Driving from Bari to Matera: Ultimate Road Trip Guide

The drive from Bari to Matera covers just 68 kilometers (42 miles) via the SS99 and SS7 highways, yet it moves through 2,000 years of history. The route cuts across the Murgia plateau, a karst landscape dotted with ancient trulli and deep ravines. One specific fact: the town of Altamura, midway, is home to the first human skeleton ever found in Italy, the "Altamura Man," a Neanderthal fossil discovered in a cave in 1993.

This route is ideal for a half-day drive, but you could spend days exploring. When asking how to find the best stops and hidden gems between cities, this road trip is a perfect example.

The key question—is it worth driving Bari to Matera? Absolutely. The journey offers cultural and scenic contrasts, from the Adriatic coast to the Sassi cave dwellings.

The Murgia plateau is a vast limestone tableland, marked by dry stone walls, olive groves, and deep valleys called gravine. As you leave Bari, the coast flattens into farmland, then rises into the Murgia. Near Matera, the landscape becomes surreal, with the Gravina di Matera canyon cutting through the earth.

• UNESCO World Heritage: Matera's Sassi and the Park of the Rupestrian Churches are UNESCO-listed (since 1993). Add Gravina's Cathedral on a short detour.
• Climatic conditions: Summers hot and dry (30-35°C), winter mild and damp (5-10°C). Mistral wind can gust across the plateau, reducing visibility on SS7.
• Geographical shift: From coastal flatlands (Bari, 5 m elevation) to rocky plateau (Matera, 400 m). Watch for steep descents.

Local commerce along the route: Altamura is famous for its DOP bread (Pane di Altamura), a dense sourdough. Buy it at Panificio Di Gioia (Via XX Settembre). Also look for caciocavallo cheese and olive oil sold at roadside stalls near Gravina.

• Hidden off-route spot: The abandoned village of Castel del Monte's twin, the small medieval hamlet of Pietra Montecorvino (5 min detour near Spinazzola).
• Cultural tip: In Altamura, visit the Museo Nazionale Archeologico to see the Altamura Man cast.

The primary route uses the superstrada SS99 from Bari to Altamura, then the SS7 to Matera. The SS99 is a dual carriageway with a 90 km/h limit, while SS7 is a winding two-lane road. There are no tolls on this drive.

• Fuel stations: Frequent on SS99, sparse on SS7. Top up in Altamura or at the last station before Matera (Motta, km 55).
• Toll cost: €0. No autostrada section.
• Estimated fuel cost (gasoline, 7L/100km): €12–€15 one-way (fuel price ~€1.80/L).
• Fuel efficiency tip: Use cruise control on SS99, but expect steep climbs near Matera.

For a detailed breakdown of how long to drive Bari to Matera, factor in stops: direct is 1 hour, but with scenic detours expect 2-3 hours.

• Best stops Bari to Matera: Altamura (historic center), Gravina di Puglia (canyon viewpoint), and the Murgia plateau overlooks.
• Parking in Matera: Use Parcheggio Vittorio Veneto (€3/hour) or free lots on the outskirts.

Road quality on SS99 is excellent; SS7 has narrow patches, especially near Matera. Night driving is possible, but sections lack illumination. Watch for slow farm machinery and cyclists.

• Pet-friendly: The Oasi WWF Monte Sant'Elia (near Gravina) allows dogs on leash. Also, Agriturismo La Palomba (Matera) welcomes pets.
• Family-friendly: Parco della Murgia Materana offers easy hiking and a visitor center with educational exhibits. Altamura's Largo San Giuseppe has a playground.
• Fatigue management: Rest at the Autogrill Altamura Est (km 40) or the picnic area near the Pilone di Gravina (km 50). Safe parking for a nap.

Culinary infrastructure: roadside agriturismi serve homemade pasta and wild herbs. Try Trattoria da Maria in Altamura (pasta con le rape) or Osteria del Corso in Matera.

• Safety tip: Carry coins for toll-free rest stop parking; some require payment.
• Last chance for toiletes: Autogrill before entering SS7, last station before Matera.