This was my third time wandering around Italy, Milan, Sicily, all those weekend escapes and yet it took me this long to finally reach Matera Cave Hotel.

I still don’t know why… but maybe some places wait for the right moment to reveal themselves.

Sleeping in a cave hotel in Matera felt like stepping into a dream I didn’t want to wake up from.

It was one of those rare experiences that settles into your memory so deeply, you just know it’ll become a family story we’ll be laughing about and revisiting for years.

And honestly, isn’t that the magic of travelling with the people you love? Finding those places that quietly wrap themselves around your heart and stay there?

Matera had been calling my name long before I saw it. This ancient city of stone stacked over centuries, perched on a hill in Southern Italy, looks like it was carved straight out of time itself.

But sleeping in a cave hotel? Oh, that was the spark that lit up the whole trip. I mean… where else can you close your eyes in a room first lived in nearly 9,000 years ago?

Every stone-paved lane made me feel like I was drifting between centuries, like the city was gently telling its story as we moved through it.

What used to be poverty-stricken cave dwellings are now cozy hotels, warm little homes, and beautifully restored spaces filled with life again.

And after dreaming about Matera for so long, I wanted this stay to be unforgettable without emptying my wallet.

So come with me, let’s talk about where to stay in Matera…

Best Time to Visit Matera

The best time to wander into Matera’s magic is during those soft, golden shoulder seasons April/May and October/November, when the sun feels gentle, the air feels kind, and the whole city seems to breathe a little slower just for you.

When I visited, the weather hovered around the mid-20s, that perfect “I-could-live-like-this-forever” kind of warmth.

I felt like a confused alien accidentally cosplaying summer in their version of winter.

To truly feel the heartbeat of the Sassi, explore the cave churches, wander the hidden passages, and soak in the views from every terrace you need time.

Give yourself at least five full days here.

Trust me, Matera isn’t a city you “check off.”

It’s a city you slowly breathe in. Matera is the kind of place you shouldn’t rush.

How I got from Bari to Matera

Getting from Bari to Matera turned into one of those little travel stories you laugh about later.

I honestly, tried to be responsible and take the train. I even went a day earlier, checked the small beige station, studied the timetable and thought I had everything figured out.

The next morning the building was locked, silent, and no one seemed to know anything, my heart dropped, and I immediately looked for someone who could help.

One man simply said, “no train to Matera, you take bus” and walked away. Buses were just as confusing, with travellers looking as lost as I felt.

So, I gave up on logic and took a taxi straight from Bari to Matera. It cost me more than I planned, but reaching the Sassi in under an hour.

Walking those final sunlit steps myself, the breeze, the view, the quiet, it calmed my soul so much that all the struggles I’d been through just seemed to melt away.

“Truly, pains are forgotten when gains come.”

Let me walk through the list of matera cave hotels, Here we go,

List of Matera Cave Hotels

I stayed at the beautiful Hotel Sassi, and honestly, it stole my heart. The view was breathtaking, the vibe cozy, and it didn’t completely break the bank. While I was there, I explored a few other cave hotels too, so here’s my personal list of favourites across every budget:

Affordable cave hotel in Matera – Hotel Sassi (~ €70–105 per night)

Mid-range cave hotel in Matera – Locanda Di San Martino Hotel & Thermae Romanae (~ €99–125 per night)

Luxury cave hotel in Matera – Caveoso Hotel (~ €111–170 per night)

No matter which you choose, each of these hotels gives you a taste of Matera’s magical charm, with stone walls, ancient caves, and that unforgettable feeling of sleeping somewhere that’s been alive for centuries.

Hotel Sassi – The Best View in Matera Cave Hotel

Hotel Sassi became the first hotel in Sassi di Matera when it opened its doors, and I dare say it offers the best view in Matera.

The hotel feels like stepping into a living history.

Turning the corner and seeing the town for the first time, I just froze completely mesmerized, my heart racing as I tried to soak in every magical detail before even checking in.

I stayed in a standard double, but my room’s window perfectly framed a charming church across the valley.

On the shared patio, I spent hours basking in sunlight, working a little, and marvelling at the view while church bells echoed around the old town.

Breakfast was simple but delicious, my favorite being the focaccia with ham and cheese.

The room itself was cozy, a bit dated, and a little rough around the edges, but that didn’t matter.

This is Matera, and every scratch, every stone wall adds to the authenticity.

Some days, I just sat by the window and cried quietly, overwhelmed by the beauty and peace after a long, hectic year.

Staying at Hotel Sassi is more than a place to sleep, it’s a memory, a moment, a window into the soul of one of the world’s most magical towns.

Caveoso Hotel – A Family-Friendly Gem

Caveoso Hotel is on my Matera wish list for the next trip.

From what I’ve heard, it’s in such a perfect spot, just off Piazza San Pietro, so you can easily wander anywhere in the old town.

I love that it’s quiet to imagine falling asleep in a peaceful cave room after a full day exploring the Sassi.

I’ve seen that the hotel offers family rooms for four or adjoining rooms if you’re traveling with kids, and it immediately caught my attention.

And the breakfast sounds like a treat with good-quality, ample options to start your day. The staff is said to be friendly and helpful, which always makes a stay more special.

I can’t wait to experience it myself staying in a cave right in the heart of Matera cave hotel, soaking up the history, and enjoying those quiet, magical mornings sounds like a dream.

Locanda di San Martino

Spending a night or two at Locanda di San Martino sounds like such a dreamy option, especially if you’re hoping for a hotel with a cave swimming pool, how magical would that be?

Conclusion

Matera has a way of stealing your heart, and I just know that wherever you stay, wandering its stone streets and waking up to those magical views will be an experience you’ll carry with you forever. Enjoy every moment it’s a place that takes your soul long after you leave.

FAQ’s You’ll Actually Want to Know

Is staying in a cave hotel worth it?

Absolutely.

There is something magical about waking up inside ancient stone walls. It feels grounding, peaceful, and strangely emotional as if Matera itself is giving you a warm good-morning hug.

Where did Daniel Craig stay while filming No Time to Die?

Daniel Craig stayed at Palazzo Gattini, a five-star palace in the Civita district.

It isn’t a cave hotel, but when you see its views over the Sassi, you understand why James Bond would stay there. It feels like luxury wrapped in history. You can feel it after your visit.

Is Matera safe for solo travellers?

From my own experience wandering those stone alleys, Matera felt gentle and safe.

The old town is calm, the locals are warm, and even at night the city carries a softness that makes you feel protected.

Did Carlo Levi ever live in Matera?

Carlo Levi, the author of Christ Stopped at Eboli, didn’t live in Matera itself.

He was exiled to Aliano, a nearby village, and from there he visited Matera. His writings were the first to truly open people’s eyes to the reality of life in the Sassi.

Are there other unique places to stay in Southern Italy?

Definitely.

If you wander into Puglia, you’ll find trulli and masserie tiny white stone cones and rustic countryside estates. Staying in them feels like you’re slipping into your own little fairytale chapter of Southern Italy.

Are cave hotels cold or uncomfortable?

Surprisingly, not at all.

Most are beautifully renovated: warm lights, soft linens, cozy corners. They keep the ancient charm without the ancient chill. You won’t freeze like a medieval monk, I promise.

How many nights should I spend in Matera?

Two nights is perfect if you want to see the essentials without rushing.

But if you love slow mornings, dreamy sunsets, and places that make you feel something… stay longer. Matera isn’t a city you “check off.” It’s a city you settle into.

Is it easy to get around inside the Sassi?

Matera is truly a walking city.

There are steps lots of them, but every turn feels like walking through a living museum. You’ll forget you’re tired because the city keeps distracting you with something beautiful.