About Matera
Matera is a city and the capital of the Province of Matera in the region of Basilicata, in Southern Italy. With a history of continuous occupation dating back to prehistory, it is renowned for its rock-cut urban core, whose twin cliffside zones are known collectively as the Sassi.
Cheap flights to Matera
The lowest round-trip fare found by Destina Holidays travellers in the last 30 days was $1,068 from Indianapolis, travelling 13 Dec – 28 Dec. These are the cheapest fares from the most searched cities.
- IND Indianapolis to Matera13 Dec – 28 Dec · BRI from$1,068
- CVG Cincinnati to Matera14 Dec – 29 Dec · BRI from$1,467
Airlines travellers compared most often: United Airlines.
Prices are per adult in US dollars, taken from searches between 20 Sep and 20 Oct 2026. Fares change often, so search your dates for live prices.
Search flights to MateraPlaces to visit in Matera
-
Sassi di Matera
HistoricAncient cave dwellings carved into a ravine, forming one of the oldest continuously inhabited settlements in the world. Wear sturdy shoes for the countless stairs, and come back at dusk, when lights flicker on across the cave districts.
-
Matera Cathedral
ReligiousA Romanesque cathedral on the high ridge between the two Sassi districts, with a lavish baroque interior. The square outside offers some of the best views over the Sasso Barisano below.
-
Murgia Materana Park
ParkA regional park on the plateau across the ravine from Matera, dotted with rock-cut churches and caves. Hike down from the Sassi and over the suspension bridge, or drive to the Belvedere for the classic view of the town.
-
Palombaro Lungo
HistoricA huge underground water cistern beneath Piazza Vittorio Veneto, explored on a walkway inside. Visits are guided and fairly short, making it a good stop during the hottest part of the day.
-
Crypt of Original Sin
ReligiousA cave church in the countryside outside Matera with some of the oldest early medieval frescoes in southern Italy. Visits are by reservation only, and you will need a car or a tour to reach it.
-
Castello Tramontano
HistoricAn unfinished 16th-century castle with three round towers on a hill above the Sassi. The park around it is a pleasant, shady break from the old town's stairs and makes a nice spot for a picnic.
-
Alberobello
NeighborhoodA town of trulli, whitewashed stone houses with conical roofs, about an hour's drive from Matera into Puglia. Walk up through the Rione Monti district for photos, and arrive early before the tour buses.
Things to do in Matera by type
11 tours, tickets and experiences across 2 categories. Pick a type to see what is available for your dates.
-
City tours 7 experiences Calanchi of Montalbano Jonico - Bike Tour -
Gastronomy & nightlife 3 experiences Bread Matera: An old tradition
- 3-6 hours 2
- Over 6 hours 2
- 1-3 hours 2
- Small group 2
- Private 1
Top experiences in Matera
Tours, tickets and experiences you can book with Destina Holidays, from 11 available.
Sassi Di Matera - Walking Tour
From $17 per adult
Matera: no time to die (mission 007)
From $76 per adult
Murgia Park and Rocky Churches Tour
From $29 per adult
Calanchi of Montalbano Jonico - Bike Tour
From $64 per adult
Discover Matera - 2-days / 1Night Tour with Meal and Tickets
From $172 per adult
Sassi to Murgia across the Tibetan Bridge Walking Tour
From $117 per adult
Sassi di Matera and Park of Rupestrian Churches - Half-Day E-Bike Tour
From $175 per adult
Where to stay in Matera
Popular hotels in Matera, out of 178 properties you can book.
BV Quarry Matera
From $200 per night
Locanda Di San Martino
From $118 per night
Aquatio Cave Luxury Hotel & Spa
From $202 per night
Cenobio Hotel
From $178 per night
Palazzo Gattini - VRetreats
From $272 per night
Eurostars Matera La Suite
From $147 per night
Sant'Angelo, Matera - Small Luxury Hotels
From $303 per night
Palazzo Viceconte
From $178 per night
Casa Papapietro
From $53 per night
Sextantio Le Grotte Della Civita
From $295 per night
Masseria Santa Lucia
From $169 per night
Palazzo Del Duca
From $141 per night
Best time to visit Matera
Based on recent weather records, the most comfortable time to visit Matera is May and September to October, when average daytime highs are around 70–82°F and rain falls on about 9 days a month.
Average daily low and high temperatures and days with at least 1 mm of rain, from recent weather records. Highlighted months are the most comfortable for sightseeing.
Matera weather forecast
- Wed 21 Oct 69° 60° 25%
- Thu 22 Oct 72° 56° 3%
- Fri 23 Oct 67° 51° 3%
- Sat 24 Oct 63° 53° 27%
- Sun 25 Oct 64° 48° 32%
- Mon 26 Oct 64° 44° 41%
Know before you go
- Currency
- Euro (EUR)1 US dollar ≈ €0.89
- Language
- Italian
- Calling code
- +39
- Driving
- On the right
- Time zone
- Europe/RomeUTC+2
- Capital
- Rome
Upcoming public holidays in Italy
- All Saints DayTutti i Santi
- Immaculate ConceptionImmacolata Concezione
- Christmas DayNatale
- St. Stephen's DaySanto Stefano
- New Year's DayCapodanno
- EpiphanyEpifania
Banks, offices and some attractions may close on public holidays, and flights and hotels often fill up early around them.
Getting to Matera
These are the airports closest to central Matera. Compare fares into each one, as a slightly longer transfer can sometimes mean a much cheaper flight.
- BRI Bari Karol Wojtyła Airport34 mi (54 km) from the city centre
- TAR Taranto-Grottaglie Airport43 mi (70 km) from the city centre
- VBS Brescia Airport68 mi (109 km) from the city centre
Getting around Matera
After exiting Matera Centrale, there is a piazza to the left with various buses. From here, "Linea Sassi" buses to I Sassi di Matera every 30 min; the inexpensive tickets are sold upon boarding. The Sassi can also be reached on foot in about 20 minutes by walking straight ahead downhill from the piazza. The Sassi can only be explored on foot, and tourist information is available locally.
Matera travel FAQ
When is the best time to visit Matera?
Based on recent weather records, the most comfortable time to visit Matera is May and September to October, when average daytime highs are around 70–82°F and rain falls on about 9 days a month.
What is the weather like in Matera?
July is usually the warmest month in Matera, with average highs of 94°F (35°C). January is the coolest, with average lows of 39°F (4°C). The wettest month is typically January, with about 92 mm of rain.
Which airport is closest to Matera?
Bari Karol Wojtyła Airport (BRI) is the closest airport, about 34 miles (54 km) from the centre of Matera. Other nearby airports include Taranto-Grottaglie Airport (TAR, 43 mi) and Brescia Airport (VBS, 68 mi).
How much are flights to Matera?
The cheapest round-trip fare Destina Holidays travellers found to Matera in the last 30 days was $1,068 from Indianapolis, travelling 13 Dec – 28 Dec.
What currency is used in Matera?
Matera uses the Euro (EUR). At the latest exchange rate, 1 US dollar ≈ €0.89.
What time zone is Matera in?
Matera uses the Europe/Rome time zone (currently UTC+2). Remember to check for daylight saving changes when planning connecting flights.
How do I get around Matera?
After exiting Matera Centrale, there is a piazza to the left with various buses. From here, "Linea Sassi" buses to I Sassi di Matera every 30 min; the inexpensive tickets are sold upon boarding. The Sassi can also be reached on foot in about 20 minutes by walking straight ahead downhill from the piazza.
What are the best places to visit in Matera?
Top sights in Matera include Sassi di Matera, Matera Cathedral, Murgia Materana Park and Palombaro Lungo. Ancient cave dwellings carved into a ravine, forming one of the oldest continuously inhabited settlements in the world. Wear sturdy shoes for the countless stairs, and come back at dusk, when lights flicker on across the cave districts.
What are the top things to do in Matera?
Popular experiences you can book in Matera include Sassi Di Matera - Walking Tour, Matera: no time to die (mission 007) and Murgia Park and Rocky Churches Tour. Destina Holidays offers 11 tours and activities here.
What kinds of tours and activities can I book in Matera?
The most popular types of experiences in Matera are city tours (7), gastronomy & nightlife (3), day trips & excursions (1) and specialist tours (1). Filter by type when you search to compare prices and availability for your dates.
Where should I stay in Matera?
Popular areas for hotels in Matera include Matera. Well-reviewed options include BV Quarry Matera and Locanda Di San Martino.
How many hotels can I book in Matera?
Destina Holidays currently lists 178 properties in and around Matera, from budget stays to luxury hotels. Search your dates to see live prices and availability.
