Matera is one of those places that feels almost impossible to describe until you see it in person. Built around ancient cave dwellings, limestone churches, stone stairways and dramatic ravines, the city is best explored slowly — ideally with someone who can explain what you are looking at.
If you are planning your first visit, booking one or two well-chosen experiences can make a big difference. A guided walk helps bring the Sassi to life, while a cooking class, private panoramic ride or countryside experience can show you a softer, more local side of the city. Below is a practical guide to the best tours in Matera, plus itinerary ideas, travel tips and answers to common questions.
Why Visit Matera
Matera, in the Basilicata region of southern Italy, is famous for the Sassi di Matera — ancient cave districts carved into the rock. The Sassi are a UNESCO World Heritage Site and form one of the most atmospheric historic centers in Italy. From above, the city looks like a cascade of pale stone houses, cave churches, terraces and narrow lanes tumbling into a canyon.
Recommended Experience
Matera Cooking Class
⭐ 5.00 (80 reviews)
Duration: 4 hours
From: $156.65
What makes Matera special is not just its beauty, but its layers of history. Homes, churches, cisterns and workshops were dug directly into the limestone. Today, many have been restored as museums, hotels, restaurants and cultural spaces, while the city still keeps a strong sense of place.
Matera is ideal for travelers who enjoy history, architecture, photography, food and walking. It is also a great destination for couples, culture-focused travelers and anyone looking for a memorable stop in southern Italy beyond the more obvious tourist routes.
Best Things to Do in Matera
Explore the Sassi di Matera
The Sassi are divided mainly into Sasso Caveoso and Sasso Barisano, with viewpoints, cave houses, rock churches and stairways connecting the districts. You can wander on your own, but a guided tour is highly recommended if you want to understand how people lived here and how the city changed over time.
Recommended Experience
Secret Matera Sassi (Private Tour)
⭐ 5.00 (63 reviews)
Duration: 3 hours
From: $223.79
Visit a Cave House
One of the most interesting things to do in Matera is visiting a restored cave dwelling. These spaces help you imagine daily life inside the Sassi before the city’s major redevelopment. Many guided tours include or point out these traditional cave homes.
Walk to the Viewpoints
Matera is full of panoramic spots. Some of the best views are from Piazza San Pietro Caveoso, Belvedere Luigi Guerricchio, and the overlooks facing the ravine. Sunrise and late afternoon are especially beautiful for photos, when the stone glows warmly.
Discover the Rupestrian Churches
The area around Matera is known for rock-hewn churches, some decorated with frescoes. These sites reveal the spiritual and artistic history of the region and are best appreciated with context from a local guide.
Recommended Experience
Panoramic Private Tour in Ape Calessino in the Sassi of Matera
⭐ 5.00 (30 reviews)
Duration: 45 minutes
From: $73.85
Try Local Basilicata Food
Matera is a wonderful place to eat. Look for handmade pasta, local bread, seasonal vegetables, olive oil and rustic dishes from Basilicata. If food is a major part of your travel style, a cooking class or farm-based experience can be a highlight.
Ride Through the City in an Ape Calessino
Matera’s steep lanes can be tiring, especially in warm weather. A short panoramic ride in an Ape Calessino, a small vintage-style three-wheeled vehicle, is a fun way to see key viewpoints without walking every step.
Recommended Tours and Experiences
There are many ways to experience Matera, from classic walking tours to private transfers, hands-on cooking and unusual cave activities. The following Viator-listed tours are good options to consider depending on your travel style, budget and time available. Prices and availability can change, so always check current details before booking.
Recommended Experience
Matera walking tour in English with Gaetano
⭐ 5.00 (27 reviews)
Duration: 2 hours
From: $22.38
1. Matera Cooking Class
Best for: food lovers, couples, slow travelers and anyone who wants a countryside experience beyond the Sassi.
This highly rated cooking class takes place in the Basilicata countryside, in a farmhouse surrounded by olive trees, orange trees and organic fruit and vegetable plots. It is a good choice if you want a break from sightseeing and would like to connect with the region through food.
The experience lasts around 4 hours and is listed from about $156.65. With a 5.00 rating and 80 reviews at the time of listing, it stands out as one of the strongest food-focused experiences near Matera.
Recommended Experience
Tour with Guide in the Sassi of Matera aboard a Van
⭐ 5.00 (20 reviews)
Duration: 1 hours 30 minutes
From: $134.27
2. Secret Matera Sassi Private Tour
Best for: first-time visitors who want a deeper, private introduction to Matera.
The Secret Matera Sassi Private Tour focuses on the UNESCO-listed Sassi and the city’s cave-based urban history. A private guide can help you understand Matera’s unusual layout, its underground spaces and the evolution from ancient cave living to the modern city.
This tour lasts about 3 hours and is listed from around $223.79. It has a 5.00 rating with 63 reviews at the time of listing. Because it is private, it can be a strong option for families, couples or travelers who prefer a more flexible pace.
3. Panoramic Private Tour in Ape Calessino in the Sassi of Matera
Best for: travelers short on time, visitors with limited mobility, photographers and anyone looking for a fun overview.
This private Ape Calessino tour offers a comfortable and memorable way to see some of the most scenic parts of the Sassi. The vehicle is small and characterful, making it well suited to Matera’s narrow streets and panoramic corners.
The tour lasts around 45 minutes and is listed from about $73.85. With a 5.00 rating and 30 reviews at the time of listing, it is a good add-on to a walking tour rather than a full replacement for one.
4. Matera Walking Tour in English with Gaetano
Best for: budget-conscious travelers and first-time visitors who want a clear English-language introduction.
Starting near Piazza San Pietro Caveoso, this walking tour explores the Sassi, viewpoints and hidden corners of Matera. A good walking tour is often the best first activity in the city because it helps you get oriented before wandering independently.
This experience lasts around 2 hours and is listed from about $22.38, making it one of the most accessible options among the tours provided. It has a 5.00 rating with 27 reviews at the time of listing.
5. Tour with Guide in the Sassi of Matera Aboard a Van
Best for: small groups, families, older travelers and those who prefer less walking.
Matera is beautiful but steep. If you want to see the Sassi, historic center and Murgia Materana area with more comfort, a guided van tour can be practical. This private experience uses an 8-seater Mercedes van and covers several key areas, including Sasso Caveoso and Sasso Barisano.
The tour lasts about 1 hour 30 minutes and is listed from around $134.27. With a 5.00 rating and 20 reviews at the time of listing, it is especially useful if your time in Matera is limited.
6. Underground Escape Room
Best for: families with older children, groups of friends and travelers looking for something different after sightseeing.
After exploring churches, viewpoints and cave houses, this underground escape room offers a playful change of pace inside a cave setting. It combines puzzles, clues and challenges with Matera’s distinctive underground atmosphere.
The experience lasts around 1 hour and is listed from about $89.51. With a 5.00 rating and 9 reviews at the time of listing, it is a niche but memorable option if you enjoy interactive activities.
7. Exclusive Private Hot Air Balloon Flight in Matera with Breakfast
Best for: special occasions, luxury travelers and bucket-list experiences.
A private hot air balloon flight near Matera is the most premium experience on this list. It offers a different perspective on the landscape and is paired with breakfast. Because ballooning is weather-dependent, flexibility is important when planning this kind of activity.
The experience lasts approximately 1 to 3 hours and is listed from about $1,957.01. It has a 5.00 rating with 9 reviews at the time of listing. This is best suited to travelers celebrating a honeymoon, anniversary or once-in-a-lifetime trip.
8. Tour of the Sassi of Matera
Best for: travelers who want a more authentic route away from the busiest paths.
This guided tour focuses on alternative and less touristy routes through the historic center, with a local guide sharing both historical and social context. It is a good choice if you want more than a surface-level photo walk and are interested in everyday stories behind the city.
The tour lasts around 2 hours 15 minutes and is listed from about $111.89. It has a 5.00 rating with 9 reviews at the time of listing.
Suggested Itinerary
One Day in Matera
Morning: Start with a guided walking tour of the Sassi. The Matera Walking Tour in English with Gaetano is a good budget-friendly option, while the Secret Matera Sassi Private Tour works well if you want a more personalized experience.
Lunch: Choose a restaurant in or near the Sassi and try regional dishes such as handmade pasta, local vegetables, bread and olive oil.
Afternoon: Visit viewpoints, a cave house or a rock church. If you want to rest your legs, add the Panoramic Private Tour in Ape Calessino for a scenic overview.
Evening: Watch the Sassi light up after sunset. Matera is especially atmospheric at night, when the stone buildings and stairways glow under warm lights.
Two Days in Matera
Day 1: Focus on the Sassi, the historic center and viewpoints. Book a walking tour or private tour early in your stay so you understand the city before exploring independently.
Day 2: Choose a more specialized experience. Food lovers can book the Matera Cooking Class in the countryside. Travelers who want comfort can take the guided van tour. Groups looking for something unusual might enjoy the underground escape room. For a special occasion, consider the private hot air balloon flight if it fits your budget and schedule.
Best Time to Visit
The best time to visit Matera is generally spring or autumn, when temperatures are more comfortable for walking and the light is excellent for photography. April to June and September to October are especially appealing for exploring the Sassi on foot.
Summer can be hot, and Matera’s stone streets, stairs and exposed viewpoints can feel tiring in the middle of the day. If you visit in July or August, plan tours early in the morning or later in the afternoon, carry water and build in rest stops.
Winter is quieter and can be atmospheric, especially for travelers who prefer fewer crowds. Some days may be chilly or wet, so bring layers and comfortable shoes with good grip.
Travel Tips
- Wear proper shoes: Matera has uneven stone streets, steps and slopes. Comfortable walking shoes are essential.
- Book a guided tour early: A tour on your first day will help you understand the Sassi and make the rest of your visit more meaningful.
- Do not underestimate the stairs: Distances can look short on a map, but the elevation changes make walking slower.
- Stay overnight if possible: Matera is beautiful as a day trip, but the evening atmosphere is one of its biggest rewards.
- Check meeting points carefully: The Sassi can be confusing, so leave extra time to find your tour meeting location.
- Protect yourself from the sun: In warmer months, bring water, sunscreen, sunglasses and a hat.
- Choose tours based on your energy level: Walking tours are rewarding, but Ape Calessino and van tours can be better for travelers who prefer a gentler pace.
- Confirm current prices: Tour prices listed here are based on the provided Viator information and may change.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many days do you need in Matera?
One full day is enough to see the main highlights, especially with a guided tour. However, two days is better if you want to explore at a relaxed pace, enjoy the city at night and add a cooking class or countryside experience.
Is a guided tour worth it in Matera?
Yes, a guided tour is very worthwhile in Matera. The city’s cave dwellings, underground spaces and layered history are not always easy to understand without context. A local guide can turn a beautiful walk into a much richer experience.
What is the best Matera tour for first-time visitors?
For most first-time visitors, a Sassi walking tour is the best starting point. If you prefer a private experience, the Secret Matera Sassi Private Tour is a strong option. If you are on a tighter budget, the Matera Walking Tour in English with Gaetano offers a good introduction.
Is Matera difficult to walk around?
Matera can be challenging because of its stairs, slopes and uneven stone streets. Most visitors with average mobility can explore comfortably with breaks, but those who prefer less walking may want to consider an Ape Calessino tour or a guided van tour.
Can you visit Matera as a day trip?
Yes, Matera can be visited as a day trip, but staying overnight is highly recommended if your schedule allows. The Sassi are especially beautiful in the evening, and an overnight stay gives you more time to enjoy the atmosphere.
What should I book in advance?
It is wise to book guided tours, cooking classes and private experiences in advance, especially in spring, summer and early autumn. Premium activities such as the private hot air balloon flight should also be arranged ahead of time because they may depend on weather and availability.
Final Thoughts
Matera is not just a place to look at; it is a place to understand. The stone lanes, cave homes and dramatic viewpoints are beautiful on their own, but the city becomes far more meaningful when you learn the stories behind them.
For a first visit, start with a Sassi walking tour or private guide. Add an Ape Calessino ride if you want a fun panoramic overview, or choose a cooking class if food is a big part of your trip. If you are celebrating something special, the hot air balloon experience offers a completely different way to see the landscape.
Whether you come for one day or a long weekend, the best tours in Matera will help you move beyond the postcard views and connect with the history, culture and flavors of one of southern Italy’s most unforgettable cities.
Recommended Experiences
These top-rated tours and activities are available through Viator.
Secret Matera Sassi (Private Tour)
⭐ 5.00 (63 reviews)
Duration: 3 hours
From: $223.79
Panoramic Private Tour in Ape Calessino in the Sassi of Matera
⭐ 5.00 (30 reviews)
Duration: 45 minutes
From: $73.85
Matera walking tour in English with Gaetano
⭐ 5.00 (27 reviews)
Duration: 2 hours
From: $22.38
