Taranto to Matera Scenic Drive

Take a journey through the beautiful countryside of southern Italy with the Taranto to Matera Scenic Drive. This 89km trip is best taken over the course of a day, allowing you to take in the rich history and culture of the various towns and cities on the route. The best time of year to drive this route is in the spring or summer, when the weather is at its best and the landscape is in full bloom. Start your journey in the city of Taranto and take the road south to Palagiano. Here you can take in the sights of the ancient castle, the local church and the medieval walls. Continue your journey to Laterza, where you can explore the ruins of the castle and the ruins of the ancient Roman city. The route continues to Matera, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, where you can explore the city's ancient churches, monasteries, and caves. The roads along the way are generally well-maintained and have some curves, but are mostly wide enough to navigate comfortably. This scenic drive is the perfect way to experience the beauty of southern Italy and the rich history the region has to offer. With moderate budget and good road conditions, it is suitable for all drivers and will provide you with a wealth of memories and experiences.

Taranto, located in the Apulia region of Italy, is a charming coastal city full of history and culture. Located on the Ionian Sea, it is the perfect starting point for the scenic "Taranto to Matera Scenic Drive". The city is a great place to explore, with its old town, harbor and many monuments. Visit the Aragonese Castle, built in the 15th century, or the Cathedral of San Cataldo, built in the 12th century. There are also several interesting churches and monasteries, including the Church of Santa Maria del Casale and the Church of San Domenico. Other must-see sights include the National Archaeological Museum, the Castello Svevo and the Palazzo della Marra. Taranto is served by Taranto-Grottaglie Airport (TAR), located approximately 15 kilometers south of the city. From here, visitors can rent a car to begin their road trip. The "Taranto to Matera Scenic Drive" is a beautiful journey through the stunning Apulian countryside, offering breathtaking views and a chance to explore some of the region's most picturesque towns and villages.

Embark on a road trip from Taranto to Palagiano and explore the beauty of Apulia region! This 23 km journey will take you less than an hour to complete, and you will be rewarded with some of the most stunning sights you have ever seen. Start your journey from the port city of Taranto, and take the time to explore its historical sites and monuments. Then, drive along the scenic route to Palagiano. Along the way, you will be able to admire the picturesque countryside and the many olive groves. Once you arrive in Palagiano, make sure to explore the old town and its monuments, such as the Palazzo Ducale, the Church of Santa Maria Assunta, and the Church of San Francesco di Paola. You can also visit the nearby Museum of Natural History, where you can learn more about the region’s history and culture. This stage of your road trip is only a small part of a larger tour. For more information about attractions, accommodation options, recommended restaurants, and campsites along the route, please refer to the “Itinerary” section of this stage. Enjoy your journey!

Embark on a 27km journey through the beautiful region of Apulia, starting in Palagiano and ending in Laterza. This stage of your road trip will take you less than one hour to drive, so you can take your time to explore the most interesting places in the two towns. In Castellaneta, you should visit the historic center, where you can admire the ancient walls and the Torre dell'Orologio, a clock tower built in the 15th century. The Church of Santa Maria della Greca is also a must-see, with its beautiful Baroque-style facade. In Laterza, you can explore the archaeological site of Laterza Vecchia, where you will find the remains of a Roman villa, as well as the ruins of the medieval castle. The Church of Santa Maria Assunta is also worth a visit, with its impressive Baroque-style bell tower. For more information about attractions, accommodation options, recommended restaurants, and campsites along the route, please consult the "Itinerary" of this stage of your road trip. Enjoy your journey!

Are you ready for an exciting road trip from Laterza to Matera? This 39 km journey will take you less than an hour and you will get to explore some of the most interesting places in the region. Start your journey in Laterza and take a short drive to Montescaglioso, where you can admire the beautiful scenery and visit the 13th century castle. Don’t forget to take a walk through the historic center and explore the ancient ruins. As you continue your journey, you’ll be amazed by the winding roads and narrow sections. Along the way, you’ll get to explore some UNESCO World Heritage sites and captivating landscapes. Finally, you’ll arrive in Matera, a city renowned for its ancient caves and churches. Make sure to visit the Sassi di Matera and explore the unique architecture. For more information on attractions, accommodation options, recommended restaurants, and campsites along the route, check out the Itinerary of this stage.

Nestled in the region of Basilicata in southern Italy, Matera is a destination that's steeped in history and culture. This small city is the perfect end to a road trip from Taranto, a journey that takes in stunning views of the Ionian Sea, rolling hills and the traditional towns and villages of the region. Matera is a place of great natural beauty and is home to a large collection of ancient cave dwellings, known as sassi. These dwellings are thought to be some of the oldest in the world and are now a protected UNESCO World Heritage Site. The sassi are a great draw for tourists and offer a unique insight into how early settlers lived. The city is also home to a number of churches and monasteries, each of which has its own unique story to tell. The Cathedral of Matera is a beautiful example of Romanesque architecture, while the Monastery of San Giovanni in Monterrone is a must-see for its spectacular views of the city. No visit to Matera would be complete without a trip to the Matera Museum, where visitors can learn about the history of the city and the region. For a spot of relaxation, take a stroll through Parco della Murgia Materana, a stunning park that overlooks the city. The closest international airport to Matera is Bari (BRI), which is just over an hour away by car. So, at the end of your Taranto to Matera Scenic Drive, you can easily continue your journey and explore the rest of Italy.

Before you set off

Embark on an enchanting Road Trip through the heart of southern Italy, journeying from Taranto to Matera. This 89km route offers an immersive experience in a region steeped in millennia of history, vibrant cultural expressions, and breathtaking natural landscapes. As you traverse this land, you'll be greeted by the azure waters of the Ionian Sea, rolling hills, and the unique architecture that defines this area.

Key Destinations and Top Sights:

• Taranto: Known as the `City of Two Seas,` Taranto is rich in Greek and Roman history. Begin your adventure at the Aragonese Castle, which offers a glimpse into the city's strategic military past. Don't miss the opportunity to visit the Taranto Cathedral (Cattedrale di San Cataldo), one of the oldest places of Christian worship in the world, and take a stroll along the medieval walls that once guarded this historic port city.
• Palagiano: En route, stop at Palagiano to explore its ancient castle, which stands as a testament to the region's feudal history. The town is also known for its lush citrus groves, adding a fragrant note to your journey.
• Laterza: In Laterza, you can wander through the evocative ruins of the local castle and delve into the remnants of the Roman city, discovering layers of history that span back to ancient times. Laterza is also famous for its deep ravine, Gravina di Laterza, which is one of the longest in Italy and a haven for wildlife.
• Matera: Your final destination, Matera, is a true jewel of humanity's cultural heritage. The city is renowned for its Sassi di Matera, ancient cave dwellings carved into the limestone that have been occupied for over 9,000 years, making it one of the world's oldest continually inhabited cities. Explore the myriad of rock churches, monastic complexes, and the distinctive architecture that have earned Matera the title of European Capital of Culture in 2019.

Best Time to Go:

The ideal time for this Road Trip is in the spring, from April to June, or in early fall, from September to October. These seasons offer comfortable weather for exploration, with the landscape bursting in colorful blooms or the warm hues of autumn leaves.

Potential Risks:

While the Roads are generally well-maintained, some stretches may be narrow with tight curves, particularly as you approach Matera and its rugged terrain. Caution is advised, particularly for those unfamiliar with driving in Italy.

Interesting Facts for Roadtrippers:

• Distance: The journey covers approximately 89km, making it an ideal Trip for those looking to experience a substantial yet manageable taste of southern Italy in a single day.
• Road Conditions: The Roads are in good condition, offering a smooth drive with manageable curves that provide a gentle introduction to the Italian driving experience.
• Timeframe: Set aside a full day to immersely appreciate the drive and the myriad of sights. Consider overnight stays if you wish to delve deeper into the local culture and history.

A good choice for:

The Road Trip from Taranto to Matera is a captivating experience that combines scenic beauty with a profound historical journey. From the remnants of ancient civilizations to living cities that echo the past, every mile reveals a story, promising unforgettable memories for every Road Tripper seeking the essence of southern Italy.