Matera holidays

How to reach Matera

Flight time: Flights to Matera from London typically take around three hours. Other major UK airports also offer direct and connecting flights to Bari Airport and Brindisi Airport, the two closest airports to the city.

Transfer time:

• From Bari Airport you can take a taxi or bus to Matera, with the drive taking around 1 hour.

• You can also travel by train, which involves a change at Altamura and takes approximately 2 hours.

• From Brindisi Airport, it’s a 2-hour drive to Matera, or about 3 hours by bus or coach.

Price:

• A bus from Bari to Matera costs around €5–€10, while a train ticket is about €5–€15.

• A taxi will set you back roughly €90 from Bari and as much as €150 from Brindisi.

• Booking a private taxi transfer in advance can work out cheaper.

Best time to visit Matera

When planning holidays to Matera, it’s worth considering how the weather, tourist numbers and local events may impact your trip:

• April to June is a fantastic time to visit Matera, with temperatures ranging from 15°C to 25°C. Spring offers mild weather, lush landscapes and blooming flowers, making it perfect for exploring the city and surrounding countryside.

• July to August is the peak tourist season, with temperatures soaring to 30°C and beyond. As the conditions are hot and dry, it’s an ideal time if you enjoy long sunny days. However, be prepared for more tourists and higher prices.

• September to October offers a more relaxed atmosphere, with temperatures ranging between 20°C and 28°C. This period is ideal for enjoying Matera’s sights without the crowds, while the autumn colours add seasonal charm to the city.

• November to March is the off-season, with temperatures dropping to between 5°C and 15°C and more chance of rain. If you don’t mind the cooler temperatures, it’s a perfect time for quieter visits.

Practical information

• Spoken languages: Italian is the main language. While English is understood in tourist areas, learning a few Italian phrases can really enhance your experience.

• Local habits and customs: Matera embraces a laid-back approach to life. The locals enjoy slow-paced days, including the afternoon “riposo” when many shops close, and later-than-usual evening meals. You’re unlikely to find many restaurants busy before 8 pm.

• Currency: Italy uses the Euro. ATMs are widely available, and credit cards are accepted in most places. It’s a good idea to carry some cash for small shops, cafes and markets though.

• Getting around: Matera is best explored on foot, especially the Sassi districts. There is also an efficient local bus service. A single bus ticket costs as little as €0.80 per person. For exploring the surrounding areas, renting a car is recommended.

• Electricity and plug types: Italy uses the standard European 220 volts with two-pin plugs. UK travellers will need an adaptor.

• Time zone: Matera is on Central European Time (CET), which is 1 hour ahead of GMT.

Best things to do in Matera

Matera is an enchanting and unique destination thanks to its ancient cave dwellings, rich cultural heritage and stunning scenery. Here’s a guide to some of the best things to do in this captivating city:

Viewpoints and panoramas

• Belvedere Piazzetta Pascoli (Pascoli Square): This public square offers a stunning view over the Sassi districts and dramatic landscape beyond.

• Murgia National Park: The park provides panoramic views of Matera and is perfect for hiking and photography.

The best districts

• Sassi di Matera: This UNESCO World Heritage site is divided into two regions: Sasso Caveoso and Sasso Barisano. Both are known for their ancient cave dwellings and rock churches. Wander the narrow alleys and discover the city’s fascinating and unique history.

• Piazza Vittorio Veneto: The heart of modern Matera, this bustling square is surrounded by shops, cafes and historical buildings.

Museums

• Museo Laboratorio della Civiltà Contadina (Museum of Rural Life): This museum provides an intriguing glimpse into the rural life of Matera’s past. See recreations of traditional tools, clothing and household items. There are even interactive exhibits that let you touch and try out the various artefacts.

• Casa Noha: A multimedia museum providing an immersive history of Matera, housed in a historic building.

Historical monuments

• Matera Cathedral: A stunning example of Apulian Romanesque architecture, with beautiful frescoes and views over the Sassi.

• Casa Grotta di Vico Solitario (Cave House of the Lonely Alley): This recreated cave dwelling allows visitors to step back in time by providing a captivating insight into how people once lived in the Sassi.

Day trips in the area

• Alberobello: Famous for its unique trulli houses (dry stone huts with corbelled roofs), this UNESCO World Heritage site is situated a short drive from Matera.

• Gravina in Puglia: Explore another town with ancient cave dwellings, plus a stunning bridge over a deep ravine.

• Metaponto: Visit the ancient ruins and beautiful beaches along the Ionian coast.

Activities for families in Matera

Matera is a family-friendly destination with plenty to keep everyone entertained. Whether you're exploring ancient caves, wandering its historical streets or engaging in fun activities, Matera holidays offer something for all ages.

• Parco della Murgia Materana: Perfect for a family hike, this breathtaking national park offers various trails suitable for all ages. Pack a picnic and head out exploring its rugged landscape, ancient cave churches and diverse flora and fauna.

• Matera Escape Room: A fun and challenging activity that’s great for older kids. This escape room experience combines local history with puzzles that require teamwork and problem-solving skills.

• Sassi in Miniatura: This incredibly detailed miniature model of Matera is fascinating for kids and adults alike. It’s also a great way to understand the layout and history of the city.

• Tramontano Castle: This unfinished 16th-century castle, set within a delightful park, is a great place for families to explore. The park offers plenty of space for children to run around, and the castle is fascinating to walk through and learn about its history.

• Cave Churches: Matera’s many rock-hewn churches are fascinating for all ages. Some, like Santa Maria de Idris and San Pietro Barisano, have accessible interiors with frescoes and artefacts – perfect for sparking children’s imaginations.

• Cooking Classes: Enrol in a hands-on family cooking class to learn how to make traditional Materan fare including pasta dishes and delicious local sweets.

• Matera Balloon Festival: If your visit coincides with this annual event, it’s a must-see. The festival features hot-air balloons from all over the world that come together to create a magical, multi-coloured spectacle.

Free things to do in Matera

Holidays to Matera don’t have to blow the budget. The city offers plenty of free and low-cost activities to keep everyone entertained.

• Exploring the Sassi: Wander through the ancient streets of the Sassi districts and soak up the history and architecture.

• Belvedere Piazzetta Pascoli (Pascoli Square): Enjoy the panoramic views over the city without spending a dime.

• Piazza Vittorio Veneto: This lively square is perfect for people-watching and soaking up the local atmosphere.

• Chiesa di San Pietro Caveoso (Church of Saint Peter and Saint Paul): This historic church set dramatically on the edge of a cliff is free to admire.

• Ponte Tibetano della Gravina (Tibetan Bridge): This Tibetan-style rope bridge crossing a valley to the east of Matera is free to walk to (and over). While it’s incredibly scenic, bear in mind that it’s a steep hike to get there and requires a head for heights!

Local dishes in Matera

Taking time to sample the local cuisine is a must when visiting Matera. Discover traditional dishes, fresh ingredients and tempting sweet treats, plus some wonderful local wines.

Some typical dishes

• Pane di Matera: This unique bread, made with local durum wheat, has a distinctive shape and flavour.

• Orecchiette: Traditional pasta shaped like small ears, often served with a rich tomato sauce or cime di rapa (turnip tops).

• Pignata: A hearty stew made with lamb, potatoes, onions and peppers, slow-cooked for hours in a clay pot.

Meat dishes

• Pezzente della Montagna Materana: A traditional sausage made from pork, flavoured with fennel seeds and chilli, and often grilled or cooked in a tomato sauce.

• Agnello alla materana: Lamb cooked with potatoes, onions and herbs – a comforting and flavourful dish.

Fish and seafood dishes

• Baccalà alla lucana: Salt cod cooked with potatoes, tomatoes and peppers. This tasty and rustic dish is full of flavour.

• Crostini di alici: This toasted bread topped with marinated anchovies, garlic and olive oil is a simple but delicious starter.

Sweets and desserts

• Strazzate: Almond cookies flavoured with cinnamon and lemon zest. Enjoy one alongside a cup of coffee.

• Torta di ricotta: A creamy ricotta cake often flavoured with citrus.

• Cartellate: Crispy pastry spirals drizzled with honey or vin cotto (cooked wine). They’re traditionally made during Christmas, but can be enjoyed all year round.

Local drinks

• Aglianico del Vulture: A robust red wine from the nearby Vulture region known for its deep flavours.

• Amaro Lucano: A popular herbal liqueur from the Basilicata region. It’s often enjoyed as a digestif after meals.