{"id":24855,"date":"2025-10-19T19:54:36","date_gmt":"2025-10-19T23:54:36","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/finduslost.com\/?p=24855"},"modified":"2025-10-29T15:16:31","modified_gmt":"2025-10-29T19:16:31","slug":"southern-italy-itinerary-2-days-in-matera-part-1","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/finduslost.com\/southern-italy-itinerary-2-days-in-matera-part-1\/","title":{"rendered":"Southern Italy Itinerary: 2 Days in Matera (Part 1)"},"content":{"rendered":"

\"GoldenA few years ago, I spent a week town-hopping through Puglia and fell in love with how undiscovered this corner of Italy still felt. When planning my return to Southern Italy, I knew I wanted to start with a bucket list stay in one of Matera’s ancient cave dwellings. This two-part guide shares my complete week in Southern Italy \u2014 starting here with 2 days in Matera, then continuing with 5 days exploring the coast and towns of Puglia.<\/em><\/p>\n

With my close friend Lauren (also a toddler mom in need of a girl’s getaway) we planned an indulgent trip through southern Italy starting in Matera: a city over 9,000 years old with cave dwellings that feel like stepping back millennia. Our days consisted of leisurely breakfasts at our hotel, getting lost in ancient streets and seeking out delicious italian food. While this was very much a girls’ trip, this exact itinerary works beautifully as a romantic escape. The sunsets, the intimate cave hotels, the ancient stone streets \u2014 it all translates perfectly to either vibe.<\/p>\n

This guide breaks down exactly how to spend 2 days in Matera, where to stay for the full cave hotel experience, and why I wish I’d added a third night.<\/p>\n

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2-3 DAYS<\/strong><\/h4>\n

\u2014<\/p>\n

BEST TIME TO VISIT<\/strong> \u2013 Late spring (May-June) or early fall (September-October) for warm weather and fewer crowds<\/p>\n

WEATHER<\/strong> \u2013 Hot, dry Mediterranean summers; mild, pleasant shoulder seasons<\/p>\n

GETTING AROUND<\/strong> \u2013 Walking only in Matera’s historic center; parking available outside the city<\/p>\n

CURRENCY<\/strong> \u2013 Euros, most places take credit cards<\/p>\n

LANGUAGES<\/strong> \u2013 Italian, some English in tourist areas<\/p>\n

NEARBY AIRPORTS<\/strong> \u2013 Bari Airport (BRI), about 1 hour from Matera<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n

About Matera<\/h2>\n

I chose Matera for its incredible history (it’s over 9000 years old!) and unique cave dwellings, also known as the ‘Sassi’,<\/strong> knowing it would be crowded but worth it. Matera was actually abandoned until the 1980s, when restoration efforts transformed the neglected caves into a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It’s been growing in popularity ever since. I wanted to experience staying in an ancient cave hotel and spend time wandering the maze-like streets at different times of day. The food in Matera was surprisingly good, and there was more to explore than I anticipated.<\/p>\n

\"Morning \"The \"Sunset\"Sextantio \"ThePhotos: all vertical photos are Sextantio Le Grotte Della Civita<\/a>; horizontal view of Matera at night was taken from this viewpoint<\/a> in front of the Duomo.\u00a0<\/em><\/p>\n

Where I Stayed in Matera:\u00a0Sextantio Le Grotte Della Civita<\/h2>\n

This was the stay that defined the trip. Sextantio Le Grotte Della Civita<\/a> is the ‘original’ cave hotel in Matera,<\/strong> carved into the ancient Sassi on the edge of town, away from the main tourist bustle. Each room is a restored cave dwelling with minimal intervention. Think exposed stone walls, candlelight, and an atmosphere that feels like stepping back millennia.<\/p>\n

Here’s what I learned about Matera: I’d treat a stay here the same way I’d treat Santorini.<\/strong> The property you choose matters just as much as the destination itself. The main streets get crowded with tourists, but the right hotel makes you feel like you’ve truly stepped back in time \u2014 and honestly, you won’t want to leave it. Sextantio became our retreat. We’d return between wandering sessions, sit in the stone courtyard, and watch the light change over the valley below. The property is so picturesque that people walking by would stop to take photos, though they couldn’t enter (which only added to how special it felt to be staying there).<\/p>\n

\"The\"The \"romantic\"Views<\/p>\n

The location of Sextantio is slightly removed from the main tourist area, which I loved. It felt peaceful and authentic while still being an easy walk to the heart of Matera. If you want the full cave hotel experience without the crowds, this is it.<\/p>\n

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Book: Sextantio Le Grotte Della Civita<\/a><\/h4>\n<\/blockquote>\n

Other Matera Cave Hotels to Consider:<\/h4>\n