Matera is one of those rare places where stepping into its streets feels like stepping into another time—yet with every turn, you also discover creativity and modern life thriving in its ancient stone walls. For families, couples, and curious travelers alike, Matera offers the chance to slow down, wander without hurry, and soak up an atmosphere that is both humbling and uplifting. With just two days, you can uncover its history, savor its flavors, and create lasting memories in a city unlike any other in the world.
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Table of Contents
How to Get to Matera
One of the most common questions travelers ask is how to actually reach Matera, since the city doesn’t have its own airport or major train station. The good news is that Matera is well connected to several transport hubs, and with a little planning, it’s easy to add to an Italian itinerary.
By Air
The nearest airport is Bari Karol Wojtyła Airport (BRI), about 65 km (40 miles) away. From Bari, it takes about 75 minutes by car to reach Matera. Naples (NAP) and Brindisi (BDS) airports are also options, though they’re further away.
By Train
Matera is served by the Ferrovie Appulo Lucane (FAL) line from Bari. Trains run regularly and take about 90 minutes. Note that this is a regional line, so connections can be slower, and trains do not run late at night.
By Bus
Several bus companies, including FlixBus and Marino, connect Matera to Bari, Naples, and Rome. Buses are often faster than trains from Bari and drop passengers close to the Sassi.
By Car
Renting a car gives you the most flexibility, especially if you plan to explore Basilicata or Puglia. The drive from Bari is straightforward, taking around 75 minutes on well-maintained roads. Keep in mind that most of the historic center is a ZTL (restricted traffic zone), so you’ll need to park outside the Sassi and walk in.
Pro Tip
If you’re coming from major Italian destinations like Rome, Florence, or Naples, the fastest route is often a high-speed train to Bari, then a regional train, bus, or rental car to Matera. This avoids the stress of long road trips while still giving you access to the beautiful southern countryside.
Day One Morning: Discovering the Sassi
The best way to start your first day in Matera is to dive into the Sassi districts of Sasso Caveoso and Sasso Barisano. Wandering through the labyrinth of stone alleys and stairways feels like stepping back in time. The houses, carved directly into the rock, create a cityscape that looks like something out of a film — which is why Matera has been used as a backdrop for historical epics, including The Passion of the Christ and the James Bond film No Time to Die.
Stop at Casa Grotta di Vico Solitario, a furnished cave house that shows how families lived here until the mid-20th century. From there, continue to one of the rock-hewn churches, such as Santa Maria de Idris or Santa Lucia alle Malve, where frescoes dating back centuries still adorn the walls.
Day One Afternoon Panoramic Views and Local Flavors
After exploring the Sassi, head toward Belvedere di Murgia Timone, a viewpoint across the Gravina canyon. The view from here is one of the most iconic in Italy, with Matera’s stone houses cascading down the cliff and the cathedral rising above them all.
Return to the city for lunch in one of the cave restaurants, where regional dishes like orecchiette pasta, peperoni cruschi, and hearty lamb stews showcase the flavors of Basilicata. The cave setting adds to the experience, making the meal feel like part of the city’s story.
In the late afternoon, explore Matera’s contemporary side with a visit to MUSMA, the Museum of Contemporary Sculpture, located in a series of interconnected caves. The contrast between modern art and ancient stone is striking and highlights how Matera has embraced its past while looking to the future.
Where to Stay in Matera
Choosing the right place to stay is part of what makes a Matera visit so special. Many visitors opt for cave hotels — boutique accommodations carved into the rock, where you can sleep surrounded by stone walls but enjoy all the comforts of modern design. Some are rustic and minimalist, preserving the atmosphere of a historic dwelling, while others are luxurious, with spa-style bathrooms and terraces overlooking the Sassi. Staying in a cave hotel allows you to experience Matera’s unique heritage in an intimate way, as you wake up to the sound of church bells and step outside into centuries-old alleyways.
For those who prefer a more conventional hotel experience, Matera also offers elegant palazzi converted into guesthouses, as well as contemporary hotels near Piazza Vittorio Veneto, which is a great option if you want easy access to both the Sassi and the modern part of town.
Budget & Cost Guide
Matera offers experiences for every type of traveler, whether you’re watching your wallet or looking for luxury. Knowing what to expect in terms of costs can help you plan better and avoid surprises.
Accommodation
- Budget: €50–€90 per night in guesthouses, B&Bs, or simple cave rooms.
- Mid-range: €100–€180 per night in boutique cave hotels or stylish palazzi.
- Luxury: €200+ per night in high-end cave hotels with spas, terraces, and fine dining.
Food & Drink
- Quick bites: €5–€10 for street food like focaccia or panini.
- Casual meals: €15–€25 per person at trattorias.
- Cave dining: €30–€50+ per person for a multi-course meal with wine in a cave restaurant.
- Wine: A glass of local Aglianico del Vulture costs around €4–€6, with full bottles starting at €15.
Attractions & Activities
- Casa Grotta museum: €5–€7
- Rock-hewn churches: €3–€5 each (or €10–€15 for a combined pass)
- MUSMA (Contemporary Sculpture Museum): €7–€10
- Guided tours: €20–€30 per person for group tours; private tours start around €70.
Transport
- Bari–Matera train: ~€5–€6 one way
- Bus from Bari: ~€6–€10 one way
- Car rental: ~€35–€60 per day, plus parking fees of €1–€2 per hour near the Sassi.
Daily Budget Estimate
- Budget traveler: €60–€90 per day
- Mid-range traveler: €120–€180 per day
- Luxury traveler: €250+ per day
This mix of affordable and upscale options means Matera can be enjoyed on nearly any budget.
Seasonal Tips: When to Visit Matera
Matera is beautiful year-round, but the experience changes with the seasons. Spring (April–June) brings wildflowers to the hills around the city, making hikes and viewpoints especially scenic. Summer offers long, sunny days, but it can be very hot — ideal if you want to enjoy quiet mornings exploring and spend afternoons in shaded cafés or museums.
Autumn (September–October) might be the best time to visit, as the temperatures are mild and the light is golden, perfect for photography. Winter is much quieter, and though evenings can be chilly, the Sassi look magical under soft lighting, and restaurants feel even more inviting. Visiting in the off-season also means fewer crowds and more opportunities to interact with locals.
Matera by Night: Music and Events
While Matera is atmospheric during the day, the evenings can be surprisingly lively. Throughout the year, the city hosts concerts, film screenings, and cultural events that bring its piazzas to life. In the summer, open-air music festivals take place in the squares, while winter brings Christmas markets and nativity scenes staged in the caves, which is a truly enchanting sight.
For a more intimate experience, look for small jazz bars or wine cellars where local musicians play live. Sharing a glass of Aglianico del Vulture while listening to music in a stone-vaulted room is one of those quintessential Matera moments that travelers never forget.
Beyond Matera: Day Trips and Excursions
If you have more than two days, Matera makes a great base for exploring Basilicata and nearby regions. You can take a day trip to Craco, a ghost town perched dramatically on a hilltop, abandoned in the 20th century and now a fascinating open-air museum. Another option is to visit the hill towns of Montescaglioso or Miglionico, where medieval castles and quiet streets give a glimpse into traditional southern Italian life.
For wine lovers, consider a visit to the vineyards of the Vulture region, where robust Aglianico wines are produced. Many wineries offer tastings paired with local cheeses and cured meats, making for a delicious and educational excursion.
Practical Tips for Your Visit
Matera’s streets are steep and often uneven, so comfortable walking shoes are essential. Be prepared for lots of steps — part of the charm of the city is getting a little lost in its labyrinth of alleys, but a good map (or GPS) helps you find your way back.
If you are driving, note that most of the Sassi are a restricted traffic zone (ZTL), so it’s best to park outside the historic center and walk or take a shuttle. Booking restaurants in advance is a good idea, especially on weekends, as Matera has become a popular destination since being named a European Capital of Culture in 2019.
For many travelers, Matera becomes more than just a stop on an itinerary — it becomes a place you carry with you. The mix of ancient silence and lively streets, of shadowy cave dwellings and sunlit terraces, leaves an impression that is both humbling and uplifting. Whether you explored on foot, sampled local dishes, or cycled through the surrounding hills, you leave with a sense of connection to a city that has endured for millennia — and an eagerness to return.
Family-Friendly and Accessible Matera
Matera’s ancient streets and cave dwellings are full of wonder, but the steep steps and uneven cobblestones can be challenging for some visitors. With the right planning, though, families and travelers with mobility needs can enjoy the city comfortably.
Visiting with Kids
- Best areas for little legs: The wide piazzas, such as Piazza Vittorio Veneto and Piazza San Pietro Caveoso, give kids space to run and explore safely.
- Kid-friendly eats: Many trattorias offer simple pasta dishes and pizzas that children love. Bakeries selling pane di Matera or focaccia are perfect for snacks on the go.
- Hands-on learning: A visit to a Casa Grotta museum helps kids visualize how families once lived in cave homes, making history come alive.
- Stroller considerations: The Sassi’s many stairs make strollers impractical. A baby carrier or lightweight backpack is a better option for exploring.
Accessibility Tips
- Shuttle services: Matera operates small shuttle buses and tuk-tuks that can bring visitors closer to the Sassi without having to walk steep inclines.
- Accessible viewpoints: The Belvedere di Murgia Timone offers sweeping views with relatively flat access from the parking lot, making it easier for those with mobility concerns.
- Cave hotels: Some boutique hotels are partially adapted, with ground-level rooms and modern facilities, though it’s best to check accessibility in advance.
- Smooth paths: Around Piazza Vittorio Veneto and the newer parts of the city, streets are more level and easier for wheelchairs or travelers with limited mobility.
Pro Tip
If you’re traveling with kids or anyone with mobility challenges, plan your days to alternate between exploring the Sassi (which requires more walking and climbing) and relaxing in piazzas, cafés, or accessible museums. This balance keeps the trip enjoyable for the whole group.
Day One Evening Golden Hour in the Sassi
As evening approaches, the light over Matera becomes magical. Find a terrace or rooftop bar where you can watch the sunset turn the city golden. The stone walls glow in the fading light, and soon the streets are illuminated by soft lamplight.
Dinner is best enjoyed slowly, with local wine like Aglianico del Vulture to accompany your meal. Afterward, take a nighttime stroll through the Sassi — the quiet streets and softly lit staircases create a dreamlike atmosphere that feels completely different from the day.
Day Two Morning Rupestrian Churches and History
Begin your second day with a visit to the Park of the Rupestrian Churches of Matera, where hundreds of rock churches and hermitages are scattered across the hillsides. Some are simple and austere, while others are richly decorated with Byzantine frescoes. Exploring these sites gives insight into the deep spiritual history of the area.
Next, head to Matera’s Cathedral, an impressive Romanesque building that stands at the highest point of the city. Its interior is a mix of original stonework and Baroque decoration, offering a beautiful contrast that reflects Matera’s layered past.
Day Two Afternoon Artisan Shops and Hidden Corners
Spend the afternoon wandering at a slower pace, allowing time to discover Matera’s artisan shops. Craftspeople here produce ceramics, carved stonework, and bread stamps — a traditional tool used to mark family loaves before they went to the communal oven.
If you enjoy cycling, you can even join one of the cycling tours in Italy, they are famous for exploring the countryside beyond Matera. These tours take you past ravines, caves, and rolling hills dotted with farmhouses, giving you a unique perspective on the dramatic landscape that surrounds the city.
For your final meal, choose a trattoria that serves pane di Matera, the local bread with its characteristic crunchy crust, alongside a simple but satisfying dish of pasta or grilled vegetables.
Final Words – A Weekend You Will Never Forget
A weekend in Matera is more than sightseeing—it’s an experience that stays with you long after you leave. From the glow of the Sassi at sunset, to the taste of fresh pane di Matera, to the laughter of children running through centuries-old piazzas, every moment here invites you to connect more deeply with place, people, and history. Matera reminds us that travel isn’t about rushing to check boxes; it’s about slowing down and allowing a destination to speak to you. Whether you come as a family, with friends, or on your own, Matera offers an Italian adventure that inspires reflection, wonder, and the simple joy of being present together.
FAQs – Matera Italy
- Q: Is two days enough to see Matera?
A: Yes, two days allows you to explore the highlights of the Sassi districts, visit a few rock-hewn churches, enjoy local cuisine, and experience the city by day and night. If you want to explore surrounding towns or vineyards, consider adding an extra day. - Q: How do I get to Matera from Bari?
A: The easiest way is by train on the Ferrovie Appulo Lucane line, which takes about 90 minutes. Buses also run frequently and can be faster. Driving takes about 75 minutes, but you’ll need to park outside the Sassi in designated lots. - Q: Can you visit Matera without a car?
A: Absolutely. Matera is walkable once you’re there, and regional trains and buses from Bari make it easy to arrive without driving. Shuttle buses and tuk-tuks also help visitors move around more comfortably. - Q: What is Matera famous for?
A: Matera is best known for its ancient cave dwellings, called the Sassi, which are carved into limestone cliffs and have been continuously inhabited for millennia. It’s also recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site and was named a European Capital of Culture in 2019. - Q: Are the Sassi suitable for children?
A: Yes, children often enjoy exploring the maze of stone alleys and wide piazzas, but the steep stairs and uneven cobblestones can be challenging for strollers. A baby carrier or backpack is recommended instead of a stroller. - Q: When is the best time to visit Matera?
A: Autumn (September–October) is ideal with mild temperatures and golden light perfect for photography. Spring is also beautiful with blooming wildflowers. Summer can be hot but lively, while winter offers a quieter and more atmospheric experience. - Q: What local foods should I try in Matera?
A: Don’t miss pane di Matera (the local bread), orecchiette pasta, peperoni cruschi (crispy fried peppers), lamb dishes, and Aglianico del Vulture wine. Eating in a cave restaurant adds to the unique experience. - Q: Is Matera accessible for people with limited mobility?
A: Some areas of the Sassi can be challenging due to stairs and uneven terrain, but shuttle buses, tuk-tuks, and accessible viewpoints like Belvedere di Murgia Timone make it possible to enjoy Matera with careful planning. - Q: Can I take day trips from Matera?
A: Yes. Popular options include the ghost town of Craco, the hill towns of Montescaglioso and Miglionico, and vineyard tours in the Vulture wine region. These trips are easily done by car or on organized tours. - Q: Do I need to book tours and restaurants in advance?
A: It’s highly recommended, especially on weekends and during peak travel seasons. Guided tours, cave hotels, and popular restaurants can fill up quickly, so advance reservations ensure the best experience.
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