2025 Basilicata Travel Guide: Must-see attractions, popular food, hotels, transportation routes (updated in May)

▪️As a loyal fan of 007, I have followed 007 to many places, Venice, the Alps, and because of "007. No Time to Die", I am full of curiosity about this cave town. - ▪️I drove from Sorrento for 7 hours to Matera. I have to complain that the roads in Italy are really not good at night, and there are no street lights, it's really too dark. - ▪️It is recommended that friends who drive by themselves park their cars in the new city and then walk to the scenic area. The ancient city of Matera has a history of more than 9,000 years and is listed as a World Cultural Heritage by UNESCO. The cave buildings here are all excavated on the cliffs, and the church's report building is still preserved, the whole city is like a maze, walking on the old stone road is a special experience. There are also craftsmen making stalactite sculptures by hand on the roadside, remember to buy a stalactite refrigerator sticker to take home~

#HawaiiFlightEvent The space inside Matera Duomo Cathedral, where the Virgin Mary mourns the suffering of Jesus, felt really special. I felt reverent looking at the Virgin Mary in a quiet atmosphere. I was impressed by the delicate architecture of the cathedral, so I recommend you to definitely take a look inside. #beautiful_italy

#HawaiiFlightEvent I was so lucky to be able to visit Matera. I thought there wouldn't be much to see because it was famous for being the place where the famous movie 007 was filmed, but there are so many museums in every corner and the entire city is like an open-air museum, so I recommend visiting Matera, Italy. #beautiful_italy

#AprilTravelSupport As you go down the stairs in Matera Old Town, you can see not only cafes and restaurants, but also many handicraft shops. If you look around slowly, you can also discover hidden handicraft artists in Matera. I recommend visiting Matera Old Town, which also provides photo spots for passing visitors. 📍Via Rosario, 48, 75100 Matera MT, Italy #beautiful_italy

#AprilTravelSupport I recommend Matera because you can see the unspeakable view on the way down from the Sassi residential area to the rock church. If you walk towards Piazza San Pietro Caveoso, you will find the way right away. I recommend Matera, another place I want to visit. #beautiful_italy

#AprilTravelSupport It was a modern sculpture museum that I found by chance in Matera. At first, I hesitated whether to go in because the admission fee was 10 euros, but I think it was a good decision to visit. What made the museum feel more special was that it was using the dwellings where people used to live in caves as exhibition halls. There were many great modern sculptures, and I recommend it because you can view the sculptures by making good use of lighting that matches the caves. #beautiful_italy

#AprilTravelSupport This is a view of Matera Cathedral from Piazza Duomo. Since car parking is available, if you rent a car and travel, I recommend driving here to see the beautiful scenery and enjoy Matera. #beautiful_italy

#AprilTravelSupport I toured the Matera Cathedral before watching the sunset. I recommend it to those who are interested because you can see the crosses used during mass and old wooden sculptures on display before entering the Duomo. #beautiful_italy 📍Piazza Duomo, 75100 Matera MT, Italy

#AprilTravelSupportThe flowers blooming along the road seemed to know the history of Matera. Maybe it was because it was the off-season, but when I went, the Matera Sassi area was quiet and nice to walk around. The old houses that could be seen here and there became photo spots, so no matter where I took a picture, it looked like a postcard. I recommend spending time in Matera because it was really special. #beautiful_italy

#AprilTravelSupport At the Matera market where many locals come to shop, I was able to buy fresh vegetables and fruits at really cheap prices. Oranges and apples sold in large boxes like containers were really cheap. If you travel to Italy, I recommend eating lots of fruits that are delicious, cheap, and bursting with juice. #beautiful_italy

#AprilTravelSupportThe Italian city of Matera is famous for being the place that appeared in the 007 movie. When looking around the old town Sassi area, it was a city that made me curious about the history of the city and the stories of the people who lived in caves. It is a place that is suitable for walking, so I recommend that you set aside plenty of time to look around. #beautiful_italy

#AprilTravelSupport The entrance to Matera Duomo is marked with an arrow at the entrance to the cathedral, but you have to go a little deeper into the back alley. The entrance fee is 3.5 euros. You can also use the bathroom for 50 cents. However, they only accept cash, so I didn't have much money to change, so the staff told me to just go in, and I used it for free. #beautiful_italy

#AprilTravelSupport I was able to see the splendidly decorated manger scene of the birth of Jesus at the Matera Duomo Cathedral. In front of it, I was able to see the stones used to build the cathedral through the glass on the floor. It's worth taking the time to see, so I recommend it if you go to Matera. 📍 Cathedral of Maria Santissima of the Bruna & Sant'Eustachio #beautiful_italy

#AprilTravelSupport Matera Sculpture Museum was a museum I happened to visit. The empty, dark cave dwellings were filled with sculptures and lights, so the focus was on the works, making it great for appreciating the works. The 10 euro admission fee was worth it at all. 📍MUSMA - Museo della Scultura Contemporanea #beautiful_italy

During my visit to Sassi di Matera, an ancient cave dwelling in Matera, I stumbled upon a small church inside a cave. It was a perfect spot to take a short break. Looking at the church built within the cave, I couldn't help but wonder if the people who lived in such harsh conditions relied on their faith to endure. It's fascinating to see how the people of that time practiced their faith, and I highly recommend visiting this place to get a glimpse of their spiritual life.

#AprilTravelSupport While exploring Matera Old Town, I discovered a pottery workshop and was able to take a look around. I saw a potter working right in front of me, and there was a person who had won an award for a piece he had made himself. I recommend stopping by here when you visit Matera because you can see beautiful ceramic art pieces. #beautiful_italy

#AprilTravelSupport Matera Sassi area, you can see traces of time in various places, small wooden doors and stone piles. There were a lot of stairs when you walked down to see it. Of course, there were a lot of stairs going up, so I recommend wearing comfortable shoes suitable for active outdoor activities. #beautiful_italy

#AprilTravelSupport I think the best way to see Sassi di Matera, a World Heritage Site, is to walk around it step by step. I recommend you visit because you can discover the traces of people who dug caves to survive in harsh environments and made them their homes, continuing their lives for generations. #beautiful_italy

#AprilTravelSupport I recommend this place because it's a place I wanted to see again and again. It's a place that many tourists visit, so you have to be careful when taking pictures. If you have free time, I recommend visiting early in the morning or late at night. 📍Piazza Vittorio Veneto, 75100 Matera MT, Italy

#AprilTravelSupport In Matera, there is a small cathedral on top of Sassi where you can enjoy a beautiful view. And the bell tower of the church is closer than I thought, so it was amazing to see it easily from the square. 📍Piazza Vittorio Veneto, 75100 Matera #beautiful_italy

#AprilTravelSupport If you get off at Matera Central Station, you can quickly get to the old town in about 7 minutes on foot. There is a tourist information center where you can get a city guide map along the way, and since it is before entering Matera Old Town, there are cafes and marts inside modern buildings, so there are many things to see, so you won't get bored while walking. #bellaitalia

Basilicata is a region in southern Italy that is well known for its forests and mountains. You will find hiking trails all over the region. One of the most appealing things about Basilicata is that, outside of the one or two of the main towns it’s pretty much tourist free and definitely well off the beaten track when it comes to tourists. If you love the great outdoors and want to get away from the crowds Basilicata is the place to be! #getgoing2025 #mountainhike #basilicata #italy

Matera, Italy An ancient and charming city Nestled on the mountainside Like a piece of cheese of time🧀️ The houses here are stacked like a beehive It seems to be telling us an ancient story Imagine Walking on these stone paths You might meet a time-traveling kitten Oh, Matera You are such an amazing historical treasure ❗️ 📍 Matera travel guide: 🔷Our itinerary: Main airport in China (Beijing) ✈️ Main airport in Italy (Rome Fiumicino) ✈️ Bari International Airport 🚗 🚌🚂 Matera 💰Per capita is about 8,000-18,000 🌞Best season to visit: ◾️Spring (March-May): Outdoor activities and exploring the ancient city ◾️Autumn (September-November): Experience the local food culture 🔷 🏃‍♂️Hiking route: Day❶: Sassi District ➡️ Cave Dwelling Museum ➡️ Church of Santa Maria del Idrisi ➡️ Cave Church of St. Peter Day❷: Matera Cathedral ➡️ National Archaeological Museum ➡️ Parco della Murgia Regional Park ➡️ Matera Underground Day❸: Musima ➡️ Palazzo Lanfranco ➡️ Ceramics or carving workshop 🔷 🍽 Food recommendations: ◾️Pane di Matera: A traditional crusty bread with a unique taste + long-lasting freshness 🟰👏 ◾️Orecchiette: Small ear-shaped pasta, usually eaten with tomato sauce + green leafy vegetables + other local special ingredients ◾️Crapiata: A soup with various beans and grains, from the peasant tradition of Matera 👩‍🌾 🔷 🍽🥢Delicious restaurants in Matera: 1⃣️ Osteria Pico: Serving traditional Basilicata dishes 2⃣️ Trattoria Lucana: Serving authentic Matera cuisine 👯‍♀️ 3⃣️ La Talpa: Authentic Italian cuisine + unique cave-style restaurant design 🔷 🏨 Hotels to stay in Matera: 1⃣️ Sextantio Le Grotte della Civita: Unique cave hotel 🎉, original and luxurious accommodation experience •RMB 2,231 2⃣️ Palazzo Gattini Luxury Hotel: Luxury hotel, elegant rooms + top facilities 💃🏻 •RMB 3,035 3⃣️ Caveoso Hotel: Economical and comfortable choice •RMB 1,520 🔷 ⚠️Tips: ◾️Matera's streets are mostly stone and irregular, so you need to wear comfortable walking shoes👟 ◾️Some places require cash ◾️Italian shops and restaurants usually have lunch breaks, especially for a few hours in the afternoon.

Here is a Matera travel guide: Pre-trip preparation: Documents: Prepare your passport, visa and other necessary travel documents, ensuring they are valid. It is also recommended to bring copies of your documents in case of emergencies. Clothing: Pack appropriate clothing according to the season. Matera has a large temperature difference between day and night, even in summer, nights can be cool, so it is best to bring a light jacket. If you are visiting in winter, you will need to bring a thick coat, scarf, gloves and other warm clothing. Shoes: As Matera is a mountain city, there are many uphill and downhill slopes and stone roads. It is recommended to wear comfortable, non-slip shoes for easy walking. Other items: Prepare a camera, charger, sunscreen, sunglasses, raincoat and other items. Additionally, you can bring some commonly used medicines, such as cold medicine, fever reducer, anti-inflammatory medicine, gastrointestinal medicine, etc. Transportation: Airplane: The nearest airport is Bari Airport. From Bari Airport, you can take a train, bus or taxi to Matera. Train: Matera is the terminus of the Bari - Matera narrow-gauge railway. You can take a train from other Italian cities to Bari, and then transfer to a train to Matera. Bus: Private companies offer bus connections to Matera. You can take a bus from major Italian cities. Self-driving: If you rent a car in Italy, you can connect to Matera via SS99 National Highway and A14 Bologna - Taranto Expressway. However, please pay attention to Italian traffic rules and driving habits. Recommended attractions: Sassi di Matera: This is Matera's most famous attraction, listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Sassi di Matera is composed of ancient cave dwellings, built into the mountainside, forming a unique landscape. Here you can visit cave churches and museums to learn about Matera's history and culture. Matera Cathedral (Duomo di Matera): Located in the heart of Matera, it is a Romanesque-style church. The church has a unique architectural style and beautiful interior decoration, worth a visit. Murgia National Park (Parco della Murgia Materana): Established in 1990, it includes the territory of Gravina di Matera and about 150 rock churches scattered along the canyon and slopes of the Murgia plateau. This is a prehistoric human settlement, preserving Paleolithic remains, offering beautiful natural scenery and historical relics. Movie filming location: Matera is the filming location for many movies, such as "The Passion of the Christ", "No Time to Die", "Wonder Woman", etc. You can visit these movie filming locations and experience the scenes from the movies. Recommended food: Cavatelli: This is Matera's local specialty pasta, shaped like a shell, with a chewy texture. It is usually served with tomato sauce, sausage and other seasonings, with a delicious flavor. Focaccia: One of Italy's traditional breads, also popular in Matera. The bread has a crispy surface and a soft interior. It can be paired with various ingredients, such as olive oil, tomato, cheese, ham, etc. Pasticciotto: A specialty dessert from the Puglia region, shaped like a Chinese gold ingot. The outer shell is baked crispy, and the inside is filled with cream. The sweetness is moderate, making it a must-try dessert for local cuisine. Accommodation options: Cave hotel: Experiencing cave life in Matera is a unique experience. You can choose to stay in a cave hotel or guesthouse. These cave dwellings have been renovated, with complete facilities, allowing you to experience the ancient atmosphere while enjoying modern comfort. City center hotel: If you want convenient access, you can choose to stay in a hotel in the city center. This makes it easy to visit Matera's various attractions, and the surrounding dining and shopping facilities are also more complete. Travel time: Matera is not large, generally recommended for 1-2 days of travel. If you have more time, you can stay in Matera for a few more days to learn more about the local history, culture and customs. Shopping recommendations: Handicrafts: Matera has many handicraft shops, where you can buy local specialty handicrafts, such as ceramics, wood carvings, textiles, etc. These handicrafts are exquisitely made and have high artistic value. Wine: The Puglia region is one of Italy's wine-producing areas. There are many vineyards and wineries around Matera, where you can taste local wines and buy some as souvenirs.

Leaving the dreamy fairy-tale town of Alberobello, one might unintentionally make the most captivating turn and find themselves in the final and most magical destination, another world known as "Matera". This is a stone city filled with fantastical wonders, with its undulating and interlocking buildings, and its majestic and awe-inspiring grandeur that leaves everyone in awe. It is a city based on cave dwellings left by humans from the Paleolithic era, gradually developing into today's cave town. With a history of over 7000 years, it is a living fossil of human cave dwelling history. In 1993, it was designated a World Cultural Heritage site due to its unique architectural significance. Due to its remote location and inconvenient transportation, it is not among Italy's famous tourist attractions and remained unknown for thousands of years. It was only in 2002, when the Hollywood movie "The Passion of the Christ" was filmed here, that it became world-renowned.