven and not suitable for strollers or wheelchairs without assistance, so wear good shoes and allow extra time for climbs. Expect most sightseeing to be pedestrian-focused; plan routes to avoid repeatedly carrying luggage up the steps.
Where to Stay in Matera #
- Budget B&Bs and guesthouses (Sassi) - Basic cave rooms, atmospheric
- Casa Cava (budget rooms available) - Authentic cave stay on a budget
- Palazzo Gattini Luxury Hotel - Historic building, comfortable rooms
- Sextantio Le Grotte della Civita - Unique cave rooms with style
- Palazzo Gattini Luxury Hotel - Top-level rooms and refined service
- Sextantio Le Grotte della Civita (premium) - High-end cave suites and breakfast
- Palazzo Gattini Luxury Hotel - Central, easy orientation of Sassi
- Sextantio Le Grotte della Civita - Great base to explore Sassi
- Palazzo Gattini Luxury Hotel - Spacious suites and family rooms
- Sextantio Le Grotte della Civita - Unique rooms kids often enjoy
- Palazzo Gattini Luxury Hotel - Reliable Wi‑Fi and quiet workspaces
- Sextantio Le Grotte della Civita - Atmospheric rooms with decent connectivity
Where to Eat in Matera #
Eating in Matera is part of the experience-restaurants tucked into the Sassi serve unpretentious Basilicata food: rustic lamb, legumes, fresh breads and simple pasta dishes that highlight local olive oil and herbs. The dramatic setting makes even a humble meal memorable.
In recent years Matera has attracted more contemporary restaurants and wine bars that marry local ingredients with modern techniques; markets and cafés also supply plenty of vegetarian-friendly fare built around seasonal produce.
- Trattoria del Caveoso - Caveoso specialties, traditional Materan recipes.
- Osteria Pico - Creative regional dishes, cosy Sassi setting.
- Baccanti - Local lamb and pasta, warm hospitality.
- Ristorante Francesca - Contemporary Italian dishes with refined presentations.
- Corte San Pietro - Mediterranean plates using local produce, elegant dining.
- Le Botteghe del Vino - Small plates and international wine selection, relaxed.
- La Lopa Veg - Vegetarian and vegan bowls, seasonal vegetable-forward menu.
- Caffè Schiuma - Vegetarian-friendly brunches and pastries, central piazza.
- Market in Piazza Vittorio Veneto - Local produce, cheeses and breads-great for vegetarian meals.
Breakdown of cuisine types found across Matera's restaurants and food venues, based on OpenStreetMap data.
Nightlife in Matera #
Matera turns atmospheric at night: the Sassi quarter’s cave restaurants, intimate wine bars and piazza gatherings create memorable evenings, especially in tourist season. Nights are more about ambience and sipping regional wine than clubbing. Practical tip: many venues are small - reserve in advance for popular restaurants and bring comfortable shoes for the stone stairways and uneven streets.
Shopping in Matera #
Matera’s shopping scene centers on local crafts, regional food products and boutique shops tucked into the Sassi. Look for hand-thrown ceramics, locally produced olive oil and artisan food shops selling typical Lucanian specialties. Many good finds come from small workshops in the cave districts; prices are often fixed, and buying directly from makers supports artisan continuity.
Best Bets
- Sassi districts (artisan workshops) - Cave workshops selling ceramics, textiles and locally made foodstuffs.
- Piazza Vittorio Veneto area shops - Central hub with boutiques, galleries and design-oriented stores.
- Museo Ridola / museum shop - Museum shop offering books, regional crafts and curated souvenirs.
- Via Lucana boutiques - Streetside shops with fashion, ceramics and local specialty products.
- Local food shops and delis - Stores selling olive oil, peperone crusco and other Lucanian foods.
- Centro Storico shops - Independent designers and souvenir shops inside the historic centre.
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