A complete, honest guide to Matera, Italy — where to go, what to eat, how to get around and the day trips worth your time. Cave city carved into stone — one of the world's oldest human ....
Matera is a highlight of Europe, and Matera is one of the world's oldest continuously inhabited places — a honey-coloured city of cave dwellings carved into a ravine. Whether you have a long weekend or a full week, this guide helps you plan a trip that balances the must-sees with the moments that make a place stick.
Top things to do in Matera
These are the sights most first-time visitors build their trip around. Tap each one to add it to your shortlist — it saves as you browse.
Perfect 2–3 days in Matera
A simple, unhurried plan you can shape around your own pace.
The essentials
Hit the headline sights first — The Sassi and Rock churches. Break for lunch and try pane di Matera, then spend the evening soaking up the atmosphere of Sasso Caveoso.
Go deeper
Go beyond the highlights: see Casa Grotta and Belvedere viewpoint, then explore Sasso Barisano at a slower pace. Leave time to sit in a café, browse a market and eat where the locals do.
Beyond the city
With a third day, head out of town — Alberobello (conical trulli houses) is the easy favourite, or swap in Altamura (famous bread and a cathedral).
Ready to book? Turn your Matera shortlist into reality
Skip-the-line tickets, guided tours and day trips for the sights you've saved — booked through Viator (a Tripadvisor company). We may earn a commission.
Book Matera experiences →Matera on a budget — costs & money tips
Matera is on the pricier side by global standards. Here’s roughly what to budget, per person per day, by travel style — these are indicative estimates to plan around, not fixed prices, and they exclude international flights. Use the currency selector near the top of the page to convert.
dorms/hostels, street food, public transport, mostly free sights
private room or 3★ hotel, a mix of cafes and restaurants, a few paid attractions
4★ hotel, restaurants, taxis when handy, tours and tickets
What things cost in Matera
- Accommodation£35–£120 / night
- Food£20–£55 / day
- Local transport£6–£16 / day
- Typical attraction£12–£35 / entry
See how Matera compares with 126 other cities →
Saving money in Matera
- Stay slightly outside the centre near a fast transit line — nightly rates drop quickly a stop or two out.
- Free museum evenings/days and city passes can offset the high cost of paid attractions.
- Self-cater breakfast and lunch; this is where a comfortable budget is most easily trimmed.
Estimates assume mid-2020s prices and a typical exchange rate; high season, festivals and last-minute booking push costs toward the upper end.
Local intelligence — Matera at a glance
A quick orientation for Matera. Sunrise and sunset are live for today; connectivity and nomad-friendliness are Wander360 estimates to set expectations, not precise scores.
Staying safe in Matera
Most visits are trouble-free. Use the same street sense you would in any busy city: keep an eye on belongings in crowds and on transport, use licensed taxis or a rideshare app, agree fares in advance where meters aren’t used, and be wary of unsolicited “help” at ATMs or stations. For up-to-date, authoritative guidance always check your own government’s travel advisory (UK FCDO · US State Dept) before you travel.
For getting around Matera specifically, see the Getting around section on this page.
Where to stay & neighbourhoods in Matera
Matera is really a collection of distinct districts, and where you base yourself shapes the whole trip. Here’s each main neighbourhood — what it’s like and who it suits:
Sasso Caveoso
The most atmospheric cave quarter.
Sasso Barisano
Cave hotels and restaurants.
Civita
The old town above the Sassi.
Once you’ve picked an area, you can book tours & tickets in Matera further down the page.
Food & drink in Matera
Rustic Basilicata cooking — crusty Matera bread, orecchiette, peppers and pork.
Build your Matera food list — tap the dishes you want to try:
Getting around Matera
The Sassi are steep and car-free — comfortable shoes are essential.
🚇 Public transport
Usually the fastest and cheapest way around Matera. Grab a rechargeable travel card or use contactless where supported, and download the local transit app for live times.
🚶 On foot
The centre of Matera is best explored on foot — it’s how you stumble on the small things. Wear comfortable shoes and keep a map app handy.
🚕 Taxis & rideshare
For late nights, luggage runs or awkward cross-town hops, ride-hailing apps are usually cheaper and clearer than flagging a cab. Confirm the car and plate before getting in.
✈️ From the airport
Check the official airport transfer options before you land — there’s almost always a train or express bus into Matera that beats a taxi on price.
Best time to visit Matera
Spring and autumn for comfortable walking; the Sassi glow at sunset year-round. Prices and crowds tend to follow the weather, so the shoulder seasons often give the best value.
Highlighted months are the sweet spot for visiting Matera.
Day trips from Matera
When you’re ready to venture beyond the city, these make for rewarding day trips:
- Alberobello — conical trulli houses
- Altamura — famous bread and a cathedral
Practical tips for Matera
🧭 Where to base yourself
For a first visit, Sasso Caveoso is a smart base — the most atmospheric cave quarter. If that’s not your style, Sasso Barisano works well too (cave hotels and restaurants).
🍽️ Eat like a local
Don’t leave Matera without trying pane di Matera, orecchiette, cruschi peppers or local pecorino. Skip the obvious tourist spots and eat where you see locals queueing.
✨ Don’t miss
Make time for The Sassi and Rock churches. With a spare day, Alberobello (conical trulli houses) is well worth the trip.
💰 Money & payments
Cards and contactless are widely accepted in Matera, but carry some local cash for markets, small cafés and tips. Tell your bank you’re travelling and check foreign-transaction fees.
📶 Staying connected
A local eSIM or SIM is cheap and makes maps, transport and translation effortless across Matera — set it up before you arrive or at the airport.
🛡️ Stay aware
Keep an eye on your belongings in crowds and on transport in Matera, as you would in any busy city, and keep a digital copy of your passport.
Frequently asked questions
How many days do you need in Matera?
Three to four days is enough for Matera’s highlights — the main sights plus time to wander Sasso Caveoso — with an extra day for a trip to Alberobello if you can spare it.
What is the best time of year to visit Matera?
Spring and autumn for comfortable walking; the Sassi glow at sunset year-round.
What food is Matera known for?
Rustic Basilicata cooking — crusty Matera bread, orecchiette, peppers and pork.
Where should I stay in Matera?
Sasso Caveoso is a great first-time base (the most atmospheric cave quarter). Sasso Barisano is another good option for cave hotels and restaurants.
What are the best day trips from Matera?
Two rewarding day trips are Alberobello (conical trulli houses) and Altamura (famous bread and a cathedral).
How do you get around Matera?
The Sassi are steep and car-free — comfortable shoes are essential.
