Top Things to Do in Matera, Italy: Where to Stay, Eat & Explore

MATERA TRAVEL GUIDE

Europe’s oldest continuously inhabited city — with over 9,000 years of history carved into stone. Matera is a UNESCO World Heritage Site known for its ancient cave dwellings, rock-hewn churches, stone-carved hotels, and cozy cafes.

Matera’s cinematic charm has been featured in films including James Bond: No Time to Die — Italy’s timeless City of Stone, La Città dei Sassi.

️ Things to See & Do

Sassi di Matera – wander ancient cave dwellings and explore artisan shops
Old Town (Centro Storico) – charming alleys, piazzas, and boutiques
Church of Saint Mary of Idris – iconic cliffside rock-hewn church
Matera Cathedral – Romanesque architecture with panoramic views
Palombaro Lungo – underground cistern beneath the main square that was once used to sustain the entire city with water
Casa Grotta – peek inside a traditional cave home
Piazza San Francesco – historic square surrounded by churches and cafés
Gradoni Sant’Antonio – stone stairway with picturesque views
Castello Tramontano – unfinished 16th-century castle with a story
Fontana Ferdinandea ⛲️
Have a custom olive wood bread stamp made at Mancini Timbri del Pane. He let’s you watch him make it and tells you the history of why why used them.

Shop ceramics & local art

Take a 2-Hour Guided Tour of Matera’s Sassi
Explore the UNESCO-listed ancient cave dwellings with a local guide who brings Matera’s history to life. This quick yet immersive tour is perfect for getting your bearings and understanding the magic of the Sassi districts. You can book this tour here.

Top Viewpoints

Belvedere di Piazza Giovanni Pascoli – Viewpoint near museums and churches
Chiesa di San Pietro Caveoso – Stunning views from the church’s terrace
Belvedere Tre Archi – Scenic overlook framed by three arches

Where To Eat & Drink

Zipa Café – specialty coffee, cocktails, pastries & great ambiance. Try the unique basil-infused cocktail & go for sunset
Bar Caffè Tripoli – Classic café for a quick espresso or aperitivo ☕️
Caffè Lanfranchi – Perfect spot for a scenic coffee ☕️

I Vizi degli Angeli – Laboratorio di Gelateria Artigianale – artisanal gelato
Schiuma Gelateria & Pasticceria

Brunch Bar U’ Ciddar – cozy authentic lunch & dinner restaurant
Virtù – pizza spot
5 Lire – pizza with a view
OHIMÈ – sandwich shop
Bollicine Bistrot – get the orecchiette
Trattoria del Caveoso – local, authentic & highly rated
La Finestra sui Sassi – authentic restaurant with a panoramic view
Il Terazzino – traditional with epic views
Regia Corte – elegant Southern Italian cuisine & views
Area 8 – vibey café-bar with cocktails & music
Terrazza Cavaliere – Rooftop terrace for drinks with a view
Monkey Drink House

Where to Stay

Sextantio Le Grotte Della Civita – Luxury cave hotel in the heart of the Sassi
Palazzo Gattini Luxury Hotel – Elegant palazzo-style with spa & views
Aquatio Cave Luxury Hotel & Spa – Upscale with modern cave rooms and wellness center
Hotel Sant’Angelo – Charming hotel with panoramic terraces
Thymus Residence nei Sassi – Boutique stay carved into stone
L’Hotel in Pietra – Contemporary design inside an ancient church
La Dimora di Metello – Stylish boutique hotel with a relaxing spa

✈️ Best Way to Get to Matera

fly into Bari & drive 45 minutes or hire a tour guide

Unique Tours

Open Bus Tour of Matera – a fun way to get around the city while learning the unique history of Matera
Day Trip to Alberobello & Matera from Bari – See two UNESCO gems in one day—explore the iconic trulli houses of Alberobello on your own, then enjoy a guided walking tour through the ancient cave dwellings of Matera. Transport and local insights included, making it an easy and enriching day trip from Bari.
Self-Guided Day Trip to Alberobello & Matera from Bari or Polignano a Mare – Ideal for independent travelers, this self-guided day trip offers round-trip transportation to two UNESCO World Heritage Sites. Explore Alberobello’s iconic trulli houses and Matera’s ancient cave dwellings at your own pace, with ample free time in each location. Enjoy the freedom to immerse yourself in the rich history and culture of these remarkable destinations.