Private car transfer
from Amalfi to Matera

Overview: car trip from Amalfi to Matera

The Daytrip private driving transfer from Amalfi to Matera covers a distance of 133.5 miles (215 km) in about 3 hours, whisking you to the Southeast of Italy in unmatched comfort and safety. You can take the direct transfer and enjoy a fast, straightforward trip to your destination, or choose to add sightseeing stops along the way to elevate your travel day.

<show-more> For example, you can visit Salerno, an ancient city with a bustling port and beautiful waterfront restaurants, bars, and cafes. Witness the medieval architecture interspersed with meticulously kept gardens. The waterfront promenade in Salerno is one of the longest and most impressive in Italy, making it well worth a visit.

Or, take a more adventurous approach and stop at Pertosa Caves, the water-carved karst stone caves previously occupied by early man. Visitors take a boat tour of the underground river and have the opportunity to explore the many tunnels and incredible stone formations, now adorned with colorful lights to showcase their details. The caves are also featured in the settings of several famous productions, including Argento’s “Phantom of the Opera” and a local theater’s performance of Dante’s “Inferno.” </show-more>

About Matera

After your trip from coastal Amalfi to Matera, you will immerse yourself in this incredible ancient city, ranked as the European Capital of Culture in 2019 and recognized as one of the oldest continuously inhabited cities in the world (second to Petra, Jordan.) This unforgettable city is sometimes called a “second Bethlehem” due to its resemblance to a small nativity scene and its rich history.

<show-more> Matera is most famous for its ancient caves, called the “Sassi,” which were dug into the side of the mountains and inhabited by locals up until the 1950s. The settlements date back to the Paleolithic era, with recovered artifacts dating back to 7,500 BC. Over the centuries, the city became an important center for trade and transportation along the southern coast and was eventually settled by the Normans and later the Aragonese.

The Sassi were evacuated by law in 1952 after becoming severely overcrowded and denoted the “shame of Italy.” Locals were required to move into new developments in the city, but the caves remain and act as a preserved glimpse into the ancient lives of the Materan citizens. The city is so integrated within the mountain that the most famous sites are its rock and cave churches, as well as its many tightly winding alleyways, gardens, and tunnels.

The city boasts incredible examples of ancient art and architecture, as well as romantic and Renaissance influences in its frescoed churches and intricately designed properties. For the foodie traveler, the cuisine is unique to the region and includes dishes such as* pignata, *which is mutton, and vegetables topped with pizza dough and baked in a clay pot. </show-more>

From Amalfi to Matera: travel tips

Ahead of your trip from Amalfi to Matera, some preparations will help you to have the smoothest journey possible and to make the most of your time in Matera. <show-more>

Prepare for lots of walking

Matera is very hilly, and the narrow streets and cobblestone paths are only suitable for walking, making it incredibly important to wear comfortable shoes. Be sure to pack a reusable water bottle to fill and take with you on your explorations throughout the city, too, as it can become quite hot walking up and down the hills in the summer.

Consider a private car transfer

While there are a few different ways to get to Matera from Amalfi, a private driving transfer will offer you the smoothest and most convenient journey. With seamless door-to-door service, you will leave directly from your accommodation in Amalfi without any need to navigate public transit stations. You will also gain peace of mind with Daytrip’s flexible booking policy and have maximum control over your itinerary with the opportunity to stop en route for sightseeing. </show-more>

How to get from Amalfi to Matera

There are several options for your Amalfi to Matera transfer, including both public and private transportation routes. The fastest option is to drive, and a private car service may be the best choice for travelers who don’t want the hassle and added expense of renting a car.

Things to do when you get to Matera

After you make your way from Amalfi to Matera, you will have a wealth of historical and cultural attractions to look forward to. This ancient city is infused with fascinating stories of its past, and the natural beauty of the mountains and carved-out cave structures.

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See Sassi di Matera

Easily the most famous part of Matera, and the biggest draw for travelers from all over the world, the Sassi di Matera are the preserved cave settlements carved into the face of the city’s hills centuries ago. Visitors can explore the troglodyte settlements and learn more about their construction and the way of life for the people who lived there for millennia from ancient times through to the 1950s.

The houses are perfectly integrated with their natural surroundings and are interspersed with stunning cave churches, shepherd tracks, and other functional structures. The sassi are one of the most unique sights in the Mediterranean and in the world, and visitors should make this their first stop in Matera.

Belvedere di Piazza Giovanni Pascoli

This is an incredible viewpoint located to the side of the Piazza Giovanni, overlooking the Sassi and the surrounding landscape. This is a great place for a walk, bike ride, or even a motorbike stop for the more adventurous traveler. This is a great way to better understand the context in which the Sassi would have existed with the newer developments in the city, and is also the perfect place to watch the sunset.

Palombaro Lungo

As with the Sassi farmhouses, there are incredible subterranean basilicas and functional structures, such as cisterns set into the Matera hillside and lying below the center of the main city. One of the most impressive of these is the massive Palombaro lungo, a cistern featuring ingenious design. This offers visitors a chance to learn more about the practicalities of ancient life in the Sassi. </show-more>

When is the best time to visit Matera?

As you begin to plan your exciting adventure from Amalfi to Matera, you may be curious about the best season in which to visit. Similarly to the rest of Italy, Matera sees a huge influx of tourism during the hot summer months. In order to avoid the biggest crowds and get some relief from the heat while walking around in hilly Matera, consider timing your visit for the spring or autumn months. The weather will be cooler but still dry, unlike in the winter months, where you will likely get caught out in frequent showers.