Naples to Matera bus

Founded by the Greeks in the second millennium BC, Naples is one of the oldest cities in Europe. As Southern Italy's largest city, here you'll find an authentic flavor of Italy in the shadow of Mount Vesuvius. If that mountain sounds familiar, you may know it as the volcano that destroyed the nearby Roman town of Pompeii. One of the best day trips from Naples is traveling to Pompeii and walking through this town preserved in ash.

With its over 2,500 years of history, Naples is naturally home to a diverse range of architectural styles. As you walk around, see if you can identify the influences of different eras and foreign rulers.

If the city's singular style isn't enough to tempt you, then perhaps learning that Naples is famous as the birthplace of pizza will. Visit any of the many local restaurants to try an authentic Neapolitan pizza with pillowy sourdough crust, buffalo mozzarella, and fresh tomato sauce. Finish your meal at a local cafe to experience Neapolitan coffee culture, complete with elaborate barista performance and scientific preparation techniques.

Get to Naples from many major European cities and even global travel hubs via the city's international airport. Alternatively, travel by rail into Napoli Centrale - Piazza Garibaldi Station from cities across the country. Many national and international bus services also provide access to Naples, often stopping at the central train station for easy transfers.

Located in the region of Basilicata, the small city of Matera is often overlooked by travelers. Matera's rocky landscape made it difficult to build a traditional city throughout its history. In the Sassi area of Matera, residents dating back to the Palaeolithic era worked with nature to carve homes and buildings from the cliffs. The Sassi area of cave dwellings, inhabited until 1952, is now a UNESCO World Heritage Site. However, Matera has lots more to offer visitors aside from its unusual architecture.

For a city this storied, it's best to take a guided tour to learn all about Matera's fascinating, long history. The city and surrounding area are home to around 100 churches, many filled with unique art and stone carvings. To see how many of the town's residents once lived, visit the Casa Grotta di Vico Solitario, a recreated cave dwelling.

To fully immerse yourself, you can even stay in one of the boutique hotels built inside the caves. After a day spent wandering through Matera's narrow winding streets, spend the night in one of the converted traditional Sassi for a truly authentic experience of Matera.

Since Matera is a relatively small town, the transportation options are limited. The closest airport is located near Bari, around 60km away. However, several bus lines provide service to Matera from cities including Bari, Naples, Rome, and more.