Agriturismo Stays in Italy: A Hidden Gem in Matera’s Countryside
When planning our two-month adventure across Italy, I stumbled upon Frances Mayes’ book See You in the Piazza. Mayes’ geographical chapters made it easy to navigate her travel insights. But one of the most valuable parts was her mention of government-funded initiatives promoting rural agriturismo stays; farms, vineyards, and wineries. These stays are not only economical, but they offer a unique way to experience the heart of Italy—without the typical tourist crowds.
One of these hidden gems was our stay at Fontana La Pietra, nestled in the unspoiled countryside of Matera. Fontana La Pietra is an ideal spot for both short and long stays, providing a peaceful retreat away from the bustling cities. Located just a few kilometers from the renowned Sassi of Matera, this farmhouse offers a tranquil base for exploring nearby attractions such as the Crypt of the Original Sin, the National Museum of Metapontum, the charming town of Pisticci, and the unexpected ghost town of Craco.
The farmhouse itself is a haven of comfort, featuring a restaurant, swimming pool, soccer field, children’s play area, and an array of friendly animals, including horses, dwarf goats, donkeys, and piglets. Our mini-apartment was well-equipped with a private bathroom, kitchenette, satellite TV, air conditioning, double bed, and a sofa bed—perfect for a relaxing stay amidst nature.
What truly set our visit apart was the serene atmosphere of the property. Since we were traveling during the shoulder season, we were the only guests and had the entire place to ourselves. The rooms were immaculately clean, and we enjoyed leisurely walks around the farm, surrounded by cultivated fields and quiet countryside.
Dinner at our Agriturismo Fontana La Pietra, was a highlight: homemade pasta with eggplant, paired with their local wine. It was a truly authentic taste of the region, made even better by the peaceful setting.
Fontana La Pietra isn’t just a place to stay; it’s an opportunity to immerse yourself in Italy’s lesser-known, but no less enchanting, countryside. Whether you’re looking for a short getaway or a long, relaxing stay, an Agriturismo in Matera offers the perfect balance of comfort, nature, and history.
We loved our stay here and found it to be of bsolutely outstanding value. Explorable from Fontana La Pietra – Matera; Alberobello; Taranto; Bari; Pisticci; and Craco.
🧭 Explore Basilicata with Viator – If you’re the kind of traveler who feels more at ease with a plan in place, Viator is a great place to start. They offer a wide range of tours that take the guesswork out of exploring a new city — from guided walks to full-day excursions and everything in between. It’s a great option if you’d rather leave the organizing to someone else and just focus on enjoying the experience. We’ve used them often and love how easy they make it to discover the highlights without the stress.
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