Matera Itinerary: Explore the Best Sights in 3 Days
Matera is one of the most memorable places to visit in Southern Italy, with ancient cave dwellings, dramatic viewpoints, cave hotels and restaurants tucked into the historic Sassi districts.
I have visited Matera twice: once as a day trip and once for a 2-night stay as part of a longer Puglia road trip. After experiencing both, I would highly recommend staying overnight if your itinerary allows. Matera is beautiful during the day, but it feels especially atmospheric in the evening when the Sassi are lit up and the day-trippers have left.
This 3-day Matera itinerary is designed for travellers who want enough time to explore the main sights without rushing. It includes the best viewpoints, cave churches, museums, restaurants, bars and time to simply wander through the Sassi.
You can follow this itinerary as a 2-night stay in Matera, or adapt it slightly if you are visiting as part of a longer Puglia itinerary. I have also included practical tips on where to stay, how to get to Matera, where to park, and what to book in advance.
3-Day Matera Itinerary from Bari Airport
Matera is a unique destination that can be explored in one day on a day trip from Puglia. However, dedicating several days allows you to fully immerse yourself, which is why I created this 3-day itinerary.
This itinerary works best if you arrive in Matera by lunchtime on Day 1 and leave after lunch on Day 3. If you are arriving late or leaving early, you may want to prioritise the Sassi, Casa Grotta, Casa Noha and one sunset viewpoint.
Day 1: Arrival in Bari and Transfer to Matera
Morning: Arrival and Check-In
Start your Matera trip by flying into Bari airport. It is the most convenient option to reach Matera.
From here, you have several options. You can arrange an airport transfer to Matera if it is the only place you are visiting. Alternatively, you can rent a car if you will explore more of Puglia or Basilicata. The drive to Matera takes about 50 minutes.
You can also take the train from Bari to Matera; however, it will take longer, and you may have to change in Altamura.
Keep in mind that vehicles are not allowed in much of Matera, so if you are driving, you will need to park on the outskirts and walk to your hotel. Several underground car parks are available, including Parcheggio Nicoletti Michele. Additional parking recommendations can be found in my Matera guide.
Since most hotels require a bit of walking to reach, pack light or use luggage that’s easy to carry on Matera’s many steps. Some hotels may offer bag assistance, so confirm the arrival procedure with your hotel.
Many hotels in the Sassi districts are built within ancient cave dwellings, offering a unique experience that immerses guests in the city’s history. These “cave hotels” combine modern comforts with rustic, stone interiors, giving you a chance to sleep within walls that have stood for centuries.
Check into one of these following highly recommended cave hotels:
- Sant’Angelo Luxury Resort: Carved into the ancient Sassi di Matera, this hotel offers an authentic cave-dwelling experience in a prime location.
- Palazzo Gattini Luxury Hotel: Housed in a 17th-century aristocratic residence, this 5-star boutique hotel offers a rooftop terrace with panoramic views and an indoor pool.
- Palazzo Del Duca Luxury Hotel: A lovingly restored residence with impressive views across the ravine. Note that some rooms don’t have doors on the bathrooms, which may not suit those requiring more privacy.
- Sextantio Le Grotte della Civita: Known as a “living museum,” this hotel offers a true Matera experience, with cave-like guest rooms carved directly into the Sassi.
I stayed at the Palazzo Del Duca Luxury Hotel and I recommend it. However, be aware that some rooms do not have doors to the bathrooms, which is inconvenient if you require more privacy.
You can also stay at a beautiful apartment from Plum Guide with a ravine view and plenty of privacy.
Afternoon & Evening: Exploring Matera
Depending on when you arrive, you might have time to explore Matera’s maze-like streets. The city’s layout can seem overwhelming at first, but you soon get your bearings as you stroll through the Sassi districts and admire the ancient architecture.
Start by wandering through Sasso Barisano and Sasso Caveoso. Walk along Via Muro to see the architecture up close and visit iconic sites like Chiesa Rupestre di Santa Maria di Idris, one of Matera’s most famous rock churches.
For great photos, explore the Sassi before and after sunset. Just before sunset, the warm light highlights the stone buildings beautifully. After sunset, the softly lit city creates a captivating scene against the darkening sky.
A good sunset viewpoint is Belvedere – Raffaele Giura Longo. Another spectacular nighttime viewpoint is down the steps from the Palazzo Del Duca Hotel across to the Church of Saint Mary of Idris.
For a traditional Italian aperitivo, try Terrazza Cavaliere. It’s a small terrace with scenic views and is worth the wait for a table. Service can be slow on the terrace, so order an Aperol Spritz when your server takes you to the table.
Dine at Ristorante Francesca for a memorable dinner in a cave-style restaurant with delicious pasta dishes.
After dinner, enjoy the walk back through Matera’s softly lit streets. The evening ambience here is magical.
Day 2: Full Day in Matera
Morning: Hike to Belvedere Murgia Timone & Museum Visits
Start the day with breakfast at your hotel.
If you are an early riser, begin with a hike to the Belvedere Murgia Timone viewpoint, about 4.3 km from Matera. Cross the Tibetan Suspension Bridge for panoramic views of Matera across the ravine. The hike takes around 1 hour and 30 minutes; wear sturdy shoes and bring water.
After your hike, head to Casa Grotta nei Sassi, a preserved cave dwelling that gives a glimpse into daily life in Matera before the 1950s.
This is one of the best places to start understanding Matera’s history without needing to read too much beforehand. Matera is one of the world’s oldest continuously inhabited cities, but it is best known for its Sassi: the historic cave dwellings carved into the limestone cliffs.
For centuries, families lived inside these caves, often alongside their animals. By the 20th century, conditions in the Sassi had become extremely poor, and in the 1950s residents were moved out after Matera became known as Italy’s “national shame”.
Casa Grotta nei Sassi helps bring this part of the city’s history to life. The restored home includes original furnishings, utensils and beds, showing how families lived in the caves before they were relocated. The included audio guide explains the challenges of cave life, from limited ventilation to cramped living conditions.
Arrive early to avoid crowds. Casa Grotta nei Sassi opens at 9:30 AM, and tickets are available at the entrance only. You can also book a tour with an expert guide that includes a visit to Casa Grotta nei Sassi.
Next, visit Casa Noha, an immersive museum housed in a historic building. This is where you can understand the bigger story of Matera, from its prehistoric origins to the restoration of the Sassi and its designation as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1993.
Videos are shown across different rooms and explain Matera’s transformation from a place associated with poverty to one of Southern Italy’s most remarkable cultural destinations.
It is best to book tickets for Casa Noha in advance to secure your preferred time slot; otherwise, you may need to wait for the next available tour.
Afternoon: Scenic Walking Route Through Matera
After the morning tours, explore Matera at your own pace.
Alternatively, follow this scenic route to take in some of Matera’s best sights:
- Belvedere via Duomo
- Start with a panoramic view of Matera’s Sassi.
- Piazza Duomo
- Walk to Piazza Duomo and visit the Cattedrale di Maria Santissima della Bruna e Sant’Eustachio.
- Via Muro
- From Piazza Duomo, take Via Muro, a street featured in James Bond – No Time to Die.
- Palazzo Del Duca Hotel
- Continue along Via Muro and admire the view from near Palazzo Del Duca towards Chiesa Rupestre di Santa Maria di Idris.
- Chiesa Rupestre di Santa Maria di Idris
- Take the path up to this rock-carved church perched on the hillside.
- Belvedere di Piazza Giovanni Pascoli
- Head to this viewpoint for incredible views over the Sassi.
- I Vizi degli Angeli
- Treat yourself to gelato at this popular spot.
- Return to Piazza Duomo
- Complete the loop, stopping to admire the archway on Gradoni Sant’Antonio.
This is a full day of sightseeing, so feel free to shorten the afternoon route if you are visiting in summer or prefer a slower pace. The most important stop is Chiesa Rupestre di Santa Maria di Idris.
If you do not fancy wandering through the city’s streets independently, consider booking a local guide to show you the main sights and some hidden gems.
Enjoy lunch at Osteria MateraMì. Ask the waiter for suggestions on what to order. We had a regional starter based on the waiter’s recommendation and some delicious pasta.
Tip: Matera can get very hot during the midday sun if you are visiting in summer, so plan your sightseeing for the cooler hours or take a siesta back at your hotel in the peak of the heat.
Evening: Drinks & Dinner
As the temperature lowers, head to Area 8 (pronounced Otto in Italian) for pre-dinner cocktails. This trendy bar has a stylish outdoor seating area and a creative cocktail menu.
For dinner, try Dedalo, another cave restaurant, or explore a Michelin Guide recommendation in Matera for a fine dining experience.
Day 3: Departure from Matera
After breakfast, you may have time to visit a few final sites.
Check out the Cattedrale di Maria Santissima della Bruna in Piazza Duomo, where you can relive another scene from the James Bond film No Time to Die. Stroll through Piazza San Giovanni and Piazza San Pietro Caveoso, also used in the film.
Before leaving, stop once again at I Vizi degli Angeli for gelato and capture any last-minute photos in the Sassi.
Check out of your hotel and head to Bari for your return flight or continue your journey through Puglia. Arrange a transfer if Matera is your only stop, or, if you rented a car, consider stopping in Gravina in Puglia on your way out.
Final Tips for Planning Your Matera Itinerary
Matera is one of the most memorable places to visit in Southern Italy, and I would highly recommend staying overnight if your itinerary allows.
You can see some of the main viewpoints on a day trip, but spending two nights gives you time to explore the Sassi properly, visit the cave museums, enjoy dinner in a cave restaurant and see the city lit up after dark.
For this 3-day Matera itinerary, I would book your accommodation first, especially if you want to stay in one of the cave hotels in the Sassi.
Once you have confirmed your hotel, check the parking arrangements, luggage access and whether the property offers help with bags, as many hotels in the historic centre cannot be reached directly by car.
To discover more tips, check out my other articles, such as my Matera travel guide, a 10 Day Puglia itinerary, and a 4 Day Puglia itinerary.
If you want to continue your foodie journey, read my guide to the best restaurants in Puglia, and learn where to find the best beaches in Puglia.
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