How to Reach Matera in Italy
Matera, a captivating city in southern Italy, is famous for its ancient cave dwellings and stunning architecture. If you're planning a trip to Matera, here are a few ways to reach this remarkable destination:
Matera
Matera is a captivating city located in the Basilicata region of southern Italy. Its historic center, known as Sassi di Matera, is a UNESCO…
Best for you if…
- A 4–5 day trip
- Exploring the Sassi cave dwellings travelers
- Visiting the Matera Cathedral travelers
- Visiting in May to September
More about this guide
Exploring the Sassi cave dwellings
Visiting the Matera Cathedral
Exploring the Rupestrian Churches
Walking through the narrow streets of the historic center
Matera is a strong pick for exploring the sassi cave dwellings & visiting the matera cathedral — plan about 3-4 days days. Peak season: May to September.
Deep guide guide · about 4 min to read · depth score 93/100 (coverage of intro, tips, and mapped places)
Moderate density — A mix of walkable clusters with some longer hops. (≈34.6 km span)
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Places to explore
3-4 days
Recommended days
May to September
Best season
8
Nearby places
Find nearby destinations
When to go
High season: May to September
JAN
FEB
MAR
APR
MAY
JUN
JUL
AUG
SEP
OCT
NOV
DEC
Best months for lower-cost travel: March · April · October · November
Weather
Autumn
10°C to 25°C
Spring
10°C to 20°C
Summer
20°C to 35°C
Winter
5°C to 15°C
How to get there
By Air:
The closest airport to Matera is Bari Karol Wojtyła Airport, located approximately 66 kilometers away. From the airport, you can easily reach Matera by hiring a taxi or taking a direct shuttle bus. The journey takes around 1.5 to 2 hours, depending on traffic conditions.
By Train:
Matera has its own train station, which is well-connected to various Italian cities. If you're coming from Rome, Naples, or Bari, you can catch a direct train to Matera. The train ride offers picturesque views of the countryside, making it a delightful way to reach the city.
By Car:
If you prefer driving, Matera can be easily reached by car. The city is well-connected to the Italian highway network, and there are several routes you can take depending on your starting point. From Bari, you can drive along the SS96 highway, which takes approximately 1.5 hours.
By Bus:
There are regular bus services from major Italian cities to Matera. Companies like Marino, FlixBus, and SITA offer comfortable and convenient bus journeys to the city. The bus station in Matera is centrally located, allowing easy access to the main attractions.
By Bike:
If you're an adventurous traveler, consider reaching Matera by bike. The city is surrounded by picturesque landscapes and cycling routes, providing a unique and eco-friendly way to experience the journey. There are bike rental services available in nearby towns, allowing you to explore at your own pace.
No matter which mode of transportation you choose, reaching Matera is definitely worth the effort. Prepare to be amazed by the city's fascinating history, breathtaking views, and warm hospitality!
Getting to know Matera
Matera is a captivating city located in the Basilicata region of southern Italy. Its historic center, known as Sassi di Matera, is a UNESCO World Heritage site and one of the oldest continuously inhabited settlements in the world. The city's unique architecture and ancient cave dwellings have attracted visitors from around the globe.
The Sassi di Matera, which translates to "stones of Matera," is a complex network of cave dwellings, churches, and narrow alleyways carved into the rock. These dwellings, known as "sassi," were once home to the city's residents, who lived in primitive conditions until the mid-20th century. Today, many of these caves have been transformed into cozy hotels, restaurants, and shops, preserving their historic charm.
Exploring the Sassi di Matera is like stepping back in time. The maze-like streets and stone houses create a magical atmosphere that transports visitors to a bygone era. The city's stunning views and dramatic landscapes add to its allure, making it a popular destination for photographers and filmmakers.
In addition to its rich history and unique architecture, Matera offers a vibrant culinary scene and a thriving cultural community. The city is known for its delicious local cuisine, which features traditional dishes made with locally sourced ingredients. Visitors can indulge in homemade pasta, flavorful cheeses, and renowned wines, all while enjoying the warm hospitality of the Materans.
Pre-trip checklist
Compiled from local tips, stay length, and season notes.
Local tips
- Wear comfortable shoes for walking on uneven terrain
- Try the local cuisine, especially the traditional bread called 'Pane di Matera'
- Visit the Sassi at sunset for stunning views
- Take a guided tour to learn about the history and culture of Matera
Places worth exploring
50 places mapped for this destination
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Walking loops
Evening strolls, half-days, and fuller day loops — clustered by proximity.
Evening stroll 1
~0.3 km · 4 places
Evening stroll 2
~0.2 km · 4 places
Evening stroll 3
~0.2 km · 4 places
Half-day loop 1
~0.6 km · 5 places
Half-day loop 2
~0.6 km · 5 places
Half-day loop 3
~0.7 km · 5 places
Half-day loop 4
~0.3 km · 5 places
Full-day loop 1
~1 km · 7 places
Full-day loop 2
~0.6 km · 7 places
Full-day loop 3
~0.9 km · 7 places
Suggested 3-day outline
Places ordered by proximity into day buckets. Add what you like to your trip.
Day 1
~0.3 km path
Day 2
~0.8 km path
Day 3
~0.7 km path
Sextantio Le Grotte Della Civita
Highest guest rating nearby
Via Civita 28 - 75100 Matera (Basilicata)
Hotel Matera Old Convicino Rooms Suites & SPA
Strong guest rating
Via San Pietro Caveoso 18 - 75100 Matera (Basilicata)
Sant'Angelo, Matera - Albergo diffuso
Strong guest rating
Piazza San Pietro Caveoso - 75100 Matera (Basilicata)
Locanda San Martino Thermae
Well-reviewed by many guests
Via Fiorentini 71 - 75100 Matera (Basilicata)
Listings update over time — confirm availability before you book.
Frequently asked questions
Answers compiled from stay length, season, and local tips for this guide.
How many days do you need in Matera?
Most travelers spend about 3-4 days days in Matera, Italy.
When is the best time to visit Matera?
High season is typically May to September.
Which months are more budget-friendly in Matera?
Travelers often find better value in March, April, October, November.
What kind of trip is Matera good for?
Matera suits Exploring the Sassi cave dwellings, Visiting the Matera Cathedral, Exploring the Rupestrian Churches, Walking through the narrow streets of the historic center.
Is Matera walkable?
A mix of walkable clusters with some longer hops.
Any local tips for Matera?
Wear comfortable shoes for walking on uneven terrain
Build your trip
Add Matera and the places you want to see — your itinerary stays on this device.
Multi-city ideas
Nearby combinations sharing travel styles. See all routes
- Matera → Maiera, Italy → La Martella · ≈3 km
- Matera → La Martella → Maiera, Italy · ≈6 km
- Matera → Maiera, Italy → Miglionico · ≈11 km
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