The first booking in Matera is easy: a guided walk through the Sassi, because the cave districts are a maze of stairs and viewpoints with little signage. The 6 priced tours, from $14 to $35, are almost all variations on that walk, so the choice comes down to group size and guide.
Related: Best Tours & Experiences in Matera Sassi Italy
Top-Rated Matera Italy Tours & Experiences
Discovering Matera As a Group
A group tour of Matera’s old districts, which suits solo travelers and those on a tight budget. Expect a mix of history and local stories. Check the group size, the language and the meeting point, and wear shoes with grip for the stairs.
Guided Walking Tour of the Historic Center and Sassi of Matera
A walking tour that includes the historic center above the Sassi, such as the cathedral square, as well as the cave districts below. Good for a full picture of the city’s layers. Allow around two hours and check what is included.
Guided Tour of Matera Sassi
A straightforward guided visit to the Sassi, focused on cave dwellings, rock churches and viewpoints over the gorge. A good fit for first-timers. Bring water, wear a hat in summer and confirm whether the tour enters a cave house.
Whichever experience you choose, booking online ahead of time in Matera Italy means one less thing to worry about once you land.
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How These Matera Tours Were Chosen
Matera is one of the oldest continuously inhabited places in Europe, and its Sassi were UNESCO-listed in 1993. It was a European Capital of Culture in 2019 and has appeared in several films. Across 6 priced tours, 5,164 travelers have left reviews averaging 4.8 stars.
Tour in the Sassi of Matera is the best rated with 5 stars from 421 reviews, while Discover Matera is the most reviewed, with 1,921 reviews at 4.9 stars.
Best Area to Base Yourself in Matera
Sleeping in a cave hotel inside the Sassi is the signature stay, but reaching it involves stairs and luggage logistics. Rooms in the upper town are easier to access and have more services. Bari airport is roughly an hour and a quarter by road, and Matera has no direct high-speed rail.
What you are looking at
The Sassi are two districts of homes dug into soft limestone above a ravine. Families lived in caves, often with animals, until the 1950s, when residents were relocated to new housing. Restoration and tourism have since turned many caves into hotels, restaurants and museums, and a guide explains the turnaround.
Seasons and Crowds in Matera
Spring and fall are comfortable, from April to June and September to October. Summer afternoons are hot on the pale stone with little shade, so walk early or late. Winter can be chilly and damp, but the Sassi are atmospheric and the crowds thin out. Evenings are especially photogenic as the lights come on.
Tour Prices in Matera
Prices are low here: $14 to $35, with a median near $20. The cheapest, Tour in the Sassi of Matera, costs $14. Because the walks are similar, compare group size, language, duration and whether a cave house entry is included.
Choosing Between the Top Matera Tours
You can wander the Sassi alone with a map, and the viewpoints are free. But the districts are a maze with little signage, and a guide adds history, folklore and access to spots you would miss. The tours cost little, which makes them an easy add-on.
Booking Tips for Matera
Wear shoes with grip, since the stone steps are worn and slippery. Bring water and a hat, and expect many stairs. Respect residents’ privacy and stay on public paths.
Common Questions About Matera Tours
How much does a Matera tour cost?
Prices range from $14 to $35, with a median near $20. The cheapest, Tour in the Sassi of Matera, costs $14, so a guided Sassi walk fits most budgets.
Which Matera tour has the best reviews?
Tour in the Sassi of Matera holds 5 stars from 421 reviews, and Discover Matera is the most reviewed with 1,921 reviews at 4.9 stars.
How long do I need in Matera?
A full day covers the Sassi, the viewpoints and a meal. An overnight lets you see the stone districts lit at night and quiet in the morning.
How do I get to Matera?
Most visitors come by road from Bari airport, roughly an hour and a quarter away, or by regional train from Bari. Check the schedules, since services are less frequent than on main lines.
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