Top Matera Outdoor Activities

Our guide will accompany you to discover the oldest and most fascinating area of the city of Matera: the historic Rioni Sassi. Along this pleasant walk, which winds through the alleys and panoramic views of Sasso Caveoso and Sasso Barisano, there are many stops for historical, architectural and cultural insights. In particular, it will be possible to visit a 12th century rock church from the inside, one of the most representative carved into the rock, both for its still recognizable architectural structure and for the excellent state of conservation of the period wall paintings medieval.

Definitely one of the most spectacular rocky landscapes of Italy that testifies to the ancient relationship between nature and man, it is found in Basilicata, in Matera a few kilometers away from the border with Puglia.

A tour of the three districts in the historic center of the Sassi with panoramic stops and curiosities about the recent history of the city of Matera: from national shame to a city known and appreciated worldwide. It will also be possible to visit a cave house and a rock church. The route lasts just over an hour and in this time visitors will be able to observe the Piano area, that is, the part close to the Sassi and get to know the historical places from another perspective. The Piano area is actually the first area built immediately after the Sassi at the turn of the Renaissance.

Touring the cliffside Sassi di Matera on foot can be tiring. With this tuk-tuk tour, you’ll zip up the steep streets of the old town to take in the top sights in just hours. Delve into the Barisano and Caveoso districts to admire ancient cave dwellings and rupestrian churches and learn about their history via an audio guide. Navigate the warren of narrow lanes with a group leader to avoid getting lost.

Cover more ground and explore the UNESCO-listed Sassi di Matera cave churches and dwellings in less than an hour with this Ape Calessino tour. Buzz through the steep, narrow lanes to see highlights in the Barisano and Caveoso districts plus Civita, the town's historic center. Learn about the history of this unique cliffside town from your driver and guide and pause to admire the top sights and snap photos.

Matera is home to the Sassi cave churches and dwellings that make up one of the oldest cities in the world. Join your guide for an in-depth tour of the Sasso Caveoso and Sasso Barisano districts to learn about their unique history and evolution. Discover rupestrian structures, stroll the steep and narrow lanes, and gain a deeper understanding of how this town, once called the “Shame of Italy”, is now a UNESCO-listed treasure.

Unveil the secrets of the ancient “cave city” of Matera with this in-depth walking tour through the UNESCO-listed Sassi. Delve into the history of this unique city dug into the cliffside and visit a cave house and rupestrian churches in its two oldest districts. Learn about how residents once lived, marvel at the cathedral set at the town’s upper square, and take in sweeping views over the Murgia Materana Park.

The UNESCO-listed Sassi di Matera is both captivating and mysterious. With this guided tour, take a deep dive into the history of this unique rupestrian city, named a 2019 European Capital of Culture. Explore its hidden dwellings and churches carved directly into the cliff, the setting for a number of films, including Ben Hur. Cap off the tour with a tasting of local specialties from Matera.

Experience the top attractions of this European “capital of culture” on this guided excursion. After meeting up with a knowledgeable local guide, explore sites like the Cathedral of Matera, the Church of San Giovanni Battista, and Piazza Vittoro Veneto. Learn about the city’s history and culture, and enjoy scenic views of Sasso Barisano and Sasso Cavoso.

Enjoy stunning aerial views of UNESCO-listed Matera during this small-group hot air balloon ride. Soar above the iconic hilltop city on a safe and panoramic journey, admiring the distinctive architecture and cultural sights with rare, bird's eye views. Small-group flights are capped at only eight participants and include an Italian breakfast.

The heart of the Park of the Murgia Materana, also called the Historical Natural Park of the Rock Churches, is a treasure chest that holds evidence of ancient devotion. The rocky conformation is the protagonist of this fascinating human enterprise in a synergic man-nature relationship, that will be at the basis of the recognition of these places as a UNESCO World Heritage in 1993 across some of the most spectacular rock scenary in the world. The tour consists of a 3 hours wonderful hike to reach exclusive churches along the Matera 'ravine. The 'Vie del Rupestre' route combines extra-urban rock churches, making it an ideal cultural visit for those who crave a unique experience in the open air. Rupestrian churches can be available, reached and visited in exclusive: the sites are managing in the respect for history and environment, for a safeguard and enhance the rocky surroundings of Matera. One way transfer is 20 minutes starting by a private bus in Via Aldo Moro, near central station.

You have a wide choice of models and sizes. Before leaving, briefing on on the bike functions. The agency offers 24h tecnical assistance.

The appointment is fixed in our base camp which, besides being a meeting point for the party, is also important for a safe excursion. We will explain the main rules of an activity in quad with basic, fast and not boring indications that will help you live the experience with more serenity. Our guide, who will accompany you in the wild territories of the Dolomiti Lucane, will explain the operation of the quad and give you practical tips for safe driving before starting the engines. Once this first informative phase is over, you will be able to spend moments without worries and be involved in uncontaminated territories, spectacular spiers, winding paths and lanes and locations with a strong adrenaline rush.

Culture and nature come together in a tour even more exciting at night. An easy walk to enjoy a different and stimulating experience, recommended for those who want to see Matera from a different perspective. The area is well known for its famous rock churches, which for centuries have made the gorge a unique and spiritual place, an ancient meeting place of nature and devotion. The plateau has much older traces, dating back to prehistoric times. There are Neolithic settlements and tombs dating back to several thousand years before Christ. Starting from Jazzo Gattini a 2 hours itinerary leads to the discovery of the rock churches, carved into the side of the Matera ravine, learning about the naturalistic and landscape aspects, and taking the perfect photo of Matera from the other side of the ravine. The itinerary continues with a visit to two different rock churches, inaccessible without a certified guide, 'San Falcione' and 'Madonna delle Tre Porte'.

We will start with a small breakfast under the patriarch olive tree, in an old countryside. Later we will go through the caverns of an ancient farmhouse. Under the centuries-old olive trees we will taste Matera bread and prepare a traditional dish from Matera, "la cialledda", which tells of the encounter between the typical bread of Matera, now stale, and the vegetables and mixed salads of the Lucanian land. All this will take place in a laboratory, at the end of which we will share this meal as even today the olive pickers do in their breaks. The cialledda will be accompanied by Primitivo wine and from the bundle containing Lucanian Slow Food Presidium products: Caciocavallo Podolico, Baked olives from Ferrandina and Pezzente salami from the Matera mountains. We will also be cheered by the sounds of popular instruments and the songs of the Matera tradition.

The vast Murgia plateau facing the Sassi of Matera constitutes the Regional Park of the Rupestrian Churches of Matera, which has also been declared a World Heritage Site since 2007. It is a large rocky hilly area marked by deep karst fissures called: "Gravine". The show that appears before the eyes is truly breathtaking, since the whole inhabited area of the Sassi appears in all its splendor beyond the ravine. In a surprising and fascinating naturalistic context, following an initially somewhat steep path, accompanied by Environmental Naturalistic Guides, you descend towards the Gravina stream near which, in an area rich in vegetation, there is a characteristic Rock Church which " speaks to us” of the past. Looking up… the Sassi…. seen from the stream… amazement! Return to the Murgecchia plain and skirt the Gravina.

If you're looking for a different way to get to know the city or an original way of making a gift to someone or simply enjoying yourself, this is definetely the activity for you! During your hunt, you will have the opportunity to discover what are, in my opinion, the true gems of the city and at the same time have fun! On request it is possible to add small gifts or tickets supplied by you to the chest. Free for kids < 5!

The UNESCO-listed town of Matera and its surrounding countryside is one of the most fascinating corners of Italy, famous for its warren of rupestrian houses and churches dug directly into the cliffs. Take in this striking sight from a one-of-a-kind vantage point with this hot air balloon tour that floats above the historic town and nearby countryside, offering sweeping bird’s-eye views of the cave houses and churches.

Explore the ancient caves of the Sassi and hike the Gravina gorge on this trip around Matera. Stroll along the falls and through the canyons. Cross a suspension bridge to admire a broad view of the city from the Belvedere Murgia Timone.

Drive through the streets of Matera with this special tour. With the Ape Calessino tour you can admire the wonderful atmosphere of Matera, European Capital of Culture 2019. Comfort, style and culture: the best things to experience one of the most particular tours of the city. This tour combines quality and professionalism to guarantee the best service

This experience will allow you to admire Matera from a perspective comparable only to that of a hot air balloon or hang glider but at a negligible cost, with no risk and in a short booking and implementation time. It is a very exciting poetic, immersive experience. Weather conditions are irrelevant to experience this virtual journey in all conditions.

The experience of our team will lead you towards the discovery of the true and authentic soul made in the south, made up of food and wine excellence, typical crafts and sites of historical and cultural interest. Our company is a true airline, the only Italian company in southern Italy authorized to perform commercial flights with passengers, as it has a license issued by ENAC, the National Civil Aviation Authority and specific aeronautical insurance.

This experience allows you to spend a day cycling, reaching the WWF Wildlife Oasis to enjoy an immersion in nature, a few kilometers from Matera. Furthermore, the beauty of the Crypt of Original Sin will leave you breathless. Not far away, at the farmhouse near the crypt, we can refresh ourselves with a little wine and some tarallini made with 0 km ingredients. We will make the return with a minivan, which will take you back to the city.