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Matera

Matera travel guide

Comune in Basilicata, Italy

Flights from$1,068 round trip
Things to do11 experiences
Best time to visitMay and September to October
Nearest airportBRI · 34 mi from centre
Time zoneUTC+1
Population59,685

About Matera

Matera is a city and the capital of the Province of Matera in the region of Basilicata, in Southern Italy. With a history of continuous occupation dating back to prehistory, it is renowned for its rock-cut urban core, whose twin cliffside zones are known collectively as the Sassi.

Cheap flights to Matera

The lowest round-trip fare found by Destina Holidays travellers in the last 30 days was $1,068 from Indianapolis, travelling 13 Dec – 28 Dec. These are the cheapest fares from the most searched cities.

Airlines travellers compared most often: United Airlines.

Prices are per adult in US dollars, taken from searches between 20 Sep and 20 Oct 2026. Fares change often, so search your dates for live prices.

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Things to do in Matera by type

11 tours, tickets and experiences across 2 categories. Pick a type to see what is available for your dates.

How long
  • 3-6 hours 2
  • Over 6 hours 2
  • 1-3 hours 2
Ways to go
  • Small group 2
  • Private 1
Browse all things to do in Matera

Top experiences in Matera

Tours, tickets and experiences you can book with Destina Holidays, from 11 available.

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Where to stay in Matera

Popular hotels in Matera, out of 178 properties you can book.

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Best time to visit Matera

Based on recent weather records, the most comfortable time to visit Matera is May and September to October, when average daytime highs are around 70–82°F and rain falls on about 9 days a month.

MonthTemperature (°F)Rain days
Jan 39° – 54° 8
Feb 40° – 56° 9
Mar 43° – 60° 10
Apr 47° – 67° 9
May 54° – 74° 11
Jun 65° – 90° 3
Jul 70° – 94° 3
Aug 68° – 91° 6
Sep 62° – 82° 7
Oct 54° – 70° 9
Nov 45° – 61° 8
Dec 40° – 55° 7

Average daily low and high temperatures and days with at least 1 mm of rain, from recent weather records. Highlighted months are the most comfortable for sightseeing.

Know before you go

Currency
Euro (EUR)1 US dollar ≈ €0.89
Language
Italian
Calling code
+39
Driving
On the right
Time zone
Europe/RomeUTC+1
Capital
Rome

Upcoming public holidays in Italy

  • Immaculate ConceptionImmacolata Concezione
  • Christmas DayNatale
  • St. Stephen's DaySanto Stefano
  • New Year's DayCapodanno
  • EpiphanyEpifania
  • Easter SundayPasqua

Banks, offices and some attractions may close on public holidays, and flights and hotels often fill up early around them.

Getting to Matera

These are the airports closest to central Matera. Compare fares into each one, as a slightly longer transfer can sometimes mean a much cheaper flight.

  • BRI Bari Karol Wojtyła Airport34 mi (54 km) from the city centre
  • TAR Taranto-Grottaglie Airport43 mi (70 km) from the city centre
  • VBS Brescia Airport68 mi (109 km) from the city centre
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Getting around Matera

After exiting Matera Centrale, there is a piazza to the left with various buses. From here, "Linea Sassi" buses to I Sassi di Matera every 30 min; the inexpensive tickets are sold upon boarding. The Sassi can also be reached on foot in about 20 minutes by walking straight ahead downhill from the piazza. The Sassi can only be explored on foot, and tourist information is available locally.

Matera travel FAQ

When is the best time to visit Matera?

Based on recent weather records, the most comfortable time to visit Matera is May and September to October, when average daytime highs are around 70–82°F and rain falls on about 9 days a month.

What is the weather like in Matera?

July is usually the warmest month in Matera, with average highs of 94°F (35°C). January is the coolest, with average lows of 39°F (4°C). The wettest month is typically January, with about 92 mm of rain.

Which airport is closest to Matera?

Bari Karol Wojtyła Airport (BRI) is the closest airport, about 34 miles (54 km) from the centre of Matera. Other nearby airports include Taranto-Grottaglie Airport (TAR, 43 mi) and Brescia Airport (VBS, 68 mi).

How much are flights to Matera?

The cheapest round-trip fare Destina Holidays travellers found to Matera in the last 30 days was $1,068 from Indianapolis, travelling 13 Dec – 28 Dec.

What currency is used in Matera?

Matera uses the Euro (EUR). At the latest exchange rate, 1 US dollar ≈ €0.89.

What time zone is Matera in?

Matera uses the Europe/Rome time zone (currently UTC+1). Remember to check for daylight saving changes when planning connecting flights.

How do I get around Matera?

After exiting Matera Centrale, there is a piazza to the left with various buses. From here, "Linea Sassi" buses to I Sassi di Matera every 30 min; the inexpensive tickets are sold upon boarding. The Sassi can also be reached on foot in about 20 minutes by walking straight ahead downhill from the piazza.

What are the top things to do in Matera?

Popular experiences you can book in Matera include Sassi Di Matera - Walking Tour, Matera: no time to die (mission 007) and Murgia Park and Rocky Churches Tour. Destina Holidays offers 11 tours and activities here.

What kinds of tours and activities can I book in Matera?

The most popular types of experiences in Matera are city tours (7), gastronomy & nightlife (3), day trips & excursions (1) and specialist tours (1). Filter by type when you search to compare prices and availability for your dates.

Where should I stay in Matera?

Popular areas for hotels in Matera include Matera. Well-reviewed options include BV Quarry Matera and Locanda Di San Martino.

How many hotels can I book in Matera?

Destina Holidays currently lists 178 properties in and around Matera, from budget stays to luxury hotels. Search your dates to see live prices and availability.