Matera: Unveiling Ancient Marvels and Local Treasures

Discover the timeless beauty of Matera without breaking the bank.

28 August 2023

Matera, located in southern Italy, offers a unique and budget-friendly travel experience. Known for its ancient caves and stunning rock-cut architecture, visitors can explore the Sassi, a UNESCO World Heritage site, without spending much money. From affordable accommodations in refurbished cave dwellings to inexpensive local cuisine, Matera is an ideal destination for budget travelers looking for an immersive and culturally rich Italian experience.

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Travel plan

Getting latest place information
Day 1

Exploring the Ancient Marvels

  • Check into Locanda di San Martino, a charming hotel tucked into the ancient Sasso Barisano district. It's budget-friendly and offers stunning views!
  • Start your adventure at the iconic Sassi di Matera, a UNESCO World Heritage site that feels like a forgotten city from the pages of history.
  • Wander through the winding streets, imagining what life was like centuries ago when people lived in these cave dwellings.
  • Visit Casa Noha, a multimedia museum that takes you on a sensory journey through Matera's history.
  • Savor a delicious lunch at Osteria Pico, where traditional dishes like orecchiette and bruschetta are served with love.
  • Spend the afternoon exploring the rock-hewn churches, particularly San Pietro Caveoso and Madonna delle Virtù. The frescoes are breathtaking!
Day 2

Unveiling Local Treasures

  • Enjoy a hearty breakfast at La Talpa, a rustic café that serves up fluffy pastries and strong espresso.
  • Immerse yourself in Matera's art scene at the Musma, a contemporary art museum housed in an ancient rock church.
  • Take a short hike to the Murgia National Park, where you'll be rewarded with panoramic views of Matera's dramatic landscape.
  • Discover Matera's local crafts at Casa Cava, an underground space turned artisanal market. Don't leave without a handmade souvenir!
  • Indulge in a mouthwatering dinner at Trattoria del Caveoso, where traditional Lucanian cuisine meets modern culinary artistry.
  • End your day with a sunset stroll along the Via Madonna delle Virtù, overlooking the breathtaking expanse of cave dwellings. Snap Insta-worthy shots!
  • Enjoy your Matera escapade! But be warned, the hidden charm of this ancient city may steal a piece of your heart forever. Safe travels!

Length of stay

1 day 2 days 3 days 4 days 5 days

Type of trip

Standard trip Budget Family Friendly Romantic Stag do

How to get there

Plane

The best way to get to Matera by plane is to fly into Bari Karol Wojtyła Airport (BRI) and then take a bus or rent a car for the remaining 65 kilometers to Matera.

Car

The best way to get to Matera by car is to drive from Bari. The journey takes about 1.5 hours via SS99 and SP175.

Train

The best way to get to Matera by train is to take a train to Bari Centrale station and then transfer to a regional train to Matera Centrale station.

Boat

There are no direct boat routes to Matera as it is an inland city. Therefore, it is not possible to reach Matera by boat.

Bus

The best way to get to Matera by bus is to take a direct bus from Bari city center or Bari Karol Wojtyła Airport directly to Matera. The journey takes about 1.5 to 2 hours.

Destination

Matera

Welcome to a charming town where the cobblestone streets lead you on a journey back in time, and where locals frequently debate whether their stones are actually ancestors in disguise – because apparently, talking rocks make the best tourist attraction.

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Number of days

1 2 3 4 5

Type of trip

Standard trip Budget Family Friendly Romantic Stag do

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Matera, located in southern Italy, offers a unique and budget-friendly travel experience. Known for its ancient caves and stunning rock-cut architecture, visitors can explore the Sassi, a UNESCO World Heritage site, without spending much money. From affordable accommodations in refurbished cave dwellings to inexpensive local cuisine, Matera is an ideal destination for budget travelers looking for an immersive and culturally rich Italian experience.