Italy
Day trips in Matera
Full-day excursions to the places worth leaving the city for. Matera is built into the side of a limestone ravine, with two cave districts, Sasso Caveoso and Sasso Barisano, that were inhabited for millennia and evacuated in the 1950s.
Best day trips in Matera
Free cancellation on most experiences. We may earn a commission at no extra cost to you.
What to expect
Day trips usually run 8 to 12 hours with transport and guide, sometimes lunch and entries. Departure points are central; hotel pickup costs more.
Popular day trips from Matera: Alberobello, Craco ghost town, Altamura and Castelmezzano and Pietrapertosa.
How to choose
- What is included: entries, lunch, guide on site
- Time actually spent at destination vs on the road
- Group size on the bus
- Free cancellation in case of weather
Local tips
- Compare what is included before comparing prices: entries and lunch change the real cost.
- Book a guide for the rock churches, as several are only open with a tour or a combined ticket.
- Go to the Belvedere di Murgia Timone across the ravine at sunset for the classic view back onto the Sassi.
Combine it with: Guided walk of the Sassi, Rock churches of Santa Maria de Idris and San Pietro Barisano and Casa Grotta cave house.
Frequently asked questions
How long do day trips in Matera last?
Day trips usually run 8 to 12 hours with transport and guide, sometimes lunch and entries. Departure points are central; hotel pickup costs more.
What is the best way to book day trips in Matera?
Compare what is included before comparing prices: entries and lunch change the real cost. Book a guide for the rock churches, as several are only open with a tour or a combined ticket.
Can I cancel day trips in Matera?
Most experiences listed here offer free cancellation up to 24 hours before the start. Check the conditions on the booking page before paying.
When is the best time to visit Matera?
April to June and September to October are best for walking the steep stone lanes. July and August are hot in the open Sassi, and the Festa della Bruna on 2 July fills the city.