The Path of the ravines

Day 1 – Arrival in Matera

Welcome to Matera, one of the most extraordinary destinations in Southern Italy. Famous worldwide for its ancient Sassi cave districts and dramatic landscapes, Matera is a true open-air museum with a history dating back over 30,000 years.

Explore the fascinating rupestrian churches, visit a traditional cave dwelling, and enjoy the unique atmosphere of this UNESCO World Heritage Site. Many caves have been transformed into charming hotels and restaurants, making your stay unforgettable.

Overnight in Matera.

Day 2 – Matera to Montescaglioso

• Distance: 18.8 km

• Elevation gain: 442 m

• Terrain: gravel & paved paths

• Walking time: approx. 5 hours

After a morning briefing with our representative, your walking holiday begins with a spectacular route carved into the rock. Enjoy breathtaking views over the Sassi of Matera and follow the scenic trail along the rim of the Matera Gravina canyon, dotted with cave dwellings and ancient churches.

Cross peaceful countryside landscapes filled with olive groves and golden wheat fields before reaching the charming town of Montescaglioso.

Overnight in Montescaglioso.

Day 3 – Montescaglioso to Ginosa

• Distance: 14.3 km

• Elevation gain: 303 m

• Walking time: approx. 4 hours

Leave Montescaglioso behind, passing the impressive Abbey of San Michele Arcangelo. The trail winds through rolling hills covered in wheat fields, small oak groves, and Mediterranean vegetation.

As you approach the dramatic ravines, you’ll arrive in Ginosa, home to the legendary Thinking Sage Olive Tree, a hidden treasure known only to a few.

Overnight in Ginosa.

Day 4 – Ginosa to Laterza

• Distance: 13.8 km

• Elevation gain: 223 m

• Walking time: approx. 4 hours

Today’s hike leads you to Laterza, passing through two remarkable abandoned rupestrian villages: Il Casale and Rivolta, where cave houses are stacked across multiple levels connected by stairways and narrow paths.

Walk along the ravine bed in a wild and timeless landscape shaped by nature and human history since prehistoric times.

Overnight in Laterza.

Day 5 – Laterza to Castellaneta

• Distance: 24 km

• Elevation gain: 457 m

• Walking time: approx. 4–5 hours

Depart from Laterza, famous for its traditional bread and maiolica ceramics. Follow the rim of the impressive Laterza Ravine, one of the largest in Europe, with walls rising over 200 metres.

Continue through the Monte Camplo Nature Reserve, rich in oak forests and Aleppo pine, before arriving in Castellaneta, dramatically perched above its own spectacular canyon.

Overnight in Castellaneta.

Day 6 – Castellaneta to Mottola

• Distance: 16.5 km

• Elevation gain: 374 m

• Walking time: approx. 4–5 hours

The route continues toward Palagianello, where you’ll discover the stunning rupestrian church of San Nicola, decorated with medieval frescoes.

Follow an ancient sheep track through rock-carved settlements, including Casalrotto, with hundreds of caves, and the unique two-level church of Sant’Angelo.

Climb up to the hilltop town of Mottola.

Overnight in Mottola.

Day 7 – Mottola to Massafra

• Distance: 18.7 km

• Elevation gain: 143 m

• Walking time: approx. 5 hours

Known as the “Ionian Spy,” Mottola offers sweeping views over the Gulf of Taranto. Descend to the rupestrian church of San Gregorio, home to a striking fresco of Christ Pantocrator.

Walk through ancient olive groves and quiet countryside until reaching Massafra, one of Italy’s capitals of rupestrian civilisation, set between two ravines filled with caves and underground dwellings.

Overnight in Massafra.

Day 8 – Massafra to Crispiano

• Distance: 17.5 km

• Elevation gain: 374 m

• Walking time: approx. 4–5 hours

Leave Massafra behind and head toward Masseria Amastuola, a historic fortified farm surrounded by a stunning vineyard garden designed by landscape architect Fernando Caruncho.

Follow the Triglie Ravine trail through Mediterranean scrub and rupestrian villages such as San Cipriano and San Michele before arriving in Crispiano.

Overnight in Crispiano.

Day 9 – Crispiano to Martina Franca

• Distance: 27.4 km

• Elevation gain: 462 m

• Walking time: approx. 7–8 hours

A longer but rewarding stage takes you from Crispiano, the “town of 100 masserie,” into the green heart of Puglia.

Stop at Bosco delle Pianelle, one of the region’s most important oak forests, located inside a doline. Continue through the Natural Reserve of Eastern Murge, passing Masseria Galeone, home to the famous Murgese horse breeding centre and museum.

Arrive in elegant Martina Franca, jewel of the Valle d’Itria.

Overnight in Martina Franca.

Day 10 – Martina Franca to Alberobello

• Distance: 19 km

• Elevation gain: 234 m

• Walking time: approx. 5 hours

Start from Martina Franca, a baroque masterpiece, and follow rural paths lined with dry-stone walls, vineyards, olive groves, and traditional farmhouses.

Walk through Bosco Selva, the remains of an ancient oak woodland, before reaching Alberobello, the world-famous Capital of Trulli and UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Overnight in Alberobello.

Day 11 – Departure

After breakfast, your walking tour through Matera and Puglia comes to an end.

End of services.