Want warm sun, deep history and fewer crowds this autumn? Then put Matera on your list. This cave city in southern Italy feels like a different world from Rome or Milan.
Express picked it as an October escape on 13 September 2026, and the Mirror shared the same tip that day. Below, we sum up why it is worth the trip and what to see.
Why Visit Matera in October
Matera sits in Basilicata, a quiet region in the south of Italy. According to Express, its old cave quarter has been lived in for at least 9,000 years. In October, the average high is about 23°C, and some days reach 27°C. As a result, you get pleasant weather without the summer rush.
The city also went viral on TikTok. Kathy, a travel creator from New York, filmed its cave homes and clifftop paths. Here is how she captioned her video:
“Matera, a truly magical historical city like no other city. The oldest city in Italy and possibly all of Europe. It’s 9,000 years old! I highly recommend staying at least one night to fully experience the magic.”
Her “oldest city in Europe” line is a personal claim, not an official record. Still, Matera is clearly very old.
The Sassi: Matera’s Ancient Cave Homes
The Sassi are homes dug into the rock of a ravine. According to UNESCO, they form the most complete cave settlement of its kind in the Mediterranean, and the first one dates from the Palaeolithic. UNESCO listed the Sassi and the Park of the Rupestrian Churches in 1993.
Life here was hard, though. In the 1950s, people were moved out of the caves into modern homes, says Italia.it. Today, the old lanes are full of life again. Film fans may also know them from Pasolini’s The Gospel According to St. Matthew and Mel Gibson’s The Passion of the Christ.
Things to Do in Matera
- Wander the lanes of the Sassi and stop at the viewpoints over the cave houses.
- Visit Casa Noha, a historic house in the heart of the Sassi with vaulted ceilings.
- Go underground at Palombaro Lungo, a huge cistern dug out below Piazza Vittorio Veneto.
- See Santa Maria de Idris, a scenic rock church on a cliff in Sasso Caveoso.
- Have dinner in a cave restaurant, then stroll the lit-up Sassi after dark.
Rock Churches, Viewpoints and the Murgia Park
For the classic view, cross the ravine to Belvedere Murgia Timone. From this lookout, the whole cave city spreads out in front of you. Come at sunset, as Kathy suggests. Nearby, the Crypt of Original Sin is a rock church with frescoes from the 8th and 9th centuries. Because of them, it is often called the “Sistine Chapel of rock art”.
Eating and Staying in the Matera Sassi
Kathy’s best advice is to stay at least one night. That way, you can see both sunset and sunrise over the stone houses, and enjoy a meal in a cave-like restaurant. Matera also makes a good base for the wider region. Read our guide to Basilicata and its cave towns, see five Italian regions that want more visitors, or head to the coast at Polignano a Mare in nearby Puglia.
Konstantin is an acclaimed travel writer, celebrated for transforming ordinary journeys into extraordinary narratives. With years of experience exploring diverse destinations across the globe, his work blends vivid storytelling, cultural insights, and practical advice to inspire wanderlust and guide readers toward unforgettable adventures.
As a key contributor to enjoythetrip.org website, Konstantin has built a loyal readership through their expertise in uncovering both iconic landmarks and off-the-beaten-path treasures. He specializes in providing travelers with honest, actionable tips, whether it’s finding the best resorts in Maldives, exploring cultural hubs like Paris, or diving into the natural wonders of Croatia.