Matera and Basilicata · Italy
Matera and Basilicata, Italy: A Self-Guided Trip Through the Cave City and Beyond
Matera is famous, but Basilicata around it is still quiet. Here is how to plan an independent trip that goes beyond a single day in the Sassi.
Published September 28, 2026
Matera often appears on lists of Italy's most striking towns, yet many visitors treat it as a quick stop. If you plan your own trip, you can use it as a base for exploring Basilicata, a region that is still far less crowded than better-known parts of Italy.
Why Matera and Basilicata
Matera is known for the Sassi, historic districts of dwellings and churches carved into the rock. They are on the UNESCO World Heritage List, and the town was European Capital of Culture in 2019. The surrounding region offers hills, small villages, coastlines on two seas and a food culture built on simple, local ingredients.
What to see in Matera
- Sasso Barisano and Sasso Caveoso: the two main districts, best explored on foot, with steps, terraces and viewpoints.
- Rock churches: several churches carved into the stone hold traces of old frescoes. Opening times vary, so check locally.
- Murgia Materana Park: across the ravine, hiking paths give a view back over the town, especially beautiful at sunrise or sunset.
- Cave houses and museums: visit one to understand how people lived in the Sassi before they were restored.
Beyond Matera
- Craco: an abandoned hilltop village that can be visited with a guide. Check current access rules before you go.
- Pietrapertosa and Castelmezzano: two mountain villages in the Dolomiti Lucane, known for dramatic rock scenery and hiking.
- Maratea: a small coastal town on the Tyrrhenian side for a change of pace.
- Metaponto: ancient Greek remains and a beach coast on the Ionian side.
Practical tips
- Matera has many stairs and uneven stones, so comfortable shoes matter. Some areas may be hard for people with reduced mobility.
- A car makes it much easier to combine villages and coast, but public transport can work for Matera itself. Check current connections before booking.
- Summer can be very hot and busy, while spring and autumn are more comfortable for walking.
- Try local specialities such as bread from the area, cured meats and dishes based on legumes. Ask what is seasonal.
- Accommodation in cave-style buildings can be atmospheric but varies in comfort, so read details carefully before booking.
Conclusion
Matera rewards anyone who slows down and looks past the postcard. Give it two nights, then use the rest of Basilicata to build a route that feels like your own.