• placement: fullWidthHero
  • path: destinations/hero
  • containerId: gpt-ad-630657914159
  • possible size: [970, 250], [970, 90], [728, 90], [320, 50], [1, 1],
  • targeting: 
    {
  "url": "italy/basilicata/matera",
  "destination": "Matera",
  "title": "matera",
  "type": "City",
  "city": "Matera",
  "region": "Mediterranean-Europe",
  "country": "Italy",
  "continent": "Europe",
  "refresh": 30,
  "refresh_limit": 3
}

Matera

Italy

Italy Travel Guide

Shop

Get even more with a Lonely Planet guide.

Shop Book

Overview

Matera, Basilicata's jewel, may be the world's third-longest continuously inhabited human settlement. Natural caves in the tufa limestone, exposed as the Gravina cut its gorge, attracted the first inhabitants perhaps 7000 years ago. More elaborate structures were built atop them. Today, looking across the gorge to Matera’s huddled sassi (cave dwellings) it seems you've been transported back to the ancient Holy Land.

Meet your new travel partner

Stay connected in Matera

Get unlimited data while you travel with Holafly eSIM. Peace of mind and no hidden fees wherever you go.

LEARN MORE

Take your Italy trip with Lonely Planet Journeys

Pick one of our ready-to-book trips or fully customize your own with help from our local experts.

bookable trip

The Other Italy: a Grand Tour of Sicily's Taormina, Syracuse, and Palermo

11 days / 10 nights

highlights

  1. 1Visiting Taormina’s Greek Theater to imagine the sights and sounds of Hellenistic Sicily
  2. 2Walking along Mount Etna’s volcanic terrain and scenic craters
  3. 3Cruising to Sicily’s Egadi Islands on a Favignana and Levanzo Boat Tour
from $4,950

per person

book this tripsee trip details

Explore more trips

  • From the Heels to the Toes of Southern Italy: Naples, Amalfi, and Puglia
    Italy

    10 days / 9 nights

    From the Heels to the Toes of Southern Italy: Naples, Amalfi, and Puglia

    FROM $4,950

    per person

    See Trip Details
  • Italy's La Dolce Vita in Venice, Rome, and Florence
    Italy

    11 days / 10 nights

    Italy's La Dolce Vita in Venice, Rome, and Florence

    FROM $5,500

    per person

    See Trip Details
  • Sardinia's Spectacular Serenade: 10 Days on the Italian Island
    Italy

    10 days / 9 nights

    Sardinia's Spectacular Serenade: 10 Days on the Italian Island

    FROM $4,500

    per person

    See Trip Details

Must-see attractions

Explore all
  • placement: fullWidth
  • path: destinations/top
  • containerId: gpt-ad-643268581463
  • possible size: [970, 250], [970, 90], [728, 90], [300, 250], [320, 50], [1, 1],
  • targeting: 
    {
  "url": "italy/basilicata/matera",
  "destination": "Matera",
  "title": "matera",
  "type": "City",
  "city": "Matera",
  "region": "Mediterranean-Europe",
  "country": "Italy",
  "continent": "Europe",
  "refresh": 30,
  "refresh_limit": 3
}
  • placement: fullWidth
  • path: destinations/middle
  • containerId: gpt-ad-278090031321
  • possible size: [970, 250], [970, 90], [728, 90], [300, 250], [320, 50], [1, 1],
  • targeting: 
    {
  "url": "italy/basilicata/matera",
  "destination": "Matera",
  "title": "matera",
  "type": "City",
  "city": "Matera",
  "region": "Mediterranean-Europe",
  "country": "Italy",
  "continent": "Europe",
  "refresh": 30,
  "refresh_limit": 3
}

Get a book. Get inspired. Get exploring.

Explore all books

in partnership with getyourguide

Book popular activities in Matera

  • placement: fullWidth
  • path: destinations/bottom
  • containerId: gpt-ad-422840662131
  • possible size: [970, 250], [970, 90], [728, 90], [300, 250], [320, 50], [1, 1],
  • targeting: 
    {
  "url": "italy/basilicata/matera",
  "destination": "Matera",
  "title": "matera",
  "type": "City",
  "city": "Matera",
  "region": "Mediterranean-Europe",
  "country": "Italy",
  "continent": "Europe",
  "refresh": 30,
  "refresh_limit": 3
}