Matera Itinerary 14 Days: A Journey Through Time in the City of Caves (2026)

Arrive at Bari Airport (BRI) and take a private transfer or shuttle bus to Matera. After checking into your cave hotel, take some time to settle in and then head out for your first exploration of the Sassi. Begin in the Sasso Barisano, the larger of the two Sassi districts, known for its more developed and restored cave dwellings. Wander through the labyrinthine streets, admiring the unique architecture and soaking in the magical atmosphere of this ancient city. As evening approaches, find a spot with a panoramic view, such as the Belvedere Luigi Guerricchio, to watch the sunset over the Sassi. For dinner, enjoy a traditional Materan meal at a restaurant in the Sasso Barisano, such as Trattoria del Caveoso, where you can savor local specialties like orecchiette pasta and grilled meats. After dinner, take a leisurely stroll through the illuminated streets of the Sassi, a truly unforgettable experience.

Today, delve into the Sasso Caveoso, the older and more rustic of the two Sassi districts. This area is characterized by its more primitive cave dwellings and a more authentic, less restored feel. Start your day by visiting the Church of San Pietro Caveoso, a picturesque church perched on the edge of the ravine. From there, explore the surrounding streets and alleys, discovering hidden courtyards and ancient cave houses. In the afternoon, visit some of Matera's famous rock churches (chiese rupestri). The Church of Santa Maria de Idris, carved into a large rock, is a must-see. You can also visit the nearby Church of San Giovanni in Monterrone, which contains beautiful Byzantine frescoes. For a deeper understanding of Matera's history, visit Casa Noha, a multimedia exhibit that tells the story of the city from its ancient origins to the present day. In the evening, enjoy dinner at a restaurant in the Sasso Caveoso, such as Osteria al Casale, known for its delicious home-style cooking.

Today, explore the cultural and artistic side of Matera. Start your day at MUSMA, the Museum of Contemporary Sculpture, housed in a 17th-century cave palace. The museum features a unique collection of sculptures displayed in the evocative setting of the caves. Afterward, visit a reconstructed cave house, such as Casa Grotta di Vico Solitario, to see how people lived in the Sassi until the mid-20th century. In the afternoon, discover the hidden world beneath Matera's streets by visiting one of its ancient underground water cisterns. The Palombaro Lungo, located under Piazza Vittorio Veneto, is the largest and most impressive, a vast underground cathedral of water. For another underground experience, visit Ipogeo MateraSum, a complex of underground spaces that reveals the city's layered history. In the evening, enjoy an aperitivo at a bar with a view, followed by dinner at a restaurant of your choice.

Escape the city today and explore the stunning natural landscapes of the Parco della Murgia Materana. This vast park, located across the ravine from the Sassi, is a treasure trove of archaeological sites, ancient rock churches, and breathtaking viewpoints. You can reach the park by crossing the Tibetan bridge (Ponte Tibetano della Gravina) or by taking a short drive. Spend the day hiking along the park's trails, discovering Neolithic caves and frescoed rock churches hidden in the cliffs. The Belvedere di Murgia Timone offers one of the most iconic views of Matera, a perfect spot for photos. Pack a picnic lunch to enjoy amidst the beautiful scenery. In the late afternoon, return to Matera and relax after your day of hiking. For dinner, you might want to try a pizzeria for a change, such as 5 Lire, known for its delicious and affordable pizza slices.

Today, take a day trip to the nearby town of Alberobello, a UNESCO World Heritage site famous for its unique trulli houses. These traditional dry-stone huts with conical roofs are a distinctive feature of the Puglia region. You can reach Alberobello by car or by taking a bus from Matera. Spend the day wandering through the two trulli districts, Rione Monti and Aia Piccola, admiring the charming architecture and browsing the artisan shops. Visit the Trullo Sovrano, the only two-story trullo, which is now a museum. You can also visit the Church of Sant'Antonio, a trullo-style church. For lunch, enjoy a meal at a restaurant in a trullo, a unique dining experience. In the late afternoon, return to Matera. For dinner, you could try Kapunto Pasta Lab for some excellent fresh pasta.

After a busy few days, take a more relaxed approach to your day in Matera. Start with a leisurely breakfast at your hotel, enjoying the views. You could spend the morning revisiting a favorite spot, or perhaps exploring a part of the Sassi you haven't seen yet. Consider a visit to the Matera Cathedral (Duomo), a beautiful example of Apulian Romanesque architecture, which offers stunning views from its piazza. In the afternoon, indulge in a cooking class to learn the secrets of Materan cuisine. You'll learn how to make local specialties like orecchiette pasta and Pane di Matera, and then enjoy the fruits of your labor for lunch. Alternatively, you could go on a food tour to sample the best of Matera's street food and local products. In the evening, enjoy a final farewell dinner at a restaurant of your choice, perhaps trying La Lopa, known for its refined take on traditional dishes.

Venture into the countryside today to visit the Crypt of the Original Sin, often called the 'Sistine Chapel of rock churches.' This incredible 9th-century cave church is adorned with stunning frescoes depicting scenes from the Old and New Testaments. The crypt is located about 20 minutes by car from Matera, and visits must be booked in advance. After your visit to the crypt, immerse yourself in the rural life of Basilicata with a visit to a local 'masseria' (farmhouse). Many masserias in the area offer tours and traditional lunches made with their own produce. This is a wonderful opportunity to taste authentic, farm-to-table cuisine and learn about the agricultural traditions of the region. Enjoy a long, leisurely lunch in a beautiful countryside setting. Return to Matera in the late afternoon and spend a relaxing evening.

Embark on a fascinating day trip to Craco, a medieval ghost town that was abandoned due to a series of landslides. Perched on a hilltop, the crumbling buildings and empty streets of Craco create a hauntingly beautiful and evocative atmosphere. The town has been used as a filming location for several movies, including 'The Passion of the Christ.' To visit Craco, you must join a guided tour for safety reasons. The tour will take you through the abandoned town, sharing its history and stories. The views from the top of the town are spectacular. After your tour of Craco, you could visit the nearby town of Pisticci for lunch. In the late afternoon, return to Matera.

For a day of adventure and breathtaking mountain scenery, head to the Dolomiti Lucane, a range of stunning, jagged peaks. This area is home to two picturesque villages, Pietrapertosa and Castelmezzano, which cling to the mountainsides. The main attraction here is the 'Volo dell'Angelo' (Angel Flight), a high-speed zipline that connects the two villages, offering an exhilarating experience and incredible views. Even if you don't want to do the zipline, the Dolomiti Lucane are well worth a visit for their stunning landscapes and charming villages. You can hike between the two villages, explore their narrow streets, and enjoy a delicious lunch at a local trattoria. In the late afternoon, return to Matera.

Spend today exploring Matera's vibrant arts and crafts scene. The city has a long tradition of craftsmanship, and you can find many artisan workshops and studios in the Sassi. Look for handmade ceramics, leather goods, and the traditional 'cucù,' a terracotta rooster whistle that is a symbol of Matera. This is a great opportunity to buy some unique souvenirs to take home. In the afternoon, you could visit some of the smaller, less-known art galleries in the Sassi, or perhaps take a workshop to learn a traditional craft, such as pottery or painting. In the evening, you could attend a concert or performance at one of Matera's cultural venues.

Take a break from the city and head to the beautiful Ionian Coast of Basilicata. This stretch of coastline is known for its sandy beaches, clear waters, and ancient Greek ruins. You can spend the day relaxing on the beach, swimming in the sea, and enjoying the sunshine. The town of Metaponto is a good base for exploring the coast, with its long sandy beach and important archaeological park. Visit the archaeological park of Metaponto to see the impressive ruins of a Greek temple, the Tavole Palatine. You can also visit the National Archaeological Museum of Metaponto to learn more about the area's Greek history. For lunch, enjoy fresh seafood at a restaurant by the sea. In the late afternoon, return to Matera.

Today, explore the Gravina di Matera, the deep canyon that runs alongside the city. This dramatic natural feature has played a crucial role in Matera's history, providing water, resources, and a natural defense. You can explore the Gravina by hiking along its trails, which offer stunning views of the canyon and the Sassi. Start your hike from the Porta Pistola, near the Church of San Pietro Caveoso. The trail will take you down into the canyon, where you can see ancient cave dwellings and rock churches. You can also cross the stream at the bottom of the canyon and hike up the other side for more incredible views. This is a great way to experience the natural beauty of the area and get a different perspective on Matera.

Basilicata is a region with a growing reputation for its excellent wines. Spend today exploring the local wine scene with a visit to a winery in the Matera countryside. You can take a tour of the vineyards and cellars, learn about the winemaking process, and, of course, taste the local wines. The most famous wine of the region is Aglianico del Vulture, a powerful red wine. Many wineries also produce other local products, such as olive oil, cheese, and cured meats. You can often purchase these products directly from the winery. For lunch, enjoy a wine-pairing meal at the winery or at a nearby restaurant. In the afternoon, return to Matera and spend your last evening enjoying the magical atmosphere of the Sassi.

Enjoy a final breakfast in Matera, taking in the last views of the Sassi. Depending on your flight schedule, you may have some time for last-minute souvenir shopping or a final stroll through the city. Then, take your private transfer or shuttle bus back to Bari Airport (BRI) for your departure, filled with unforgettable memories of your journey through the ancient city of Matera.