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Matera: 5 Days of Budget-friendly Immersive Exploration

Discover the timeless charm of Matera on a shoestring budget.

28 August 2023

Matera, located in southern Italy, offers a unique experience for travelers on a limited budget. Known for its ancient cave dwellings and rich history, this UNESCO World Heritage site can be explored by foot, allowing visitors to save money on transportation. With affordable accommodation options and budget-friendly local cuisine, a trip to Matera allows travelers to immerse themselves in the culture and beauty of this enchanting city without breaking the bank.

Travel plan

• Check into the picturesque and budget-friendly Hotel Casino Ridola, oozing with old-world charm.
• Begin your Matera adventure with a stroll through the labyrinthine Sasso Caveoso district, where stone houses cling to cliffs.
• Visit the Casa Noha museum to grasp the city's fascinating history through multimedia exhibits.
• Wander aimlessly through the lively streets, stopping to admire the captivating rock-cut churches.
• End your day with a hearty dinner at Trattoria La Lucana, savoring tantalizing regional dishes like orecchiette with ragù.

• Descend into the ethereal caverns of the Crypt of Original Sin, adorned with breathtaking Byzantine frescoes.
• Explore the ancient catacombs of Casa Grotta di Vico Solitario, imagining life in the rock-hewn dwellings.
• Marvel at the intricate architecture of the UNESCO-listed rupestrian church complex, Parco della Murgia Materana.
• Enjoy a picnic overlooking the ravishing landscape of the Gravina di Matera, a stunning gorge hemming the city.
• Get lost in the enchanting Matera Cathedral, an architectural masterpiece fusing Romanesque and Apulian styles.

• Visit the interactive Museum of Contemporary Sculpture, MUSMA, housed within an elegant 17th-century palace.
• Embark on a guided tour of the Casa Cava, an innovative underground space showcasing contemporary art exhibitions.
• Delight in the unique flavors of Matera at Locanda di San Martino, a cozy restaurant serving farm-to-table delicacies.
• Attend a traditional folk music performance at the Teatro Cavea, feeling the vibrant rhythms deep within your soul.
• Unwind with a leisurely stroll along the panoramic viewpoint, Piazzetta Pascoli, capturing glorious sunset snapshots.

• Embark on a scenic hike along the Gravina di Matera, admiring hidden caves and ancient rock settlements.
• Explore the captivating Murgia National Park, discovering the iconic rock-cut churches nestled amidst the wilderness.
• Fuel up on rustic, handmade panzerotti from Pizzeria Il Quadrato, a local favorite.
• Feel the rush of adrenaline as you zip line across the breathtaking Pietrapenta Gorge, a nature lover's paradise.
• Catch a mesmerizing performance at the open-air Roman Amphitheater, where ancient echoes still linger.

• Treat your taste buds to a morning coffee and freshly baked pastries at Caffè San Biagio, a beloved local café.
• Immerse yourself in the art of handmade pasta making with a hands-on cooking class at Masseria Fontana di Vite.
• Savor a sumptuous lunch of traditional lucanica sausage and rustic lamb stew at Ristorante Soul Kitchen.
• Indulge in a shopping spree at the charming boutiques lining Via Ridola, picking up unique souvenirs for loved ones.
• Bid farewell to Matera with a wine tasting experience at Cantina L’Annunziata, sipping on velvety local vintages.