Matera tours

Things to do in Matera

Welcome to Matera, a place that feels like stepping into another era. The ancient stone dwellings, or Sassi, carved into the hillsides, hold stories of bygone days. The city resonates with an old-world rhythm, reflected in its winding streets and cave churches. With a local guide, Matera tours become a personal journey through this UNESCO World Heritage site. You’ll find hidden corners on a walking tour and savour the rich tastes of Basilicata on a food and wine tour. In Matera, history isn’t just observed; it’s felt, as your guide shares tales that make the stones themselves speak. If you’re looking for more inspiration, take a look at our curated list of things to do in Matera. Explore Matera your way At ToursByLocals, we believe that how you explore is just as important as where you go. That’s why every Matera tour is private, flexible, and built around you: Move at your own pace, skip the crowds, make connections and follow your curiosity. Find local guides offering private tours in Matera for every interest, including: History tours: Navigate the stairways of Sasso Barisano and Sasso Caveoso to rupestrian churches like Santa Maria de Idris and San Pietro Barisano, then descend into the Palombaro Lungo cistern beneath Piazza Vittorio Veneto for a look at the old water system. Many travellers add the viewpoint at Belvedere Murgia Timone across the ravine for wide shots of the Sassi. Art and Culture tours: Visit MUSMA to see contemporary sculpture installed in cave spaces, then continue to Palazzo Lanfranchi and the Ridola Museum for regional collections. Drop into small ateliers to watch artisans carve soft tufo or craft presepi, and try a short hands‑on stone‑carving session if you want. Food and Drink tours: Sample warm pane di Matera IGP at a historic forno, then taste caciocavallo podolico, lucanian salumi, and crunchy peperoni cruschi at a deli tucked into the rock. Wrap up with Aglianico del Vulture flights at a tiny Sassi enoteca or join a cave‑kitchen class to hand‑shape orecchiette. The Sassi are walkable but steep with many stairs and cobbles, and local buses don’t reach every lane; you can book chauffeured tours or ask your guide to include private transportation, especially for the Crypt of the Original Sin and the Murgia park. This isn’t a one-size-fits-all itinerary, you can tailor your private tour to match your interests, pace and personality with a local who knows Matera inside and out. Walking tours & neighbourhoods In Matera, Italy, a private walking tour with a local guide can lead you through the city's intriguing neighborhoods, each offering a unique experience. Whether you're here for the history, the stunning landscapes, or the local culture, there's a neighborhood to spark your curiosity. - Sassi di Matera: Known for its ancient cave dwellings, this area is a treasure trove for cultural tourists and history enthusiasts. You can wander through its labyrinthine streets and learn about its transformation over the centuries. - Piazza Vittorio Veneto: Ideal for families and groups, this lively square is surrounded by shops and cafes. You can enjoy the vibrant atmosphere and indulge in some local delicacies while soaking in the city's pulse. - Civita: With its panoramic views and historical significance, Civita caters to those seeking meaningful connections with the past. You can explore the stunning architecture and reflect on Matera's unique heritage. Day trip ideas from Matera Base yourself in Matera, then look to nearby towns and coastlines for easy day trips that add variety to your time in Basilicata and Puglia, and pick tours that match what you like most. Alberobello: Stroll lanes lined with trulli and see how these cone-roof homes shape a whole town, then drop into small workshops for simple crafts and local tastes; if you enjoy design, architecture, and easy photo stops, your tour can focus on the most interesting districts without rushing. Altamura: Smell wood-fired ovens turning out the city’s famous DOP bread, visit the Romanesque cathedral, and learn why this limestone plateau built a strong baking and farming culture; food fans and history buffs get a solid mix in a short hop from Matera. Craco: View a dramatic hilltop ghost town set above wheat fields and badlands, with film locations and wide-angle viewpoints that reward anyone into atmospheric places; it suits photographers and curious urban explorers who like stories of resilience. Metaponto: Walk Magna Graecia ruins like the Tavole Palatine temple, then breathe sea air on the Ionian shore for a change of pace; if you like ancient history and a relaxed coast stop on the same day, this is an easy fit. A private tour with a local guide is the best way to really get to know a place. Skip the crowds, follow your interests, and see a side of Matera most travellers miss.