Where to Stay in Matera

Updated: December 10, 2025 • By Santorini Dave

The magical cave suites at Sextantio Le Grotte Della Civita. All the hotels listed below (except for Palazzo Margherita) are an easy walk to the sights of the old town and great for first-time visitors to Matera.

Matera Hotels – My Advice

• Best Luxury Hotel: Palazzo Gattini
• Best Boutique Hotel: Il Palazzotto Residence & Winery
• Best Cave Hotel: Sextantio Le Grotte Della Civita
• Best Cheap Hotel: Hotel Residence San Giorgio
• Best Hotel for Families: Sassisuite
• Best Villa in Basilicata: Palazzo Margherita
• Best Hotel for Couples: All of the hotels listed below are fantastic for couples and honeymooners.

Understanding Matera: The Layout

• Matera is one of the most unique cities in the world, but its vertical layout can be confusing. The historic area is divided into three distinct parts.
• The Civita: The natural fortress and highest point of the old city, crowned by the Cathedral (Duomo). This separates the two Sassi valleys. It feels more like a medieval village than a cave settlement, offering noble palaces and incredible panoramic views over both sides.
• Sasso Barisano: Located to the north of the Civita. This side is slightly more “restored” and commercial, packed with restaurants, boutique shops, and hotels. It feels a bit more built-up and lively.
• Sasso Caveoso: Located to the south. This area looks like a rock-cut amphitheater and feels more ancient, raw, and authentic. It has fewer shops but more stunning, untouched cave dwellings and rock churches.
• Note: Above these historic districts lies the “Piano” (The Plain), which is the modern town center (around Piazza Vittorio Veneto). It is flat, accessible by car, and lively with locals, but lacks the ancient cave atmosphere.

Key Tips for Your Stay

• Pack Light: I cannot stress this enough. The Sassi districts are pedestrian-only zones (ZTL) filled with steep, slippery stone staircases and cobblestones. Cars and taxis cannot reach most hotels. You will likely have to carry your luggage up or down many steps to reach your door.
• Parking: If you are driving, do not try to enter the Sassi. Park in one of the secure multi-story garages in the modern town (via Lucana is a good spot) and walk or take a taxi/tuk-tuk to the nearest drop-off point for your hotel.
• Accessibility: If you have mobility issues, stay in the Piano (modern town) near the edge of the Sassi or the Civita (near the Duomo), where taxis can drop you relatively close. Avoid deep Sasso Caveoso hotels.
• The “Cave” Experience: Most hotels in the Sassi are “Diffused Hotels” (Albergo Diffuso), meaning rooms are scattered across different cave dwellings rather than in one single building. It is incredibly romantic but means you might have to walk outside to get to the breakfast room.

The 10 Best Hotels in Matera, Italy

1. Palazzo Gattini

The best modern luxury hotel in Matera with beautiful suites (some have private hot tubs), stunning views, and a great location right beside the Duomo. The spa and Turkish bath are wonderful.

2. Sextantio Le Grotte Della Civita

The most romantic cave hotel in Matera. Absolutely stunning. The original cave dwellings have been restored to luxurious perfection.

3. Il Palazzotto Residence & Winery

Magical! These original cave houses were redone by a local architect and no hotel in Matera feels quite so authentic. If forced to choose, I’d say this is the best boutique hotel in Matera. (The Family Apartment is huge and sleeps a family of four.)

4. Corte San Pietro

Beautiful cave hotel located in the ancient Sasso Caveoso and surrounded by impossibly tangled alleys and stairwells. (The Junior Suite with Terrace sleeps four and is one of the better cave rooms in Matera for families.)

5. Sant’Angelo Luxury Resort

Beautiful cave suites in the heart of the Sassi of Matera and within an easy walk of the major landmarks.

6. Palazzo Viceconte

A converted aristocratic residence with a splendid courtyard and ideal location. Perched high above the Sassi with some of the best views of any hotel in Matera.

7. L’Hotel In Pietra

Once a church, then an aristocratic house, and now a boutique hotel. Located in the Sasso Barisano and within walking distance of all of central Matera. Several suites have private indoor hot tubs.

8. Sassisuite

A classic Italian-style B&B but with plenty of luxury. Beautiful views over the Sassi and Old Town. (The Standard Suite sleeps a family of five or six. The One-Bedroom suites sleeps a family of four.)

9. Palazzo Del Duca Luxury Hotel

Brand new 4-star hotel stylishly detailed and decorated. The breakfast cave room is the something out of a dream. The suites with private jacuzzis and plunge pools are worth the upgrade.

10. Palazzo Margherita

Located a 45 minute drive from Matera this idyllic hilltop setting in the village of Bernalda feels more like a country home than a hotel. Francis Ford Coppola discovered the forgotten palazzo while visiting his grandfather’s hometown and restored it to stunning perfection – though keeping all the original art work and furnishings. Suites are huge and there’s a nice swimming pool. Meals are marvelous homemade creations and one of the highlights of staying here. Free parking.