The best walks and hikes in Matera

Matera offers a diverse network of over 130 hiking routes. These trails cater to various skill levels, with 53 routes classified as easy, 70 as moderate, and 7 as difficult, ensuring options for every hiker.

The terrain in Matera is highly varied, characterized by the deep Gravina ravine, rocky limestone cliffs, and the expansive Murgia Materana Park. Trails often traverse riverbeds, ancient cave dwellings, and elevated plateaus, providing diverse perspectives of the historic city and its natural surroundings.

Yes, Matera has several easy routes suitable for families. For instance, The historic center of Matera - loop tour is an easy 2.4 km (1.5 miles) walk through the ancient Sassi districts, typically completed in about 40 minutes, offering a fascinating cultural experience without significant physical challenge.

Absolutely. Many of Matera's trails are designed as loops, allowing you to start and end in the same location. A popular choice is the Murgia Materana Park Trail 406 Loop, which offers panoramic views of Matera's Sassi from across the Gravina ravine.

For breathtaking panoramic views of Matera's Sassi, consider trails that cross into the Murgia Materana Park. The Panoramic view of Matera – View of Matera from the caves loop from Matera is a moderate 4.6 km route that provides stunning vistas. Another excellent option is the Murgia Materana Park Trail 406 Loop, leading to iconic viewpoints like Belvedere Murgia Timone.

Matera's hiking trails are rich with historical significance. You can explore ancient cave dwellings, prehistoric settlements, and numerous rupestrian churches carved into the rock. Highlights include the Monterrone Rock and the Churches of Santa Maria de Idris and San Giovanni, and the Santa Maria de Idris Rock Church, which are often accessible from various routes.

The komoot community highly rates hiking in Matera, with an average score of 4.5 stars from over 900 reviews. Hikers frequently praise the unique blend of natural beauty and historical immersion, particularly the stunning views of the Sassi and the exploration of ancient cave systems and rupestrian churches.

Yes, the region around Matera is home to fascinating natural monuments. You can explore areas like Petre de la Mola, or discover various Caves that are part of the Murgia Materana landscape, offering a glimpse into the area's distinctive geology.

Beyond Matera's immediate vicinity, you can find trails that lead to historical castles and structures. For example, the I Calanchi di Montalbano Jonico - ring tour takes you through a unique landscape, and further afield, you might encounter sites like Malconsiglio Castle of Miglionico or the Norman Tower of Tricarico, though these may require a short drive to reach the trailhead.

The best time to hike in Matera is typically during the spring (April to June) and autumn (September to October). During these seasons, the weather is mild and pleasant, making it ideal for exploring the trails without the intense heat of summer or the cooler, potentially wetter conditions of winter.

While many trails are moderate, Matera and its surrounding region offer longer options for experienced hikers. The Lake San Giuliano route, for instance, is a moderate 15.8 km (9.8 miles) trail that provides a more extended exploration of the natural landscape outside the immediate city.

While Craco is a significant historical site in the region, it's not directly accessible by a continuous hiking trail from Matera itself. However, there is a short, easy trail within the ghost town area, the Craco Ghost Town Trail, which is 1.4 km (0.9 miles) long and allows you to explore its unique ruins once you reach the location by other means of transport.