Filter Tours
Key Info for Visitors
- Currency: EUR
- Languages: Italian, English, French
- Climate: Mediterranean
- Timezone: Europe/Rome
- Population: Approximately 60,000 residents
- Best Time to Visit: autumn to avoid extreme heat and large crowds.
- Visa Requirements Visitors from the European Union, United States, United Kingdom, Canada, Australia, and many other countries can enter Italy visa-free for short stays up to 90 days. For longer stays or other nationalities, a Schengen visa is required. E-visa options are not generally available for Italy. Visa on arrival is not offered. Travelers should have a valid passport, proof of accommodation, return ticket, and sufficient funds.
About Matera
Matera is a captivating city in southern Italy renowned for its extraordinary ancient cave dwellings known as the Sassi di Matera. These dwellings, carved directly into the limestone rock, represent one of the oldest continuously inhabited settlements in the world. The city’s unique landscape, blending natural formations with human architecture, offers visitors a glimpse into prehistoric times alongside vibrant modern culture. Matera’s labyrinthine streets, rock churches, and cave homes create an atmospheric setting that attracts travelers seeking history, culture, and stunning scenery. Designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site, Matera also gained international attention as a filming location for major movies. Visitors are drawn to its authentic charm, traditional lifestyle, and the opportunity to experience a living museum. The city’s revitalization has brought boutique hotels, artisan shops, and excellent dining, making it a compelling destination for cultural tourism. Matera’s blend of history, natural beauty, and contemporary hospitality makes it a must-visit for those exploring Italy beyond the usual tourist paths.
Top Attractions
1. Sassi di Matera – The ancient cave districts, showcasing prehistoric cave dwellings and rock churches. 2. Casa Grotta di Vico Solitario – A furnished cave house museum illustrating traditional cave life. 3. Matera Cathedral – A beautiful 13th-century cathedral with panoramic views over the city. 4. MUSMA (Museum of Contemporary Sculpture) – A unique museum housed in caves featuring modern art. 5. Palombaro Lungo – An enormous underground cistern beneath the main square, demonstrating ancient water storage techniques.
Popular Activities
Explore the Sassi on guided walking tours to learn about the history and architecture. Visit rock churches with ancient frescoes. Experience local artisan workshops and traditional crafts. Enjoy hiking and photography in the surrounding Murgia plateau for spectacular views. Participate in cultural events or food tours to taste authentic Materan cuisine. Attend seasonal festivals celebrating local traditions and religious events.
Matera Tours & Experiences
- Top Attractions: Highlights of Italy
- Duration Range: Explore the Sassi on guided walking tours to learn about the history and architecture. Visit rock churches with ancient frescoes. Experience local artisan workshops and traditional crafts. Enjoy hiking and photography in the surrounding Murgia plateau for spectacular views. Participate in cultural events or food tours to taste authentic Materan cuisine. Attend seasonal festivals celebrating local traditions and religious events.
- Group Size: Flexible group sizes
- Difficulty Level: All Comfort Levels
- Recommended For: Visit Matera in spring or autumn to avoid extreme heat and large crowds. Pack comfortable walking shoes for uneven terrain and layered clothing for variable weather. Respect local customs, especially when visiting religious sites. Carry some cash as smaller shops and cafes may not accept cards. Stay aware of your belongings in crowded areas. Learn a few basic Italian phrases to enhance interactions. Plan accommodations in advance, especially during festivals.
Average Tour Price: $80
Lowest Price Tour: $39
Highest Price Tour: $220
178 Available Tour Excursions in Matera
The Sassi of Matera, the cathedral, the rock churches and the cave house are the most important ancient sites of this complex city, and visiting them alone can be counterproductive. Save time with an expert guide by taking part in a tour that includes all the most unmissable monuments! Discover the history and curiosities about the Matera Sassi and enter the Cathedral, the most representative rock church of the city (the Madonna di Idris) and visit the first cave house in Matera.
Price: $53.62
Duration: 3-3 hours
Get ready to experience something extraordinary: an authentic journey between emotions and culture. Every detail of our experience is designed to give you the most: breathtaking places and fascinating stories that will make you feel part of the place. It's not just about visiting, it's about immersing yourself: you'll meet locals, discover stories you don't find in guidebooks, and bring home true memories, full of energy and inspiration. Book now and be surprised: every moment will be a new chapter of your journey to tell!
Price: $17.87
Duration: 2-3 hours
Set amongst the unique and beautiful nature of the Basilicata countryside, the farmhouse was built using traditional and local materials. The farm includes over 2000 olive trees and around 300 orange trees as well as organic fruit and vegetable plots that provide eggplants, zucchini, tomatoes, artichokes, chicory, lemons, cherries, pomegranates and much, much more. Guests will learn to cook in the farm's professional kitchen.
Price: $166.82
Duration: 4 hours
We will visit a beautiful UNESCO site like the Sassi of Matera: SASSI represents an extraordinary urban ecosystem able to perpetuate the most distant prehistoric ways of the past to live in caves up to modernity. Known as "the Underground City", Matera is famous for being one of the oldest inhabited cities in the world. On October 17, 2014, Matera was declared the European Capital of Culture for 2019.
Price: $238.32
Duration: 3 hours
The panoramic tour "Private Tour in Ape Calessino" - the Sassi in Ape "will allow you to have an exclusive experience to visit the city of Matera comfortably aboard the vintage and iconic ape calessino. The tour winds through the most beautiful alleys and squares, between Sasso Caveoso and Sasso Barisano. During the tour you will make some panoramic stops in the central squares and you will be able to admire the main attractions of the city. An excellent opportunity to learn about the stories and curiosities of this heritage of humanity.
Price: $39.32
Duration: 0 hours
The rides fits the needs of travelers that wanna experience a comfortable and enjoyable ride from Rome to the coast and viceversa, we provide English speaking drivers that can not only drive you but even assist you during the ride, that includes of course stops for food and restroom, we gonna always offer you a safe and comfortable pickup and drop off, the only things requested to you are respect for the driver and to enjoy the ride we gonna offer all the rest. Once booked you gonna have the chat of your booking to stay in touch with us, we’ll always answer asap, we’ll also try to give you advices to make your experience as more enjoyable and smart as possible .
Price: $417.05
Duration: 3 hours
Our drivers with luxury cars speaking English Italian Spanish have a special permit to arrive in front of your cruise. Sit back and reacquaint yourself with the journey. Port permit is included in the price Beware of imitations . many drivers do not have a permit and you will be dropped off at the stop free bus (15 minutes from the port in the sun or rain)
Price: $196.61
Duration: 1 hours
Teresa is a very good Guide, exhaustive, professional, able to take you anywhere, in search of the most suggestive places of the Sassi of Matera. They say about you: A super recommended DA tour accompanied by an excellent, prepared, nice and pleasant Guide, Teresa. He showed us the stones of Matera explaining everything in detail giving us an afternoon full of emotions ... We will always carry Matera in our hearts Thank you. We carried out the Guided Tour with Teresa who proved to be an attentive and engaging guide. The anecdotes related to his family then to life lived among the stones were very interesting and embellished the historical news. The walk was really pleasant and the hours flew by. Highly recommend this tour to everyone in beautiful Matera Very satisfied! Our Guide, Teresa, led us through the city, including the Sassi, with absolute competence, courtesy and passion. Thank you!
Price: $17.87
Duration: 2 hours
The itinerary winds along alternative and less touristic routes to discover the most hidden and authentic corners of the historic center. The historical story is accompanied by the social story of the local guide who will involve customers by narrating anecdotes and stories of past life
Price: $119.16
Duration: 2 hours
The experience of our team will lead you towards the discovery of the true and authentic soul made in the south, made up of food and wine excellence, typical crafts and sites of historical and cultural interest. Our company is a true airline, the only Italian company in southern Italy authorized to perform commercial flights with passengers, as it has a license issued by ENAC, the National Civil Aviation Authority and specific aeronautical insurance.
Price: $2,084.07
Duration: 1-3 hours
English Guided tour in the Sasso Caveoso, Sasso Barisano and City Center During our guided tour we are going to see the amazing old city of Matera. We are going to visit the original cave house that will show you how the poor people lived in the past in the Sassi of Matera with original furniture of that time. During the walking tour will visit the Rock Church with wonderful frescoes inside.
Price: $41.71
Duration: 2 hours
Organize with us your Private Tour in the Sassi and Murgia Materana. On board a comfortable Mercedes van 8 seats you can discover comfortably, all there is to see in the city. From Sasso Caveoso to Sasso Barisano, we will cross the Old Town until we reach the Belvedere with its breathtaking view! Bottles of water will be available to our Guests. We offer customers a “private tour” service that allows you to visit the length and breadth of Matera Everything is set up to allow you as much as possible to enjoy every single moment of your trip, and all in value for money! During the Van Tour an audio guide service will be provided in Italian/English/Spanish. Entrance to all listed sites is included during the Tour. We are open to all changes to make the customer feel comfortable. In short, only with US you can visit EVERYTHING!
Price: $150.14
Duration: 2 hours
what to do in Matera after visiting the beauty of the stones? you can live a unique experience, inside a cave, the underground escape room offers the visitor the opportunity to measure their intuition, trying their hand at mysteries, puzzles, tests of intelligence and logic. it is possible to book the escape with minimum 4 participants and maximum 8, for each time slot. To spend an hour, when the summer heat gives no respite or when the winter cold bites. To challenge yourself, your skills, your fears. To test the understanding between fellow adventurers To consolidate work teams. Everything is possible in one location, to MateraSum_Materasotterranea
Price: $95.33
Duration: 1 hours
This experience will allow you to admire Matera from a perspective comparable only to that of a hot air balloon or hang glider but at a negligible cost, with no risk and in a short booking and implementation time. It is a very exciting poetic, immersive experience. Weather conditions are irrelevant to experience this virtual journey in all conditions.
Price: $5.96
Duration: 0 hours
You have a wide choice of models and sizes. Before leaving, briefing on on the bike functions. The agency offers 24h tecnical assistance.
Price: $71.49
Duration: 4-8 hours
Set out on our Great Tour of the Sassi, Sasso Caveoso e Sasso Barisano and travel in time! Starting from Piazzetta Pascoli with a historical/architectural and anthropological introduction of the Sassi, the tour continues through the historic centre, from the newest to the most ancient part of the city. Along the way, you can admire churches in Baroque style and beautiful squares of the city centre. Following windy alleys, the guide will accompany you to visit an extraordinary hypogeum environment and, afterwards, a typically furnished cave-dwelling - a "casa grotta" museum - with household furniture and work tools used by farmers in the fields, located in the area of Sasso Baisano. Arriving in the Sasso Caveoso area, dominated by the Monterrone cliff, you will climb up and visit the rupestrian churches of Madonna dell'Idris completely carved into the rock. At the end of the tour, you will savour traditional food products, having light lunch in a picturesque bistrot in the Sassi.
Price: $77.45
Duration: 4 hours
Explore the Lucan Dolomites: Trekking between History and Nature Embark on an unforgettable adventure, a moderately difficult hike in small groups, along the Seven Stones Path that connects the villages of Castelmezzano and Pietrapertosa. The journey will take you through breathtaking landscapes, with altitudes ranging from 920 meters in Pietrapertosa to 660 meters in the Caperrino Stream valley, before climbing again to Castelmezzano. Discover Castelmezzano and Pietrapertosa Explore the medieval village of Castelmezzano, famous for its rock-hewn houses and spectacular views. In Pietrapertosa, one of Italy's "Most Beautiful Villages," you’ll uncover the medieval core and the Norman-Swabian Castle. The Seven Stones Path The path will lead you through seven evocative pit stops, where stories of witches, magic, and local traditions come to life through artistic installations and soundscapes, creating an immersive multisensory experience.
Price: $250.23
Duration: 6 hours
Discover the timeless charm of Matera and Alberobello on a private full-day tour from Polignano a Mare. Explore Matera’s ancient cave dwellings and rock churches, then wander through Alberobello’s iconic trulli houses. Immerse yourself in history, culture, and unforgettable landscapes—book your private experience today!
Price: $178.74
Duration: 8 hours
1. Choose Your Tour
Browse our curated selection of tours and select your perfect adventure.
2. Check Details
Review tour inclusions, duration, and meeting points carefully.
3. Book Online
Complete your booking securely with instant confirmation.
4. Enjoy Your Experience
Join the tour and create unforgettable memories in Matera.
Important Tour Information
- Bring comfortable walking shoes and appropriate clothing
- Check tour cancellation and refund policies
- Arrive at the meeting point at least 15 minutes early
- Carry valid identification and tour booking confirmation
Frequently Asked Questions
Local Food & Cuisine
Matera’s cuisine is rooted in rustic, traditional southern Italian flavors. Signature dishes include "Pane di Matera," a distinctive bread with a thick crust, and "Orecchiette," a type of handmade pasta often served with turnip greens or tomato sauce. Other specialties are lamb dishes, fresh vegetables, and local cheeses. Olive oil and wine from the region complement meals. Dining customs emphasize fresh, simple ingredients prepared with care. Noteworthy restaurants include Osteria Al Casale and Ristorante Francesca, both offering authentic local fare in charming settings.
Getting Around
Matera is accessible by train and bus from major cities like Bari and Naples. Bari Karol Wojtyła Airport is the nearest international airport, about an hour’s drive away. Within Matera, walking is the best way to explore due to narrow streets and historic areas. Local buses connect the city with nearby towns. Taxi services are available but limited. Costs for local transport are reasonable, and car rentals are an option for exploring the wider region.
Travel Tips
Visit Matera in spring or autumn to avoid extreme heat and large crowds. Pack comfortable walking shoes for uneven terrain and layered clothing for variable weather. Respect local customs, especially when visiting religious sites. Carry some cash as smaller shops and cafes may not accept cards. Stay aware of your belongings in crowded areas. Learn a few basic Italian phrases to enhance interactions. Plan accommodations in advance, especially during festivals.
Culture & Customs
Matera’s culture is deeply connected to its history and religious traditions. Social life often revolves around family, food, and community events. Festivals such as the Festa della Bruna in July celebrate the city’s patron saint with processions and fireworks. Visitors should greet locals politely and dress modestly in churches. It is customary to say "buongiorno" or "buonasera" when entering shops or restaurants. Tipping is appreciated but not obligatory. The city values preservation of its heritage, so respectful behavior in historic areas is expected.
