Matera to Split Road Trip: Ancient Roads, Adriatic Views

The Matera–Split route covers roughly 1,000 km (620 miles) and requires about 10–11 hours of pure driving, but the real journey is measured in millennia. Matera, a UNESCO World Heritage site since 1993, sits in a ravine carved by the Gravina River. Split’s Diocletian’s Palace (UNESCO 1979) anchors the Dalmatian coast. Between them lie the Apennines, the Adriatic Sea, and the Dinaric Alps.

A unique fact: the E55 highway from Bari to Dubrovnik passes through the former Yugoslavia’s “Brotherhood and Unity” Highway, a Cold War infrastructure project. Today, you cross three countries (Italy, Slovenia, Croatia) and two time zones (CET to CET+1 in summer).

This guide uses the quickest route: Matera → Bari (SS99) → ferry to Durrës (Albania) or the longer overland via Ancona–Split ferry. The recommended how to find the best stops and hidden gems between cities approach involves strategic detours.

From Matera’s calcarenite cliffs to Split’s limestone coast, the geology shifts dramatically. The first leg crosses the Murge plateau – karst plains dotted with olive groves. Approaching the Adriatic, the terrain descends into the fertile Tavoliere delle Puglie plain. Then the Apennines rise near Foggia, offering dense forests. The ferry from Ancona sails across the open Adriatic – on clear days, you see the Croatian islands. After landing in Split, the Biokovo mountains loom.

• Best viewpoint: Gargano National Park, near Vieste – stop at Pizzomunno Beach for sunset.
• Geological highlight: The “Gravina di Matera” canyon system is visible from the SS99 ramp just outside Matera.

Local Commerce and Culture: In Matera, buy ceramic “crapi” (vases) and peperone crusco (dried peppers). At roadside stalls near Gravina di Puglia, look for “caciocavallo” cheese. On the Croatian motorway, stop at a “konoba” near Šibenik for Marasquin liqueur and Pag cheese. The town of Omis (20 km from Split) is known for handcrafted wooden boats.

Fuel and Route Economics: The total fuel cost for a 1,000 km drive at €1.80/L (Italy) and €1.50/L (Croatia) with a 7 L/100km consumption is approximately €130. Gas stations are abundant on the A14 (every 20–30 km). In Croatia, the A1 has stations at major exits. Tolls: A14 Italy – Bari to Ancona: €35; A1 Croatia – Zagreb to Split: €25. Total tolls: ~€60.

• Fuel efficiency tip: Use cruise control at 110 km/h on the A14 – hilly sections (Gargano) reduce economy.
• Ferry costs: Ancona–Split car ferry starts at €100 (deck passenger) to €250 (cabin) per person, car ~€100 extra. Book in advance for summer.

UNESCO World Heritage Sites: Along the route you pass two World Heritage sites within a 30-minute detour: Matera (Sassi di Matera) and Split (Diocletian's Palace). Additionally, the Trulli of Alberobello (UNESCO 1996) is a 50-minute detour from Bari. In Croatia, the city of Trogir (UNESCO 1997) lies 20 minutes from Split.

Infrastructure Safety and Road Quality: Italian highways (A14, A16) are excellent – well-lit, guardrails, SOS phones. The SS99 Matera–Bari is two-lane and unlit at night; deer crossings possible. Croatian A1 is modern but narrow shoulders. The Ancona–Split ferry is safe but winter storms cause cancellations. Always check maritime weather.

• Gas stations on A14 have 24-hour service but in southern Italy some close between 1 a.m. and 5 a.m.
• Night driving: avoid the SS99 after 10 p.m. due to low visibility and potholes near Matera.

Family and Child Suitability: The ferry is a hit with kids – indoor play areas, outdoor decks. Near Bari, drive 15 minutes to Zoosafari Fasano (drive-through safari). In Split, the children’s museum “Museum of Illusions” is downtown. Roadside parks: “Parco Nazionale del Gargano” has easy trails for toddlers. Pet-friendly: ferry allows pets in kennels (€15). On Italian highways, Autogrill stops have designated pet areas. In Croatia, many konobe allow dogs on terraces.

Fatigue Management and Rest Zones: Recommended rest stops include:

• Area di Servizio “La Macchia” (A14 near Foggia) – clean restrooms, coffee bar, shaded tables.
• “Ploče” rest area (A1 Croatia, before Dubrovnik turnoff) – overlooks Neretva River valley.
• In Matera, before departure, nap at “Parco della Murgia” picnic area (1 km from Sassi).

Safe parking for naps: Italian Autogrill parking lots (well-lit, CCTV); Croatian “odmorište” (rest areas) on the A1 often have air-conditioned lounges. For a truly hidden gem, pull off at “Civita di Bagnoregio” (50 min detour from A1, Italy) – a “dying city” on a tufa cliff.