Italian mystery series Imma Tataranni takes place in the stunning yet fairly undiscovered city of Matera which lies along the Gravina di Matera, a deep canyon carved by its ancient river. Recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1993, this fascinating “underground city” includes a series of sassi cave dwellings that date back nearly 7,000 years, making it one of the longest continuously-inhabited settlements in the world.

Since Matera has finally gained the international visibility it deserves, through the UNESCO recognition and being named the 2019 European Capital of Culture, tourism in this hidden gem city has been on the rise. Now that international travel has resumed to a certain extent, make sure you keep the region of Basilicata on your bucket list. Here’s all you need to know about getting to Matera.

Driving from Naples or Bari
Matera can be reached in approximately 55 minutes by car from Bari’s city center (SS96 through Altamura to SS99) or 2 hours and 50 minutes from Naples (A3 to E45 past Mt Vesuvius, Pompei and Salerno to E847).

Beach Destinations
The Ionian Sea is just 45 minutes south of Matera, nestled between Calabria’s “toe” and Puglia’s “heel” of Italy’s boot. The best nearby beaches include Metaponto, Scanzano Jonico, Nova Siri, Policoro and Castellaneta Marina. Or try heading east across the top of Puglia’s Salentine peninsula to the Adriatic Sea, which can be reached in just over an hour.

Check out www.omio.it for various public transportation options.
*Additional details/pricing were not available at the time of posting due to travel restrictions related to the Covid-19 pandemic.

Train
The city of Matera has three train stations: Matera Villalongo, Matera Centrale (the main station in the city center), and Matera Sud (closest to the old town). Make sure to check out the destination of your accommodations or meeting point for tours before planning your travel to see which is the best option for your trip.

TrenItalia
www.trenitalia.com

Bari Centrale (2 hours with a transfer in Altamura)
Bari Airport (2 hours 30 minutes with transfers in Bari Centrale and Altamura)

Ferrovie Appulo Lucane
www.ferrovieappulolucane.it
Bari Centrale (1 hour 40 minutes)

Bus
The bus terminals are located near the Matera Centrale train station in Piazza Giacomo Matteotti.

Bus Miccolis
www.miccolis-spa.it
Bari Airport (55 minutes, €13)
Bari Centrale (65 minutes, €11)
Taranto (2 hours 15 minutes, €21)
Lecce (3 hours 45 minutes, €30)
Brindisi (3 hours 10 minutes, €29)
Naples (4 hours, €25)

Travel contingent upon current restrictions. Check with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs for up to date COVID guidelines.