Matera · Italy
Matera Tours & Things to Do
Discover the best Matera tours and things to do in one of the world’s oldest inhabited cities: wander the ancient cave dwellings of the Sassi on a guided walk, step inside a Casa Grotta cave house and rock-hewn church, ride an Ape Calessino through the lanes, watch the sunset glow over the Murgia canyon, learn to roll orecchiette in a pasta class, and day-trip to the trulli of Alberobello. Compare top-rated experiences and plan the perfect trip.
188 experiences Free cancellation Top-rated tours Instant booking
Sunset tours in Matera
Departures that are under way when the sun sets in the coming weeks — start times checked against the local sunset.
Good for families in Matera
Children can join from a young age and pay less than adults — taken from each operator’s price list.
Browse
Explore Matera by interest
Whatever brings you to Matera — world-class museums, the river, or a long lunch — start with the experiences travellers love most.
What to see
Top attractions in Matera
The landmarks that define the city — and the tickets and tours that get you in, often skipping the line.
The Sassi
Cave districts.
25 toursView tours
Casa Grotta
Cave house.
20 toursView tours
Murgia Belvedere
Canyon views.
10 toursView tours
Local Cuisine
Pasta & wine.
15 toursView tours
Alberobello
Trulli town.
10 toursView tours
Rock Churches
Frescoed crypts.
10 toursView tours
Sassi Lanes
Ancient streets.
20 toursView tours
Sunset Sassi
Golden hour.
10 toursView tours
1 hr awayAlberobello
Trulli town.
from €55View trips
Ravine awayMurgia Park
Canyon views.
from €30View trips
Nearby awayCrypt of Sin
Rock frescoes.
from €25View trips
Basilicata awayWine Country
Local flavours.
from €45View trips
Center awayThe Sassi
Cave districts.
from €25View trips
Sassi awayCasa Grotta
Cave house.
from €20View trips
Practical guide
Know before you go
Short, straight answers to the questions every Matera visitor asks before booking.
Spring (Apr–Jun)
Warm and pleasant — ideal for walking the Sassi.
Summer (Jul–Aug)
Hot and busy, with long sunny days.
Autumn (Sep–Oct)
Mild and golden — a lovely time to visit.
Winter (Nov–Mar)
Cool and quiet, with atmospheric light.
For photos
Sunrise and sunset light the Sassi beautifully.
Best overall
April to June and September to October are ideal.
One day
A Sassi walk, a cave house and the sunset.
Two days
Add an Ape ride and Alberobello.
Three days
Add a cooking class and Puglia.
For history
The Sassi, cave houses and rock churches.
For food
Pasta classes and wine tastings.
For views
The Murgia Belvedere and sunset.
On foot
The Sassi are best explored on foot, with steps.
Ape & open bus
Ape Calessino and buses avoid the climbs.
By car
A car reaches Alberobello and Puglia.
By train
Trains link Matera with Bari for connections.
Where to stay
Stay in a Sassi cave hotel for the full experience.
Euro
Italy uses the euro; cards widely accepted.
Sassi walk
Take a guided walk to grasp the history.
Cave house
Visit a Casa Grotta to see how families lived.
Ape ride
Ride an Ape Calessino to skip the steep climbs.
Sunset
Head to the Murgia Belvedere for golden hour.
Cooking class
Learn to make orecchiette in a cave cellar.
Good shoes
The Sassi have steps and cobbles — wear flat shoes.
Sassi tours
Popular walking tours sell out — book ahead.
Cooking classes
Small classes fill up — reserve early.
Ape rides
Panoramic rides fill up — book ahead.
Sunset tours
Murgia sunset tours sell out — reserve early.
Alberobello trips
Day trips fill up — book ahead.
Peak season
Spring and autumn are busiest — book ahead.
Sassi walk
Around €20–45 for a guided Sassi walking tour.
Cave house tour
About €25–50 with cave house and church entry.
Ape ride
Roughly €25–50 for an Ape Calessino tour.
Cooking class
Around €55–90 for a pasta class with a meal.
Alberobello trip
About €55–100 for an Alberobello day trip.
How to save
Join group Sassi walks to keep costs down.
When to visit
Matera through the seasons
What's best, how busy it gets, and one booking tip for each time of year.
Spring (Apr–Jun)
Apr–Jun
- Best for
- Walking.
- Crowds
- Booking tip
- Ideal.
Summer (Jul–Aug)
Jul–Aug
- Best for
- Long days.
- Crowds
- Booking tip
- Hot.
Autumn (Sep–Oct)
Sep–Oct
- Best for
- Golden light.
- Crowds
- Booking tip
- Lovely.
Winter (Nov–Mar)
Nov–Mar
- Best for
- Quiet & moody.
- Crowds
- Booking tip
- Cool.
People also ask
Matera travel FAQ
What are the best tours in Matera?
The highest-rated experiences are a Sassi walking tour, a cave house visit, an Ape Calessino ride, and a Murgia sunset.
What should I book in advance in Matera?
Reserve Sassi walking tours, cooking classes and Alberobello trips ahead, especially in spring and autumn.
How many days do I need in Matera?
One day covers the Sassi, and two to three let you add food and Alberobello.
Is Matera worth visiting?
Yes — its ancient Sassi cave districts are a UNESCO wonder unlike anywhere else.
When is the best time to visit Matera?
April to June and September to October offer the most pleasant weather.
What are the Sassi of Matera?
Ancient cave dwellings carved into the rock, among the oldest continuously inhabited in the world.
Is Matera good for food?
Yes — orecchiette pasta, Matera bread and local wine are highlights.
188 Matera experiencesfrom €25 · free cancellation
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