Where to Stay in MateraSassi or New Town?

Why should you stay overnight in Matera?

Most visitors come on a day trip from Bari or Puglia and leave by late afternoon. Then the Sassi, the ancient cave districts that have been a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1993, light up and go quiet. Sunset and the early morning are the best hours, and you only get both if you sleep here.

Which area of Matera is right for you?

1. 1

   

   Good for: First visit, couples

   Sasso Barisano

   The larger of the two Sassi, with most restaurants, bars and boutique hotels built into the rock. Lively in the evening, still calm at night.

   • most restaurants and bars within walking distance
   • many cave hotels with character
   • lively in the evening, but not loud

   • lots of steps
   • parking only at the edge

   $$–$$$Not ideal for: Travelers with a stroller or heavy luggage.

   Try here: Pane di Matera, the city's own bread with protected origin (IGP).

   Hotels in Sasso Barisano →
2. 2

   

   Good for: Views and quiet

   Sasso Caveoso

   Older and quieter, facing the gorge and the rock churches. The lanes are steeper, the views over the ravine are the best in town.

   • the best view over the gorge
   • rock churches right outside
   • quieter than Barisano

   • steeper lanes
   • fewer restaurants nearby

   $$–$$$Not ideal for: Anyone who wants lots of dinner choices.

   Try here: Peperoni cruschi, crispy fried dried peppers from Basilicata.

   Hotels in Sasso Caveoso →
3. 3
   Good for: Short stays

   Civita

   The hill between the two Sassi, crowned by the cathedral. From here you reach both Sassi on foot in minutes.

   • right between the two Sassi
   • views to both sides
   • the cathedral next door

   • few, usually pricier places
   • on top of the hill, more steps

   $$$Not ideal for: Travelers on a budget.

   Try here: Crapiata, a farmers' stew of pulses and grains.

   Hotels in Civita →
4. 4
   Good for: Drivers, families, budget

   Piano (new town)

   The flat town above the Sassi with shops, parking and lower prices. The edge of the Sassi is only a few minutes away on foot.

   • flat, reachable by car, parking
   • cheaper, more choice
   • shops, bars and the station nearby

   • no cave atmosphere
   • a walk down to the Sassi in the evening

   $–$$Not ideal for: Anyone set on the cave hotel experience.

   Try here: Cialledda, a bread salad of day-old Matera bread with tomatoes.

   Hotels in Piano (new town) →

What should you know before booking?

The Sassi are mostly closed to traffic and full of steps. Ask your hotel where to park and whether they help with luggage; many do.

Cave rooms stay cool in summer but can feel damp in winter. Look for rooms with a window if that matters to you.

One or two nights are enough for the Sassi, the rock churches and the viewpoint across the gorge.

How do you get to Matera?

The nearest airport is Bari, about an hour away by car. Without a car, the regional FAL railway runs from Bari to Matera; there are also buses. Matera is not on Italy's main rail network.