Choosing the perfect destination for a family trip is not always easy because a balance between fun, relaxation, and outdoor activities must be struck. The kids need to be inspired, won over by that wow effect that makes a vacation unforgettable. Visiting Matera with children is the ideal solution to amaze them, leading them by the hand to discover an almost enchanted world, where the past and the present embrace each other creating unique places of attraction in the world.

Matera for children: must-see places

Matera in 2019 was chosen as the European Capital of Culture and many people decided to visit it for the first time. This city nestled among the stones is not only rich in cultural treasures, but offers a view that amazes at first glance, especially the little ones who feel almost transported into a fairy-tale reality where anything is possible. So here are some must-see places in Matera and its surroundings to experience with younger travelers.

Casa Grotta

How did people live inside houses carved into the rock? This is one of the recurring questions asked by children when they first arrive in Matera and are bewitched by its famous Sassi.

This ancient human settlement, built in the tufa rock on the side of the Gravina ravine, was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1993. What immediately catches the eye is the tangle of caves used as homes, rock churches, gardens and terraces that have made the Sassi a well-adapted architectural complex to the surrounding nature.

In Sasso Caveoso, which is the oldest quarter, mainly composed of caves, is the Historic Cave House furnished with the authentic furniture and tools of the period in which it was inhabited: this place captivates everyone and allows the little ones to take wonderful trips into the past with their imagination. After this visit, the Sassi of Matera will no longer hold any secrets for the children: the risk is that they will fall madly in love with them!

Park of Rupestrian Churches

The Park of Rupestrian Churches, also known as Murgia Materana, is located opposite Matera and is divided by the deep Gravina canyon, which can be crossed on a Tibetan bridge with the more adventurous small ones. Here you can immerse yourself in an unforgettable visit of over a hundred rock churches and many caves positioned along the Park's paths. This destination captivates at first glance also for the splendid local flora and the scents of the wild nature. Two other natural areas that are worth a visit are the Regional Reserve of San Giuliano, from which you can admire over 140 species of birds, and the Colle Timmari which is an important prehistoric archaeological area.

The Ionian Coast

Visiting Matera with children also means being able to devote yourself to sea life because the Ionian coast offers plenty of possibilities. The green pine forests and the clear water are an extraordinary source of attraction for the little ones, who can relax after visiting the city.

WWF Oasis of Policoro

About 45 minutes drive from Matera, you can reach another perfect location to give your children an unforgettable trip: the WWF Oasis of Policoro stands out for its marine turtle conservation activities. In fact, children have the opportunity to take part in eco-tourism and sustainability camps, participating in numerous experiences in contact with nature, enhancing their creativity and their love for the environment.

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