Cave houses in Matera

Bite-sized trip

Itinerary:
Matera
Duration:
3 days / 2 nights (flexible)
Price:
from £ 240.- per person (excluding flights)

Matera is a village straight out of a fairy-tale, where ancient history and enchanting charm blend seamlessly. During your stay in Matera, immerse yourself in the unique atmosphere of the Sassi, the famous cave houses that make this village truly remarkable. You'll stay in a charming B&B that was once a shelter for monks. With its rustic appeal and authentic character, it provides a cozy and inviting base for your adventures in Matera. Explore the city and get lost in the winding streets and alleys.

Matera - girls standing in front of cave dwellings

Day 1 – Arrival in Matera

Today you’ll arrive in Matera, a captivating town renowned for its Sassi, the intriguing cave houses, and its fascinating rock-carved churches. You’ll stay in a hotel with fascinating cave dwellings. These ancient caves, once home to whole families, are now transformed into comfortable and spacious rooms with meticulous attention to detail. In Matera’s past, many of the men were shepherds, spending much of their time tending to their flocks in the rugged mountains surrounding the town. The echoes of this pastoral heritage still resonate through the streets, adding to the town’s authentic charm.

Day 2 – Explore Matera on your own

Start your day in Matera with a delightful breakfast on your terrace, soaking in the warm morning sun as you prepare for an adventure-filled day ahead. Today’s exploration will take you through the captivating streets and alleys of the old part of the city, so be sure to fuel up. To ensure you don’t miss any of the city’s hidden gems, follow the “itinerario turistisco,” the tourist route, which will lead you to beautiful views and unexpected corners of Matera. The Piazza Duomo shouldn’t be missed during your walk, along with climbing to the highest point of the city, with wonderful views of Sasso Barisano on one side and Sasso Caveoso on the other.

Day 3 – Departure from Matera

Time to leave Matera, but not before visiting the national park opposite the city. Here you will find rock churches and abandoned cave dwellings, so you can see exactly how people used to live. Then you can choose to travel to Maratea, where you can hike through a river, or travel further to Ostuni, where you sleep in a white, cone-shaped trulli house and learn to cook delicious, local dishes.