Visit Matera without too much walking: a practical Ape tour

Visit Matera without too much walking: how to plan your day

Can you visit Matera without long walks?

Matera is a city of slopes, steps and stone streets. Seeing everything without walking is not realistic, but you can significantly reduce long walks by planning the route carefully and using a panoramic tour to connect different areas.

Barabba’s Ape tour covers a substantial overview of the Sassi and historic centre in about 50 minutes. You can then save your energy for places that genuinely require walking, such as cave houses, churches and museums.

Useful for seniors, families and hot days

The tour can suit travellers who prefer to limit steep climbs, families with children and senior visitors. It can also be a practical option during hot weather, when walking every level of the Sassi can be tiring.

The existing tour information states that the experience is suitable for people with reduced mobility as well. For specific accessibility requirements, contacting the operator before booking is the safest approach.

Combine a panoramic ride with a short walk

A practical strategy is to use the Ape tour for the city overview and then choose just one area to explore on foot. After seeing Sasso Caveoso and the main viewpoints from the vehicle, for example, you can spend the rest of your time on a cave house or rock church.

To learn more about the vehicle itself, see our Ape Calessino Matera page.

Meeting point and end point

The meeting point is agreed at the time of booking, and the main tour information states that the route can end at a convenient point in central Matera. This can help you avoid unnecessary backtracking.

For the complete route details, see the Sassi di Matera Tuk Tuk Tour.

Itinerary and Main Stages
of the Sassi di Matera Tuk Tuk Tour

Departure from the point agreed at booking
Brief presentation of the tour

Sasso Caveoso
We walk through the alleys carved into the rock, admiring the perfectly preserved cave dwellings
Stop at the Belvedere for a breathtaking view of the Gravina canyon

Rock Churches
Pass by the Church of San Pietro Barisano and the small hidden crypts
Anecdotes on rituals, paintings and millenary legends

Casa Grotta
Stop to discover the typical rock dwelling
Explanation of the techniques of daily life in the past

Piazza Duomo and Palombaro Lungo
Arrival in the square with a view of the Cathedral
Short panoramic tour above the large underground reservoir, with curiosities about the ancient cisterns

Back through the alleyways
The tuk-tuk climbs up through the narrowest and most atmospheric alleyways
Last stop for photos

What It Includes

Duration: 50 Minute Tour
Panoramic and protected tuk-tuk: perfect for every season
Ergonomic seats and ample space for light luggage
Multilingual audio guides in all world languages
Expert driver and narrator: Francesco “Barabba”
Photo-stops at strategic points and tips for the best shots

Practical Information

Meeting point: Agreed at the time of booking
End point of tour: Any point in the centre of Matera
Available times: from 09:00 to 21:00
Suitable for everyone: children, seniors and people with reduced mobility.

Experience Matera at 360°: from the millenary history of the Sassi to the unspoilt nature of the Murgia, all in one unforgettable journey with Barabba!

Frequently asked questions

Can you visit Matera without walking at all?
No. Many places in the Sassi still require some walking, but the Ape tour can reduce long walks and steep climbs.

Is the tour suitable for seniors?
The existing tour page states that it is suitable for senior travellers; for specific needs, contact the operator before booking.

How long is the tour?
The main panoramic route lasts about 50 minutes.

Can the tour end in a convenient location?
The tour information states that the end point can be arranged within central Matera.