There are more than 500 hotels in Matera, and of course I didn’t stay in all of them during my three-day visit! To compile this list of beautiful cave hotels in Matera (and a few regular hotels too!) I just spent hours and hours (and hours!) wandering through the town and making notes about which hotels seemed to capture the essence of the famous cave city.
Then, I cross-referenced my list of hotels that looked good against their ratings online, and eliminated any hotel that didn’t have excellent reviews. To be clear, Matera has enough fabulous hotels, guesthouses and vacation rentals that there is no reason to settle for average accommodation – this is a city where there are enough amazing properties for everyone.
This list starts with hotels in the sassi, or caves, of Matera. These hotels are either fully inside caves, partly inside caves, or inspired by the caves that surround them. These hotels are beautiful and unique, but are not easily accessible to anyone with mobility limitations (or strollers, or heavy suitcases!). Thus, I’ve also added a section at the end of this guide with hotels in the modern part of town, which is much more accessible and only a minute or two away from the caves.
If you have stayed in any of these Matera hotels, or know of another that you think should be added to the list, please let me know! I love getting authentic recommendations from readers who have traveled to the same places as me, because I know everyone is looking for something different from their dream vacation.
Locanda di San Martino
The first cave hotel that I want to showcase in Matera is the Locanda di San Martino. This is the one cave hotel that I did go inside, because this hotel doesn’t just have 40 guestrooms (most of which are inside caves)… they also have an underground cave spa. Seriously, leaving your hotel room in a cave to then go swimming and sauna-ing in thermal baths in an ancient underground cistern is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity!
Read the room description carefully before booking (or book a refundable rate) because, like most hotels in Matera, a few of the rooms are in historic parts of the building but not directly inside a cave, and the rooms labeled “dependence” are in nearby buildings.
Sant’Angelo & Sant’Angelo Le Rezidenze
These were the first two cave hotels that really caught my eye as I walking past, and I immediately stopped to look them up. Based on their shared logo, I believe that both of these properties are part of the same cave hotel group. You’ll find that this boutique hotel in Matera has some rooms in caves (labeled “grotta” on Booking) and other more modern rooms with a minimalist design inspired by the surrounding caves. To fully compare your options, make sure to check the listings at both Sant’Angelo and Sant’Angelo Le Residenze on Booking.
Sextantio
Something you’ll find with a lot of the cave hotels in Matera is that their doors and windows open directly onto streets that are busy with tourists. Sometimes it’s hard to tell where the public alleys and piazzas end, and the private property begins. I noticed Sextantio immediately because it had gates at the entrance, creating a more private space for the hotel guests. This is a diffuso hotel, which means some rooms are in nearby historic buildings. You can also choose between rooms inside caves and rooms in historic buildings with a view over the caves.
Matera Hotel Deals
La Corte dei Pastori
I stumbled across this stunning family-run B&B in Matera because it’s right next to the Chiesa di San Pietro Caveoso, surrounded by excellent restaurants and just steps away from the beautiful viewpoint where the city meets the natural valley. In fact, more than one guest has reported that La Corte dei Pastori has the best view in all of Matera!
Sassolino Dimora Storico
In Italian, dimora means “dwelling” but it has a uniquely warm, homey, comforting connotation. That’s what you can expect at this Matera bed and breakfast where the rooms incorporate parts of the surrounding stone walls from the sassi caves. This is a great compromise between sleeping in an actual cave and staying in a more modern building. Sassolino Dimora Storica is located just around the corner from La Corte dei Pastori, meaning the location is equally amazing!
Thymus Residence
There are two different cave neighborhoods in Matera: Sasso Caveoso and Sasso Barisano. Most of the hotels I’ve mentioned so far are in the former, as it’s the area where tourists spend most of their time. However, Thymus Residence is in the quieter Sasso Barisano area… just a few minutes away from the tourist attractions but much more peaceful. To stay in one of their amazing cave suites, make sure you book a room with “grotto” in the name.
The Best Cheap Hotel in Matera
Since I knew I wouldn’t be spending much time in my hotel in Matera, I chose to book a single room at B&B Donna Eleonora. Located on a pedestrian piazza just steps away from the sassi, B&B Donna Eleonora had four simple guestrooms around a shared breakfast room. Each morning the staff would arrive with a basket of fresh Pane de Matera (the famous local bread), pastries, foccaccia, fruits and yogurt, and then after breakfast the historic city center was at your doorstep. If you don’t need anything fancy, this hotel is perfect for an affordable stay in Matera.
I noticed that Bracco Rooms & Suites was in the same building as B&B Donna Eleonora, so that could be a good option as well.
The Best Non-Cave Hotels in Matera
If you’re not comfortable staying in a cave overnight, or are looking for something that is more easily accessible, I would recommend checking out these hotels. They’re all an easy walk from the caves, but are easier to reach by foot (from the train station) or by car (with luggage).
Il Monaco Bianco
Il Monaco Bianco is a great option for a non-cave hotel in Matera. It was located two blocks from the B&B where I stayed, and I think that is the best area to stay in Matera for easy access to both the caves and the more modern part of town (both are just steps away).
Il Monaco Bianco is a contemporary bed and breakfast with four luxurious rooms and two deluxe suites, each designed and styled by architects from eco-friendly materials, and with cool details like color therapy and giant showerheads.
Lo Stemma Luxury Hotel
Located in a palazzo once owned by the wealthy Malvinni Malvezzi family, Lo Stemma is a newly-renovated luxury hotel in Matera. It is located where the newer center meets the cave districts, with shops, restaurants and caves nearby. Aside from the luxurious rooms, another highlight here is breakfast on the outdoor terrace with a panoramic view of the caves below you.
Profumi di Primavera
With a name that translates to “the scents of spring”, Profumi di Primavera has seven rooms named after the natural wonders of Puglia. This hotel was right around the corner from where I was staying (again, a great location!) and surrounded by restaurants that are popular with locals, not tourists. From here it’s only 50 meters to the Piazzetta Pascoli, where you’ll find one of the best views of the sassi and an entrance to the winding streets down into the caves.
Is Matera Worth an Overnight Visit?
Absolutely! There are so many articles about spending just one day in Matera, but I also glad that I had three full days to explore the city. If you can make it work in your Puglia itinerary, definitely try to spend a night or two in this magical Italian city.
Coming to Matera from Bari? Read my guide to taking the train from Bari to Matera and the best things to do in Matera!
You’ll probably like these other Puglia travel guides:
🗺️ Seven Days in Puglia: An Easy Itinerary by Train and Bus
🌷 Things to Do in Bitonto, Italy
🏖️ The Most Beautiful Beaches in Monopoli, Italy
💎 The Best Things to Do in Alberobello
🍷 My Favorite Things to Do in Locorotondo, Italy
💫 The Best Things to Do in Lecce, Italy
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