Sassi di Matera: Treasure Hunt in the Sassi

Planning a trip to Matera? If you’re looking for a different way to explore the city’s famous Sassi neighborhoods, the Treasure Hunt in the Sassi offers an engaging, hands-on experience that combines sightseeing with fun challenges. Unlike traditional guided tours, this activity invites you to solve riddles, uncover hidden corners, and enjoy the city at your own pace — ideal for families, groups, or anyone wanting a memorable adventure.

What really shines about this tour is the way it makes exploring Matera interactive and memorable. We love the personalized approach, the chance to crack codes and win a real treasure, and the professional photos you can take home. It’s a perfect activity for those who prefer a lively, playful exploration over dull walking tours. That said, keep in mind it involves walking and some light physical effort, so it’s best suited for those comfortable on their feet.

If you’re a curious traveler, a family with kids, or someone celebrating a special occasion, this treasure hunt could be the highlight of your visit. It’s an activity that offers more than just sightseeing — it creates stories and keeps everyone engaged.

Key Points

• Unique exploration: Discover Matera’s main attractions and secret corners through a fun, interactive game.
• Flexible pacing: Explore at your leisure, solving riddles and taking photos along the way.
• Authentic insights: Guides share interesting stories and facts that bring the city’s history to life.
• Personalized experience: Customizable with small gifts or notes to make it special.
• Photo souvenirs: Professional pictures are included, helping you remember your adventure.
• Great for all ages: Suitable for families, couples, groups, and special events.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Detailed Review of the Treasure Hunt Experience

Starting Point and Introduction

Your journey begins at the historic Tramontano Castle, a striking fortress that’s impossible to miss when entering Matera. Here, the guide — often Michele or a similar knowledgeable host — explains the game’s rules and hands out your treasure hunt map filled with riddles. This initial setup sets the tone for an engaging 2.5-hour adventure that promises a mixture of fun, discovery, and a taste of local life.

The Route and Key Stops

Once armed with your map, you’ll set off into the labyrinth of Matera’s Sassi districts. The first destination is Piazzetta Pascoli, a charming square where you might find a mix of locals and fellow explorers. From there, your route takes you through the Sasso Caveoso area, famous for its cave dwellings and scenic views. Passing by the Church of Madonna dell’Idris, you’ll get your first taste of Matera’s unique architecture and historical ambiance.

While the route is flexible and self-directed, the provided riddles guide your path, leading you through less obvious alleyways and hidden corners. As one reviewer noted, “We loved the way the guide stayed at the starting point to help or give hints — it made us feel supported without too much hand-holding.” This balance ensures you’re challenged but not frustrated.

Discovering Matera’s Hidden Gems

The treasure hunt is designed to take you beyond the typical tourist spots. You’ll pass key landmarks like Matera Cathedral, the Church of San Francesco, and the underground hypogea (ipogei), which are some of the city’s most iconic sites. But the real treasure lies in the hidden alleyways, panoramic viewpoints, and small chapels that are often missed on traditional tours.

One of the most praised stops is the Church of Sant’Agostino, offering stunning views and a sense of quiet authenticity. As one reviewer shared, “We discovered some of Matera’s most important attractions, but also secret spots that only a local or a good guide would know.” The guide’s storytelling adds an extra layer of richness, sharing fun facts and stories that make the sights come alive.

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The Riddle-Solving and Treasure Chest

The core of the activity is solving riddles that challenge your knowledge of the city’s history and layout. The clues are imaginative yet understandable, making it an enjoyable puzzle for all ages. After 2 hours, you’ll return to the starting point, where the guide helps you decipher the key to unlock the treasure chest.

The prize? A small treasure item for the winner, but everyone leaves with a certificate of participation and fantastic memories. Plus, many participants receive professional photos of their adventure, creating lasting keepsakes.

The Value and Experience

Given the price includes a map with riddles, a bottle of water, the certificate, and the treasure prize, it offers impressive value — especially considering the personalized and flexible nature of the activity. The guide’s attention to detail and engaging storytelling turn what could be a simple walk into an interactive experience full of surprises.

Practical Considerations

The tour lasts approximately 2.5 hours, so wearing comfortable shoes is a must. The activity involves moderate walking, making it suitable for most fit travelers but maybe less so for those with mobility issues. The route is designed to be flexible, but you should be aware of the time limit to ensure you finish on schedule.

You can reserve with free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance, which adds peace of mind. Also, the tour is available in English and Italian, making it accessible to a broad range of visitors.

Why Travelers Love It

Many reviewers, including a family with children, praise the knowledgeable guides — especially Michele, who brings passion and fun to the tour. A traveler from June 2025 shared, “My daughters and I immersed ourselves in an exciting, fun, and educational adventure that allowed us to discover the city in a truly original way.”

The activity’s interactive format is especially appreciated by families, couples celebrating anniversaries, or groups seeking a lively team-building activity. The option to add small gifts or notes in the chest makes it customizable for special occasions like birthdays or proposals.

Who Is This Tour Best For?

This treasure hunt is perfect for travelers who want to see Matera from a different perspective — more playful and personal than a typical guided walk. It suits families with children, couples, and groups of friends looking for an engaging activity. The activity’s flexibility makes it also ideal for corporate team-building or special celebrations.

If you prefer structured, traditional tours or have mobility limitations, this might not be the best fit. But for those who love puzzles, authentic experiences, and scenic exploration, it’s a fantastic way to connect with the city’s spirit.

FAQ

How long does the Treasure Hunt last?
The activity is approximately 2.5 hours long, but it can vary slightly depending on your pace and the number of hints needed.

Where does the tour start?
It begins at the historic Tramontano Castle, where instructions and your map are provided.

Is this activity suitable for children?
Yes, the activity is designed to be fun and engaging for all ages, making it a great family experience.

What should I bring?
Comfortable shoes are recommended since you’ll be walking around the city’s uneven streets.

Can I customize the experience?
Yes, small gifts or notes can be placed in the treasure chest upon request, adding a personal touch.

Is there a maximum group size?
The size isn’t specified, but the activity is flexible enough for small groups or larger parties, especially if booked in advance.

What languages is the tour available in?
It’s offered in English and Italian, ensuring clear communication and storytelling.

What do I receive at the end?
Everyone gets a certificate of participation, and the winner receives the treasure prize. Photos are also provided for lasting memories.

Can I cancel my reservation?
Yes, full refunds are available if you cancel at least 24 hours in advance.

Final Thoughts

The Sassi di Matera: Treasure Hunt offers a lively, personalized way to experience one of Italy’s most iconic cities. Its blend of puzzle-solving, scenic discovery, and storytelling makes it especially appealing for those who want more than just a passive tour. The activity’s focus on fun, tailored experiences, and authentic sights makes it a standout choice for families, couples, and groups seeking a memorable adventure.

While it requires some walking and a bit of mental energy, the rewards — from discovering hidden spots to winning a treasure — are well worth it. Coupled with professional photos and a friendly guide, this experience provides excellent value and a true sense of connection with Matera’s enchanting streets.

If you’re after an engaging, original way to explore the Sassi and create lasting memories, this treasure hunt could be the highlight of your trip. It’s an affordable, enjoyable, and uniquely personalized activity that captures the charm and spirit of Matera perfectly.

Note: Always check availability and reserve in advance, especially during peak seasons or special occasions, to secure your spot in this fun-filled adventure.

You can check availability for your dates here: