Sextantio Le Grotte Della Civita

Just a few kilometres from Matera, the small hilltop village of Grottole invites you to experience local life up close. Spend a day connecting with the community as you visit vineyards and historic cellars, learning how regional wines are made. Try shaping clay on a potter’s wheel to craft your own terracotta piece or step into the world of beekeeping to understand how organic honey is produced.

During harvest season, join locals in picking olives and discover the process of making extra virgin olive oil. It’s a great way to experience the region’s traditions and everyday life.

Step into the ancient rock-hewn dining area at Sextantio Le Grotte Della Civita and cook like a true local. Under the guidance of a Matera “mamma,” you’ll roll up your sleeves, work with flour, eggs, and a rolling pin, and learn the traditional craft of handmade pasta. From shaping Cavatelli and Orecchiette to folding Calzoni, every step connects you to Lucanian home kitchens and their timeless recipes.

Along the way, you’ll discover how simple ingredients come together to form dishes that have fed generations. Later, sit down to enjoy the meal you’ve created, surrounded by the beauty of stone walls and candlelight.

Begin your day by exploring Matera on two wheels. From Sextantio Le Grotte Della Civita, ride through the winding lanes of the Sassi, past stone-carved dwellings and centuries-old churches, then continue into the open trails of the Murgia National Park. You can also join a guided tour that takes you through the city’s highlights or rent a bike and discover its beauty at your own pace.

Bikes are available for both adults and children. Each ride offers a simple yet unforgettable way to connect with Matera’s landscape, its wonderful stories and its richness of life.