The historical city of Matera should feature prominently on your southern Italy travel itinerary. With caves transformed into chic accommodations, fun restaurants and bars built into rocky outcrops, and a history like no other, there are numerous reasons to visit Matera.

Nick and I recently spent 5 days exploring the narrow alleyways, dining on the regional cuisine, and enjoying all of the interesting things to do in Matera. Initially, it wasn’t on our radar, but after this visit, it’s safe to say that we’d return in a heartbeat.