10 Unique Things To Do In Matera – The Hidden Gem of Italy

Matera is one of Italy’s oldest cities, full of fascinating history. This post covers 10 unique things to do in Matera – Italy’s hidden gem.

Are you looking for an off-the-beaten-path destination in Italy? Then look no further than Matera! This city has a fascinating history, and some stunning architecture, which makes it the perfect choice for a unique city getaway. In recent years this old town has risen in popularity among tourists and locals alike, and for good reason, as there are plenty of things to do in Matera. 

Located in the southern region of Basilicata, Matera is close to the coastal city of Bari and is best reached by car. Although it is possible to get here by bus, there are only 3 buses a day, which means you cannot be very flexible with your time here. Therefore I recommend renting a car for a road trip around Puglia, and including Matera in the itinerary. 

With so much to do in this ancient town, you may be wondering where to even start. In this blog post, I will go over 10 unique experiences that are a must when you visit Matera. From exploring the city’s rich history to sampling the delicious local cuisine, I will guide you to the best spots in Matera. Before getting into all of the best places to visit in Matera, I will answer some frequently asked questions you may be wondering. 

FAQs About Matera

Is Matera Worth Visiting?

Matera is 100% worth visiting! I have never seen a city quite as unique as this one. Matera is filled with a devastating history and bad reputation but in recent years has been transformed into a cultural and historical hub, with curious tourists flocking to witness the unique atmosphere here. Even if you only have a couple of hours to spare, Matera is definitely worth visiting. 

How Many Days Do You Need In Matera?

In order to see Matera, a day trip is probably going to be enough time. However, if you want to truly experience the city, then staying overnight is a must. This way you will be able to stay overnight in a renovated cave, that was inhabited for thousands of years. In addition, seeing the old town light up at night is so beautiful. Lastly, if these reasons haven’t convinced you enough, then you will also have time to explore the old city without the crowds in the late evening and early morning. 

What Is Matera Famous For? 

Matera is famous for many things, including its history and some specific foods that are unique to this region of Italy. Fascinatingly, Matera was completely abandoned in 1950 due to being overrun with diseases. However, it was later used as a backdrop in Hollywood movies, and soon after it was reinhabited, and it has been growing in popularity ever since. In addition, if you are a foodie, then you may know that the famous orecchiette pasta comes from this region of Italy.  

This post is all about things to do in Matera, Italy

How to get to Matera

There are several ways to get to Matera. Overall, I would suggest arriving by car for the most flexibility, however, it is still possible to reach by public transport. I will go over three options below for you to consider. That being said, all of these options will be based on starting your journey from Bari, which actually has an airport. You can find possible flight options below.

By car: 

The easiest way to reach Matera is by car. It is located just an hour away from Bari by car and the route is very straightforward. Since Bari has an airport right outside the city it’s very easy to pick up a rental as soon as you land. However, if you arrive by train from another region in Italy, there are also several city offices where you can pick up a rental to explore the Puglia region.

When it comes to car rentals I am a huge fan of using Sunny Cars! I have been using their services for years and have always had such a positive experience. Sunny Cars operates in most countries and always has the cheapest rates that I can find. In addition, they include unlimited mileage, cancellations up to 24 hours in advance, and the most comprehensive insurance package I have seen. Best of all, if you end up needing to pay your deposit for the car, Sunny Cars will refund it to you! 

Book your rental with Sunny Cars here!

By public transport:

Although it is easiest to get to Matera by car, you can also visit using public transport. While I generally recommend staying overnight in this beautiful city, I definitely encourage it even more if you arrive by public transport. This is because it takes at least 2 hours to get here from Bari using public transport.

There are two main ways to reach Matera from Bari. If you come from the city center, you can take two regional trains called Ferrovie. From Bari Centrale, you can take the first Ferrovie going to Gravina-Matera and get off at Altamura. This part of the journey takes around 1 hour and 15 minutes. At Altamura change to the Ferrovie going to Matera and get off at Matera Sud after 30 minutes. From here it’s about a 10-15 minutes walk to Sassi di Matera which is the old part of the city.

If you are flying into Bari and are interested in going directly to Matera, then you can actually take a direct bus. From the Bari Airport Arrivals Terminal take the Sita Basilicata (Marozzi) bus. After an hour and 15 minutes get off at the stop called Matera Via Moro Aldo. Once again, from here it’s around a 15-minute walk to the old city.

By guided tour:

The third and most hassle-free option is to visit with a guided tour. Not only will you not have to worry about how to arrive and where to park, but you will often also get lots of additional information. Some of the day trips offer free time in Matera while others offer a guided tour first, followed by free time. This way, you get to choose the option that suits you best.

In addition, some tours focus only on spending time at Matera, while others combine it with a trip to Alberobello. This is also a popular spot to visit in Puglia thanks to the special Trulli houses. The day trips that go from Bari and visit both spots will typically give you 4 hours of free time in Matera and 3 hours in Alberobello. While this may not be enough time for some, if you’re short on time and want to visit both spots then this is a great option! Below I have listed the best-rated day trips to Matera:

Where to stay in Matera

Honestly, when visiting Matera the stays are half of the experience! This is because Sassi di Matera (the old town) is made up of ancient cave dwellings. Many of these have since been converted into stays, which means that you can actually sleep in caves which is super cool! For this reason, I highly recommend staying at least one night in Matera while visiting. Best of all, that also means you get to experience it in the evening during sunset and early mornings before the day trippers arrive. Below are some of the best stays in Matera. 

When to visit Matera

Since Matera is located in the southern region of Italy, it is considered a wonderful destination to visit all year round! That being said, I have broken down what each season is like in Matera to help you decide when to visit. 

Spring (March to May)

Thanks to its pleasant temperatures and vibrant blooming landscapes, spring is one of the best times to visit Matera. Daytime highs gradually rise from around 10°C (50°F) in March to a comfortable 24°C (75°F) in May. After visiting in late May, early spring is definitely ideal for outdoor exploration. The Sassi di Matera—Matera’s iconic ancient cave dwellings—are especially enjoyable without the summer heat. In addition, there is a great little hike with wildflowers in spring. If you visit around easter during Holy Week then you will also get to deep dive into Matera’s rich cultural and religious traditions. If you love history and new cultures then this could add a unique and local flair to your visit.

Summer (June to August)

Summers in Matera can be quite hot, with temperatures soaring up to 35°C (95°F) in July and August. This season is filled with energy, festivals, and events that bring life to the ancient city. For example, the Madonna della Bruna festival in July is a great showcase of Matera’s strong sense of community and traditions. While afternoons can be scorching, evenings provide a cooler atmosphere perfect for enjoying outdoor concerts and the city’s illuminated beauty. However, be prepared for higher prices and larger crowds, especially in peak months.

Autumn (September to November)

Autumn is a golden season for visiting Matera, with mild weather and a more relaxed atmosphere as summer crowds fade. September still feels warm, with highs around 28°C (82°F), but the temperatures become cooler and crisper in October and November, ideal for exploring the cobblestone streets and caves. The season offers an authentic glimpse into local life, with food and wine festivals celebrating harvest-time delicacies like fresh grapes, truffles, and chestnuts. In addition, the warm autumn hues surrounding the city add a magical charm to the experience.

Winter (December to February)

Winter in Matera offers a quiet and intimate experience, perfect for those seeking a slower pace and lower costs. Temperatures range between 5°C (41°F) and 12°C (54°F), with occasional rainy days. Christmas transforms the city into a magical setting, as the Sassi are adorned with lights and host live nativity scenes—a unique tradition Matera is famous for. In February, Carnevale adds a splash of color and festive spirit to the calm winter months. Visiting during this time provides a more tranquil encounter with Matera’s historic beauty and charm. That being said, do check beforehand if some places are closed as winter is definitely considered the low season in Matera. 

10 Unique Things to do in Matera, Italy

1. Sassi Di Matera

Sassi di Matera is the old part of Matera. It is divided into two main districts, the Sasso Caveoso, and Sasso Barisano. The Sassi can be seen as the picturesque part of Matera, where you can find beautiful alleys and buildings. Many of the attractions mentioned below are located in, or around the Sassi. In general, I can highly recommend wandering the streets here and getting lost in the beauty of the city. 

If you have time, I would highly recommend getting a guided tour of the Sassi di Matera. The history of this city is so unique that it really is worth taking a few hours to learn more about it! In addition, most tour guides include access to caves and even some of the churches. Below you can find some of the best guided tours in Matera. 

2. Casa Noha

Casa Noha is a museum located in an old dwelling. Here visitors can watch a short yet intriguing video tracing back through history and explaining the story of Matera. The whole video journey takes between 30-40 minutes and it costs 6.5 € or 5 € for students. 

There are a few videos that highlight the different times in Matera. From once being one of the richest towns in all of Italy, it quickly became the poorest and was completely abandoned. The city was nicknamed the “shame of Italy” as it was ridden with disease and poverty. After being abandoned, it was featured as the backdrop in some Hollywood movies which helped it regain popularity. It was then decided that Matera should be rebuilt and repopulated, and in 2019 it was named the European Capital of Culture. 

I highly recommend visiting Casa Noha at the beginning of your stay here, as it will help you understand the complex history of this beautiful town. You can read more about planning a visit to Casa Noha here. 

3. Belvedere Murgia Timone

If you want to enjoy a birds-eye view over the old town of Matera, then Belvedere Murgia Timone is the place for you! This viewpoint can be reached by car or by a 45-minute hike from the old city center. I highly recommend taking the hike version as the views on the way are incredible! 

Although the hike is quite short, make sure to wear proper hiking shoes. We went on the hike after checking out of our accommodation so I had to do it in jeans and boots when it was over 30 degrees outside, so make sure to learn from my mistakes 😅. 

Hiking directions:

1. Walk to the junction between the street Via Ospedale Vecchio and Via Madonna della Virtú. From here you should be able to find stairs going down to a bridge. 
2. Take the stairs down to Ponte Tibetano della Gravina, and cross it over the small stream. 
3. From here there should only be one route which will lead you to the Belvedere Murgia Timone

This viewpoint is amazing, and it is the perfect spot to enjoy the views of Matera. 

If you’re interested in history then Murgia Park is another must-see place to explore in this area. You can find the most ancient cave dwellings in here as well as some frescoes and other carvings still intact. For more context around this fascinating place, you can book a guided tour. 

4. Hiking around Matera

The vast valleys and greenery around the city of Matera make it an attractive spot for many hikes. From several beautiful viewpoints to old abandoned cave dwellings, the possibilities here are endless. You can find a mix of shorter and longer trails to fit your schedule and activity level. Although hiking is not a common activity to recommend here, I believe it offers a unique opportunity to see the city in a new way. 

Around Belvedere Murgia Timone, you can find lots of old cave dwellings where families used to live. In some of them, you can even still find carvings on the walls! I recommend checking out Komoot to find out which hikes you may want to take while in Matera. You can find the full list here!

5. Visit Piazza San Pietro 

Piazza San Pietro is the square in front of the famous church here, Chiesa di San Pietro e Paolo. The square is quite lively and offers a stunning view of the other side of the Sassi. I can recommend sitting at one of the restaurants here for a drink and a light snack, while you enjoy the beautiful views of Matera. 

6. Chiesa di San Pietro e Paolo and Chiesa Rupestre di Santa Maria di Idris

One of the best things you can do in Matera is to visit these beautiful churches. Conveniently, they are even located right next to each other! To be completely honest, we only visited these churches from the outside, as the exteriors are simply breathtaking. It is definitely worth it to visit the interior, but it will typically cost a few euros to do so.

If you love visiting unique churches, then make sure you plan some time to visit both of these spots! After spending two months in charming European towns, the interior of churches started to interest us less with every visit. However, I have only heard amazing things about these churches!

If you would only like to visit one, then I recommend that it be the Chiesa Rupestre di Santa Maria di Idris. It is such a special church that is carved into a rock, which makes it a must-visit!

7. Stay in a Cave

One of the main reasons that you should stay overnight in Matera, is to experience staying the night in a cave. This is easily one of the top attractions here and we really enjoyed our overnight stay. 

You can find a mix of luxury hotels with each room located inside a cave. Click here to check out some of the best cave hotels in Matera. However, if you are looking for a more budget-friendly stay, then you can still enjoy this experience. There are also several Airbnbs offering a stay in a cave for a quarter of the price, and they are just as beautiful. We stayed in one of these Airbnbs, and it was one of our most special stays!

8. Casa Grotta nei Sassi di Matera

After hearing about the history of Matera at Casa Noha, a visit to Casa Grotta will be the perfect pairing. Here you can visit an old dwelling that has been kept with all of the furniture inside it. You can walk through the house and see for yourself how the locals used to live here. 

Unfortunately, we ran out of time and did not make it to this museum. I have heard mixed reviews as the tickets cost 5 euros, and the museum spans just within that one house. However, if you are interested in the history of Matera and would like to see how locals lived for yourself then this can be a great activity. I think that this spot, while one of the top things to do in Matera, is a great activity to add, but not a must to do. 

Additionally, Casa Grotta is located in the center of the Sassi, so make sure to explore the small alleyways around here once you have been there. 

9. Eat Matera Bread

While this may sound like a strange thing to do here, Matera is actually famous for several food inventions. The first one is Matera bread which will typically be served at every restaurant here. It is very crispy and hard on the outside, while extremely soft and fluffy on the inside. It is super delicious and a must-try while in Matera! 

Additionally, the regions of Basilicata and Puglia are famous for their Orecchiette pasta, which is such a cute shape and makes it worth eating another pasta dish here. 

10. Eat at Regiacorte 

Regiacorte is a beautiful restaurant overlooking the Sassi di Matera. It also overlooks the valleys with the cave dwellings making it the ideal setting for a romantic night in Matera. The food here is absolutely incredible. Best of all, they can also cater to vegans and vegetarians which can be rare to find in Italy. 

The restaurant is not too large, and the best views can be found on the terrace, so I highly recommend booking a spot well in advance. In the summer, the sun sets right behind the Sassi, so the perfect time to come here would be for a sunset meal. 

I don’t typically make a big deal of restaurants while traveling as I would rather spend money on experiences than food, however, I am a sucker for a meal with a view. Especially when the food is delicious! Please do not skip this restaurant as it definitely adds to the uniqueness of Matera!

The terrace of Regiacorte is pictured below, with the white gastro-umbrellas, overlooking the beautiful Sassi. 

That concludes my Matera guide with 10 unique things to do in Matera. While this city is incredibly beautiful you only need a day or two to explore it, since it isn’t so large. I hope that you found the tips above helpful and that I have convinced you to add Matera to your Italy itinerary!

With so many hidden gems and beautiful buildings, it can be hard to cherry-pick the best spots, so let me know if I missed any in the comments below! 

This post was all about 10 unique things to do in Matera – the hidden gem of Italy.