Matera accommodation from NZ$195

If we had you at “craggy canyon”, book one of the many Matera hotels on the east side of the city, as it’s close to some of the area’s first cave buildings. The country’s capital may be 430 km away, but if you can’t get enough archaeological digs, book Rome accommodation and yell “Road trip!”

Things to Do in Matera

For starters, get a good night’s sleep or power nap in your Matera hotel, because you have a canyon to climb. The oldest part of the city—Sassi di Matera—is built right into the side of canyon walls. The houses, shops and churches line the layered terrain and there’s nothing flat about the paths between them. But the exercise is worth it when you see the view of the nearby Parco della Murgia Materana, an expansive nature preserve to the east. Take a look inside the caves at the Crypt of Original Sin—as mysterious as it sounds, this church sits in a peaceful vineyard setting, so have a glass of wine. While you’re in the historic centre, enjoy fine Italian dining and make it dinner and a show at Casa Cava—a cultural centre performance venue that was once a quarry…over 200 years ago.

Getting To & Around Matera

Touch down at Bari Karol Wojtyla Airport (BRI) in Bari, located just 64 km north of Matera. Pick up your hired car from Wotif and enjoy the scenic route. Before you roll, book Matera holidays with Wotif to save on your pick of flights at Matera accommodation. You’ll feel like a rock star!