Matera, Italy 🇮🇹
#1865 40.667029, 16.606326

Nomad Score: 60%
Overview Guide Scores Costs

Essentials

🏙️ City Matera is a historic city located in the Basilicata region of Italy, known for its ancient cave dwellings and picturesque landscapes.
👥 Population Approximately 60,000 residents.
💻 Internet Speed Average internet speed of around 40 Mbps. Notably, fiber internet is available in several areas.
💸 Currency & Banking 1 EUR ≈ 1.07 USD. Major banks include Intesa Sanpaolo and UniCredit.
🚰 Tap Water Drinkable and of good quality, sourced from local springs.
🔌 Power 230V, 50Hz, 🔌 Type C/F sockets.
📶 SIM Card Major carriers include TIM, Vodafone, and Wind. Prepaid SIM cards are widely available.
💳 Banking for Expats International cards like Visa and Mastercard are widely accepted. Digital banks like Revolut are gaining popularity.
🛌 Accommodation Options include traditional cave hotels, Airbnb, and local guesthouses. Prices vary significantly.
💳 Cashless Friendly Yes, most establishments accept cards. However, small local shops may require cash.
🏠 Short Term Rentals Airbnb and other vacation rental platforms offer plenty of options in the Sassi (historic districts) and the city center.
🛏️ Budget Accommodation Hostel options include 'Hostel Matera' and 'Cave Hotel' for budget-wise travelers.

Working and Networking

🏢 Best Coworking Space Cowo Matera offers a comfortable environment for remote work with good facilities.
☕ Best Cafe for Work Bar Pugliese is popular among locals and offers good coffee and Wi-Fi.
💼 Networking Events Meet-up events are organized regularly through platforms like Meetup.com focusing on digital nomads and tech communities.
🥂 Social Events for Expats Check Facebook groups such as 'Expats in Matera' for community gatherings and events.

Transportation

🚕 Best Taxi/Ride App Taxi services are available, but Uber is not operational. Local taxis can be hailed directly.
🚲 Bike/Scooter Rental Bike and scooter rentals are offered by various local shops; check 'Bike Matera' for options.
🏖️ Best Beach Nearby The nearest beach, Lido di Metaponto, is about 45 minutes away by car.
✈️ Top Regional Airline Alitalia provides connectivity from Bari or Naples airports.
✈️ Top International Airline EasyJet and Ryanair operate flights to and from Rome and Milan.
🛣️ Highway Access Matera is accessible via the A14 highway, connecting to major cities.
🚉 Main Train/Transit Hub Matera Centrale train station connects to nearby cities like Bari and Taranto.
🚍 Public Transport Passes Local buses operated by 'Trasporti Pubblici Lucani' provide access to surrounding areas.
✈️ Regional Travel Regional trains connect Matera to major cities, with bus services also available.

Health and Wellness

🏥 Best Hospital Hospital S. Carlo di Potenza is the main healthcare facility in the region.
🧘 Yoga & Wellness Centers Yoga Matera and various wellness studios offer classes and services for all levels.
🏋️ Gyms & Fitness Centers Gyms include 'Fitness Club Matera' which offers both workout facilities and group classes.
🧺 Laundry Services Laundromats like 'Lavanderia Self Service Matera' provide 24/7 services.

Food and Drink

📱 Best Food Delivery App Glovo and Just Eat offer food delivery services from various restaurants.
🍽️ Best Local Dish to Try Cialledda and Orecchiette are traditional dishes you shouldn't miss.
🍱 Vegan/Vegetarian Options Restaurants like 'Il Terrazzino' offer great vegetarian and vegan options.
🍫 Best Dessert Spots Gelateria 'Il Fico' in the historic center serves some of the best gelato.
🛒 Affordable Shopping Spots Local markets such as 'Mercato di Matera' provide fresh produce at good prices.
🛒 E-commerce/Online Store Amazon and Italian online grocery stores like 'Supermercato24' are available for shopping.
🛒 Grocery Delivery Services like 'Dottor Gusto' deliver groceries directly to your home.
🍸 Bar/Nightlife Area The Sassi area has numerous bars and pubs offering lively nightlife.
🍻 Local Brewery Birrificio B52 offers local craft beers and brewery tours.
🍷 Wine Bars Enoteca 'Il Volo' features an extensive selection of local wines.
🍲 Street Food Stalls Look for vendors selling traditional 'panzerotti' and 'focaccia' in the city.
🍕 Popular International Cuisine Restaurants like 'Pizzeria Da Gennaro' serve popular Italian and international dishes.

Culture and Attractions

🎟️ Must-See Landmarks The ancient cave dwellings of Sassi di Matera and Matera Cathedral are must-visit sites.
🏛️ Museums & Art Venues Palombaro Lungo is a fascinating underground museum worth exploring.
🏰 Historical Sites The Casa Grotta di Vico Solitario offers a glimpse into historical living conditions.
🕍 Religious Sites Church of San Pietro Caveoso showcases beautiful architecture and stunning views.
🎉 Annual Events The Festa della Bruna, held every July, is a highlight of local culture.
🎨 Cultural Districts The Sassi area is not only historical but vibrant, with local artists and culture.
🎭 Theater Venues Teatro Duni hosts various performances and cultural events throughout the year.
🛍️ Local Markets Visit Mercato di Matera for fresh produce and local artisan products.
🎼 Music Scene Many bars host live music events, especially during summer festivals.
🎨 Street Art Explore the city for vibrant murals, especially in the Sassi districts.
🧑‍🍳 Cooking Classes Culinary schools such as 'Cooking Matera' offer classes to learn traditional recipes.
👩‍🎨 Art Galleries Galleria Nazionale D'Arte Moderna features contemporary works and exhibitions.
🕰️ Historic Buildings Palazzo del Governo is a notable historic site with remarkable architecture.
🏴 Local Heritage Matera is a UNESCO World Heritage site celebrated for its rich history.

Nature and Outdoor Activities

🌅 Nearby Nature Escapes The Parco della Murgia is perfect for hiking and exploring nature.
🏞️ National Parks Nearby Pollino National Park is around 2 hours by car, offering extensive outdoor activities.
🚲 Cycling/Walking Paths Several paths wind through the city and surrounding areas suitable for walking and cycling.
🌄 Scenic Viewpoints Belvedere di Montalbano provides breathtaking views over Matera.
🦉 Birdwatching Locations The Murgia Park is a prime location for birdwatching enthusiasts.
🔥 Bonfire-Friendly Spots Designated areas in the countryside allow for campsite bonfires.

Other Services and Amenities

📦 Parcel Delivery Service Services such as Poste Italiane and DHL operate in the area.
🛠️ Tech Repair Services Local shops offer electronics repair services; look for 'Centro Assistenza Matera.'
🏓 Table Tennis Spots Table tennis facilities can be found at local community centers.
🧑‍🏫 Language Classes Italian language classes are available at 'Scuola Dante Alighieri Matera.'
📚 Libraries & Study Spots The Biblioteca del Comune di Matera provides quiet study areas.
🏘️ Community Centers Local community centers regularly host events and activities open to all.
🕹️ Gaming Lounges Gaming lounges are sparse; however, local cafes may offer gaming events.
🎰 Casino & Gaming Halls There are no casinos in Matera, but nearby larger cities have them.

Business

🏢 Studio Purchase Price (City Center) Approx. €2,500 per m² (e.g., 40 m² = €100,000)
🏢 Studio Purchase Price (Outside City) Approx. €2,000 per m² (e.g., 40 m² = €80,000)
🏠 1-Bedroom Purchase Price (City Center) Approx. €2,800 per m² (e.g., 60 m² = €168,000)
🏠 1-Bedroom Purchase Price (Outside City) Approx. €2,300 per m² (e.g., 60 m² = €138,000)
🏡 2-Bedroom Purchase Price (City Center) Approx. €3,200 per m² (e.g., 80 m² = €256,000)
🏡 2-Bedroom Purchase Price (Outside City) Approx. €2,500 per m² (e.g., 80 m² = €200,000)
💼 Corporate Tax 24% for Corporations.
💵 Dividend Withholding Tax 26% on dividend distributions.
🏦 Tax System Italy operates on a worldwide income basis for tax residents.
📈 Highest Income Tax Bracket Maximum personal income tax rate is around 43%.
🧾 VAT Standard VAT rate is 22% in Italy.
🌐 Controlled Foreign Company (CFC) Rules Yes, there are strict regulations for foreign companies.
🏠 Property Tax Yes, based on the asset's value.
🏠 Property Transaction Tax Typically 9% of the property value.