Excursion to the Gravina di Matera and the Bat Cave in Matera
Matera, Italy

Excursion to the Gravina di Matera and the Bat Cave

Outty Ranking 66 5.0 · 5 traveler reviews3 hoursFrom $24
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Outty Ranking

66/100

Solid Choice. Our proprietary evaluation. How we score

Traveler rating

5.0/5

Based on 5 traveler reviews. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.

Quick answer

Is Excursion to the Gravina di Matera and the Bat Cave worth booking?

Excursion to the Gravina di Matera and the Bat Cave is a 3-hour experience in Matera, Italy, from $24 per person. It scores 66 out of 100 on the Outty Ranking, which we label “Solid Choice, based on a 5/5 rating across 5 reviews. Cancellation is free up to 24 hours before the start time. Same-day spots are currently showing.

Outty Ranking
66 / 100
Rating
5/5 (5)
Duration
3 hours
From
$24 per person

A panoramic excursion in rocky habitats, flanking the Gravina di Matera and its stream which extends for 20 km, from the foot of the city of Matera, made famous for its Sassi and declared a world heritage site by UNESCO.

What you get

    About this experience

    A panoramic excursion in rocky habitats, flanking the Gravina di Matera and its stream which extends for 20 km, from the foot of the city of Matera, made famous for its Sassi and declared a world heritage site by UNESCO. We will follow the stream along the ridge of one side of the ravine, enjoying the landscapes of the Murgia Materana Regional Park. First by exploring the rock church of San Nicola all'Ofra, a farmhouse with its rooms dug into the cliff that communicate with each other: tunnels, stairways, cisterns, churches, developing on 3 levels of height. And then the karst Bat Cave, among the oldest evidence of human life in this area, a series of corridors, a breeding site for flying mammals, a place that hides the treasure of King Barbarossa between history and legend and where thanks research carried out in recent centuries revealed Paleolithic tools and fossils of extinct animals, such as the cave bear.

    What's included

    Included

    • Private transportation
    • Pick-up

    What you'll see and do

    1. This ravine of karst origin and carved over time by its torrent extends for almost 20 kilometres, from the foot of the city of Matera, made famous for its Sassi (houses dug into the calcarenite and used for millennia by the locals) and declared a world heritage site by UNESCO. The ravine rich in caves, once strategically inhabited by the local population, flows southwards and touches the town of Montescaglioso, then flows into the Bradano river and finally flows into the Ionian Sea. We will go up the path of the stream along the ridge of one side of the ravine, enjoying the landscapes of the Murgia Materana Regional Park.

      60 minutes here

    2. The journey continues and reaches the rock church of San Nicola all'Ofra, a farmhouse with its rooms dug into the cliff that communicate with each other: tunnels, stairways, cisterns, churches, frescoes, developing on 3 levels of height. The cluster of caves overlooks the ravine of Matera and the stream that crosses it. A very suggestive place, in a breathtaking landscape, where the steep rocky walls also represent the typical habitat for the rare black stork, a wonderful bird at risk of extinction, which for some years has sensationally returned to nesting in the Lucanian territory.

      60 minutes here

    3. A complex of karst caves composed of large entrances and long, narrow tunnels, an important breeding site for fascinating flying mammals. In this place where research had already previously been carried out to find the legendary treasure of King Barbarossa, in the 19th century the local archaeologist Domenico Ridola found Paleolithic tools, ceramics, tombs with skeletons and fossils of extinct animals: such as the ancient ox and the 'cave bear. Today exhibited in the Domenico Ridola National Archaeological Museum of Matera:

      60 minutes here

    Where it starts and ends

    Meeting point

    Matera

    Easily reachable via the Matera Sud road exit of the SS7.

    Hotel pickup

    Pickup is available for selected locations. Pickup begins about 30 minutes before departure.

    Ends at

    Easily reachable via the Matera Sud road exit of the SS7.

    Before you book

    Cancellation
    For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
    Languages
    en, it
    Ticket
    Mobile Only
    Runs on
    Mon, Tue, Wed, Thu, Fri, Sat
    Group size
    Up to 6 travelers per booking
    Operated by
    Viandanti del Sud

    Know before you go

    • Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap
    • Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries
    • Not recommended for pregnant travelers
    • Service animals allowed
    • Public transportation options are available nearby
    • Suitable for all physical fitness levels

    Photos

    Panoramic view over the ravine.The corridor of the rock church.The viewpoint over the ravine of Matera.Calcarenite, a clastic sedimentary rock rich in marine fossils, testifies that this vast limestone block was submerged by the sea until the Cretaceous geological period.The village of Montescaglioso (MT) and its Abbey of San Michele seen from afar.Frescoes in the rock church.

    What travelers are saying

    Outty’s summary of the themes that recur across 5 traveler reviews. Written by us, not quoted from reviewers.

    The guide

    3 mentions

    Travelers single out the guide as the reason the experience works.

    Knowledge and storytelling

    3 mentions

    Reviewers describe the commentary as informative rather than scripted.

    Photo opportunities

    1 mention

    The views and photo stops come up again and again.

    Physical effort

    1 mention

    Expect real walking or climbing: reviewers mention the effort involved.

    Traveler reviews

    5 verified traveler reviews for Excursion to the Gravina di Matera and the Bat Cave. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.

    5 star
    5
    4 star
    0
    3 star
    0
    2 star
    0
    1 star
    0
    Sort
    Matrimonio19 · August 2026

    Top-notch excursion

    Simply wonderful. Alessandro, besides explaining things very well, also knows how to engage you along the way by explaining the herbs and plants you encounter; his true passion for what he does shines through.

    via Tripadvisor (translated)

    Gabriela_d · July 2026

    Alessandro was an awesome...

    Alessandro was an awesome guide, sharing all his knowledge about the rock formations and the region. He also entertained my extremely limited Italian, teaching me several mew words. Would definitely do another tour with him.

    via Viator

    Jo_T · May 2026

    Great way to see Murgia, Matera

    This was an amazing hike and Alessandro was a terrific guide, not only knowing he history of Murgia but was very knowledgeable about the fauna and vegetation. The cave church was amazing with stunning views of the Valley below. The bat cave was surprisingly very large and unique. Thanks Alessandro for a great adventure and a memorable couple of hours.

    via Viator

    Joy_S · September 2025

    Alessandro was very nice...

    Alessandro was very nice and accommodating. He was very knowledgeable about native plants and culture.

    via Viator

    Navigate604957 · June 2025

    Gravina and Bat Cave

    Our guide Alessandro very helpful and prepared on the flora and fauna of the landscape in addition to the information storico.L excursion lasts about three hours first to the caves and then to the cave of bats we were lucky enough to see one attached to the wall and one that flew... highly recommended!!

    via Tripadvisor (translated)

    Good to know

    Duration
    3 hours
    Free cancellation
    Up to 24h before
    Minimum age to book
    All ages
    Availability
    Bookable today
    Runs on
    Mon, Tue, Wed, Thu, Fri, Sat
    Price range
    $24 to $40
    Hotel pickup
    Available for selected locations
    Booked in 30 days
    2
    Verdict
    Solid Choice

    Who runs this experience

    Operated by Viandanti del Sud, who run 7 experiences we rank across 2 cities, with an average Outty Ranking of 61.7.

    See everything Viandanti del Sud runs

    Why this scores 66

    The Outty Ranking is a weighted composite. Here is how this experience performed on each component.

    Traveler sentiment (30% weight)85
    Review evidence (18% weight)28
    Booking momentum (14% weight)20
    Value for money (12% weight)100
    Listing quality (10% weight)85
    Local standing (8% weight)57
    Booking flexibility (8% weight)100

    Excursion to the Gravina di Matera and the Bat Cave: questions travelers ask

    Practical detail on this experience, plus the wider planning questions for Matera.

    How much does Excursion to the Gravina di Matera and the Bat Cave cost?

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    Prices start at $24 per person. The final price depends on the date, the time slot and the number of travelers, and peak weekends in Matera usually price higher than midweek mornings. Live pricing and remaining availability are confirmed on the booking screen before you pay.

    How long does Excursion to the Gravina di Matera and the Bat Cave take?

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    Plan for about 3 hours from start to finish, not counting travel to the meeting point. Most travelers leave another 30 minutes on either side so the rest of the day in Matera is not rushed.

    Is Excursion to the Gravina di Matera and the Bat Cave worth it?

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    It holds an Outty Ranking of 66 out of 100, which we label "Solid Choice". That score blends traveler sentiment (5/5 across 5 reviews), the depth of that review evidence, recent booking momentum, value for money against comparable last minute in Matera, and how flexible the cancellation terms are.

    Can I cancel or reschedule Excursion to the Gravina di Matera and the Bat Cave?

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    Yes. Cancel free up to 24 hours before the start time for a full refund. Inside that window the booking is non-refundable, and no-shows are not refunded.

    Is Excursion to the Gravina di Matera and the Bat Cave suitable for kids and families?

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    Yes, all ages are welcome. Families should still weigh the 3-hour running time, and strollers are easier on the earlier, quieter departures.

    How far in advance should I book Excursion to the Gravina di Matera and the Bat Cave?

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    Around 2 people booked this in the last 30 days, so popular slots go early. Two to three weeks ahead is comfortable in shoulder season, while summer weekends and holidays in Matera can sell out a month out. Same-day spots do open up when other travelers cancel, so it is worth checking if you are already in town.

    What should I bring or wear?

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    Bring photo ID, your booking confirmation on your phone, a refillable water bottle and comfortable shoes. Dress for the weather in Matera and add a light layer if any part of the 3-hour experience runs outdoors or after sunset.

    Where does Excursion to the Gravina di Matera and the Bat Cave start and how do I get there?

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    The exact meeting point and directions are on your voucher once you book, and they sit in central Matera within reach of public transport. Arrive 15 minutes early: late arrivals are treated as no-shows by most operators.

    What are the best things to do in Matera?

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    On Outty we rank every Matera experience on the same 0 to 100 scale, and alongside this one the highest scorers right now include Tour in the Sassi of Matera with Casa Grotta and Rock Church, Sassi di Matera guided tour with Giulio, Discover Matera, the ancient city - English tour. The city page groups everything into most popular, highest reviewed, last minute and family-friendly so you can build a day around what actually delivers.

    When is the best time to visit Matera?

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    Booking patterns follow the same curve: prices and queues climb in peak weeks, while shoulder season gives you better availability on the top-ranked experiences and more room to change plans.

    How many days do you need in Matera?

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    Three full days covers the headline sights without sprinting. A workable rhythm is one anchor experience each morning, such as this one, an unhurried afternoon in a single neighborhood, then a food or nightlife booking in the evening. Five days lets you add a day trip outside the city.

    Do I book through Outty or through the operator?

    +

    Outty ranks and explains the experiences, then hands you to Viator to complete the booking with the operator directly. The price is the same as booking on Viator yourself, and Outty earns an affiliate commission on the referral, which is how the rankings stay free to read.

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