View of Matera’s stone houses overlooking the ravine along the Cammino Materano trail
View of Matera’s stone houses overlooking the ravine along the Cammino Materano trail

Cammino Materano

From the Sea to the Sassi

The Cammino Materano begins with the glimmering sea and the old city of Bari, where kids play in the streets and old ladies make fresh orecchiette pasta in front of their home. It's just the beginning of the journey, but one can already grasp the sense of this trip.

The simple pleasures of life, the slow life, the things that nurture the soul, the unexpected beauty - seven days through Puglia and finally Matera, a magical city carved in stone, unlike anywhere else on earth.


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Green canyon and flowing river on the Cammino Materano approaching Matera.

Olive groves, almond trees and wild flowers, villages on the edge of deep ravines and Southern towns of bustling piazzas, filled with life, welcoming as in few other places of Italy. 

Frequently Asked Questions

Everything You Need to Know Before You Walk

How long is the Cammino Materano and how many days does it take to complete?

The SloWays version of the Cammino Materano covers 96 km over 7 days and 6 nights, starting in Bari and ending in Matera. The route includes 5 walking stages and passes through Cassano delle Murge, Santeramo in Colle, Altamura, Gravina in Puglia, and Lago San Giuliano before the final approach to Matera.

Accommodations are a mix of 2- and 3-star hotels, family-run B&B, and agriturismi, all with private rooms and private bathrooms.

The trip includes stays in Bari, Santeramo, Altamura, Gravina di Puglia, Masseria La Fiorita, and Matera, with luggage transferred from hotel to hotel each day.

The Cammino Materano is rated Level 3 out of 5, which makes it moderately challenging.

The route is not technically difficult, but some stages are long and require a reasonable fitness level and some preparatory training, especially for walkers new to multi-day hiking.

The route combines nature, history, and culture, with highlights such as the Mesola forest, Alta Murgia National Park, the Archaeological Museum in Altamura, the underground city of Gravina in Puglia, the ancient Via Appia, and the Sassi of Matera, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

The best time to walk the Cammino Materano is spring or autumn, when temperatures are milder and the landscape is at its most beautiful.

The trip is available from April to October, while July and August can be hot, especially inland.

Our Cammino Materano trips are designed so you can focus entirely on the experience of walking, without worrying about the logistics.

Our tours typically include:

  • Carefully selected accommodation along the route

  • Luggage transfer from one stage to the next

  • Detailed route notes, maps, and a digital information pack

  • GPS navigation via our mobile app

  • 7-days-a-week support and emergency assistance throughout the trip

  • Basic medical and luggage insurance on most itineraries

Always check the individual trip page for the exact inclusions of your chosen route.

Yes, the Cammino Materano is generally well waymarked, but as with any multi-day walking route it is important not to rely on signage alone.

That is why our trips also include GPS navigation via app, alongside the travel documentation, so you can follow the route with greater confidence even on more isolated stretches or at less obvious junctions.

Throughout your trip we provide 7-days-a-week support for any emergency or need related to the route and the booked services.

In addition, the GPS navigation in our app and the travel documentation mean you always have all the references you need to find your way and walk with greater peace of mind.

The Cammino Materano is not particularly technical, but the stages are fairly long, so it is not always the best choice as a first-ever long-distance walk for someone with no experience at all.

It can, however, be suitable for motivated walkers with a basic level of fitness, who are used to walking for several hours at a stretch.

In general, it is a good choice if you:

  • Already have some experience of full-day walks

  • Are looking for a linear route with no alpine or technical difficulties

  • Choose the right season, avoiding the hottest months

  • Prefer to travel with luggage transfer and organisational support

If you are unsure about your fitness level, we can help you decide whether this is the right route for you.

Yes, the Cammino Materano is generally suitable for solo travellers, including women, provided the trip is approached with common sense and adequate preparation.

With SloWays, solo walkers can count on:

  • Carefully selected accommodation

  • Offline GPS navigation via app

  • Detailed route documentation

  • 7-days-a-week support throughout the trip

This allows you to enjoy the independence of walking with much greater peace of mind.

No specialist equipment is required, but the right kit makes a significant difference over multiple days of walking.

We recommend bringing:

  • Walking boots or trail shoes already broken in on previous walks

  • Comfortable, lightweight layering clothing

  • A small daypack of 20-30 litres for what you need during the day

  • Sun protection: hat, sunscreen, and sunglasses

  • A waterproof jacket

  • A water bottle or hydration bladder

Since your main luggage is transferred from stage to stage, during the day you only need to carry the essentials.

Trekking poles are also recommended, as are technical walking socks and a small blister prevention kit.

The Pilgrim Credential is the official pilgrim document in which you collect stamps at churches, abbeys, hostels, and accommodation along the route.

It is not always compulsory, but it is strongly recommended for anyone who wants to experience the walk in its most authentic and symbolic sense.

The Credential is included in all SloWays packages.

Our trips

Matera & Salento Coastal Walk

Location Italy
Duration 15 days
Walking
Level
Comfort Standard

Wanderlust Nominee Best Specialist Tour Operator 2025
Wanderlust
Nominee Best Specialist Tour Operator 2023
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Touroperating
S-Cape Countryside Travels srl
Borgo Allegri 16R
50122 Firenze FI
P. IVA 05227330486

 
© 2026 SloWays. All rights reserved.
Touroperating S-Cape Countryside Travels srl Borgo Allegri 16R 50122 Firenze FI, Italy
VAT Nr 05227330486
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