Top Matera Adventure Tours in 2026

Experience the landscapes surrounding Matera without the challenge of navigating Murgia Materana Park’s extensive trail network on your own. This guided trek leads you to ancient caves, rock-hewn churches, and scenic canyon paths while providing insight into the area’s history, biodiversity, and traditions. Along the way, enjoy sweeping views of the Sassi di Matera and discover the prehistoric and cultural heritage that makes this region so distinctive.

Visit Matera on board a bee, a comfortable and fun experience. A tour of the three districts of the Sassi of Matera and the historic center with panoramic stops and curiosities about the recent history of the city of Matera: from a national shame to a city known and appreciated worldwide. It will also be possible to visit a typical "casa cave" house The route lasts just over an hour, accompanied by a local person to discover the secrets of this millennial city. In special requests enter your preferred departure time!

Matera is home to the Sassi cave churches and dwellings that make up one of the oldest cities in the world. Join your guide for an in-depth tour of the Sasso Caveoso and Sasso Barisano districts to learn about their unique history and evolution. Discover rupestrian structures, stroll the steep and narrow lanes, and gain a deeper understanding of how this town, once called the “Shame of Italy”, is now a UNESCO-listed treasure.

The UNESCO World Heritage-listed rock city of Matera stretches over a steep cliff, so exploring it on foot can be tiring. Explore as much as possible without getting tired with this tour aboard an authentic Italian Ape Calessino (Tuk Tuk). Zip through the streets of the historic Sasso Caveoso neighborhood to admire the main churches and squares and snap photos of the famous cave houses and views of the surrounding valley.

We dive into the Park starting from the Sassi districts, across the suspension bridge that crosses the stream. Visit to the UNESCO Park of Murgia Materana with unspoilt nature, flora, fauna, art, ancient history and archaeology to discover. Rock churches (cut into the rock) with millenary frescoes, cisterns for collecting water, farms and tratturi crossed for millennia on the road between Rome and Jerusalem. Personalized tours with professional hiking environmental guide registered with AIGAE (Italian Association of Environmental Hiking Guides). Limited number of participants. It is a unique and exciting tour. You will discover nature, history and art through one of the oldest territories in the world. Bring hiking shoes, windbreaker, water and hat with visor.

Cover more ground and explore the UNESCO-listed Sassi di Matera cave churches and dwellings in less than an hour with this Ape Calessino tour. Buzz through the steep, narrow lanes to see highlights in the Barisano and Caveoso districts plus Civita, the town's historic center. Learn about the history of this unique cliffside town from your driver and guide and pause to admire the top sights and snap photos.

Explore the rugged landscapes of the Dolomiti Lucane without the challenge of navigating unfamiliar off-road terrain on your own. After a safety briefing and hands-on instruction from a professional guide, set out on a quad bike adventure through winding trails, dramatic rock formations, and unspoiled natural scenery. With expert guidance throughout the experience, you can focus on the thrill of the ride while enjoying a safe and well-organized introduction to the region.

Meet every day in Jazzo Gattini for a 2-hour exploration of the UNESCO Park of Murgia Materana. Discover its thousand-year-old Neolithic archaeological wonders, and then visit frescoed medieval rock churches overlooking the Gravina canyon and the Sassi di Matera, ancient cisterns, dry stone walls; a full immersion that travels through millennia of human history, from the dawn of time to the present day. This area boasts not only a wealth of history and archaeological wonders, but also an uncontaminated Mediterranean flora and fauna, immersed in a land that never ceases to amaze and amaze those who want to discover it. With us you can also let children participate with games and curiosities about fossils, flora and fauna.

Private panoramic tour of the historic districts of the city, aboard the historic Ape Calessino Piaggio. You will not share the tour with other guests.

Unveil the secrets of the ancient “cave city” of Matera with this in-depth walking tour through the UNESCO-listed Sassi. Delve into the history of this unique city dug into the cliffside and visit a cave house and rupestrian churches in its two oldest districts. Learn about how residents once lived, marvel at the cathedral set at the town’s upper square, and take in sweeping views over the Murgia Materana Park.

Trekking Through the Sassi and the Murgia: History, Nature, and Adventure Explore Matera on a breathtaking hike through stunning landscapes and ancient history! Start from the heart of the Sassi, guided by an expert guide, and follow the itinerary n. 406, leading you deep into the canyon of the Regional Park of Rupestrian Churches. Cross the thrilling Tibetan Bridge, suspended between sky, stream, and rock, and climb up to reach the Murgia plateau, where wild nature meets the charm of rock-hewn sites, and ancient testimonies carved into the stone. After an unforgettable journey through canyons, caves, and breathtaking views, a shuttle will take you back to Matera, leaving you with lasting memories of this incredible experience in the heart of Basilicata. A light trek, but full of emotions! Are you ready to go?

Hi! I’m Mimma, an official guide for the Murgia Materana Park and an independent environmental hiking and experiential guide. My tours have a strong focus on nature but take a holistic, systemic approach—meaning they naturally integrate history, archaeology, local culture, and literature. I share with hikers how the landscape we traverse has evolved over millennia, the connection between the park and the city, and the broader importance of parks worldwide. What travelers take home isn't just a tour, but a fresh perspective on nature and the world. I invite you to join me on this tour; I love this place and want to share that passion with you, tailoring the pace and level to your preferences and making you feel like Matera is a bit like home. I look forward to seeing you!

Touring the cliffside Sassi di Matera on foot can be tiring. With this tuk-tuk tour, you’ll zip up the steep streets of the old town to take in the top sights in just hours. Delve into the Barisano and Caveoso districts to admire ancient cave dwellings and rupestrian churches and learn about their history via an audio guide. Navigate the warren of narrow lanes with a group leader to avoid getting lost.

Leave behind the busiest streets of Matera and cycle through the open landscapes of the Murgia plateau, along quiet side roads and easy dirt tracks. Admire the sweeping views of the Gravina, reach a vantage point on the Sassi and stop to enjoy a local focaccia and a traditional dessert. The e-bike makes the route pleasant and allows you to discover a quieter and less crowded side of Matera.

Discover the enchanting landscapes of Matera riding an e-bike, easily passing from the iconic Sassi to the uncontaminated paths of the Murgia. With the ability to follow exclusive GPX routes or be accompanied by an experienced local Guide, you can tailor your adventure to your own pace. E-fat bikes guarantee an effortless ride, allowing you to explore historic sites and reach remote churches and hermitages immersed in striking scenery, without the effort of the past. Whether you choose to move independently or with an experienced Guide, the rich history and breathtaking views of Matera await you.

Experience an exhilarating day of rafting on the Lao River, nestled within the stunning Pollino National Park. After a convenient pickup from your hotel in Matera, enjoy a scenic 2.5-hour drive through captivating landscapes before gearing up for an hour of rafting led by a professional guide. This easy-level rafting is perfect for beginners aged 14 and up, combining fun rapids with tranquil stretches for soaking up the breathtaking surroundings. After your adventure, unwind for two hours in nature, choosing among a local meal, a peaceful picnic, or just swimming in the river. This tour is ideal for outdoor enthusiasts seeking a hassle-free experience with all logistics included. - Full-day rafting trip, including round-trip transport from Matera - Paddle through gorges and clear waters on the Lao River - Enjoy 2 hours of free time for lunch and relaxation in the park - Suitable for beginners aged 14 and up, with no prior rafting experience required

Discover the haunting beauty of Craco, a ghost town that seems to emerge from the pages of history, during this captivating day trip from Matera. With a guided tour through its silent streets and crumbling structures, you’ll learn about the town's fascinating past and the landslides that led to its abandonment. Continue to the picturesque town of Pisticci, where you can wander its charming lanes and enjoy authentic Lucanian cuisine at a local trattoria. The day also includes a visit to the Amaro Lucano Museum to uncover the secrets of Italy’s iconic herbal liqueur. Perfect for those seeking mystery and culture in a single day. - Guided 1-hour tour of the dramatic ghost town of Craco - Explore the charming hilltop town of Pisticci with free time - Visit the Amaro Lucano Museum and learn about its history - Hotel pick-up and drop-off from Matera included for convenience