The best walks and hikes in Matera

The Scenic walk around Matera – loop tour offers a moderately challenging hike through the unique landscape surrounding Matera. You will traverse the deep Gravina ravine, rocky limestone cliffs, and elevated plateaus, providing diverse perspectives of the historic city. The trail, which is 6.9 miles (11.2 km) long with 1143 feet (348 metres) of elevation gain, takes about 3 hours and 24 minutes to complete. A highlight is crossing the wooden suspension bridge (Ponte Tibetano della Gravina) over the Gravina stream, offering a unique experience.

This loop tour is classified as moderate, so you should have good fitness and sure-footedness. The initial descent from parking areas can be steep and potentially slippery, especially if wet, making good shoes essential for your safety and comfort. The path includes sections of hiking trail, unpaved and paved stretches, and even some road and street sections, so be prepared for varied surfaces.

What makes this trail particularly notable is its combination of natural beauty and historical significance. You will see panoramic views of Matera's ancient Sassi districts from across the canyon, offering iconic photographic opportunities. The route also allows for close encounters with ancient cave dwellings and numerous rock-hewn churches, such as the Chiesa Rupestre Sant'Agnese, all within the protected Murgia Materana Park.

Embark on the Murgia Materana Park Trail 406 Loop, a moderate hike that spans 7.2 miles (11.6 km) and involves an elevation gain of 1075 feet (328 metres). You can expect to complete this route in about 3 hours and 26 minutes. The trail guides you through a distinctive landscape, featuring a rocky ravine and ancient paths, with sections of paved, gravel, and unpaved terrain. As you hike, you will wind through Mediterranean scrub and along the Gravina canyon, enjoying panoramic views of Matera's iconic Sassi. Keep an eye out for unique sights like the Madonna delle Tre Porte Church, which is carved directly into the rock face.

When planning your visit, be aware that while the trail is generally accessible, some paths can be uneven. Good fitness and sure-footedness will enhance your experience, and comfortable walking shoes or hiking boots are highly recommended for the varied surfaces. Parking is usually available near the starting points in Matera, but it is always wise to check local signs for current regulations. Consider starting your hike earlier in the day to make the most of the views and avoid potential crowds.

This loop offers a deep dive into the Parco della Murgia Materana, an area renowned for its unique geological formations and historical significance. The landscape tells a story of ancient human habitation, with paths that have been trodden for centuries. The dramatic canyon and the Sassi of Matera provide a backdrop that is both visually striking and culturally rich, making this trail a notable experience in the region. It is a chance to connect with both nature and history in one memorable outing.

Embark on an easy hike through the historic center of Matera, a journey that winds through ancient cave dwellings and stone structures. This loop tour covers 1.5 miles (2.5 km) with an elevation gain of 135 feet (41 metres), taking about 40 minutes to complete. You will navigate a labyrinth of zigzagging staircases, steep lanes, and narrow, winding cobbled streets, offering unique views of the Sassi districts and the deep Gravina ravine.

While the route is rated easy and suitable for all fitness levels, be prepared for uneven and potentially slippery surfaces, especially after rain. The city's hilly layout means you will encounter many stairs, so comfortable footwear is recommended. This trail is accessible directly within Matera's historic core, making it easy to start your exploration from various points within the city.

Matera is a UNESCO World Heritage site, recognized as one of the world's oldest continuously inhabited cities. This trail offers a direct immersion into its ancient urban fabric, showcasing how the city is integrated into its natural terrain. You will see rock-hewn churches and tiny courtyards, experiencing firsthand the unique architecture where the roof of one dwelling often serves as the street for the one above it.

Embark on the I Calanchi di Montalbano Jonico - ring tour, an easy hike through a surreal "lunar landscape" in Basilicata, Italy. This route, spanning 3.0 miles (4.8 km) with an elevation gain of 699 feet (213 metres), guides you through distinctive clay formations sculpted by millennia of erosion. You will witness deep incisions cascading down to cultivated fields, bordered by patches of Mediterranean vegetation, and enjoy panoramic views towards the Ionian Sea from higher points. Keep an eye out for the dramatic geosite "Tempa Petrolla," an isolated rock spur rising from the clay terrain.

This easy hike is suitable for individuals of any fitness level, with easily accessible paths that typically take about 1 hour and 34 minutes to complete. The trail follows ancient mule tracks, offering a glimpse into historical routes that once connected the town to agricultural lands. While some descents into the valleys can be steep, the overall difficulty remains low, making it a great option for a leisurely exploration of this unique geological area.

The trail is renowned for its exceptional geological significance, often called an "open-air paleontological museum" due to its rich fossil deposits from a paleosea that existed 1.8 million years ago. The calanchi are crucial for understanding the geological evolution of the Pleistocene epoch, and the site has even been nominated for the prestigious "Golden Spike" as a world standard. Beyond its scientific value, the area boasts surprising biodiversity, including rare botanical species and various birds, and you can explore the nearby ghost town of Craco for an additional captivating historical experience.

Explore the ghost town of Craco on an easy 0.8-mile (1.4 km) loop tour, offering unique historical landmarks and panoramic views.