Top Matera Outdoor Activities

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!

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.

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.

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.

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.

Organize with us your Private Tour in the Sassi and Murgia Materana. Aboard a comfortable 8-seater Mercedes van you can discover everything there is to see in the city. From Sasso Caveoso to Sasso Barisano, we will cross the Old Town until we reach the Belvedere with its breathtaking view! Bottles of water will be available to our Guests. We offer customers a “private tour” service that allows you to visit the length and breadth of Matera Everything is set up to allow you as much as possible to enjoy every single moment of your trip, and all in value for money! During the Tour in Van an audio guide service will be provided You can choose the following languages: Italian/English/Spanish/French/German/Portuguese/Bulgarian/ Czechoslovak/Danish/Chinese/Estonian/Polish/Russian/Hungarian Entrance to all listed sites is included during the Tour. In short, only with US you can visit EVERYTHING!

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.

A panoramic excursion in rocky habitats, flanking the Gravina di Matera and its stream which extends for 20 km, from the foot of the city of Matera, made famous for its Sassi and declared a world heritage site by UNESCO. We will follow the stream along the ridge of one side of the ravine, enjoying the landscapes of the Murgia Materana Regional Park. First by exploring the rock church of San Nicola all'Ofra, a farmhouse with its rooms dug into the cliff that communicate with each other: tunnels, stairways, cisterns, churches, developing on 3 levels of height. And then the karst Bat Cave, among the oldest evidence of human life in this area, a series of corridors, a breeding site for flying mammals, a place that hides the treasure of King Barbarossa between history and legend and where thanks research carried out in recent centuries revealed Paleolithic tools and fossils of extinct animals, such as the cave bear.

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 the top attractions of Matera—named the European “capital of culture” in 2019—on this guided excursion. After meeting up with a knowledgeable local guide, explore sites like the Cathedral of Matera, the Church of San Giovanni Battista, and Piazza Vittorio Veneto. Learn about the city’s history and culture, and enjoy scenic views of Sasso Barisano and Sasso Cavoso.

Beneath Matera's main piazza lies a sealed underground city — Roman cisterns, a ninth-century church, and a tank that held five million litres of rainwater. This self-guided audio tour of the Sassi di Matera, delivered through an app, takes you past what most visitors never notice. You'll learn why families paid for better skull placement on a church door, how an assassinated count sparked a city motto about patient revenge, and why Hollywood chose these cave streets over the actual Holy Land. Your guide covers both Sasso districts, the cathedral, and cave homes where families of eleven lived alongside their animals. Start anytime, pause for photos, go at your pace — no group to follow, no fixed schedule. Works offline in the narrow streets. Over 20,000 travellers trust our self-guided tours, and every booking comes with a full refund guarantee. If you want to understand Matera rather than just photograph it, this Matera walking tour is built for exactly that.

Discover the historical "Sassi" neighbourhoods with a high profile guide. Our guides are all very fluent in English. Starting from the upper part of the city centre, you will get to know the most alive part of the town, where the locals live. Moving towards the Sassi area, you will have the chance to better understand how this complex city developed over the centuries. Passing first by the Sasso Barisano which we will admire from a panoramic terrace, the tour keeps going on through the internal alleys of the Sasso Caveoso with several stops to dig into the depths of Matera’s historical, architectural and cultural background. Our choice on what to include in the tour has been made, taking into careful consideration which sites are most worthy of the presence of a guide. We decided to include a rock-hewn church: Santa Lucia alle Malve. At the end of the tour the guide will share with you infos on which other places it’s worth of visiting on your own.

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.

Enjoy stunning aerial views of UNESCO-listed Matera during this small-group hot air balloon ride. Soar above the iconic hilltop city on a safe and panoramic journey, admiring the distinctive architecture and cultural sights with rare, bird's eye views. Small-group flights are capped at only eight participants and include an Italian breakfast.

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?

Discover the magic of the Sassi of Matera, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, with a guided tuk tuk tour, a comfortable, original and suggestive way to explore one of the oldest cities in the world. Accompanied by an expert Guide, you will cross the famous Sasso Caveoso and Sasso Barisano, admiring rock churches, ancient houses carved into the rock and breathtaking views of Gravina. The tuk tuk allows you to reach even the most characteristic and panoramic points, making the experience pleasant and accessible to everyone. Along the way, the Guide will tell you about the history, curiosities and traditions of Matera, from its prehistoric origins to the cultural revival that made it the European Capital of Culture. Photographic stops are planned at the most iconic points to capture unique views. An ideal experience for those who want to get to know Matera in a relaxed, authentic and fun way, without sacrificing the charm and depth of the historical story.

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.

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.

Serious hiking options in southern Italy are limited—many renowned trails, such as the Path of the Gods, are far from Basilicata. The Path of the Seven Stones is the region's standout: a 5.6-mile (9-kilometer) route connecting Castelmezzano and Pietrapertosa with significant elevation changes and seven sculpture installations based on local witch folklore. Hike the route with a AIGAE-certified environmental guide, and skip any navigation hassle or planning headaches.

Experience the thrill of a parasailing adventure departing from the beautiful Porto degli Argonauti. Glide high above the crystal-clear waters and take in sweeping aerial views along ancient Greek maritime routes. Between flights, enjoy a refreshing swim stop and savor fresh fruit and soft drinks on board. Suitable for individuals, couples, or small groups, this unique activity requires no prior experience—just a sense of adventure. Friendly, professional staff ensure your journey is both safe and unforgettable.

Explore the ancient Sassi of Matera in a fun and interactive way that transforms sightseeing into an unforgettable adventure. Solve clues as you navigate winding streets, uncover hidden corners, and learn fascinating stories along the way. Families, couples, and curious travelers will discover this unconventional experience encourages you to engage with one of Italy's most extraordinary cities from a completely different perspective.

what to do in Matera after visiting the beauty of the stones? you can live a unique experience, inside a cave, the underground escape room offers the visitor the opportunity to measure their intuition, trying their hand at mysteries, puzzles, tests of intelligence and logic. it is possible to book the escape with minimum 4 participants and maximum 8, for each time slot. To spend an hour, when the summer heat gives no respite or when the winter cold bites. To challenge yourself, your skills, your fears. To test the understanding between fellow adventurers To consolidate work teams. Everything is possible in one location, to MateraSum_Materasotterranea

Discover Sassi di Matera through a unique e-bike experience inspired by the principles of slow tourism. This guided tour lets you explore Matera at a relaxed pace, connecting with its landscapes, history, and local culture while minimizing your environmental impact. Ride effortlessly through ancient stone alleys, scenic terraces, and lesser-known paths, reaching quieter areas beyond the main tourist routes. Continue towards the Palomba rupestrian area, where rural scenery and rupestrian landscapes reveal a different and more authentic side of the territory. Along the way, stop at a panoramic viewpoint overlooking the Sassi and the surrounding landscape, offering breathtaking views and perfect photo opportunities. An eco-friendly and immersive way to discover Matera, combining nature, heritage, and active exploration.