Summary
- Introduction
- Best Hotels & Resorts
- Best Things to Do
- Best Restaurants
- Best Time to Visit
- How to Get There
- Getting Around
A trip to Matera, Italy, will take you back in time.
Tucked inside the arch of Italy’s boot, Matera could have easily disappeared into the annals of history — the community was inhabited some 10,000 years before falling into disrepair, and was completely deserted in the 1970s. However, through the sheer force and determination of locals, plus several strategic investments, the long-standing town managed to not just survive but thrive — in 2019, it was named a European Capital of Culture, and is considered one of the most beautiful places in all of Italy.
“After having lived outside Matera for twelve years, on my return, the perception of my territory had completely changed,” Antonio Russo, a tour guide who grew up just outside Matera’s borders, shared with GoTravelDaily. “I realized I was living in a unique city, and I was fascinated by its millenary history, by the ancestral strength of its stones, by the architectural complexity, and by the genuineness of the food. It is an extraordinarily rich place for travelers who have great artistic and culinary sensibilities. In Matera, we can observe how men have been able, over the centuries, to coexist with the landscape, indulging nature without distorting it.”
If that description doesn’t make you want to explore immediately, we aren’t sure what will. To help you in your inevitable planning, we’ve gathered some key sights to see, hotels to stay in, and foods to try, so you can experience this enchanting destination to its fullest.
Best Hotels & Resorts
Aquatio Cave Luxury Hotel & Spa in Matera
Aquatio Cave Luxury Hotel & Spa leans into the region’s understandable adoration of its caves. This five-star accommodation is designed so that visitors feel like they stepped back in time, all the way to Matera’s beginnings thousands of years ago. Your room within tuff (or stone) walls does come with all the modern amenities needed for a great stay — all 35 rooms and suites are decked out in plush furnishings, and guests have access to a huge wellness spa and a swimming pool carved directly into the rock.
Palazzo Gattini
Another luxury option is Palazzo Gattini, a 20-room property that expertly mixes old and new, including contemporary furnishings and treasured antiques. Relax in the oversized suites, head to the rooftop for a drink with a spectacular view, or enjoy a massage at the underground spa.
Sant’Angelo Luxury Resort
Experience unabashed elegance at Sant’Angelo Luxury Resort. Located in the heart of a historic square in town, the property is an excellent starting point for your adventures around Matera. You get to sleep in a modern cave room, waking up to gorgeous vistas of the old town from your picture window.
Best Things to Do
Hike Murgia Materana Park.
Explore caves, historic churches, and endless hiking trails leading to breathtaking vistas with a visit to Murgia Materana Park. Getting there requires some dedication. Travelers need to hike from Sassi di Matera, heading downhill first only to head straight back up, but the bountiful views are worth the effort.
Take a tour with an expert.
See and do as much as possible in one tour with Russo. On his two-hour private walks, Russo highlights the neighborhoods and the area’s history as travelers stroll through the streets. “We will show you the cave houses, the rupestrian churches completely dug into the rocks, the conduits, and the underground cisterns,” Russo explained. Stops at sites with neolithic graffiti and medieval frescoes are also on the itinerary.
Visit the Church of Saint Mary of Idris.
Matera is filled with historic churches, and as you can tell from its hotel selection, plentiful cave dwellings, too. Yet none is as magical as the Church of Saint Mary of Idris. This tiny church welcomes visitors, who usually come to gaze upon what remains of its frescoes. It’s important to also walk around the church’s exterior for a spectacular view of the town, then look back at the church to admire how it’s built directly into a cliff.
Find contemporary pieces at Museo della Scultura Contemporanea Matera.
Not everything in Matera has to be historical; just spend some time at Museo della Scultura Contemporanea Matera. This art museum may be housed inside a 17th-century palace, but that just makes its modern sculpture collection (crafted from the 1800s onward) feel all the more intriguing.
Best Restaurants
Trattoria del Caveoso
Can’t get enough time in Matera’s caves? Dine at Trattoria del Caveoso, a restaurant nestled into a cliff. Guests can indulge in fresh pasta, grilled sausages, and beef filet, all paired perfectly with regional wines.
Il Rusticone
Grab a straightforward yet delicious lunch at Il Rusticone, a restaurant specializing in mouth-watering pizzas. Pasta and sandwiches are also available, but pizza truly shines here. Consider ordering a classic Margherita or Napoli, or spice things up with a Diavola.
Vitantonio Lombardo
Enjoy an elegant evening out with a reservation at Vitantonio Lombardo Ristorante. Located in a grotto, the restaurant has earned one Michelin star, thanks to chef Vitantonio Lombardo’s visionary tasting menus. Choose a five-course menu for a shorter dinner, or relish a full evening with a 10-course option.
Best Time To Visit
Thanks to its privileged location in Southern Italy, Matera tends to have mild winters, making it a year-round destination. Note that summers can become quite warm, so if heat is not your preference, consider visiting in the fall or spring (ideally late April to early June, and late September to early November), when temperatures hover in the 60s and 70s.
There is, however, one reason to travel to Matera during the summer, which is to partake in the Madonna Della Bruna festival, an event honoring the city’s patron saint. This event is held every year on July 2, featuring parades, parties, and plenty of fireworks.
How to Get There
By Air
The closest airport to Matera is the Bari Palese Airport, roughly 37 miles away. Upon arrival at Bari Palese, travelers can hop on a shuttle bus with direct service provided by Miccolis, Cotrab, or Grassani E Garofalo.
By Bus
The easiest way to reach Matera is by bus. Several options connect Matera with major metropolitan areas in Italy, including Rome and Florence. Check the schedules available on both the Marozzi and Liscio bus lines.
By Train
Travelers can also reach Matera via train, although these rides can be lengthy. For example, taking a train from Rome to Matera Centrale Station can be romantic, but the journey often exceeds seven hours one way.
Getting Around
On Foot
Getting around Matera definitely calls for comfortable walking shoes. Its narrow streets were not designed with future vehicles in mind, so ensure you pack the most comfortable footwear.
Taxis
Taxis are available in Matera, although they may not access smaller streets, meaning you will likely still have to walk a bit to reach your final destination.
