Horseback riding in Matera: Murgia Park with views of Sassi

An hour on horseback through rolling hills with the ancient Sassi in view

Horseback riding in Matera's Murgia National Park is a one-hour guided ride through rolling hills and ancient caves with views of the Sassi di Matera UNESCO site. The pace is leisurely, suited to beginners and first-time riders. An experienced instructor in Italian handles safety, equipment and horse selection. Minimum age is 18. A 10% discount at MòVado Food & Drink bar in Piazza Duomo is included.

Step-by-step itinerary

Horse riding tour in Murgia Park

• Meet experienced instructor
• Learn safety and riding basics
• Get equipped with horse and helmet
• Enjoy leisurely horse ride through park
• View Sassi di Matera rock dwellings

The experience

The ride starts with an introduction to safety and basic technique from your instructor, who then helps you select a horse and get fitted with a helmet. If you've never ridden before, they'll spend time getting you comfortable with your horse before you mount. The whole setup is built for people stepping into the saddle for the first time, not for experienced riders looking for speed or technical work.

Once you're ready, the ride moves at a walk through Parco della Murgia Materana. The landscape unfolds around you: rolling hills, ancient caves carved into the rock, and open vistas. As you move through the park, the Sassi di Matera appear in the distance, the UNESCO-listed rock dwellings that sit across the valley. You're not stopping to tour them. You're seeing them from the perspective of someone moving through the land they overlook.

The whole experience runs one hour from start to finish. Your instructor stays with you throughout, speaking Italian. At the end, you'll have a 10% discount code for MòVado Food & Drink bar in Piazza Duomo if you want to eat afterward in the city.

What’s included

• Horse, helmet and all riding equipment.
• instruction from an Italian-speaking guide.
• 10% discount at MòVado Food & Drink bar in Piazza Duomo.

Before you book

Days and timesEvery dayDeparts at 10:30

Book up to2d before

AgesAdult (18 to 80 years) · Under 18: can't be included in the booking

GroupPrivate

Live guideItalian

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.It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund.

ConfirmationConfirmation within 48h

Prices and times updated yesterday

Good to know

Easy physical levelNot for pregnant travelersNot for heart conditionsNot for back problems

Operated by Martulli Viaggi

Is this one for you?The leisurely walk-only pace means you're not working hard in the saddle. This suits someone who wants to move through the landscape and see the Sassi from horseback without the physical demand of trotting or cantering.

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Top questions

What happens if it rains?

It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund. Free cancellation up to 24 h before the start.

Is this ride suitable if I've never been on a horse before?

Yes. The instructor spends time on safety, basic technique and getting you comfortable with your horse before the ride starts. The pace is leisurely throughout, designed for beginners and first-time riders.

What does the one-hour ride actually cover?

You'll walk through Parco della Murgia Materana, moving through rolling hills, past ancient caves, and along scenic vistas. The Sassi di Matera appear in the distance as you ride. The pace is slow and steady, not a gallop or trot.

What's included in the price?

The ride includes the horse, helmet, saddle and all riding equipment; instruction from an Italian-speaking guide; and a 10% discount at MòVado Food & Drink bar in Piazza Duomo. You'll need to arrange your own transport to the meeting point.

What's the minimum age to ride?

You must be at least 18 years old. The ride is not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries, poor cardiovascular health, or if you're pregnant.

How long does the whole activity take, including setup?

The full experience is one hour from arrival to finish, which includes the safety briefing, equipment fitting and the actual ride through the park.