Magic! That is the first word that comes to mind when I think about Matera. Although there are attractions to see in Matera, the real attraction is the town itself. The cave dwellings were occupied as housing up until the 1950s when the Italian government moved everyone out due to the squalor in the town. It now has had a renaissance with Boutique Hotels and Restaurants. Grab a seat on a terrace overlooking the Sassi at dusk and it will be an experience that will remain with you for the rest of your life. The upper town contains beautiful Baroque buildings and restaurants. You can take a tour of the town with a guide and I think it is worth it. This will give you incredible insight into what life used to be like when the caves were occupied.
Matera is off the beaten path but can easily be combined in a Southern Italy Itinerary. If you do not want to carry or wheel your bags for a long way and then carry them down steps, then you should call the hotel for a porter. You cannot park close to the Sassi so you need to park outside in the upper town. Trust me it is worth it if you have heavy bags.
Hotels
L’hotel in Pietra
This three star is one of the hotels that are actually built into the Sassi and it is an excellent choice. It is kind of cool to be staying in one during your visit. If you want a terrace, then ask for suite 1003. There is a terrace up a set of stairs and you can have them deliver a delicious breakfast to the terrace with a beautiful view of the Sassi. Get some Italian cured meats, cheeses and other specialty items and make your own lunch on here as well.
There are also three well rated 5 star hotels if you are so inclined:
Aquatio Cave Luxury Hotel and Spa
A luxurious 5 star built ito a Sasso (cave) with a Spa, indoor pool built into the Sasso and a very highy rated restaurant. Basically all the comforts and highly rated. Expect to pay between €260-€.
Palazzo Gattini
This is another fine 5 star located in Matera and has a very highly rated restaurant named Le Bubbole.
Sant’Angelo Luxury Resort
Restaurants
La Stella
Small place. The specialties are meat based dishes. Try the mixed grill of you not cannot make up your mind and have a little of everything.
Hostaria del Pico
Great restaurant with a large choice of pastas available. Many delicious meat dishes as well. The best choice for appetizer is a plate of 10 dishes, that’s right 10, that can be shared between two people. This type of appetizer selection is common in some parts of Puglia and here in Matera. Try the unique arugula pesto with tomatoes over Strozzapreti pasta or wild boar stew.
L’Abbodanza Lucana
White tablecloth place is a fantastic setting in a Sasso. They also serve an appetizer with multiple dishes in it. An excellent choice with an excellent atmosphere.
Bacchus
Another excellent and elegant choice in Matera down by the bottom of the Sassi. They have a mixed appetizer plate, excellent homemade orecchiette with meatballs among other pasta dishes.