My Stay in Matera, Italy - A Review of L’Albero di Eliana

My time in Matera was nothing less than enchanting. I stayed 5 nights in the Sassi and could’ve stayed even longer. Not only was the accommodation beyond my expectations, but the experience of staying in a UNESCO World Heritage site was incredible.

The accommodation that I found was through ecobnb.com , it was first experience using the site and it was the best. My host, Eliana, is a native of Matera who grew up in the newer part of the city, moved away to live abroad, then came back because she wanted to take part in the restoration of the Sassi and share it's beauty with travelers. She truly gives her guests a chance to experience what it would be like to live in the Sassi.

House

The room is actually a small studio with bed, sitting area, small balcony and bathroom. There are two suites available, each with their own entrance. The common areas are where the kitchen and additional sitting areas are. There’s also a cute bistro table with chairs and umbrella outside for enjoying morning coffee or even dinner.

The room has very high stone ceilings, stone floors, cool white walls, soft energy efficient lighting and floor to ceiling shutters to keep the daytime heat out. The bathroom is fully equipped and stocked with locally made bath soaps and soft towels. The rooms are simply, but carefully furnished to make you feel at home. 

Breakfast

Eliana serves only locally grown/produced products and even makes her own jams for the guests to enjoy. It’s a very healthy seasonal spread, while I stayed she offered fruit, yogurt, bread, local honey, biscuits, coffee and eggs.

Experience

My host, Eliana, is a native of Matera who grew up in the newer part of the city, moved away to live abroad, then came back because she wanted to take part in the restoration of the Sassi and share it's beauty with travelers. She truly gives her guests a chance to experience what it would be like to live in the Sassi. She invited me to enjoy lunch with her and her friend as well as dinner and a lively Italian band playing traditional Greek music for a real night out Matera style.

To say that I was surprised by my time in Matera is an understatement, I knew that it was an incredibly unique but my stay at L'Albero di Eliana really put it over the top.