Amazingly, people have made their homes in Matera for the last seven thousand years, making it the world’s third longest inhabited community. And many of these homes were hewn from the limestone of the hill Matera sits upon. So the city today is a web of ancient grottoes carved higgledy-piggledy into the mountainside on either side of a narrow ravine. It’s extremely picturesque, and entirely unique and now known worldwide through the antics of Daniel Craig in Bond's No Time to Die. Some of these “sassi” cave dwellings have now been converted into some of the best places to stay in Matera. Our Gurus have curated a collection of wonderful cave dwellings and villas turned hotels and B&Bs, with incredible views, unbeatable central locations and lots of space.

Some of our Matera collections:

• Our favourite boutique hotels in Matera
• The best luxury hotels in Matera
• Matera's best B&Bs

The historic part of town is divided in two by the majestic, 13th century cathedral, which sits atop a ridge. Explore on foot and it feels as if the entire town is a museum, populated almost entirely by centuries-old dwellings and buildings, which, if the sky is its normal bright blue, seem to glimmer golden. It’s not just the best places to stay in Matera that have been converted from “sassi” cave dwellings, it’s also the bars, cafes, and restaurants, and it’s impossible to walk around town without experiencing its ancient magic. The museums and churches have been purpose built, and really add to the vista – and are probably why the whole of Matera was declared a UNESCO World heritage Site in 1993.

As well as being incredibly picturesque and historic, our recommendations for the best places to say in Matera are also some of our most romantic picks in this part of Basilicata, with great restaurants, beautiful décor and seriously memorable views. If you’re even remotely into sightseeing it would be difficult not to be impressed by the palaeolithic sassi of the Materasum Ipogeo, the Tramontano Castle, and the Casa Grotte di Vico Solitaro. What are you waiting for?!...

The Best Places to Stay in Matera

For a Special Occasion

• The Hotel Sant'Angelo is a five-star hotel in the historic heart of Matera, with incredible views from many of the 21 rooms and suites. Converted from “sassi” cave dwellings, the hotel is a combination of elegant villa architecture, and traditional rooms cut from the rock. We love the beds hewn from the limestone, vaulted ceilings, and the incredible views. The restaurant specialises in local cuisine.
• Le Grotte della Civita is another hotel which manages to be both luxurious and elegant, while also being created from a series of cave dwellings cut from Matera's limestone. Its 18 very original rooms and suites, are vaulted caves, with log fires, and gorgeous bathrooms with stand-alone bathtubs. The excellent restaurant feels like a mediaeval lair, but turns out excellent cuisine, and they offer cooking classes. Book this place for the wow factor!

In Matera’s Historic Heart

• Only 350 yards from the cathedral, La Dimora di Matello is ideally located for exploring Matera’s historic sights and sites. There are just four rooms and suites, all spacious, and, aside from the stunning original features, decorated with contemporary design pieces. The views are pretty good too.
• Also historic, and centrally located, Maison D'Ax is a more ornate pick, with decorative tiles in the spacious bathrooms, Persian rugs, and a range of artwork. The views are wonderful and family rooms available.While there’s no restaurant, they do offer breakfast (and tours of Matera).
• The Basiliani Hotel is a fantastically stylish, minimalist hotel converted from a collection of “sassi” cave houses. The ten rooms and suites are spacious and serenely monochrome, and all offer views of historic Matera. Some of the rooms are ideal for families, and there’s a spa too.

For Romantics

• The Antica Torre di Luso has just two rooms, both with murals on the walls, antique furnishings, vaulted ceilings and hot tubs, so it’s a romantic choice in the centre of Matera. There’s no restaurant, but there are lots of places to eat and drink locally.
• The Palazzo del Duca is a beautifully 14th century palazzo, converted from “sassi” cave dwellings. It has nine rooms and suites, some carved right into the rock, and all decorated with contemporary features. The restaurant and bar serve local cuisine, and they offer cooking classes to anyone who wants to replicate the recipes at home.
• One of the largest hotels on our Gurus’ list, the Locanda di San Martino has 32 rooms and suites in a collection of elegantly converted “sassi”. In addition to the large rooms decorated with antiques and original features, the property has an indoor pool, a Turkish hammam bath, an excellent spa, and a roof terrace with incredible views.

For Families

• The Corte San Pietro is another magically converted cave dwelling, turned into a ten bedroom hotel. Some of the rooms and suites are ideal for families, with lots of living space on mezzanine levels. Aside from the original features the décor is rustic, with stylish details. Pets are welcome too.

For a Spa Break

• The Palazzo Gattini has been converted from a charming palazzo, into an elegant, five-star hotel with 20 comfortable, contemporary rooms. They’ve also added a rooftop pool and terrace, and an excellent restaurant serving local specialities. The spa boasts a hammam, flotation tank, chromatherapy showers, whirlpool tub/indoor pool and comprehensive range of massages and treatments.

For Great Value

• Like many of our recommendations in Matera, Thymus Residence Nei Sassi has been part carved from the rock the town sits upon. Converted from a collection of historic buildings in the heart of town, including a 13th-century church (which is now the breakfast room), the Thymus Residence has just five rooms and suites, all spacious, and decorated with contemporary comforts. Some of the rooms are quite romantic, one has a hot tub, but there are some very family friendly options too.
• L'Hotel in Pietra has borrowed all of its architecture from a religious building: its eight rooms and suites have been converted from a 13th century monastery, complete with vaulted ceilings, mezzanine levels, and incredible views over the town. Expect lots of space and incredible original features.

Best B&Bs

• Converted from a 19th-century-built villa in the historic centre of Matera, Casastella is an elegant and affordable B&B. Some of the rooms feature exposed stone walls, and some are hewn from bare rock; all are painted in soft, muted colours, and decorated with rustic-minimalist style. The location is ideal, and the B&B will organise romantic meals in a “sassi” cave restaurant nearby.
• With just two rooms, Slow Living is an even smaller B&B, also well located in the historic part of town. These two rooms also benefit from small balconies, overlooking the rock churches, and a welcoming communal area. This would be a good choice if you’re staying for more than a week, and it’s conveniently close to the Museum of Medieval Art and the Museo Archaeologicalico Nazionale Ridola.
• The Antica Civitas is another two room option, with more spectacular views over Matera. Also converted from an historic villa, complete with terracotta-tiled floors and vaulted ceilings, but decorated with contemporary fixtures and fittings. Stylish and intimate.

Prefer a Private Apartment or Villa?

• If you'd prefer the privacy of a self-catering option then browse through the wide variety available online with our partner, Booking.com.

Travel Information

• Want to fly to Matera?

• Bari International airport is the closest international airport to Matera, just under an hour away by car or taxi, and just over an hour away by public transport.
• If you want to hire a car we recommend you visit our online partner, Rentalcars.
• Summer temperatures in Matera hit +30 °C, but its attractions make it a year round destination, and because it’s quite humid, winter temperatures remain pleasant enough for sightseeing — even during the coolest month, January, temperatures hover around 10 °C. However, during the winter months some attractions have reduced opening hours, with some only open weekends, or mornings, or requiring booking in advance, and the public transport timetable is reduced, so it’s well worth checking for the latest information before you book.

Still not sure where to stay?

• You could expand your search to include all the best places to stay in Basilicata.
• Or consider one of the best places to stay in Maratea which is on the opposite side of Basilicata, close to the coast.
• Alteratively, you could contact one of our friendly Gurus for personalised advice.

Weather

Monthly Weather in Matera