Matera, Italy: A Timeless Family Adventure

Discover the ancient charm of Matera, Italy—the perfect family adventure awaits.

28 August 2023

Matera, Italy offers a captivating family-friendly trip with its unique and ancient cave dwellings that have earned it a UNESCO World Heritage status. Explore the Sassi di Matera, the city's famous cave houses, and learn about its fascinating history through guided tours suitable for children. The city also boasts stunning churches, charming streets, and a variety of shops and restaurants that cater to both kids and adults, making it an ideal destination for a memorable family adventure.

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Day trip plan

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Day

Exploring Timeless Matera:

  • Start your day with a hearty breakfast at a local cafe, fueling up for an adventure-filled day in Matera.
  • Take a guided tour of the famous Sassi di Matera, ancient cave dwellings that date back thousands of years. Get lost in the labyrinthine alleys and marvel at the unique architecture.
  • Visit the Casa Grotta di Vico Solitario, a preserved cave house that offers a glimpse into the daily life of Matera's residents in the past. It's like stepping into a time capsule, albeit a cozy one.
  • Enjoy a leisurely stroll along the panoramic Belvedere, where you can soak in breathtaking views of the city. Don't forget to capture some Insta-worthy shots to make everyone back home jealous.
  • Refuel and reward yourselves with a traditional lunch at a trattoria, indulging in local delicacies like orecchiette pasta with roasted vegetables or lamb cooked in an earthy local wine.
  • Cap off your day with a visit to the Matera Cathedral, a magnificent structure that boasts stunning architecture and a rich history. Light a candle and make a wish who knows, Matera's magic might just make it come true!

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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