E-bike tour Matera: Sassi to Murgia rock churches

Two to three hours on an e-bike: Sassi streets, Palomba Sculpture Park, four rock churches in the Murgia, a Neolithic village.

An e-bike tour of Matera takes you from the historic Sassi quarter onto the uncontaminated paths of the Murgia plateau, stopping at remote rock churches, hermitages and archaeological sites. You ride an e-fat bike with helmet, water and bags included. Choose between a guided tour with a local English or Italian speaker, or ride independently using exclusive GPX routes. The two to three hour route suits all fitness levels.

Step-by-step itinerary

Explore Matera's historic and natural sites

• Ride to Madonna delle Vergini
• Pass Palomba Sculpture Park
• Visit Modern Rock Church
• Explore Neolithic village
• Tour Rock Churches in Murgia Park

The experience

How do you reach the rock churches and hermitages scattered across the Murgia without a car? An e-fat bike handles the terrain and the distance, and the electric assist means you climb without strain. The route starts in the Sassi, Matera's ancient stone quarter, and moves outward onto the plateau paths. You pass the Palomba Sculpture Park, stop at a modern church built inside a rock church, and reach a Neolithic village still intact from thousands of years ago. The Murgia itself holds four rock churches within the park: Madonna delle Vergini, della Scordata, and sites in the Murgecchia area.

You choose how to ride. A local guide in English or Italian leads the full tour, setting the pace and explaining what you see. Or you ride independently using GPX routes the operator provides, stopping where and when you want. Either way, the e-fat bike does the work: no pedaling uphill, no exhaustion at the end. The bike comes with a helmet, padlock, bags for your things and water to drink. Public transportation runs nearby if you need it to reach the start.

What’s included

• E-fat bike with electric assist.
• helmet, padlock and bags.
• water.
• choice of guided tour with a local English or Italian-speaking guide, or self-guided riding with exclusive GPX routes.

Options for this experience

2 options

E-bike rental only, including GPXGuide in Italian · 10:00 and 16:00E-bike rental only, without a guide, including personalized GPX maps. Duration: 3 hours

Matera tour by e-bikeGuide in English or Italian · 10:00 and 16:00

You pick the guide language when booking.

You'll see the exact price of each option when you check availability.See dates and prices

Before you book

Days and timesEvery dayDepartures at 10:00 and 16:00

Book up to12h before

AgesAdult (18 to 80 years) · Under 18: can't be booked

GroupPrivate

Live guideEnglish and Italian

Meeting point and pickupNo hotel pickup: you go to the meeting point. Ends back at the starting point.

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 24 h before the start. After that, no refund.

Paid on site€ 17

Prices and times updated 7 days ago

Good to know

Low physical effortStroller-friendlyInfant seats availablePublic transport nearby

Operated by Il Carrubo Walk&Stay

Is this one for you?Choose the guided tour if you want someone to explain the history and pace the stops. Pick the self-guided option if you prefer to explore at your own speed and linger where the views or the sites hold your attention.

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Top questions

What languages is the tour guided in?

Live guide in English and Italian.

Can I ride an e-bike if I've never done it before?

Yes. E-fat bikes are designed for all fitness levels, and the electric assist means you control the effort. The operator notes the tour suits anyone, regardless of fitness.

What's the difference between the guided tour and the rental with GPX?

The guided tour pairs you with a local guide who leads the route, explains the sites and sets the pace. The rental option gives you the bike and GPS routes to follow at your own speed, stopping where you choose.

How long does the ride actually take?

Two to three hours, depending on how long you spend at each stop and which route you choose.

What are the rock churches like?

The four rock churches in the Murgia are ancient structures carved into the stone landscape: Madonna delle Vergini, della Scordata and two others in the Murgecchia area. You stop at each one as part of the route.

Is there anything to eat or drink on the ride?

Water is included with the bike. Meals are not included, so bring snacks or plan to eat before or after the ride.