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Day Trips & Excursions

Day Trips & Excursions

Basilicata, Italy

Nearby Destinations

Alberobello, approximately 70 km (43 miles) north, is an UNESCO World Heritage site famous for its unique "trulli" houses – whitewashed, conical-roofed dry-stone dwellings.

Martina Franca, approximately 80 km (50 miles) north-east, is a beautiful Baroque town in the heart of the Valle d'Itria, known for its elegant white historic core.

Access & Time

  • Alberobello: Car travel takes about 1 hour 15 minutes.
  • Public transport via Matera to Bari bus, then local train to Alberobello.
  • Organized tours remove transport complexities for ease.
  • Allocate at least half a day for Alberobello exploration.

Other Nearby Towns

Discover more compelling destinations around Matera, each with its distinct character.

Lecce, Puglia

Approximately 170 km (105 miles) south-east of Matera, Lecce is famous for its intricate Baroque architecture.

Travel & Sightseeing

  • Reach Lecce by car in approximately 2 hours.
  • Direct bus options connect Matera to Lecce.
  • A full day is recommended to explore Lecce.

Polignano a Mare, Puglia

Approximately 80 km (50 miles) north-east, this picturesque coastal town holds fame for its cliff-top houses and sea caves.

Journey & Views

  • Car is the best option (approximately 1 hour 15 minutes).
  • Public transport involves a bus to Bari, then a regional train.
  • The iconic Lama Monachile beach offers stunning views.

Craco, Basilicata

Ghost Town Appeal

  • Approximately 50 km (31 miles) south of Matera.
  • A dramatic abandoned medieval town, popular for photography.
  • Access to the old town is restricted for safety.
  • Do not enter the abandoned town without permission.

Guided Access

  • A car is practical to reach Craco (approximately 1 hour).
  • Typically necessitates booking a guided tour in advance.
  • Tours are with a local association.
  • Unpermitted entry is unsafe.

Travel Considerations

  • Alberobello FlexibilityIndependent travel by car delivers flexibility.
  • Time CommitmentPublic transport trip to Alberobello consumes time.
  • Car TravelCar is often the best choice for remote towns.
  • ZTL AwarenessResearch ZTLs (restricted traffic zones) in historic centers.
  • Parking ResearchInvestigate parking options in each town before arrival.
  • Lecce DurationA full day is recommended for Lecce exploration.
  • Craco AccessCraco old town entry necessitates booking a guided tour.
  • Southern Italy ExplorationA rental car presents the most flexibility for a wider area.

Booking Tip

Discover and book day trips and excursions from Matera. Browse Day Trips on GetYourGuide

Natural Escapes

Basilicata and Puglia present diverse natural landscapes for those seeking outdoor experiences.

Alta Murgia National Park

Located north of Matera, this park features vast karstic landscapes, unique flora, and fauna.

Pollino National Park

Situated further south, Italy's largest national park offers majestic mountains and ancient forests.

Ionian Coast Beaches

Matera is relatively close to Basilicata's Ionian coast, with sandy beaches at Metaponto or Policoro.

Alta Murgia Park Details

This national park presents opportunities for hiking and discovering a distinct natural environment.

Features

  • Vast karstic landscapes characterize the park.
  • Unique flora and fauna populate the area.
  • Hiking avenues throughout the park.

Pollino Park Aspects

Pollino Park is Italy's largest. It warrants more than a day trip for full appreciation.

Characteristics

  • Majestic mountains define the terrain.
  • Ancient forests, including the rare Bosnian pine.
  • Extensive hiking routes.

Natural Area Overview

Alta MurgiaKarstic landscapes, unique flora.
Pollino ParkItaly's largest, mountains, forests.
Ionian CoastSandy beaches, coastal towns.
MetapontoA town on the Ionian coast.
PolicoroAnother town with sandy beaches.
TransportationReach by car or regional bus.

Travel Note

  • Pollino National Park's vastness warrants more than a day trip.
  • Stay on marked trails in protected areas to preserve ecosystems.
  • Avoid littering and disturbing wildlife.
  • Respect the natural environment.
  • Support local conservation efforts through your visit.

Cultural Excursions

Explore more historical and culturally rich towns nearby, delving into the region's heritage.

Gravina in Puglia

A town located across the Gravina stream, similar in name and geographical feature to Matera.

Historical Footprints

  • Boasts its own ancient Sassi-like settlement (Gravina Sotterranea).
  • A Roman bridge (Ponte Acquedotto) spans the landscape.
  • Features a stunning cathedral.

Bernalda, Basilicata

A small town with a castle, famed for being the ancestral home of Francis Ford Coppola.

Local Connection

  • The town features a historic castle.
  • His luxury hotel, Palazzo Margherita, is located here.
  • It presents a glimpse into small-town Basilicata life.

Venosa, Basilicata

To the north of Matera, Venosa is an ancient town with a deep history.

Historical Layers

  • Home to an impressive unfinished abbey (Abbazia della Santissima Trinità).
  • Roman ruins, including an amphitheater.
  • Ancient Roman baths are also present.

Cultural Route Notes

These excursions offer a different perspective on Basilicata’s historical layers.

Enriching Your Visit

  • Gravina offers a comparable, yet distinct, historical experience to Matera.
  • A rental car facilitates exploration of these towns.
  • Each town provides unique insights into regional heritage.

Cultural Excursion Summary

Gravina in Puglia

Ancient Sassi-like settlement, Roman bridge, stunning cathedral.

Bernalda

Small town with a castle, ancestral home of F.F. Coppola.

Venosa

Ancient town, unfinished abbey, Roman ruins.

Exploration Note

These cultural excursions present distinct perspectives on Basilicata’s historical layers.

Multi-Day Extensions

Extend your trip beyond Matera to discover more of Southern Italy.

Puglia Exploration

1

Matera 2-3 days

Deep discovery into the Sassi and its history.

2

Valle d'Itria 2-3 days

Base in Locorotondo or Ostuni to explore Alberobello and Martina Franca.

3

Salento Peninsula 3-4 days

Head south to explore Lecce, Otranto, and Gallipoli, enjoying stunning beaches.

Transportation Connections

  • Excellent bus and train connections via Bari link Matera to the rest of Puglia.
  • For further south into Calabria or west into Campania, a rental car presents flexibility.
  • Regional trains and long-distance buses are also options for travel.

Longer Regional Routes

  • Cultural Loop: Matera → Gravina in Puglia → Venosa → Melfi (Basilicata castle) → back to Bari.
  • Coastal & Countryside: Matera → Valle d'Itria towns → Polignano a Mare → Ostuni (white city) → Lecce → Otranto.
  • Grand Southern Italy: Fly into Rome, train to Naples/Amalfi Coast (4-5 days) → train to Matera (3 days) → rent car for Puglia (5-7 days) → fly out of Bari.

Extended Stay Insights

Long-Term Stay

Matera makes a wonderful base for an extended stay in Southern Italy.

Local Immersion

Consider a vacation rental for a month or more to experience local life.

Community Engagement

Join local events, take Italian language classes, or engage in volunteer opportunities.

Travel Note

If planning multiple day trips, a rental car from Bari presents the most flexibility for discovery.
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