Matera to Dubrovnik Road Trip: Ultimate Guide

The drive from Matera to Dubrovnik covers roughly 350 km (excluding ferry) and takes 6–7 hours including a ferry crossing from Bari to Dubrovnik. This route follows the SS7 and A14 to Bari, then a 8-hour overnight ferry (or 4-hour fast catamaran) across the Adriatic to Dubrovnik. A lesser-known fact: the A14 highway between Bari and the ferry port is one of the few stretches in Italy where you can see both the Apennine mountains and the Adriatic coast simultaneously.

This guide covers the best stops Matera to Dubrovnik, how long to drive Matera to Dubrovnik, and whether is it worth driving Matera to Dubrovnik. For more on planning stops, see how to find the best stops and hidden gems between cities.

The landscape shifts from the rocky Sassi of Matera to the rolling hills of Puglia, then to the Adriatic coast. Along the SS7, you pass through the Murgia plateau, a karstic area with ravines and ancient shepherd trails.

• Natural attractions: Parco della Murgia Materana (UNESCO buffer zone) with cave churches and wildlife.
• Local commerce: Stop at Gravina di Puglia for handmade ceramics and local cheese (caciocavallo).
• UNESCO sites: Matera (Sassi) is a UNESCO World Heritage site. Also, the Trulli of Alberobello are a 30-minute detour from the route.

Climatic conditions: Summers hot (35°C), winters mild (5–15°C). The best sunsets are from the Bari seafront promenade before boarding the ferry. The Adriatic coast offers a beautiful blue hue.

The road from Matera to Bari is primarily the SS7 (Strada Statale 7) and A14 autostrada. The A14 is tolled (approx €5 for the Matera-Bari stretch). The ferry from Bari to Dubrovnik is operated by Jadrolinija (car ferry) or Liberty Lines (fast catamaran, no cars). Prices vary from €50–€100 for a passenger plus vehicle.

• Fuel costs: Petrol approx €1.80/L in Italy, €1.50/L in Croatia. For a 350 km drive, expect €40–€60.
• Fuel stations: Frequent on A14; limited on SS7. Fill up in Matera or just before Bari.
• Toll gates: A14 has electronic tolls; keep change or use Telepass.

Driving time estimate: 1 hour from Matera to Bari port. Arrive at least 1 hour before ferry departure. The ferry crossing is scenic but can be rough in winter. Check weather forecasts.

Road quality: A14 is excellent; SS7 is good but winding in parts. Night illumination is adequate on highways, poor on secondary roads. Safety tips: watch for slow farm vehicles on SS7 and be cautious of sheep crossings near Matera.

• Family stops: Bari's Parco 2 Giugno has a playground and zoo; the ferry has children's areas.
• Pet-friendly: Agriturismo Masseria Salinola (pet-friendly farm) near Bari; the ferry allows pets in kennels.
• Fatigue management: Rest at Autogrill Molfetta (A14), or park at Bari's Parco Rossani for a nap before ferry.
• Hidden off-route: The abandoned medieval village of Casalrotto, 5 minutes from SS7 near Cassano delle Murge.