Day Trips from Bari Italy: Matera + Alberobello

Two of the best day trips from Bari are Matera and Alberobello, and both are inexpensive and perfect for just wandering and taking photos.

With a rental car, you can either visit them in one full day or spread them out over two shorter trips.

I rented a car and was able to see both cities over two different days in August, and shockingly, it was not that crowded.

In this guide, I’ll share how to explore ancient cave dwellings, fairytale-style houses, and even make a stop at one of Italy’s most famous caves.

Let me show you how to plan day trips from Bari, Italy!

Key Takeaways

• Spend a day or two exploring Matera’s cave dwellings and Alberobello’s Trulli.
• Drive from Bari to see both towns plus the Grotte di Castellana.
• Wander the alleys, climb the stairs, and enjoy local food along the way.

Driving from Bari to Matera and Alberobello

Renting a car is the easiest way to explore southern Italy at your own pace, and it’s not as difficult as you think.

The drive from Bari to Matera takes approximately 1 hour and 15 minutes. I use DiscoverCars.com to get an idea of pricing in Italy.

The drive from Bari to Alberobello is about an hour. If you want to see both in one day, visit Alberobello first and then plan to be in Matera for sunset.

There are no tolls traveling between these three towns, so you don’t need to worry about paying cash or credit card at the toll booth.

Map of Bari- Matera- Alberobello

Parking in Matera and Alberobello

In both towns, there are paid parking lots. I suggest getting the “Easy Park Parking app” as you can pay for your parking spot through the app and even add time if needed.

The app also came in handy when the power was not working in one of the garages, so no one could pay. However, I used the app, which allowed me to leave the lot without needing a ticket.

In Google Maps, use the Italian word for parking, “parcheggio” to find indoor and outdoor parking lots.

In Alberobello, you will also see private lots that offer parking. I used a private lot, and it was €8/$10 for a full day.

Public Restrooms

Finding public toilets was a bit of a challenge in both cities. Many of the shops will not allow you to use their bathrooms without purchasing something, and some of the public toilets close at 7 pm.

Try searching Google Maps for “bagno pubblici” when you arrive in the town. Most of them cost 1 Euro and do not give change.

• In Matera, there is one in the shopping area before you enter the old part of town.
• Matera also has a website you can use to find them.
• In Alberobello, there is one at the very entrance of town, near the main palazzo.

Exploring Matera: Italy’s Ancient Cave City

Matera looks like no other city in Italy, and the pictures do not do it justice. I was honestly in awe when I visited.

Matera is one of the oldest continuously inhabited cities in the world, with roots going back over 9,000 years.

The city is best known for the Sassi, ancient cave dwellings carved directly into the limestone cliffs.

Families lived here for centuries, often with their animals, until the 1950s, when the government relocated residents due to poor living conditions.

Today, many of these caves have been restored into boutique hotels, cafes, and museums, giving visitors a glimpse of how life once looked.

The best part is that simply wandering the Sassi is free. You do not need a ticket to explore the streets, take in the viewpoints, or admire the stone churches!

Things to Do in Matera

Start your visit with the Casa Grotta nei Sassi di Matera, a museum that shows how people lived in the caves until the 1950s.

Tickets are inexpensive, around 5 to 7 euros per person. This is a self-guided audio tour, using an audio guide that the staff will give you.

I recommend buying tickets in advance online, especially during summer weekends, to avoid waiting. Buy tickets for Casa Grotta here.

After the Casa Grotta, wander through the Sassi districts of Barisano and Caveoso.

If you look at the images above, you will see many, many stairs. Make sure you wear comfortable shoes and are ok with walking up and down rocky roads.

Take time to admire the stone churches, hidden courtyards, and panoramic viewpoints. If you have more time, stop at the Cathedral of Matera for breathtaking views.

Traveling from Bari to Matera by car is easy; however, if you want to see both towns in one day, aim to see Matera at night as the city lights up and it’s one of the coolest things I have seen in Italy!

Where to Eat in Matera

For lunch or dinner, try Trattoria del Caveoso, located right inside the Sassi with hearty pasta and traditional dishes.

Another favorite is Crialoss Panoramic Cave for the traditional dishes and the view. The service was just ok, but you can’t beat the view during sunset.

How much time you need in Matera really depends on your pace and how comfortable you are with climbing stairs.

I spent about three hours exploring, including time for dinner, but many travelers easily spend the entire day wandering through the Sassi.

Alberobello: The Land of the Trulli

Alberobello is famous for its whitewashed Trulli houses with cone-shaped roofs.

The Trulli are unique because of their construction. Built with limestone and stacked without mortar, these cone-shaped houses date back hundreds of years.

They were originally designed this way so they could be dismantled quickly to avoid property taxes, which makes them just as clever as they are charming.

People do still live in Trulli today, though many have been converted into shops, restaurants, and small guesthouses.

Staying overnight in one is possible and gives you the rare chance to experience the tradition firsthand. Check out this Charming Trulli near the Basilica.

Things to Do in Alberobello

The best way to understand Alberobello is by visiting the Trullo Sovrano, the largest Trullo in town.

Tickets cost about 2 euros (cash only) and can be purchased at the entrance. You only need 30 to 45 minutes here, but it gives you insight into how families lived in these unique homes.

After that, walk through Rione Monti and explore Aia Piccola, the two main Trulli districts.

Both areas are pedestrian-friendly, filled with shops, small churches, and plenty of photo spots. Allow yourself at least two hours to enjoy it.

If you are planning to visit Alberobello from Bari, driving gives you the flexibility to spend as much time as you want exploring the Trulli without rushing back to catch a train or bus.

Where to Eat in Alberobello

For a delicious meal, stop at Casa Nova il Ristorante, known for its pasta and fresh seafood.

Another great option is Trattoria Terra Madre, where the ingredients come from their own garden.

If you like to try local craft beers, then check out Bevessere BeerKitchen. The service is great, and the beer is cold and really fresh.

Explore Grotte di Castellana

If you are driving between Bari, Matera, and Alberobello, the Grotte di Castellana is a good starting point.

These underground limestone caves are among the most famous in Italy and are absolutely worth a visit.

Tours run daily and usually last about 90 minutes, covering almost 3 kilometers underground. Wear comfortable shoes because the ground can be slippery.

Bring a light sweater since the caves stay cool year-round. Tickets are around 25 euros for the full tour, and it’s best to book online in advance.

There is parking near the entrance, plus cafes and paid bathrooms on-site.

Plan at least two hours here and go first thing in the morning, if you want to add it to your Matera and Alberobello day trip.

How to See Everything in One Day

If you want to do all three sites in one day, start at the Grotte di Castellana, on the 10 am tour.

After the tour, drive 20 minutes to Alberobello. Enjoy lunch, go to the Trullo museum, and explore the town until 4 pm.

Around 4 pm, drive the hour to Matera so you arrive before sunset. Explore Matera on foot and plan to eat dinner around 7 pm so you can see the city during the day and at night.

If that feels like too much for one day, split it into two. One day for Matera with the caves on the way back, or another day for Alberobello from Bari, combined with the caves.

Final Thoughts

Taking day trips from Bari to Matera and Alberobello is one of the best ways to experience southern Italy.

Both cities showcase traditions and architecture you will not find anywhere else. Add a stop at Grotte di Castellana, and you’ll round out the trip with a natural wonder.

Whether you spend one day or two, these destinations are easy to reach, easy to navigate, and unforgettable!

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