Tiny European city once named 'poorest' rivalling major tourist hotspot
A tiny European city that was once one of the 'poorest' on the continent is well worth having on your radar according to travel insiders who've compared it to tourist hotspots
A tiny city made entirely of caves was once dubbed one of Europe 's 'poorest' destinations, but now has become a must-visit for any intrepid explorer.
Matera, in Italy, doesn't draw in huge tourist crowds like other Italian hotspots, but insiders say it has 'twice the atmosphere' of the likes of Rome, even without the iconic landmarks. According to the travel experts at Ski Vertigo, it's one of Europe's most underrated destinations. "Once considered one of Europe's poorest towns, Matera is now a UNESCO World Heritage site full of cave dwellings and ancient charm," they explained.
Wander through Matera and you'll feel like you've stepped onto the set of a film, thanks to the ancient caves complex that make up the bulk of the city. Houses, churches, monasteries, shops and hermitages have all been built into the natural caves that make up the landscape, so it's no surprise that the ancient location has received UNESCO World Heritage site status. The organisation has described Matera as "remarkable", predominantly due to the preserved cave dwellings that offer a fascinating insight into how citizens lived thousands of years ago.
Even the surroundings look like they've been lifted out of a picture book; think rolling green valleys, deep ravines, and impressive rock formations and caves making up the landscape. One Ski Vertigo insider added: "A weekend here feels cinematic. You'll spend less than in Rome, and get twice the atmosphere."
Nowadays you can explore the vast complex thanks to a series of guided tours, not to mention countless museums offering insights into the area. There are countless sightseeing spots from which you can take in epic views of both the city and landscape, but this is definitely the kind of destination where you're going to be getting those steps in, so make sure you don some sturdy shoes!
You can also find plenty of 'cave hotels' in the city if you want to make a mini break out of it, but don't worry, these aren't just bare caves with a camp bed on the ground; instead you'll find modern hotels with all of the amenities you could want for a comfortable stay.
Because it's so tiny and also nestled in the Italian countryside, your best bet to visit is to fly to either Rome or Naples, both of which have easy transport links across to Matera via train or coach. Foodies may want to keep Naples on their radar as it was recently named Europe's cheapest destination for an Aperol Spritz, not to mention it's the birthplace of pizza so you'll be spoiled for choice when it comes to sampling that classic Italian fare. In fact, food was just one of the reasons why Naples was recently ranked as one of Europe's best weekend breaks earlier this year, with visitors praising it for being "both chaotic and cultured" as well as "opulent and gritty".
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Daily Mirror
4 hours ago
- Daily Mirror
Four European countries 'outraged' over new airline luggage rules passed by EU
Last week, the Council of Europe made two major decisions on the future of commercial air travel. The first was on compensation rights, and the second related to free hand luggage Four European countries are outraged at new rules that could limit how much delayed passengers can claim in compensation and when airlines can charge passengers for carrying hand luggage. Last week, the Council of Europe made two major decisions on the future of commercial air travel. The first was on compensation rights. The Council decided that passengers on short-haul flights would have to be delayed by four hours or more before they could claim compensation, rather than the current three. For long-haul flights, delays will have to be six or more hours. The good news for passengers is that compensation for those delayed on short-haul flights will increase from €250 (£211) to €300. However, compensation for long-haul flights will be cut from €600 to €500. The changes were first tabled 13 years ago and must still be approved by the European Parliament before they become law. The European Consumer Organisation, the BEUC, has argued that the changes will be a huge blow for consumers and deprive 'the majority of passengers from their compensation rights". The BEUC claims that most delays are between two and four hours. While the UK now sets its own compensation rules following Brexit, the changes will impact Brits if they come into force, as it will apply to passengers taking flights with an EU carrier. This means it could affect a passenger travelling to and from an EU country on an EU airline. The second decision relates to baggage allowance. Under the new rules, the concept to free luggage will be limited to 'personal items' that can be placed under the front seat. That will leave other stowed cabin bags exposed to charges. Spain, Germany, Slovenia, and Portugal voted against the changes, warning that they could mean passengers end up paying extra for almost any cabin bag. The Spanish government criticised the new rules as 'too restrictive.' Spain's Minister for Social Rights, Consumer Affairs and the 2030 Agenda, Pablo Bustinduy, described the changes as an 'outrage'. The political agreement, adopted by a qualified majority in the EU Council, was voted against by Spain, Germany, Slovenia and Portugal. Minister Bustinduy argued that the new rules would violate consumer rights and "only strengthen the power and profits of airlines." If the rules are accepted, then Ryanair would have to change its free hand luggage policy. Right now, the budget Irish airline require customers to have a bag no larger than 40x20x25 centimetres, which must fit under the seat in front. Under the new rules, the dimensions will be changed to 40x30x15 centimetres. That means Ryanair would be obliged to allow a bag 10 centimetres wider, but could also reduce the depth currently allowed by 10 centimetres.
Scottish Sun
8 hours ago
- Scottish Sun
Three-hour flight to Brit holiday hotspot turns into nightmare 32-HOUR saga as ‘passengers left vomiting & no food'
Trouble began when the plane's landing was hindered by powerful winds FLIGHT FROM HELL Three-hour flight to Brit holiday hotspot turns into nightmare 32-HOUR saga as 'passengers left vomiting & no food' A THREE-HOUR flight to a Brit holiday hotspot turned into a nightmare 32-hour saga, with passengers left vomiting with no food. The Condor flight DE1234 was embarking on what was supposed to just be a simple flight from Zurich to Heraklion in Crete, Greece - but lasted over a day. Advertisement 4 A three-hour flight to a Brit holiday hotspot turned into a nightmare Credit: Splash 4 The Condor flight DE1234 was embarking on what was supposed to just be a simple flight from Zurich to Heraklion in Crete, Greece (stock image) Credit: AFP or licensors 4 Trouble started when the plane's landing was hampered by powerful winds Credit: AFP Despite taking off half an hour late, the flight seemed to be on course to reach its destination. And after two hours, the plane began its initial descent to the holiday hotspot Greek isle. But trouble began when the plane's landing was hindered by powerful winds, forcing it to spend hours circling round before the pilot decided to divert to Athens and refuel. The plane landed at the Greek capital at 11:24am - a whopping three hours after it originally departed Zurich. Advertisement Around two-and-a-half hours later, the crew made another attempt to get the 137 people onboard to Heraklion - but this wasn't achieved, again. During the flight, many passengers were reportedly vomiting due to the terrifyingly powerful winds. And to add fuel to the fire, flyers were only given a glass of water during the whole flight. With weather conditions remaining severe, the plane circled around again before getting diverted to Kos to refuel. Advertisement On the nearby Greek island, they landed at 3:28pm after a tiring, hour-and-a-half long flight. And with the aircraft again running low on fuel, another divert was made to Thessaloniki, the second largest city in Greece. Dramatic moment boozed up passenger is hauled off busy plane after VOMITING on another flier Here it was finally decided that passengers and flight attendants should spend the night. The plane touched down at 6:04pm - an unbelievable 11 hours after initially leaving Zurich. Advertisement Passengers were reportedly forced to pay for their own hotel rooms but are entitled to reimbursement under European aviation guidelines. After a nights sleep, the next day at 9am, one last attempt was made to get to Crete - but wind continued to hinder their journey. Another diversion was made to Athens where it was agreed to give up and fly back to Zurich - 32 hours after their initial departure. Condor reps said: 'Due to extreme weather conditions and strong winds, takeoffs and landings at Heraklion Airport were only possible to a limited extent.' Advertisement
Scottish Sun
11 hours ago
- Scottish Sun
Six of the best long-haul holidays to take this summer from beautiful beach resorts to affordable luxe hotels
HOLIDAYMAKERS are hungry for long-haul getaways this year – and it is no surprise, considering the soaring costs in popular European hotspots. Thomas Cook has reported a ten per cent year-on-year increase in bookings for far-flung breaks and recent research from holiday operator On The Beach found getaways to Europe could easily set you back more than to farther afield. 7 We have six of the best long-haul holidays to take this summer Credit: Shutterstock On The Beach's Zoe Harris said: 'The gap between long-haul
