Matera is one of Italy’s most captivating towns—its ancient cave dwellings, labyrinth of alleyways, and panoramic views make it perfect for exploring on foot. Unlike many destinations where guided walks are just a way to check off sights, in Matera, walking tours are a chance to truly learn about the city’s raw, time-worn beauty. We’ve sampled a wide range of options, from comprehensive group excursions to intimate private tours, each offering a different way to connect with this UNESCO World Heritage site. Whether you want to learn about the medieval rock churches, see film locations, or explore the hidden corners of the Sassi, there’s a tour here to match your interests.
Some tours stand out because they combine historical insight with practical access. For example, the Sassi Walking Tour: between history and culture offers a relaxed stroll through the oldest parts of Matera, with inside visits to a 12th-century rock church. Others, like the Matera: Guided Walking Tour, cater to those seeking a more classic overview, mixing scenic views with stories of the city’s development. Private options, such as the Private walking tour in Matera, are perfect for travelers wanting a tailored experience, with flexibility to focus on personal interests.
Below, we’ve broken down 15 of the best walking tours in Matera, each with its own strengths. Whether you’re on a budget, pressed for time, or craving an in-depth dive into Matera’s secrets, this guide will help you pick the perfect way to walk through this city’s unforgettable streets.
1. Sassi Walking Tour: between history and culture
For around $29, this Sassi Walking Tour: between history and culture is a fantastic introduction to the heart of Matera. Led by a knowledgeable guide, you’ll explore the ancient alleyways of the Sassi and visit a 12th-century rock church inside the caves. The walk winds through both Sasso Caveoso and Sasso Barisano, with frequent stops for historical and architectural insights. The tour’s small size and engaging approach make it a favorite—one reviewer called the pace “great” and appreciated the mix of humor and facts. The €3 entrance fee for the rock church is worth it for the inside peek.
This tour is ideal for those wanting a comprehensive yet relaxed overview of Matera’s oldest neighborhoods. It’s perfect for first-timers who want a good sense of the layout and history without feeling rushed. The highlight visit inside the rock church adds a special touch that many other tours don’t include.
Bottom Line: A budget-friendly, well-rated introduction to Matera’s Sassi, especially recommended if you want a mix of history, culture, and panoramic views.
2. Matera Walking Tour with Casa Grotta & Rock Church Entry
At number 2, the Matera Walking Tour with Casa Grotta & Rock Church Entry covers the core neighborhoods and includes visits to rock-hewn churches, cave dwellings, and the Museum of Peasant Civilization. The tour begins at one of three suggested meeting points and lasts about 2 hours. It’s highly rated with 864 reviews, making it a reliable choice for those who want a well-rounded introduction.
During the tour, you’ll explore Santa Maria de Idris, San Giovanni in Monterrone, and walk through the ancient cave houses. The thoughtful inclusion of the museum and churches gives a layered view of Matera’s historical ways of living. The guide is an expert, sharing stories about how residents once carved their homes from the rock, and the tour includes the admission to the rock churches—a real bonus.
This tour suits visitors who want a deep dive into religious and domestic architecture and appreciate the opportunity to see the interior of rock churches. The €41 price reflects its comprehensive content, including several key sites.
Bottom Line: An excellent choice for history and architecture lovers seeking a thorough, informative experience with insider access.
3. Matera walking tour in English
For those who prefer an easy-to-understand in English, this Matera walking tour in English lasts 2 hours and is rated 5 stars by 265 reviewers. The tour focuses on discovering Matera’s secrets—from cave houses to the Palombaro, the large rainwater cistern.
Led by a friendly local guide, this tour is ideal for visitors who want a personalized feel and a clear picture of what makes Matera unique. It’s particularly suitable for travelers short on time but eager to cover the main highlights with good context. The guide’s insights make even the most well-trodden sights feel fresh, and the visit to the Palombaro offers a tangible sense of how ancient communities managed water.
If you’re after a focused, engaging overview with a small-group atmosphere, this tour is a top pick. It’s a great way to get your bearings before exploring on your own.
Bottom Line: Perfect for English-speaking visitors seeking a friendly, insightful introduction to Matera’s hidden stories.
4. Matera: Guided Walking Tour
At number 4, the Matera: Guided Walking Tour offers 2.5 hours of exploring the “Sassi” neighborhoods with a local guide. Recognized as a UNESCO site and European Capital of Culture 2019, it’s especially praised for its scenic views and storytelling. Multiple reviews mention guides who explain the life of residents and show the landascape from different viewpoints.
This tour balances history, architecture, and social stories, making it suitable for all ages. The walk between Sasso Barisano and Caveoso includes visits to cave houses and rupestrian churches. Many reviewers appreciated the knowledgeable guides who managed to keep the pace lively and the information digestible. It’s good value at $28, given the 2.5-hour duration and rich content.
If you want a comprehensive yet manageable introduction to Matera’s main districts, this tour is a reliable option. It works well for travelers who want a bit of everything without a lengthy commitment.
Bottom Line: A popular, well-rated tour offering insight into Matera’s scenic and social fabric, suitable for first-time visitors.
5. Sassi di Matera: Guided Walking Tour with Cave House/Church
Number 5 on our list is the Sassi di Matera: Guided Walking Tour with Cave House/Church, which is highly recommended for its detailed storytelling. Led by Gaetano, a guide known for deep knowledge and humor, it explores life in the caves and the area’s film fame.
This 2-hour tour emphasizes the remarkable history of inhabitance over 12,000 years, with rich commentary on religious and political changes. The inclusion of a cave house visit and rupestrian church makes it especially engaging. Reviewers frequently praise Gaetano’s enthusiasm and storytelling—one called it “the highlight of the trip.”
Suitable for those wanting a story-rich experience that also touches on Matera’s role in film and culture, this tour offers excellent value with its focus on the continuous struggle of life in the caves.
Bottom Line: An engaging, educational tour that combines history, culture, and humor, perfect for curious travelers.
6. Matera: Walking tour with entries in Cave House and Church
This Matera: Walking tour with entries in Cave House and Church is a 2.5-hour experience ideal for those wanting closer looks inside the Sassi. It starts at Banco di Napoli and includes visits to the cave house museum and an impressive 13th-century rupestrian church.
The tour emphasizes panoramic views of Murgia Materana Park and learning about peasant life through the cave house. The guide, recognizable by her red hair and turquoise ribbon, is praised for her friendly and knowledgeable approach. It’s suitable for travelers prepared for some steps and uneven terrain.
If you’re fascinated by living history and want to see the interiors of ancient dwellings, this tour offers a more immersive experience. The focus on architecture and panoramic vistas makes it stand out.
Bottom Line: Perfect for those interested in architecture and panoramic views, with a focus on the daily life of past inhabitants.
7. Private walking tour in Matera
Number 7, the Private walking tour in Matera offers a personalized experience tailored to your interests. For around $237, your group up to 15 people gets 2 hours of expert guidance through the UNESCO-listed Sassi.
This tour’s strength is the customization—your guide, an experienced local, will focus on what interests you most, from film sites to religious architecture. You’ll visit a cave house, explore rupestrian churches, and walk through the upper and lower districts. Reviewers mention the guide’s deep knowledge and willingness to answer questions, making it ideal for travelers who prefer a flexible and intimate experience.
Best suited for families or groups who want to avoid the crowds and focus on specific aspects of Matera. The high price reflects the exclusivity and flexibility.
Bottom Line: A great choice if you want a tailored, private experience with ample time for questions and focus areas.
8. Walking Tour Matera
Rated 5 stars from only 9 reviews, this Walking Tour Matera is a 2.5-hour small-group walk starting at Piazza Vittorio Veneto. It offers an intimate look at the city’s key sights, from stone houses and churches to cave dwellings.
The guide provides insights into local history and culture, making it a good choice for travelers looking for a personal connection. The tour highlights restored landmarks and the cathedral, offering a well-paced, engaging experience. Since it’s a small group, expect plenty of interaction and questions.
Ideal for visitors who appreciate small-group intimacy and want a focused but flexible overview.
Bottom Line: Suitable for those who want a more personal, in-depth look at Matera’s main sights in a short time.
9. Sassi di Matera: Walking Tour with Local Guide
This small-group Sassi di Matera: Walking Tour is limited to 6 participants, making it a very personalized way to explore. Over 2 hours, your local guide will take you through Sasso Caveoso and Barisano, explaining the social forces that shaped Matera.
Perfect for travelers seeking a close-up experience with fewer people, the tour emphasizes hidden courtyards, ancient rock churches, and local life. Reviewers appreciate the curated nature and expert storytelling.
Ideal for those who want an intimate, expert-led walk and don’t mind a shorter tour.
Bottom Line: Best for travelers who prefer a small, curated group and a deep, authentic experience.
10. Matera Walk Through History
At 3 hours and with only 3 reviews, the Matera Walk Through History is a longer, more detailed exploration. It includes visits inside cave houses, a panoramic stop at Belvedere Luigi Guerricchio, and inside the cave district.
This tour is highly praised for its comprehensive coverage and storytelling. It features a visit inside a typical cave house, making it especially appealing for those wanting a deeper understanding of daily life in the Sassi. The price is higher, reflecting the longer duration and detailed content.
Best suited for travelers who want a more in-depth, immersive experience.
Bottom Line: For those with extra time who want to understand the broader story of Matera’s evolution, this tour offers a detailed journey.
11. Matera_Belvedere walking tour
This short, 2-hour Matera_Belvedere walking tour takes you to Jazzo Gattini and the ravine edge of the Murgia plateau. Led by an expert guide, it focuses on the geological and natural features of the Rock Churches Park, with over 150 rock-carved religious sites.
The tour is excellent for those interested in geology, archaeology, and spirituality. The route offers scenic views and a chance to see rock-hewn churches up close. It’s a quiet, contemplative experience.
Ideal if you prefer a shorter, nature-focused walk with less emphasis on interiors but more on landscape and history.
Bottom Line: Great for travelers interested in natural and archaeological aspects of Matera’s landscape.
12. Pearls of Matera Walking Tour
This three-hour tour is a slightly more niche experience, including visits to Casa Cava, San Giovanni Battista, and Piazza Vittorio Veneto. It features a visit to Casa Cava, a converted cave space, and focuses on art, architecture, and views. The tour ends with a walk to Chiesa del Purgatorio, highlighting Matera’s religious art and history.
Although only one review is available, it praises the blend of history and modernity. The timing and content make it suitable for travelers wanting a more artistic and cultural perspective.
Bottom Line: Ideal for those interested in artistic sites and modern cultural spaces in Matera.
13. Explore Matera: 2-Hour Private Walking Tour
For a fully tailored experience, this Explore Matera: 2-Hour Private Walking Tour allows you to focus on your personal interests, visiting Palazzo Lanfranchi, Sasso Caveoso, and local cave houses. The private guide provides an intimate, flexible experience, perfect for small groups or families.
Reviews note the guide’s deep knowledge and the personalized attention. It’s suited for travelers who want to avoid large groups and have custom questions answered.
If you’re looking for a personalized, in-depth tour, this private option is hard to beat.
Bottom Line: Best suited for travelers who want a bespoke exploration with local insights.
14. Private Guided Walking Tour in Sassi of Matera
This 2-hour private tour is perfect for a more intimate look at Matera. Starting from Piazzetta Pascoli, your guide will take you through Baroque churches, Sasso Caveoso, and the upper districts, with stunning panoramic views. It emphasizes secret courtyards and local life.
Ideal for travelers who want a less crowded, more personalized experience. The guide’s friendly and knowledgeable approach makes it a memorable way to see Matera’s hidden corners.
Bottom Line: Excellent for those seeking a private, detailed stroll with a local expert.
15. Matera : Private 2-hour Walking Tour
Finally, the Matera: Private 2-hour Walking Tour offers a high-end private experience. It’s best for groups up to 15, with a guide who shares insights into the caves, streets, and architecture. Reviewers appreciate the professionalism and engaging storytelling, even under challenging weather conditions.
This tour is ideal if you want a focused, private immersion into Matera’s most photogenic spots and are willing to pay a premium for a tailored experience.
Bottom Line: Perfect for families or large groups wanting a dedicated, private walk with in-depth narration.
How to Choose Your Perfect Matera Walking Tour
When selecting among these tours, consider your budget, time constraints, interests, and physical fitness. For example, if you want a deep, personalized experience, the private tours (Explore Matera, Private Guided Walking Tour) are your best bet. For a rundown of the Sassi, the Guided Walking Tour offers a rich experience for a reasonable price.
Those on a budget will find the Sassi Walking Tour very appealing, especially with its inside visits. If you prefer a more scenic, less crowded experience, consider the Belvedere walking tour, which focuses on natural features and panoramic views.
Booking early is especially wise during peak seasons (spring and fall), as Matera’s popularity continues to grow. Many tours are available in multiple languages, so check your preferred guide language beforehand.
Final Thoughts
Matera offers a diverse selection of walking tours that cater to almost every interest and travel style. From comprehensive group explorations to intimate private walks, each option provides a chance to peel back the layers of this ancient city. For history lovers, the Sassi di Matera: Guided Walking Tour and Matera Walk Through History stand out as top choices. If privacy and customization are your priorities, the private tours offer a personalized touch.
Whatever tour you choose, remember that Matera’s unique atmosphere is best experienced on foot—so wear comfortable shoes, bring your curiosity, and prepare to fall in love with this astonishing, multi-layered city. Booking in advance is recommended to secure the best times, especially during the busy travel seasons. Enjoy your journey through one of Italy’s most extraordinary destinations.
