Matera Outdoor Fun: Top Activities & Tours

Matera, you know, that old city in Basilicata, is quite a place. It’s not just history and old buildings; it’s also got some fantastic outdoor adventures if you know where to look! Ready to see what Matera has to show? Here’s what I reckon are some great things you can do there, away from the museums (which are cool too, obviously).

Exploring the Murgia Materana Park

First up, the Murgia Materana Park is definitely worth checking out! It’s like stepping into a different era, I guess, with its rock churches and caves, so that is something. Honestly, it is almost like another planet. This park offers unbelievable hikes (that seem to change around every corner) with some wonderful views of the Sassi. One of the trails I took started just outside Matera, leading me through what seemed like ancient farmlands. The views, especially at sunset, are, you know, out of this world! I think it goes without saying, bring your camera.

There are so many routes of differing intensity and length, you see, so there’s really something for everyone. Consider the “Path of the Ancient Shepherds” for, maybe, a challenging day’s hike. It loops around the Murgia plateau, giving you glimpses into local flora and fauna. For someone like myself, you know, more of a stroller, then the shorter, flatter paths along the Gravina stream, that’s very enjoyable.

What to See and Do in Murgia Materana Park

The park really gives some of the best panoramic spots for photographing the Sassi district, is that wild or what? One absolute highlight has to be the rock-cut churches, very unusual spots displaying Byzantine artwork. Check out the church of Madonna delle Tre Porte! It’s pretty old, so, but contains beautifully preserved frescos inside. Honestly, in some respects, it’s almost like time travelling.

If you’re just a little into history, well, the park really boasts an amazing amount of historic cave dwellings and early settlements, a little fact you didn’t know. These are like small windows into the ancient ways of life. The information boards give interesting insight (you might just learn something from!) without overwhelming you, a good way to get to know the site better!

Touring Matera by Ape Calessino

Alright, have you ever heard of an Ape Calessino? I mean, picture this: a small, cute three-wheeled vehicle! That might sound a bit weird, actually. It zips through the winding lanes of Matera. Yeah, well, so that’s what an Ape Calessino is. Turns out, it’s really one heck of an amusing method to see a big chunk of the city, and a rather unusual photo opportunity if you’re asking me. Most of the tours take about an hour, maybe, getting you right through the historic areas without the foot pain. Pretty good huh?

Why Take an Ape Tour?

Basically, these tours are kinda cool if you, like your, want to sit back and just absorb the scenery. Usually, guides can really be amazing too, sharing local stories and historic insight as you drive along, like something from the past! This is more or less something that I would call ideal, too, for someone who struggles with lots of walking, because you’re covering so much ground quite comfortably.

Actually, what I think really sets the Ape tours aside is getting, possibly, up close to all the action, getting a sense of Matera’s day-to-day vibe. Because your little Ape goes through the smaller streets that regular tours just can’t reach, it feels rather exclusive. It’s also somewhat convenient because it’ll take you directly to numerous spots.

Rock Climbing and Via Ferrata

If you’re something of an adventure junkie, yet, well, so Matera definitely has a bit for you! It’s almost rock climbing time, if you’re feeling it that is! With the unique landscape the area offers, a day of Via Ferrata might just be the experience you crave. This basically combines some aspects of hiking and climbing! Honestly, to me, that almost sounds very, very intense.

The Via Ferrata Experience

So the Via Ferrata is an assisted climbing route. This features cables and rungs fixed to the rock, kinda helping you ascend spots, more or less impossible to climb without specialist equipment. These trails close to Matera usually boast spectacular heights. Apparently you don’t have to be Spider-Man!

Actually, safety is always top-priority. So be prepared to always go with a guide to go through the, arguably, necessary safety equipment! This adventure suits both beginners with an average fitness, and seasoned climbers alike, that said. This option, of rock climbing in Matera (for safety reasons) needs preparation. Wear very, very secure gear.

Cycling Around Matera

Alright so, rent a bicycle if you have to, because I feel that there isn’t anything nicer than gently cycling on some of the Materan countryside trails (at least if you ask me, there isn’t). There’s a multitude of tour operators around! It allows you to journey beyond the normal sights, that’s something I think.

Suggested Cycling Routes

There tends to be the route which follows the old Appian Way! If that interests you. It gives riders both natural, beautiful scenes along with interesting insight in to historical landmarks. Shorter trips around the Murgia Park, like your shorter trips to the Murgia Park too it’s almost the same thing. It is a very, very picturesque way of exploring the region’s vegetation and spotting the odd wild animal, that is.

Now then, depending upon your preference for speed and toughness, the tour guys, clearly, help you choose the best option suited to you. Usually the paths are well-kept so they suit various skills of biker, so too its almost something that is for everyone.

Hot Air Ballooning

Now this one sounds awesome; anyway, fancy a hot air balloon ride? Seeing Matera out of the air, so, might just be as good as the trip itself, actually! It’s an opportunity which shouldn’t be missed, in a way. It’s totally safe.

What the Experience Is Like

It is almost that, if weather permits, then flights generally take off early morning – they are so tranquil – taking you above the iconic Sassi area for unforgettable sights, so too its almost that thing I was talking about.

For lots of guests, watching sunrise through that high point, basically, changes how you view Matera overall. So don’t hesitate to book now! Because slots usually run out really fast. I promise you; you can get great photographs for life! Seriously.