Just yesterday that I was thinking about what to do this summer and if I can go somewhere now that finally there are fewer restrictions in my country, these photos have emerged that I had stored in the hardisk.

so I wanted to share them with you not only to share the photos I took this summer but also to share the experience I had on this island that I think is worth visiting at least once in a lifetime.

I still remember that I took a fast hydrofoil from Naples without booking, usually there are two / three in the morning and within 20 minutes I arrived on the island, then to reach the center of Capri I took the funicular otherwise yes you can use a taxi but the cost goes up significantly.

What I recommend from my experience is to go to Capri in the spring or at the end of summer not only for a matter of heat which in any case is never so excessive but for a matter of crowding of people because in the high season the island is very busy and so it becomes really difficult to shoot it in peace.

is what I also recommend is to take a tour around the island, perhaps for the more experienced it is more convenient to rent a boat or take advantage of the many excursions that the island offers.

There is the possibility to visit the famous blue grotto where you can only enter with rowing boats and when there is high season and you can also wait several hours but the beauty is also to go around the square and here too the prices are quite enough. high precisely because Capri tends to attract a medium-high clientele so in restaurants and bars you will certainly find a menu that is not suitable for all budgets.

In the famous square you will also find many shops of famous brands in the world but nearby there is also a beautiful museum called the Caprese center Ignazio Cerius where at a cost of only 3 euros you can visit a beautiful museum where all the finds are kept archaeological sites that have been found on the island over the years.

I hope I have been able to give you as much information as possible for a future visit to the island of Capri.

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Memories of this summer: the island of Capri

Just yesterday that I was thinking about what to do this summer and if I can go somewhere now that finally there are fewer restrictions in...

Memories of this summer: the island of Capri

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As you may have noticed by now each year I try to do a bit of bike touring and so last year in 2022 by springtime the EuroVelo calling started to grow in my mind like the wheat on the fields. It's part of my anual wish list and it's a meaningful thing for me. On these bike touring trips is where I recharge and find my balance each year, so in a way it's like a holistic trip for me.

Presently I'm touring on EuroVelo 7 and so far I only cycled north as far as Copenhagen in Scandinavia.

Last year wasn't so great for me financially and Scandinavia is quite expensive so when I had to choose between going north or south on EuroVelo 7, I chose the southern side this time around and headed for Italy.

Traveling internationally doesn't come cheap anymore especially in recent years when prices everywhere increased a lot, so building a budget for it is increasingly challenging. Being a family man, our summer holiday has priority of course and for my bike touring extravaganza I need to find my own resources.

I was very close to cancel my anual bike trip, actually I haven' t booked anything in advance like I always did. Summer passed and by September I was so frustrated that I had to do something. So I made a loan which I am still paying for today but it was well worth in the end you'll see.

Taking off from Otopeni airport in Bucharest, RomaniaLanded in Treviso, Italy

I landed in Treviso in the evening after a 2 hours short flight from Bucharest, so I needed a place to stay for the night. Luckily I found this very nice and modern recently opened  Nomad hostel on Booking.com within walking distance from the airport, which was very convenient for me. Later I even went out for a pizza to celebrate my arrival in Italy.

Nomad hostel Ordered a local pizza for my first italian dinner

After a good restful sleep I went down to pick up my complementary breakfast I opted in for when I checked in. Well, it was not what I hopped for, no fresh pastry or fruits only packaged products so it was not worth it, there is a better option to go to the nearby mall 10 min away and have a proper italian espresso and some fresh pastry as I discovered later.

Nice open space with good wifi and plenty of seats and power outletsThere was a venting machine even for wine and beer, no complains here :)My luggage for this trip

So my plan was to catch a bus from the hostel to the central station and board the first train to Verona. Unfortunately things don't always work accordingly to the plan cause that day they had a railway strike and so all the trains were canceled until 5 PM. Luckily I could still buy I ticket on the first available train to Verona that evening after the strike ended but was not direct and had to change in Vicenza and to arrive a bit late in Verona around 8 PM.

Hmm, that's not so bad actually, that was my opportunity to discover Treviso I guess, which I am still very grateful for today.

Central train station in TrevisoWalls of TrevisoSile riverTreviso central shopping street CalmaggioreRain makes me hungry, always :)Today I'll have some pasta for lunch plus a glass of Prosecco

Did you know?: "Treviso is also known for being the original production area of Prosecco wine and radicchio, and is thought to have been the origin of the popular Italian dessert tiramisù."

After this delicious lunch all clouds scattered like magic and the blue sky once again was so inviting me to continue exploring the streets of Treviso.

"Piazza dei Signorri" city square dating from the 13th centuryThe copy of the Tette fountain, built in 1559

While eating I had more time to look around on the map and found this little hidden gem not far from the square I ate earlier but a bit hard to find. It has an interesting history though: "from its construction until 1797, the year of the fall of the Serenissima Republic of Venice, in honor of each new Podestà (supreme magistrate), the fountain flowed red wine from one breast and white wine from the other and all citizens could drink for free for three days." The good old days :)

Charming canals of TrevisoMy touring mates

There is a maze of little man made canals running through the Treviso's historic centre connecting the Sile and Botteniga rivers which together with the ancient narrow cobbled alleys recommend Treviso as a quite romantic destination.

Old cobbled streets of TrevisoThe Cathedral of St Peter the Apostle originates from the 6th centuryIce cream break after visiting half of Treviso on foot...a very good oneNice dinner table to enjoy a glass of Prosecco with a dear one

Ended my short Treviso old city tour at the Central Bus Station from where I took a bus to the nearest Decathlon store to buy back some items I lost at the airport security check the day before. I only payed for cabin luggage and I completely forgot about the tent pegs which are sharp objects and got confiscated of course.

Also I had to call the bike renting agency in Verona and tell them I'll not be able to pick up the bike that day due to my late arrival because of the train strike which they understood.

Don't forget to validate your ticket before boardingChanged the train in Vicenza to go to Verona

Got a bit lost in Verona at first, I took the wrong bus to the wrong direction and then I had to get off and ask for directions to some locals which were very kind and called a taxi for me (no Uber in Italy yet) so I could reach the camping before closure at 10 PM. I made it on time though but it was a near miss. The hotel rooms are very expensive in Verona the city of love and I was on tight budget.

Overall this day was surprisingly beautiful and I was very glad I had the chance of seeing Treviso, which due to it’s close proximity to the hugely popular tourist destination of Venice (just 26km away) is unfortunately overlooked by many visiting the region. But now you know!

Until next time,

©Discover EuroVelo

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All photos were taken with my iPhone 11 and Sony DSC-HX60V camera.

EuroVelo, the European Cycle Route Network are registered marks of ECF asbl.

I have no affiliation with EuroVelo or other organisations mentioned here, I am just a traveller sharing his bike touring trips, views and opinions.

EuroVelo is a network of 17 long distance cycle routes connecting and uniting the whole European continent totaling over 90,000 km of cycling itineraries.

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EuroVelo 7 - Transiting Treviso

As you may have noticed by now each year I try to do a bit of bike touring and so last year in 2022 by springtime the EuroVelo calling star...

EuroVelo 7 - Transiting Treviso

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You've probably come across those dreamy photos of Sassi di Matera online. Believe me, as stunning as those pictures are, nothing beats the real-life experience. Matera, with its rich history spanning thousands of years, is a blend of ancient wonders and modern charm. In this guide, we're going to uncover the top things to do in Sassi (rocks) di Matera from the mesmerizing Sasso Caveoso to the vibrant Sasso Barisano districts.

The things to do in this guide is divided into Sasso Caveoso and Sasso Barisano districts.

Table of Contents

1. 1A Brief History of Matera

2. 2How long to stay in Matera?

3. 3How to Get to Matera?

4. 4Things to do in Sasso Caveoso

   1. 4.11. Guided Walking Tour

   2. 4.22. Casa Noha’s Interactive Film about Matera

   3. 4.33. Visit the Cave Churches

   4. 4.44. Visit MUSMA or The Museum of Contemporary Sculpture

   5. 4.55. Hike to Murgia Materana for Sunrise

   6. 4.66. Visit House Cave Museums

   7. 4.77.Visit other Museums

   8. 4.88. Dine in an Ancient Cave

   9. 4.9What to Eat in Matera?

5. 5Things to do in Sasso Barisano

   1. 5.11. Walking Tour of Sasso Barisano

   2. 5.22. Visit the Cathedral of Matera

Show More

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A Brief History of Matera

Matera is one of the oldest cities in Europe and Italy's oldest. With evidence of human habitation dating back to the Paleolithic era, it stands as one of the oldest continuously inhabited cities worldwide, although abandoned for a brief time. The city's most distinctive feature, the Sassi, comprises ancient cave dwellings and rock-cut churches, reflecting the unique architectural heritage of Matera.

During the Roman era, Matera flourished as an agricultural and trade center, benefiting from its strategic location. The region later came under the rule of various powers, including the Byzantine Empire. In the Renaissance and Baroque periods, the city witnessed architectural development with the construction of palaces and churches.

However, by the 20th century, Matera faced significant challenges. The Sassi districts experienced severe poverty and neglect due to overcrowding and lack of basic amenities. This led to forced relocations in an effort to improve living conditions for its residents.

In a remarkable turn of events in the 1980s, Matera underwent a cultural revival that transformed its fortunes. Recognizing its historical significance and unique beauty, UNESCO designated Matera as a World Heritage site in 1993. This recognition brought attention to its rich heritage and spurred efforts for restoration and preservation.

Today, visitors can explore this captivating destination that showcases both ancient history and modern cultural treasures. Let's embark on a journey through time as we discover all that Matera has to offer.

How long to stay in Matera?

We recommend at least 2 nights to see the highlights and experience this ancient city. I heard several people doing a day trip from Puglia which may be the only option if you do not have time, but the most magical time to see Matera is during sunrise and at night time. One night would feel too rushed and may not be worth carrying your luggage up and down.

The sassi di Matera alone is huge and involves a lot of walking and climbing. We took it slow and stayed for one week and there is still so much more we didn't discover especially in the Sasso Barisano district as we stayed in Sasso Caveoso. Several people from Facebook groups advised against longer than 7 nights but I can imagine staying here for even a month to sit at cafes and enjoy the views.

How to Get to Matera?

The two best ways to get to Matera is by train or by renting a car.

• By Train: One convenient, but slow way to reach Matera is by taking a train from Bari Centrale which costs €5.70 per way. The journey takes approximately two hours but offers scenic views along the way. Once you arrive at Matera Centrale station, you can easily access various parts of the city. Note that Matera province is huge and there are other "Matera" stations, make sure you alight at Matera Centrale.
• By Car: If you prefer more flexibility or want to explore other areas around Basilicata, renting a car is a viable option. However, it's important to note that you cannot park inside the Sassi districts. Parking within the historical center is reserved for residents only. You will need to find parking outside and be prepared for some walking up and down stairs.

Compare Rental Prices at Discover Cars

Once you have arrived in Matera, getting around the city is best done on foot. The two main districts of interest, Sasso Caveoso and Sasso Barisano, are within walking distance of each other. Be sure to wear comfortable shoes as exploring the winding streets and climbing stairs are part of the experience.

If you prefer not to walk, there is a red bus called "Linea Sassi" that stops at San Pietro Caves and travels along the main road to Sasso Barisano.

Now that we've covered how to get here and how to navigate Matera let's dive into exploring the enchanting district of Sassi Caveoso!

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This guide is divided into two parts which are the 2 districts of Sassi di Matera: Sasso Caveoso and Sasso Barisano.

Things to do in Sasso Caveoso

It feels like stepping back in time in Matera's Sasso Caveoso

Sasso Caveoso is the most popular area of Matera, known for its fascinating ancient cave dwellings and rock churches. Here are some of the top things to do in this captivating district:

1. Guided Walking Tour

Embark on a guided walking tour to fully immerse yourself in the history and charm of Sassi Caveoso. Knowledgeable guides will lead you through the narrow streets, sharing stories about the ancient caves and their inhabitants. You'll gain insights into Matera's rich cultural heritage while exploring hidden corners and picturesque viewpoints.

There are different walking tours you can join and with different themes:

Guided Day Tour

A highly rated yet good value walking tour of Matera is Renato Favili's guided tour which is only €28 per person and will take you around the sassi for 2 to 3 hours. Here you will join other tourists which makes the price affordable.

If you want all the attention, then you can opt for a private tour for €234.

Guided Night Tour

Matera turns more magical at night with the yellow lights blending well with the caves and rocks' earth tones. A guided night tour to Matera's best spots for sunset and the night lights is one that would make a history tour so romantic. I also recommend a night tour in summer as it could be really hot walking around at day time in Matera in this season.

Join a Romantic Night Tour of Matera

View on Sasso Caveoso

Sasso Caveoso at night

James Bond and Matera History Tour

For James Bond fans, there is a unique walking tour that takes you to the filming locations of No Time to Die. Some sets are quite easy to find such as the motorbike stunt at the Matera cathedral, but a lot of the sets are quite tricky to find and you just don't find these online so it's worth joining one. The tour also combines Matera's history. This store also extends to Sasso Barisano district.

Join James Bond Tour of Matera

Tip: Make sure to wear comfortable shoes as this will involve a lot of climbing up and down the ancient city.

2. Casa Noha's Interactive Film about Matera

Entrance fee: €6.50 (check discounts that may apply to you eg. students)

Closed on Wednesdays

Google Map Pin: Casa Noha

If you don't have time for a walking tour or prefer an alternative way to learn about Matera, make sure to check out Casa Noha's interactive film experience. Located in a historic cave house which was generously donated to Matera by its owners, this unique attraction offers an engaging audiovisual presentation that delves into the city's thousand-year-old history. The interactive table screen allows you to further explore interesting facts about Matera at your own pace.

And even if you have already joined the walking tour, this is still worth seeing as the interactive film also brings out the emotions and atmosphere of the times and it's only 25 minutes. There are also interactive maps you can play with while waiting for the next film.

On weekends, they have a 2.5 hours film titled "The Invisible Stones".

Reserve your Casa Noha film ticket

Note: The ticket price is the same as buying it at the museum but you can make a reservation here

3. Visit the Cave Churches

Matera is home to several remarkable rock churches carved into the soft limestone cliffs of Sasso Caveoso. There are several rupestrian churches in Matera and the list below are just some of the most remarkable.

There are several ticket options and buying one costs €4, two churches for €7, three churches for €8 so getting the combined ticket is better value. I recommend you buy the ticket from any of the church museum cashiers so you can check your options. Taking photos or videos inside the churches is not allowed.

Chiesa Rupestre di Santa Maria di Idris

Google Map Pin: Via Madonna dell'Idris

The Church of Saint Mary of Idris is built on top of a rocky hilll and this is one of the most beautiful landmarks you will find in Sasso Caveoso. It's beautiful on the outside with majestic view of the sassi but it's also worth seeing the preserved frescoes inside.

Chiesa di San Lucia alle Malve

Google Map Pin: Rione Malve

Less famous than the churches of Santa Maria di Idris and San Pietro Barisano but one of the most important and worth visiting. This 8th century rupestrian church houses well preserved frescoes from the 13 century including a Madonna.

Chiesa di San Pietro Barisano

Google Map pin: Via S. Pietro Barisano

The church of Saint Peter Barisano is the largest rock church in the city with underground spaces you can explore.

San Pietro Caveoso

Google Map pin: Piazza S. Pietro Caveoso

FREE to enter

Just below the church of Santa Maria di Idris and situated in front of a huge plaza and overlooking the ravines of Murgia Materana making it one of the prettiest landmark  of Sassi di Matera. It is also called the Church of Saint Peter and Paul. The church is free to enter and make sure to observe silence as people also visit here to pray.

The church of San Pietro Caveoso on the left; In the middle of this photo is the church Santa Maria di Idris on top of a rock

4. Visit MUSMA or The Museum of Contemporary Sculpture

Google Map pin: Via S. Giacomo

Ticket price: €5

For art enthusiasts, a visit to MUSMA (Museo della Scultura Contemporanea) is a must. Located in a former cave convent, this museum seamlessly blends contemporary sculptures with the ancient dwelling.

As you wander through the cave rooms, you'll encounter thought-provoking artworks. The combination of art and wandering through several huge cave rooms is a unique museum experience.

5. Hike to Murgia Materana for Sunrise

Starting point: Ponte Tibetano

For breathtaking panoramic views of the entire Sassi di Matera, embark on a hike to Murgia Materana at sunrise. This expansive park offers an ideal vantage point to witness the soft morning light illuminating the ancient cityscape. Start your hike from Ponte Tibetano near Sasso Caveoso's main road (via Madonna delle Virtù). As you make your way across the hanging bridge and explore the caves along the trail, be sure to wear closed shoes and remember to leave no trace behind.

Not fond of hiking? You can also join a tour to drive to the viewpoint.

6. Visit House Cave Museums

Here you will see how people lived in the caves in the past. It's interesting to see the contrast of how simple it was before but a lot of these caves now have turned to luxury boutique hotels. There are several house museums and we only visited Casa Grotta but the other museums should be as good and it's better to visit a house cave museum that is more convenient for you.

7.Visit other Museums

There are so many museums that we couldn't cover but another one worth visiting is the Complesso Rupestre Madonna delle Virtù e San Nicola dei Greci but note that there is no more Dali exhibit when we visited in May 2023. It is another rock church with preserved frescoes and quite bigger than the other main rupestrian churches.

8. Dine in an Ancient Cave

There are several cave restaurants in Sasso Caveoso with beautiful restaurant interiors. It is a tourist area so expect prices to be higher. Some of our favorites are Più Sud for the best pizza and Baccanti restaurant for fine dining.

Left: inside Più Sud

A short IG reel inside Baccanti restaurant, follow my Instagram for more travel inspiration.

What to Eat in Matera?

Matera has some specialties such as the huge Matera bread but you do not need to buy one whole loaf. It is usually served as part of the coperta especially in traditional restaurants or sometimes sprinkled as crumbs in a pasta dish. There are also different kinds of legume soup and meat dishes such as peasant lamb from the province of Matera. You can also buy dried sweet peppers or Peperoni Cruschi which is typical in the Basilicata region.

One traditional restaurant we recommend is Trattoria i due sassi which serves good value and delicious traditional dishes that is also in an excellent location in Sasso Caveoso.

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Now that we've explored Sasso Caveoso, let's venture into another captivating district of Matera: Sasso Barisano!

Things to do in Sasso Barisano

View on Sasso Barisano

Sasso Barisano is another fascinating area of Matera that showcases its unique architectural heritage and offers delightful experiences. Here are some highlights:

1. Walking Tour of Sasso Barisano

Discover the hidden gems of Sasso Barisano by embarking on a walking tour led by knowledgeable guides. Explore its maze-like streets lined with ancient dwellings and learn about their historical significance. Most guided tours are focused on the more popular Sasso Caveoso but there is also a lot to discover in Sasso Barisano.

Check out this complete tour which combines the 2 districts of Sasso Caveoso and Sasso Barisano which will take 3.5 hours.

Check availability of this complete tour

Sasso Barisano is just as beautiful as Sasso Caveoso

2. Visit the Cathedral of Matera

The cathedral in Matera is an iconic landmark that represents both religious importance and architectural beauty. Its tower stands tall above the cityscape, offering magnificent panoramic views of Sasso Barisano and beyond.

Beside it lies Hotel Palazzo Gattini, known for its association with James Bond films—a perfect spot for movie enthusiasts seeking a touch of glamour.

3. Enjoy an Aperitivo with a View at Crialoss

Google Map pin: Crialoss Panoramic Cave

Indulge in a delightful Italian tradition by enjoying an aperitivo, a pre-dinner drink accompanied by small bites. Head to Crialoss, a charming bar with outdoor seating that offers panoramic views of Sasso Barisano. Sip on your favorite cocktail or try local wines while savoring the stunning vistas.

The place is popular and for a good reason so make sure to make a reservation especially during peak season.

4. Explore Palombaro Lungo

Ticket price: €3 (check if discount applies to you)

Google mapp pin: Piazza Vittorio

You wouldn't expect that this ancient cistern is located under one of the busiest plaza in Sasso Barisano. Uncover the fascinating underground world of Matera by visiting Palombaro Lungo. This remarkable underground cistern was once used to store water and is now open for visitors to explore. Marvel at its impressive architecture and gain insights into ancient water. The colorful lights make it more fascinating!

Where to Stay in Matera?

Matera offers a range of accommodation options to suit every traveler's preferences and budget. Whether you're seeking luxury, mid-range, or budget accommodations, there's something for everyone in this enchanting city.

Luxury:

• Palazzo Gattini - Indulge in a luxurious stay at this elegant hotel located near the cathedral. This is also the hotel where James Bond No Time to Die was filmed.
• Sextantio Le Grotte della Civita - Another unique experience you can try is stay in a luxurious cave hotel. Immerse yourself in the unique experience of staying in restored cave dwellings transformed into luxurious rooms. This boutique hotel offers a blend of modern comfort and historic charm.
• Il Belvedere: Stunning views of Matera from their terrace!

Mid-Range:

• Hotel San Domenico Al Piano - Located in the heart of Matera's historic center, this stylish hotel provides comfortable rooms with modern amenities. It also features a rooftop terrace offering panoramic views.
• Locanda Di San Martino Hotel & Thermae Romanae - Experience the perfect combination of history and relaxation at this charming hotel set within an ancient cave complex. Unwind at their thermal spa after a day of exploration.

Budget:

• Sassi Low Cost - as the name suggest, this is one of your few budget options that is within the sassi.
• The Rock Hostel - For budget-conscious travelers, The Rock Hostel provides dormitory-style accommodation with shared facilities while still allowing you to experience the unique ambiance of Matera's caves.

We prefer booking our accommodation with Booking.com in Italy. We noticed that the ones we see in Airbnb are also posted in Booking.com but with a better price, plus you get additional discounts in Booking.com the more you use it. On the other hand, Airbnb has unreasonable fees both for hosts and guests which doesn't have a cap even if you stay longer and doesn't even reward you for using it.

Final Thoughts

As you can see in our photos, Matera is truly magical. It is one of the most beautiful places I have seen in my life. We recommend not doing a day trip but staying for at least 2 nights so you can truly enjoy it. There is so much to do and everything our guide cannot be done in one day. There is no point to rush your stay here as the surrounding invite you to just relax, or learn about one of the oldest cities on earth. There are many things to do that aren't in this guide such as the MOOMA Olive Oil Museum, miniature museum and more so there is something for everyone.

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I hope you had fun reading our travel guide and are excited for your next trip! But hold on a second! A quick reminder: always make sure you’re safe on your travels with a reliable travel medical insurance like SafetyWing. ️ It’s like having a helpful friend with you on your adventures, ready to help if things go wrong. So, let’s make our trips fun and safe at the same time! Happy and safe travels, everyone!

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Best Things to do in Sassi di Matera: A Complete Guide the Ancient Beauty of Basilicata, Italy

You've probably come across those dreamy photos of Sassi di Matera online. Believe me, as stunning as those pictures are, nothing beat...

Best Things to do in Sassi di Matera: A Complete Guide the Ancient Beauty of Basilicata, Italy

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