On my two visits to Matera—one for a two-night stay and another as a day trip—I discovered the city’s rich history, tried various restaurants, and experienced its unique bars.

As a former luxury travel advisor, I also have a good understanding of upscale accommodations, and Matera’s cave hotels offer a fascinating blend of history and modern comfort.

While visiting Matera, I learnt tips for navigating the city’s steep streets, finding parking, and choosing the best spots for dining and drinks.

Chiesa Rupestre di Santa Maria di Idris on a cliff edge surrounded by leafy ravine - Best viewpoint when visiting Matera Italy

In this Matera travel guide, I will cover everything from the best times to visit, the must-see attractions, and where to eat, drink, and stay.

You will find recommendations on planning your trip, whether for a quick day visit or a longer stay, and insights on local transportation and parking to ensure a seamless experience in Matera.

History of Matera

Matera at night - cave buildings lit up in orange lights and a cross at the top with starry sky — Matera at night

Matera Italy is one of the oldest continuously inhabited cities in the world, with a history of over 9,000 years. It is located in the Basilicata region of southern Italy and is most famous for the Sassi, its ancient cave dwellings carved into the limestone cliffs.

In the Middle Ages, the Sassi became a busy, thriving community, but over time, the area fell into extreme poverty. Families were still living in these cave homes in poor conditions well into the 20th century. By the 1950s, the government stepped in, evacuating the area and calling it a national shame.

Fast forward to the 1980s, and Matera went through an incredible transformation. The caves were restored, and in 1993, the city was recognised as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Today, Matera is celebrated for its rich history and unique charm, and in 2019, it was even named the European Capital of Culture.

Is Matera Worth Visiting?

Matera is one of the most magical places I have ever visited. The architecture is breathtaking, and its location on the edge of a cliff in a ravine makes it even more inspiring. Matera’s history is unbelievable, especially given how recent some parts of the story were.

So, yes – Matera is worth visiting and it is even worth going out of your way to see it while in Italy.

How Many Days in Matera?

Samantha looking out to Matera lit up at night wearing red bow and black dress

You need at least one full evening in Matera because I found the nighttime was the most beautiful when the town was lit up. Golden hour in Matera was equally special for photography. Therefore, I think that two nights in Matera would be ideal. So you also have several opportunities to eat at restaurants and go for unforgettable pre-dinner drink spots.

It is possible to see Matera in a day if you are rushing and happy to miss some of the museums. However, the perfect time in Matera is 2 nights and 3 days.

When is the Best Time to Visit Matera?

Man wearing shorts looking over short wall to Matera cave buildings

I would say that the best time to visit Matera is from mid-September to early October due to more favourable weather conditions. Although the green spaces around Matera can look quite dry, thus if you want lusher surroundings, try June.

I visited Matera in early September and in late September, and the difference in weather we experienced was incredible. In early September, it was over 30 degrees Celsius and unbearable to be outside in the middle of the day for too long. Whereas, in late September, it was much cooler and windy, so we had to buy a hoodie from a local store to keep warm.

July and August are extremely hot months in Matera; therefore, I suggest avoiding this time of year if you are susceptible to heat.

If you travel to Matera in these summer months, visit Matera for 3 days. This gives you plenty of time to explore and rest inside during the hottest part of the day. However, if you only have one day, I suggest visiting outside of peak summer since you want to use every hour of the day possible.

How to Get to Matera?

Beige cave buildings across Matera with a brick path through the middle with people walking along it

The best way to get to Matera is by flying to Bari airport where you can rent a car or arrange an airport transfer. If you want to do a Puglia road trip, I suggest renting a car.

Compare prices and book your rental car with Discover Cars.

However, if Matera is your only destination, I recommend booking a private transfer or taking a bus because you do not need a car in Matera.

There is a train that goes from Bari to Matera, and it takes around 90 minutes. You can buy tickets through the company that operates the line: Ferrovie Appulo Lucane. Once you arrive at Matera train station, you need to walk around 10 to 20 minutes to your accommodation.

Buses go from Bari Airport to Matera Piazza Giacomo Matteotti, close to Matera Station. The journey takes around 1 – 1 hour 15 minutes. The Flixbus will drop you further outside the city.

You can book a shared shuttle ticket from Bari to Matera here.

How to Get Around Matera?

View through archway on steps in Matera with Samantha looking out to cave buildings

Once you are in Matera, your best option to get around Matera is on foot – so make sure you bring comfortable shoes to walk in.

Driving is not allowed in Matera, except for certain streets and times of the day. There are numerous steps, and the narrow streets cannot fit vehicles in Matera, meaning there are only a few roads that cars can go on.

Therefore, it is easiest to park your car and explore Matera on foot.

Also, note that Matera is not particularly wheelchair or pushchair friendly due to the number of steps.

Where to Park in Matera?

Parking in Matera can be a bit tricky due to its historic layout and narrow streets, especially in the ancient Sassi districts where vehicles are restricted. However, there are several parking options available depending on where you are staying and how far you are happy to walk.

Via Muro street with two people at end of alley in Matera — Via Muro path to Palazzo Del Duca Hotel

Street Parking

There is limited street parking available near the city centre, but avoid driving into the centre of Matera, as the Sassi area is a restricted traffic zone (ZTL). Always check for signs indicating parking restrictions, as fines will be issued for parking in unauthorised areas.

During one of my trips, we tried to park in one of the underground car parks and it was full, so we had to find street parking. We managed to find a few paid spots outside the Self Bags shop on Via Gerardo Guerrieri. The rate was EUR 0.70 per hour on this street, which is good for day trips to Matera. Plus, it does not charge from 8:30 PM until 8:00 AM, so you only need to pay for daytime use.

Much of the street parking in Matera (and in parts of Puglia) can be paid for using the EasyPark app. I found the EasyPark app useful because you can easily add more time to your parking spot from your phone, plus you can pay your fare using credit cards saved on your phone.

Paid Underground Parking

Matera has several paid car parks within walking distance of the Sassi. However, they are not advisable for larger vehicles and vans. Here are some options if you have rented a small car:

Parcheggio Nicoletti Michele (this is the car park that we tried to enter and it was full. However, an event was taking place in Matera that day making it busier than usual).
Parcheggio Piazza Cesare Firrao
Parcheggio Park Scotellaro

Private Parking with Shuttle

Many hotels in Matera offer parking services or valet parking. If you are staying in the Sassi districts, your hotel may provide information on the nearest parking facilities or arrange for transfers from parking lots outside the restricted zones.

When we stayed at Palazzo Del Duca, we were advised to book with WE GO TO for the car park on Via Timmari and they shuttled us to the nearest piazza to our hotel. However, I cannot confirm if WE GO TO is still operating and how to book. Therefore, it is best to speak to your hotel for their arrangement.

Make sure you are aware of the walking distance from your drop-off location to your hotel because we had to walk around 2 minutes along cobblestones and steps, which would have been challenging with large wheely suitcases.

What to Do in Matera?

No matter what brings you to Italy, there are plenty of things to see in Matera, and these are the best activities and places.

Explore the Sassi

Church of Saint Mary of Idris in Matera with group of people standing out the front — Church of Saint Mary of Idris

The Sassi in Matera are ancient cave dwellings carved into the limestone cliffs, forming two districts known as Sasso Caveoso and Sasso Barisano. These caves, some of which go back thousands of years, were once used as homes, churches, and storage spaces. Today, the Sassi are a UNESCO World Heritage Site, offering a fascinating glimpse into how life was lived in this extraordinary landscape.

One of the best things to do in Matera is to walk around the Sassi and look at the incredible churches, caves, piazzas, and general building architecture.

These are some churches, viewpoints and piazzas that you should look out for while exploring Matera, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Here are some of the most beautiful and iconic parts of the city.

Chiesa rupestre di San Giuliano o Madonna delle Grazie (viewpoint from the church)
Piazza Duomo
Belvedere – Raffaele Giura Longo (viewpoint)
Chiesa Rupestre di Santa Maria di Idris (Church of Saint Mary of Idris)
Belvedere Murgia Timone (view of Matera from the other side of the valley – you either need to drive here on your way in or out of Matera, or hike there)

Visit Museums

There are also some museums that are worth visiting. I am not a museum person and I think they are worth it to get a better understanding of Matera’s background and the history of the cave houses.

Here are two must-visit museums in Matera:

Casa Grotta nei Sassi

This museum offers a glimpse into what daily life was like in Matera’s cave dwellings.

Inside, you’ll find a fully furnished cave house that shows how families used to live here, with tools, furniture, and household items set up just as they were in the past. It is a great way to see the living conditions of earlier inhabitants and understand the challenges they faced.

You can book a tour with a local guide to explore Casa Grotta nei Sassi and some of the local buildings.

Casa Noha

Casa Noha is an immersive experience that takes you on a journey through Matera’s history. In different rooms of this historic house, you’ll watch short films that explain the city’s evolution—from its ancient origins, through its decline, to its modern revival.

It is a great starting point for anyone who wants to learn about Matera’s transformation and the significance of the Sassi.

You need to book a time slot to visit Casa Noha, so I recommend doing that online in advance, otherwise you will have to wait for your time slot upon arrival (which is what we had to do and it was annoying).

Find the James Bond Filming Locations

Staircase leading up to Piazza Duomo with Matera sassi in background on cloudy day — Staircase leading up to Piazza Duomo

There are also some locations you may recognise from the James Bond movie, No Time to Die. Several key scenes were filmed in Matera, taking advantage of the city’s dramatic landscape and ancient architecture. Here are a few filming spots to look out for:

Via Muro – This narrow, picturesque pathway between Palazzo Gattini and Palazzo Del Duca Hotel was shown when James Bond and Madeleine walk to their hotel with the porter.
Piazza Duomo – Bond rides his motorcycle up the side of a wall to avoid a funeral procession and lands in the piazza in front of the Cathedral on Piazza Duomo.
Piazza San Pietro Caveoso – This piazza is featured in the high-speed chase scene where James Bond makes a handbrake turn to escape the baddies.
Piazza San Giovanni – This square was featured in the opening chase sequence, where Bond fires at the baddies with machine guns on the front of the car while doing doughnuts in the piazza.

If you are looking other travel ideas that visit film locations from James Bond movies, you should visit Glen Etive, which is featured in my 4-Day, 10-Day and 14-Day Scotland itineraries.

Dine in a Cave Restaurant

Dedalo cave restaurant with lights hanging from the ceiling, white table cloths and red cups — Dedalo Restaurant

One of the most unique dining experiences in Matera is eating in a cave restaurant, where you can enjoy regional Italian cuisine in the same ancient dwellings that have been part of the city’s history for thousands of years.

These restaurants are carved into the limestone rock, creating an atmospheric setting that blends history with modern dining. The dimly lit interiors, often with arched ceilings and stone walls, give a special ambience to your meal, making it a memorable experience beyond just the food.

While the menus typically offer traditional dishes from the region, the real highlight is the setting – a chance to dine where ancient civilizations once lived.

Read on to find out my recommendations for cave restaurants.

Sleep in a Cave Hotel

Sextantio Le Grotte della Civita hotel with arches hanging with ivy and doorways leading to cave rooms — Sextantio Le Grotte della Civita hotel

Staying in a cave hotel in Matera is a unique experience. These cave hotels are carved into ancient limestone dwellings and the rooms are set within the rock, featuring stone walls and vaulted ceilings.

Many cave hotel rooms do not have windows, relying on artificial light, which adds to the distinctive cave experience. Plus, if your hotel has a spa or pool, you can also get the chance to swim inside the cave.

I stayed in Palazzo del Duca Luxury Hotel, and it was such a great experience and we had an amazing stay. However, I have some other recommendations for a variety of price points, as you will discover in a later section of this article.

Hike the Ravine

Dirt hiking path across rocky ravine with group of hikers walking - the hike to Belvedere Murgia Timone Viewpoint via the Tibetan Suspension Bridge, Matera — Matera ravina hike

If you can manage an early start while visiting Matera during the summer, or at any other daylight time during a cooler day, you should do the hike to Belvedere Murgia Timone Viewpoint via the Tibetan Suspension Bridge.

The ravine hike is around 4.3 km and can take around 1 hour and 30 minutes to complete it. It is listed as a moderate hike, and I would agree with that given that the first part of the hike had very precarious footing with loose rocks on steep terrain.

The views while on the hike are impressive. However, sadly we had to cut our hike short at over halfway as it started to rain and thunder, and we did not want to be vulnerable in the middle of the ravine with lightning striking us.

Make sure you are wearing proper trainers or walking shoes (no sandals or flip-flops) and bring a big bottle of water with you.

Where to Eat in Matera?

Samantha eating outside at Palazzo Del Duca restaurant with the table full of plates and bowls with food in Matera at night — Palazzo Del Duca

I visited Matera several times during my travels to Southern Italy; therefore, I was able to try numerous restaurants and bars.

Here are the establishments I ate at when visiting Matera and whether I recommend them or not. You can discover my recommendations for restaurants in Puglia here.

Dedalo

If you’re looking for a cave restaurant experience, Dedalo is a good choice. The food was solid, though not the best of the trip. It was quiet when we visited, so the service was attentive. Afterwards, we were given a tour of the cave, which was unexpected but entertaining.

Palazzo Del Duca Hotel

Breakfast here was fantastic, with a great selection of pastries, fruit, and made-to-order options, all included in the stay. The breakfast was served deep within the cave and it was a fun experience because there were a few tables, giving it an intimate feel.

We also dined outside at Palazzo Del Duca for dinner on the narrow pathway with views of Matera, which was romantic and a wonderful experience. Although the food was not on par with some of the exceptional meals we had in Puglia.

I Vizi degli Angeli (Labatorio di Gelateria Antigionale)

Lemon and peach gelato in a cone with backdrop of piazza in Matera with yellow building — Gelato from I Vizi degli Angeli

This spot has incredible gelato, including lactose-free sorbets, served in delicious cones. We loved it so much that we went back at least three times!

Osteria MateraMì

We had lunch here on a stormy day, so the terrace was closed, and we ate inside the upstairs area, which had a cave-like atmosphere. The restaurant was busy, and there was a wait for a table during peak times.

We tried to order bruschetta for starter and the waiter said no, and that we should something else that is more unique to the region and offered a suggestion. The food overall was excellent.

Ristorante Francesca

We did not make dinner reservations for one night in Matera where there were 6 of us, and it was a real challenge to find a table somewhere with enough walk-in space. However, after an hour’s search, we finally stumbled across Ristorante Francesca, and I am so glad we did.

Many of us wanted the same pasta dish, so they served us a huge portion and plated it up for us on the table, which was unique. The pasta was great, and the interior of the restaurant was in traditional Matera cave style.

Where to Drink in Matera?

Cocktails from Area 8 in Matera - outside table with 2 types of glasses on table with 2 customers in background — Area 8

Area 8 (Otto)

This spot offers indoor and outdoor seating, served fun cocktails and had friendly staff. It also had good music and a memorable atmosphere.

Terrazza Cavaliere

Head here in the evening to grab a drink on the back patio, where you can enjoy stunning views of Matera illuminated at night. The terrace is small, so seating is limited, but if you are lucky, you can get a great spot along the front of the balcony.

We got a seat in the back of the terrace and then moved to a better seat along the front of the balcony. The service was not as quick on the terrace because it was out of the way of the main service area. But we enjoyed an Aperol spritz before moving on to our dinner spot.

Where to Stay in Matera?

Palazzo Del Duca in Matera - exterior of hotel with large cactus and beige shade - with signing reading hotel restaurant winery — Palazzo Del Duca

When choosing your accommodation in Matera, it’s important to keep location in mind. Since many hotels are in the historic Sassi area, you won’t be able to drive directly to your hotel or park outside. As mentioned in the parking section of this guide, you will need to park outside the Sassi and either walk or arrange a transfer as close to your hotel as possible.

Also, consider what type of luggage to bring. The cobblestone streets and steep steps make wheeled suitcases difficult to manoeuvre, especially if your hotel isn’t accessible by car. Packing light and using a backpack or duffel is recommended.

For instance, if you’re staying at Palazzo Del Duca Luxury Hotel, the closest a transfer can take you is Piazza Duomo. From there, it’s about a one-minute walk down the steps to the hotel. We packed duffels, which made this much easier.

Similarly, at Sextantio Le Grotte della Civita, your transfer can drop you off at Via Madonna delle Virtù and then you must climb a staircase with your luggage to reach the hotel.

However, Palazzo Gattini Luxury Hotel is located right on Piazza Duomo, making it one of the more convenient options for those looking to avoid extra walking.

One thing to be mindful of when staying in Matera’s cave hotels is the layout of the rooms. Many feature open-plan bathrooms, often without doors to the shower or toilet area, which could be a concern if you will share a room with someone who needs privacy.

What to Do Near Matera?

If you want to visit Matera as part of a larger trip around Italy, the good news is there are plenty of interesting towns to visit relatively nearby.

These locations all work best as a separate location, rather than a day trip, due to the challenges of parking in Matera. It is better to leave the car in its parking spot for the duration of your visit to Matera.

If you are looking for an itinerary that includes all these locations featured below, check out my 10-day Puglia itinerary with Matera.

Gravina in Puglia

One of the best places to combine with Matera is Gravina in Puglia. It is another location that you may recognise from the James Bond film, No Time to Die. The most famous part of Gravina in Puglia is the jaw-dropping viaduct (Ponte Acquedotto) and it is worth a visit even if you are not a James Bond fan.

You can walk across the viaduct, enjoy the views across the ravine, wander through the quaint town, and stop for a drink in the square.

You should not, however, drive your car into the tiny streets of Gravina Puglia near the viaduct because your car physically will not fit. It is best to park it in the streets outside the own town and walk in.

Alberobello

The quirky town of Alberobello is a little over an hour’s drive from Matera, meaning it is an excellent next destination if you have time to explore the region more.

Alberobello is full of trullo buildings, which are brick bases with cone-shaped rooves. There is an abundance of Trulli and it is well worth visiting to see it. It is a popular spot, so go early to see it without the big crowds.

You may be interested in a guided tour of Alberobello to get the most out of your visit.

Polignano a Mare

Another town a little over an hour from Matera is Polignano a Mare. This beautiful spot is renowned in Puglia for being a charming coastal town perched on the edge of a cliff.

You can get a view of the picturesque Lama Monachile pebble beach from the bridge above it, or from the Belvedere su Lama Monachile which is found through some meandering streets.

Consider booking a boat tour to see the caves and cliffs around Polignano a Mare.

Packing List for Matera

Here is a packing list to ensure you are prepared for your trip to Matera.

Comfortable trainers
Lightweight breathable clothing for summer
Sun protection (sunglasses, a hat, and sunscreen)
Reusable water bottle
Camera
European adapter (US to Europe adapter or UK to Europe adapter)
Light Sweater (if you are visiting in September and the weather forecast changes)