Matera Itinerary 10 Days: The Ultimate Cave City Experience (2026)

Arrive in Matera, check into your hotel, and take some time to settle in. In the afternoon, begin your exploration of the Sassi with a walk through the Sasso Barisano, the larger and more developed of the two Sassi districts. Get lost in the maze of narrow streets, admire the unique architecture, and enjoy the stunning views of the city. As evening approaches, find a spot to watch the sunset over the Sassi, a truly magical experience. For dinner, indulge in some local cuisine at a traditional trattoria in the Sasso Barisano. After dinner, take a leisurely stroll through the illuminated Sassi, which takes on a completely different and even more enchanting atmosphere at night. The soft glow of the streetlights on the ancient stone buildings creates a fairytale-like setting. Be sure to have your camera ready to capture the beauty of Matera by night. This first day is all about soaking up the unique atmosphere of this incredible city and getting your bearings before diving deeper into its history and culture in the days to come.

Today, delve into the Sasso Caveoso, the older and more primitive of the two Sassi districts. This area is characterized by its more rustic and less restored cave dwellings, giving you a real sense of what life was like in Matera in the past. Visit a Casa Grotta, a reconstructed cave house, to see how families lived in these conditions until the 1950s. It's a fascinating and humbling experience that will give you a deeper appreciation for the history of Matera. In the afternoon, explore some of the rupestrian churches in the Sasso Caveoso, such as the Church of Santa Maria de Idris and the Church of San Giovanni in Monterrone. These churches are carved directly into the rock and contain beautiful ancient frescoes. The atmosphere inside these churches is incredibly peaceful and spiritual. In the evening, enjoy a relaxing dinner at a restaurant with a panoramic view of the Sassi.

Today, venture across the ravine to the Murgia Materana Park, a protected area with stunning views of Matera and a wealth of archaeological and natural treasures. You can reach the park by car or by hiking across the Tibetan bridge. Once there, explore the numerous trails that wind through the park, leading to ancient cave dwellings, rupestrian churches, and breathtaking viewpoints. The park is also home to a diverse range of flora and fauna, so keep an eye out for rare birds and wildflowers. In the afternoon, visit the Crypt of the Original Sin, often called the 'Sistine Chapel of rupestrian art.' This incredible cave church is located a short drive from Matera and contains some of the most important and well-preserved early medieval frescoes in Italy. The frescoes depict scenes from the Old and New Testaments and are a true masterpiece of rupestrian art. This is a must-see for anyone interested in art and history.

Take a day trip to the nearby town of Alberobello, another UNESCO World Heritage site famous for its unique trulli, traditional dry-stone huts with conical roofs. Wander through the two trulli districts, Rione Monti and Aia Piccola, and admire the charming and picturesque streets. You can even visit a trullo that has been converted into a museum to see what it's like inside. Alberobello is a truly unique and enchanting place that feels like something out of a fairytale. In the afternoon, explore the countryside around Alberobello, which is dotted with trulli and olive groves. You can visit a local farm to learn about the production of olive oil and taste some of the local products. Or, you can simply relax and enjoy the beautiful scenery. In the evening, return to Matera and enjoy a farewell dinner at one of its excellent restaurants.

Spend the day exploring Matera's rich artistic and cultural heritage. Start at the MUSMA (Museum of Contemporary Sculpture), which is housed in a 17th-century palace in the Sassi. The museum features a unique collection of sculptures that are integrated into the cave-like spaces of the palace. It's a fascinating and thought-provoking experience that combines contemporary art with the ancient history of Matera. In the afternoon, visit the National Archaeological Museum 'Domenico Ridola,' which houses a collection of artifacts from the prehistoric and ancient periods of the region. The museum provides a fascinating insight into the long and rich history of Matera and its surroundings. In the evening, immerse yourself in local life by taking a cooking class. Learn how to make traditional Materan dishes like orecchiette pasta and pane di Matera, and then enjoy the fruits of your labor for dinner.

Embark on a fascinating day trip to the ghost town of Craco, a medieval village that was abandoned due to a series of landslides. The town is perched on a hilltop and offers stunning views of the surrounding landscape. You can take a guided tour of the abandoned village and learn about its history and the reasons for its abandonment. It's a hauntingly beautiful and unforgettable experience. After visiting Craco, explore the Calanchi, a unique landscape of clay hills that have been eroded by wind and water over time. The Calanchi are a spectacular sight, especially at sunset when the hills are bathed in a golden light. You can hike through the Calanchi or simply admire them from a distance. This day trip is a great way to experience the rugged and beautiful landscapes of the Basilicata region.

After a few days of exploring, take a more relaxed approach to your day. Start with a leisurely breakfast at a local cafe, enjoying a cappuccino and a cornetto. Then, spend the morning revisiting some of your favorite spots in the Sassi or discovering new hidden corners. You could also do some souvenir shopping, looking for local crafts and products. In the afternoon, treat yourself to a relaxing experience at a spa in one of the cave hotels. Many of these spas offer unique treatments that incorporate local ingredients and traditions. It's the perfect way to unwind and rejuvenate after a few days of walking and exploring. In the evening, enjoy a final dinner in Matera, savoring the delicious local cuisine and reflecting on your incredible journey.

For the adventurous, a day trip to the Dolomiti Lucane is a must. This mountain range is known for its stunning peaks and picturesque villages. The two main villages are Pietrapertosa and Castelmezzano, which are connected by the famous 'Flight of the Angel,' a high-speed zipline that takes you soaring over the valley. It's an exhilarating experience that offers breathtaking views of the mountains. If you're not a fan of heights, you can still enjoy the beauty of the Dolomiti Lucane by hiking or simply exploring the charming villages. Both Pietrapertosa and Castelmezzano are beautiful and offer a glimpse into the traditional way of life in this part of Italy. In the evening, return to Matera for a well-deserved rest.

Immerse yourself in the local culture with a visit to the daily market in Matera. Here you can find fresh produce, local cheeses, cured meats, and other regional specialties. It's a great place to people-watch and get a feel for the local way of life. You can also pick up some ingredients for a picnic lunch to enjoy later in the day. In the afternoon, visit a local winery for a wine tasting. The Basilicata region is known for its Aglianico del Vulture wine, a full-bodied red wine that is perfect for pairing with the local cuisine. You can take a tour of the winery, learn about the wine-making process, and of course, taste some of the delicious wines. It's a great way to spend a relaxing afternoon and learn more about the local culture.

Enjoy a final breakfast in Matera, savoring the last moments of your trip. Depending on your flight schedule, you may have some time for some last-minute souvenir shopping or a final stroll through the Sassi. Then, it's time to say goodbye to this magical city and head to the airport for your departure. We hope you have had an unforgettable time exploring Matera and the beautiful region of Basilicata. As you leave, take with you the memories of the ancient Sassi, the stunning landscapes, and the warm hospitality of the local people. Matera is a city that will stay with you long after you have left, and we hope you will return one day to discover even more of its secrets.