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We almost didn’t go to Matera during our Puglia trip. We didn’t think we’d have the time to cross over into the neighboring region of Basilicata and explore this ancient, stunning city – but luckily our plans changed.
We hadn’t really understood the full extent of the pausa, and we ended up finding ourselves with an afternoon to kill. Luckily we were nearby, in Altamura, which is only a 20 minute drive away, so we figured we should go ahead and head up!
I’m so glad we did. There are so many things to do in Matera Italy. It’s so beautiful and magical and, despite not being in Puglia, is a really good addition to any Puglia road trip. Also, fun fact, we learned that James Bond was recently filmed here! I’m not really a Bond fan girl but I do love seeing where movies are filmed.
Keep scrolling to get all my best tips and recommendations for what to do in Matera.
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- A Short Guide to the Best Things to Do in Matera
- 1. Wander Through the Caves of Sassi Barisano & Sassi Caveoso
- 2. Discover Matera’s History at the Sassi Museum
- 3. Stay in a Unique Cave Hotel
- 4. Take in a Contemporary Art Exhibition at MUSMA
- 5. Climb to the Matera Cathedral for Panoramic Views
- 6. Capture Breathtaking Views from Matera’s Best Lookouts
- 7. Taste Authentic Pane di Matera Bread
- 8. Hike the Ravine & Cross the Suspension Bridge
- 9. Step Back in Time at the Museum of Rural Life
- 10. Plan a Perfect Day Trip or Multi-Town Adventure
- 11. Experience Art and Culture at Teatro dei Sassi
- 12. Dine with a View in the Sassi
- Where to stay
- Where to eat
Delve into Italy
Don’t forget to check out the rest of my Italy posts and guides if you’re still planning your perfect trip!
A Short Guide to the Best Things to Do in Matera
Real Talk:
Puglia—like so many parts of Italy—is feeling the pressure of overtourism. And while I want to believe that if you’re here on my blog, you’re the kind of traveler who cares about leaving places better than you found them… I still have to say it:
Don’t be an asshole when you travel. Not in Puglia, not in Italy, not anywhere.
I’ve seen too many visitors treat locals like background characters or behave like the region exists solely for their vacation. So here’s your friendly-but-firm reminder:
If you’re going to make people’s lives harder, please just stay home.
1. Wander Through the Caves of Sassi Barisano & Sassi Caveoso
One of the best things to do in Matera is visiting its famous sassi districts—Sassi Barisano and Sassi Caveoso—among the oldest continually inhabited human settlements in the world. It’s second only to Petra, in Jordan!
These districts consist of the ancient Matera cave dwellings (sassi), many of which date back thousands of years. Walking through these maze-like streets, you’ll experience the layers of history of Matera in a way that you just have to experience to understand.
Make sure to make a stop at the Church of Santa Lucia alla Malve, which dates back to the 8th century and has some incredible frescoes. The Church of San Pietro Barisano and Santa Maria de Idris are also impressive cave churches.
During the early morning or golden hour is an ideal time for this.
Take a Walking Tour in Matera
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2. Discover Matera’s History at the Sassi Museum
To truly understand the history and culture of the dwellings in the Matera caves, a visit to the Sassi Museum is a must.
The museum offers a detailed look at how people lived in these caves for centuries.
It showcased reconstructed homes and artifacts that illustrate the daily lives of Matera’s past inhabitants.
They’re affordable to visit, and stay pretty cool even in the high heat, so it’s a great option for activity.
Insider Tip
The Sassi Museum is an excellent activity during the pausa, a daily tradition in this region where shops close between the hours of 1pm and 5pm. You’ll absolutely have to plan around this during you trip for the best experience.
For more must-know tips to consider before your visit to Puglia, click here!
3. Stay in a Unique Cave Hotel
If you’re planning an overnight stay in Matera, why not make it unforgettable by staying in one of the city’s famous cave hotels?
Matera’s Sassi districts aren’t just about ancient history—you can actually sleep in a beautifully restored cave, complete with modern amenities. There’s something surreal about waking up surrounded by stone walls that have been here for centuries, which for me makes this a absolute MUST thing to do in Matera.
Personally, I think staying in a cave hotel adds an entirely different dimension to your visit. It’s one thing to walk through the ancient streets, but staying inside a cave takes the experience to a whole new level. Check out my top picks below:
€€€ | Fairy Tale Chic Boutique Hotel
Palazzotto Residence & Winery offers a unique stay in Matera’s historic Sassi. Nestled in the limestone caves, the beautifully designed rooms blend modern comfort with ancient charm. Guests rave about the warm hospitality, incredible views, and proximity to the city’s attractions. Perfect for a romantic or family getaway.
Photo: Booking.com
€€€ | Intimate Luxury B&B
Conche Luxury Retreat combines historical charm with modern comfort, just steps away from Matera’s top landmarks. Set in a beautifully restored 1700s building, the retreat offers 4 cozy, stone-walled rooms and a panoramic terrace with breathtaking city views. Guests enjoy organic breakfasts and easy access to the heart of Matera.
Photo: Booking.com
€€ | Spacious Rooms for the Space-Conscious
L’Hotel in Pietra offers a truly unique experience within Matera’s ancient Sassi. Set in a former 13th-century church, the hotel features stunning cave rooms with modern amenities and slightly higher ceilings if that’s important to you! Guests love the serene atmosphere, impeccable service, and the perfect location for exploring Matera’s historic sites right from the doorstep.
Photo: Booking.com
4. Take in a Contemporary Art Exhibition at MUSMA
MUSMA, the Museum of Contemporary Sculpture in Matera, is a total 180 from the ancient sights that dominate Matera itineraries.
MUSMA features contemporary sculptures and art installations from Italian and international artists, housed inside interconnected caves.
5. Climb to the Matera Cathedral for Panoramic Views
If you want a stellar view of the surrounding area, one of the best things to do in Matera is to head up to the highest point in town where you’ll also find the 13th-century Cattedrale di Matera. From here you’ll get panoramic views across the Sassi districts.
It’s a fairly simple church on the outside, and if you want to go inside, you’ll able to see some frescoes and carvings.
6. Capture Breathtaking Views from Matera’s Best Lookouts
Speaking of viewpoints, Matera is filled with them. Some of the best spots include Piazza Vittorio Veneto, which provides a sweeping view over the Sassi districts, and Belvedere Murgia Timone, located just outside the city.
Obviously it’s ideal to head to these for sunrise, golden hour, or sunset, but they’re worth seeing at any hour.
7. Taste Authentic Pane di Matera Bread
Matera, much like Altamura is famous for its bread, known as “Pane di Matera.”
It’s made from durum wheat, is a symbol of the city’s agricultural heritage and has been baked the same way for centuries. It also has a unique and kind of funny shape.
Visiting a local bakery to taste freshly baked Matera bread is a can’t-miss thing to do in Matera, and if you’re really curious, many places offer tours where you can learn about the history and the unique baking process behind this delicious staple. Pane e Tradizione De Palo or Panificio Paoluccio are both great options.
8. Hike the Ravine & Cross the Suspension Bridge
This isn’t really my sort of thing, but it seems like it could be a cool thing to do in Matera for the more naturey/active types, so I wanted to include it.
Just beyond the city, the Gravina di Matera, a deep ravine, separates the ancient town from the Murgia Plateau. A suspension bridge connects Matera to the Parco della Murgia, where you can explore caves, ancient churches, and hiking trails with breathtaking views of the city from across the gorge.
I would personally not recommend this during the middle of the day if you’re traveling in the summer, as it will be insanely hot, but if you are there in less warm months, or walking in the earlier morning you might be fine.
9. Step Back in Time at the Museum of Rural Life
The Museo della Civiltà Contadina (Museum of Rural Life) is a fascinating museum very similar to the Sassi House Museum.
This museum is dedicated to the traditional way of life in Matera and the surrounding region.
It showcases the tools, artifacts, and living conditions of the rural community that lived in the Sassi until the 1950s.
If you enjoyed the house museum this might be a perfect way for you to dig a little deeper into this interesting part of the Matera caves culture and history.
Do be forewarned though that unlike the house museum, it is not open during the pausa.
10. Plan a Perfect Day Trip or Multi-Town Adventure
Matera is perfectly situated for exploring the surrounding region, so if you’re planning on staying here for a bit you will have an easy time getting to nearby towns.
Alternatively, you could do what we did and combine your day in Matera with another nearby town, like Altamura. If you want to read more about my top recommendations for where to visit in this part of Puglia, check out this post.
11. Experience Art and Culture at Teatro dei Sassi
I’m honestly kind of gutted that we didn’t get to do this, but I think it would be so cool.
The Teatro dei Sassi (Theatre of the Sassi) is a cultural hub in Matera that has performances in the Sassi. They do plays and concerts and art installations and I think it’s such a cool and unique way of bringing life back into an ancient place.
If you’re into that sort of thing, and you happen to be in town when there’s a show, I highly recommend it.
12. Dine with a View in the Sassi
One of the best parts of visiting Matera is enjoying a meal or aperitivo with a view. Many of the restaurants and cafes in the Sassi offer outdoor seating where you can dine while overlooking the ancient stone houses and valleys below, and if you can manage to snag a table during golden hour/sunset, you’re in for a treat.
My number one recommendation is La Nicchia nel Sasso Osteria Contemporanea, but Regiacorte – L’eccellenza del Territorio or Keiv Ristorante are also stellar options.
Where to Eat in Matera
Matera isn’t just about history and stunning views—it’s also a foodie’s dream. From traditional local dishes to modern takes on Italian cuisine, the city offers something for every palate. Whether you’re craving the hearty local bread or a meal with a view, here are my top picks for where to eat in Matera.
- Il Casino del Diavolo: Known for its rustic atmosphere and hearty local dishes, Il Casino del Diavolo offers an authentic taste of Matera’s countryside.
- Ristorante ‘900 Casa Taccardi: This elegant restaurant serves beautifully plated regional dishes in a refined setting, perfect for a special evening out.
- Bakery Perrone, the Gennaro Oven: A local favorite for fresh, traditional Pane di Matera, Bakery Perrone is the place to experience the city’s famous bread.
- Trattoria Lucana: Trattoria Lucana offers a warm, welcoming atmosphere where you can enjoy classic Lucanian dishes made from locally sourced ingredients.
- Il Rusticone: Known for its delicious panzerotti and casual vibe, Il Rusticone is a great spot for a quick and satisfying bite.
- Osteria al Casale: This charming osteria offers farm-to-table dining, with seasonal ingredients and traditional flavors at the forefront of every dish.
- Osteria MateraMì: Offering a modern twist on traditional dishes, Osteria MateraMì brings creative flair to the local cuisine in a cozy setting.
- Mavì: Mavì is a must-visit for seafood lovers, offering fresh, beautifully prepared dishes that showcase the best of local Mediterranean flavors.
- Vitantonio Lombardo Ristorante: A Michelin-starred restaurant, Vitantonio Lombardo combines innovation and tradition to create a truly memorable fine dining experience.
- Panificio Cifarelli 1: Another great stop for fresh, artisanal bread, Panificio Cifarelli 1 is a must for those wanting to try authentic Matera baked goods.
- Baccanti: Baccanti blends contemporary and traditional cuisine in a unique cave setting, offering a dining experience that’s as much about the atmosphere as the food.
Best Time to Visit Matera
If you’re wondering when to visit Matera, I’d say aim for spring (April to June) or fall (September to October). The weather is pretty much perfect—warm, but not that oppressive summer heat—and the crowds are way smaller. It’s just a much more peaceful vibe, which is exactly what you want when you’re wandering through the Sassi or soaking in those epic views.
That said, if you do end up visiting in the summer, just be prepared for the heat. It can get pretty intense, so plan to explore in the early mornings or later in the evening when things cool down a bit. Winter is super quiet, which could be a good or bad thing depending on what you’re looking for – but undoubtedly it’ll be easier to check off your list of things to do in Matera at this time.
Personally, I think Matera is magical all year, but those shoulder seasons are when it really shines.
FAQs about Visiting Matera
Is Matera difficult to walk?
If you’re wondering about walkability, the answer depends on what you mean. Matera has a lot of steps and inclines, especially in the Sassi districts, so it may be challenging for people with mobility issues. However, if accessibility isn’t an issue and you don’t mind the steps, exploring Matera on foot is one of the best ways to experience its historic charm.
Is Matera worth visiting?
Yes, Matera is one of the top things to do in Italy. With its ancient Sassi cave dwellings, stunning views, and deep historical significance as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, it’s a must-visit destination that offers something truly unique compared to other Italian cities.
How long should you spend in Matera?
To fully experience the top things to do in Matera, I recommend spending 2-3 days here. This will give you enough time to explore the Sassi districts, visit the cave churches, and enjoy the stunning viewpoints at a leisurely pace. However, a well-planned day trip can also cover the highlights.
Can you do a day trip to Matera from Bari?
Absolutely! Matera is just 1.5 hours away from Bari by car or bus, making it one of the best day trip options from Bari. Just be sure to start early to make the most of your day and plan around the midday pausa.
What is the best way to get to Matera?
The best way to reach Matera is by car, especially if you’re exploring the Puglia and Basilicata regions. There are also regular bus services from nearby cities like Bari, Naples, and Rome, but driving offers the most flexibility.
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Still planning the perfect trip to Matera?
I hope these ideas for things to do in Matera help you have a perfect visit to the Sassi city.
Don’t forget to check out my curated Puglia archives for more detailed travel guides, and grab my Google Maps for exclusive tips that didn’t make it to the blog!
Think I missed something? Try my recs and want to tell me about it? Leave me a comment, send me an email, or tag me on Instagram!
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