Getting to Matera: Flights and Transport Options

Nearest Airports

The gateway to Matera can vary depending on your starting point, but the three principal airports serving Southern Italy offer excellent entry points:

Flight Booking Tips

When selecting flights to Matera, timing is key. The best periods to book your flight to Southern Italy are during the shoulder seasons spring (April to June) and autumn (September to October) when fares tend to be lower, and the weather is delightfully mild. Airlines such as Alitalia, Ryanair, and easyJet provide frequent flights into Bari and Naples, offering competitive prices and convenient schedules.

Leveraging flight comparison websites can be a traveler’s best friend. Platforms like Skyscanner, Kayak, and Google Flights enable you to monitor fare fluctuations, compare routes, and secure the best deals. If your itinerary is flexible, consider flying into Naples or even Rome, as this flexibility can often yield significant savings.

Local Transport from Airports to Matera

Upon landing, practical transport options abound to reach Matera. From Bari Airport, travelers can take a train or bus service that connects to Matera Central or nearby towns. The train journey involves a switch at Bari Centrale with a final leg on the Ferrovie Appulo Lucane line, taking roughly 1.5 to 2 hours. Buses run more directly but must be checked for schedules.

From Naples, buses directly to Matera are available but infrequent; renting a car offers more freedom. Driving from either airport allows exploration of the scenic countryside and neighboring towns; the route from Bari via the SS99 road is both straightforward and picturesque. Numerous car rental companies operate at all three airports, providing a range of vehicles suited to your travel needs.

Private transfer services and shuttles are an excellent alternative for those prioritizing comfort and convenience. Many companies provide pre-booked transfers directly to your Matera accommodation, allowing you to bypass public transport transfers and kickstart your vacation stress-free.

Best Hotels in Matera

Luxury Boutique Hotels

At the pinnacle of unique and opulent stays is Sextantio Le Grotte Della Civita. This hotel elevates the cave-dwelling experience by combining ancient stone interiors with modern comfort and spectacular views overlooking the Sassi. Guests revel in the historical ambiance merged with bespoke furnishings and attentive service.

Palazzo Gattini Luxury Hotel, housed in a majestic historical building, offers refined elegance with contemporary decor, a rooftop terrace boasting breathtaking vistas, and an exquisite restaurant serving local delicacies. The Caveoso Hotel, perched at the edge of the Sassi, also delivers a sophisticated stay wrapped in authentic atmosphere, complete with spa amenities and a charming courtyard.

Mid-Range Accommodations

UNA Maison Matera strikes a perfect balance for travelers seeking comfort without the hefty price tag. Its stylish interiors and friendly staff create a welcoming atmosphere. Hotel San Domenico Al Piano provides lovely rooms with classic Italian charm and a great base for exploring the city’s highlights. Cataldo Hotel, a family-run establishment, serves as a charming mid-range option, famed for its hospitality and proximity to many attractions.

Budget-Friendly Options

For those mindful of expenses, places like Ostello Tramontano offer well-maintained dorms and private rooms in the lively city center. B&B Sassi True Colors provides colorful, comfortable accommodation with a communal feel, ideal for solo travelers or couples. Le Dodici Lune, located near the Sassi, is another excellent budget choice offering clean rooms and a warm welcome.

Unique Stays: Cave Hotels

What truly sets Matera apart is its cave hotels-historic dwellings hollowed out of the stone that have been restored into cozy, atmospheric lodgings. Staying in a cave hotel lets visitors sleep amid thick stone walls that maintain cool temperatures year-round, providing an extraordinary sensory connection to the city’s millennia-old heritage. Beyond Sextantio, options include Hotel Palazzo Gattini’s cave suites and locanda Palazzotto, each blending rustic charm with modern luxury to varying degrees. This style of accommodation is an intrinsic part of the Materan experience that while pricey, leaves guests with memories etched in stone-literally.

Top Things to Do in Matera

Exploring the Sassi di Matera

The hallmark attraction of Matera is its labyrinthine Sassi districts Sasso Barisano and Sasso Caveoso steeped in ancient history and raw beauty. Guided walking tours are highly recommended to fully appreciate the tales of these cave homes, abandoned yet eloquently preserved. Highlights include Casa Grotta di Vico Solitario, a meticulously restored typical cave dwelling that offers fascinating insights into early life here.

Photography enthusiasts will find the golden hour light cascading over the stone alleys particularly magical. Some spots like the terraces of Palazzo Lanfranchi and the viewpoints around Belvedere offer sweeping panoramas perfect for capturing the essence of Matera.

Cultural and Historical Attractions

The Matera Cathedral (Duomo di Matera) is a stunning medieval cathedral perched atop the Civita hill. Its Romanesque facade and airy interiors provide a peaceful retreat and a great contrast to the rugged Sassi.

The MUSMA (Museum of Contemporary Sculpture Matera) infuses the historic setting with a modern twist hosting contemporary artworks displayed inside refurbished caves, making it a must-visit for art lovers.

Palombaro Lungo, an awe-inspiring underground water reservoir beneath Piazza Vittorio Veneto, reveals the city’s ancient mastery of water management and its hidden subterranean world.

Outdoor Experiences

Outdoor adventurers will delight in Parco della Murgia Materana, a vast natural park marked by caves, rock churches, and hiking trails weaving through stunning landscapes. The park’s rollercoaster-like terrain offers invigorating walks with spectacular views back towards the city.

Numerous Belvedere points around Matera provide panoramic vistas; the Belvedere Piazzetta Pascoli and Belvedere Luigi Guerricchio are favorites for sunsets.

For those keen on day excursions, the nearby Gravina di Matera ravine is a dramatic gorge carved by the Gravina river ideal for trekking, photography, or simply soaking in nature’s grandeur.

Food and Dining

Matera’s culinary scene is a mouthwatering extension of its rich culture. Signature dishes include Orecchiette pasta with turnip tops, Cialledda bread salad, and Pane di Matera, the city’s famous sourdough bread with a distinct crunchy crust.

Dining options range from rustic trattorias like Osteria Pico to fine establishments such as Ristorante Francesca. For authentic experiences, Enoteca dei Sassi offers local wine tastings paired with delicious cheeses and meats from the Basilicata region.

Don’t miss sampling local wines like Aglianico del Vulture, a robust red varietal known across Italy. Several wine bars provide tastings and cellar tours, perfect for deepening your appreciation of Southern Italy’s viticulture.

Local Tips and Practical Advice

Best Time to Visit Matera

The best time to visit Matera is during spring and autumn when the weather is mild and the crowds manageable. Summers can be hot and bustling with tourists, while winters are generally mild but quieter.

Throughout the year, Matera hosts various festivals such as the Matera International Film Festival and the Natale nei Sassi Christmas celebrations. These events offer immersive cultural experiences worth timing your visit for.

Language and Communication

While Italian is the official language, English is increasingly spoken in tourist areas, hotels, and restaurants. Learning a few basic Italian phrases—such as "Buongiorno" (Good morning), "Per favore" (Please), and "Grazie" (Thank you)-can enhance interactions and is appreciated by locals.

Money Matters

Italy uses the Euro (€), and Matera is well-equipped with ATMs and card payment options, though some smaller establishments might prefer cash. Tipping is not compulsory but rounding up or leaving a small tip (5-10%) in restaurants is customary if service is good.

Conclusion

Matera is an enchanting destination that offers a unique blend of history, culture, and breathtaking views. With its rich past and modern amenities, it caters to all types of travelers-be it history buffs, adventurers, or those seeking a novel experience. Planning your visit thoughtfully will ensure a memorable journey through ancient streets, luxurious accommodations, and incredible culinary delights. Matera truly promises an unforgettable adventure for anyone lucky enough to explore it.