Where to Stay in Matera: Best Hotels & Neighborhoods
Updated 28 October 2026 · 148 real hotels
Matera is compact enough that nearly every neighborhood puts you close to the Sassi caves, but staying directly inside Sasso Caveoso or Sasso Barisano gives you the most atmospheric experience. For a balance of access and budget, the modern Civita district works well for travelers who prefer contemporary comfort with easy walking distance to the UNESCO sites.
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| Hotel | Area | Rating | Price / night |
|---|---|---|---|
| Casale Delle Piane | Matera | ★ 4.8 | 76 €/nuit |
| Il Sorriso dei Sassi Rooms | Sasso Caveoso | ★ 4.7 | 79 €/nuit |
| La Sosta Motel ★★★ | Matera | ★ 4.5 | 85 €/nuit |
| Le Sorbole | Matera | ★ 4.5 | 85 €/nuit |
| Don Milani | Matera | ★ 4.3 | 90 €/nuit |
| Agriturismo Nonna Rosa | Matera | ★ 4.7 | 94 €/nuit |
| Masseria Santa Lucia | Matera | ★ 4.6 | 98 €/nuit |
| Giulietta nei Sassi | Sasso Barisano | ★ 4.6 | 99 €/nuit |
| Piazza Mulino 26 | Matera | ★ 4.4 | 100 €/nuit |
Matera is one of the oldest continuously inhabited cities on earth, carved into a ravine in the Basilicata region of southern Italy. Its two cave districts, the Sassi, were declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1993 and served as the European Capital of Culture in 2019. Staying here is unlike anywhere else in Italy: your hotel may literally be a cave.
The city rewards slow travel. The stone streets are steep and irregular, the light changes dramatically from morning gold to deep ochre at dusk, and the silence after the day-trippers leave is remarkable. Most sights are walkable, the food scene has grown quietly excellent, and the surrounding Murgia plateau offers dramatic landscapes just minutes from the centre. Matera is not a city you pass through quickly.
Which area to stay in Matera?
- Sasso Caveoso: The deeper and more ancient of the two Sassi districts, facing the Murgia ravine. Best for travelers who want the full cave-dwelling experience, with some of the most striking rupestrian churches and dramatic views. Hotels here tend to be boutique and high-end.
- Sasso Barisano: The larger and slightly more accessible Sassi district, closer to the Civita ridge and the main cathedral square. A good mix of cave hotels, restaurants and small shops. Easier to navigate than Caveoso and well-suited to first-time visitors.
- Civita (Piano): The hilltop historic centre sitting above the two Sassi. Home to the Cattedrale di Matera and several piazzas. Accommodation here is more conventional, quieter at night, and slightly easier on the legs. Good for those who want history without the steepest staircases.
- Via Roma and Centro Moderno: The modern commercial spine of the city, connecting the historic centre to the train station. Practical for arrivals late at night or early morning departures, with easier parking and some well-priced options.
- Murgia Plateau (surroundings): For travelers with a rental car, the plateau above the ravine offers a few rural stays and agriturismo options with panoramic views over the Sassi from the opposite side of the canyon.
Good to know
- Book cave hotels well in advance: Properties inside the Sassi have a limited number of rooms by nature. During spring (April to June) and autumn (September to October) they sell out weeks or months ahead. Last-minute bookings usually push you to modern periphery hotels.
- Wheels are mostly useless in the Sassi: The historic cave districts are pedestrian-only and involve significant stair climbing. If you have heavy luggage, contact your hotel before arrival as many offer a porter service or will direct you to the nearest vehicle drop-off point.
- Visit off-peak for the real atmosphere: July and August bring crowds and heat. The shoulder seasons offer comfortable temperatures (15 to 25 degrees Celsius), fewer tourists, and a more authentic experience of this very local city.
- Getting from Bari Karol Wojtyla Airport: Matera has no commercial airport of its own. Bari is the main gateway, roughly 65 to 75 kilometres away. Direct shuttle buses (Flixbus and local operators) run the route in about 70 to 90 minutes. Taxis and private transfers are available but cost considerably more. The Ferrovie Appulo Lucane train line connects Bari to Matera in around 90 minutes with a change at Altamura.
- Currency and cards: Matera is modernizing fast, but some smaller cave restaurants and artisan shops still prefer cash. Carry a small amount of euros, especially if you plan to eat at family-run trattorias inside the Sassi.
What to know about hotels in Matera?
What is the best area to stay in Matera for a first visit?+
Sasso Barisano is the most practical choice for first-timers. It sits at the heart of the UNESCO zone, is slightly easier to navigate than Caveoso, and puts you within walking distance of the cathedral, the main viewpoints, and the best restaurants. If budget allows, a cave hotel in this district gives you the authentic Matera experience without the steepest descents.
When is the best time of year to visit Matera?+
April to June and September to October are the sweet spots. Temperatures are comfortable, the light is flattering for photography, and the city is busy but not overwhelmed. August is the peak of Italian domestic tourism and can feel crowded and very hot. Winter is quiet and atmospheric, though some smaller hotels and restaurants reduce their hours.
What is the average price for a hotel in Matera?+
Budget-conscious travelers can find rooms from around 72 to 76 euros per night at properties like Cinque Elementi Sassi Matera or Bracco Rooms and Suites. Mid-range cave hotels such as Locanda di San Martino (123 euros) or Residenza del Monaco Bianco (108 euros) offer strong value. Luxury cave experiences at Aquatio Cave Luxury Hotel and SPA (206 euros) or Sextantio Le Grotte Della Civita (292 euros) represent the premium end of the market.
How do I get from Bari Airport to Matera city centre?+
The most convenient option is a direct shuttle bus, with several operators running the Bari Airport to Matera route in approximately 70 to 90 minutes. The Ferrovie Appulo Lucane regional train is slower (around 90 minutes with a connection) but cheaper. Private taxis and transfer services are faster and door-to-door but significantly more expensive, typically starting around 80 to 100 euros depending on the operator.
Are hotels inside the Sassi caves worth the higher price?+
For most visitors, yes. Staying inside a carved cave room is central to understanding what makes Matera unique, and the experience of waking up in a tufa stone chamber with views over the ravine is genuinely memorable. Properties like Sextantio Le Grotte Della Civita (rated 4.9 out of 5) or Lo Stemma Luxury Boutique Hotel (also 4.9 out of 5) consistently receive exceptional reviews. That said, modern options in the Civita area offer comfort and value if the cave aesthetic is not a priority.
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