A quiet plateau at sunset changes everything. This 2-hour Matera Murgia horseback ride pairs gentle horses with professional instruction, then sends you through the Parata Forest to catch the sky turning gold.

What I like most is the pace: you ride slow enough to smell the Mediterranean scrub and notice the “ancient silence” between the stones. I also like the focus on comfort and safety, including training before you mount and a small group size that keeps things calm.

One thing to think about: this is real horseback riding on uneven farm paths. If you have mobility limitations, need wheelchair access, or have an animal allergy, this tour isn’t a fit.

Key highlights you’ll care about

• Small group (max 10) keeps the ride relaxed and easy to manage
• Professional instruction and safety equipment before you ride
• Parata Forest sunset viewing on horseback, not just a photo stop
• Mediterranean maquis shrubs for a true sensory nature break
• Local farm start at Masseria Morsara with quick orientation and gear setup

Why this Matera sunset ride feels different on your body and mind

Matera sits on a long stretch of plateau, and the Murgia area has that open, wide feeling you don’t get when you stay only in town. When you ride out at sunset, the light spreads across the rural paths and dry stone boundaries, and everything slows down on its own.

This tour leans into that effect. You’re not rushing from viewpoint to viewpoint. You’re working with the horses’ steady rhythm, guided by an instructor who leads the group through the Murgia trails and around the Parata Forest. The result is a break from screen-time thinking and noise-heavy days.

Where it starts: Masseria Morsara and your 15-minute arrival window

You’ll meet at Masseria Morsara. The exact address is shared after you book, but the meeting point is clear, and you should arrive 15 minutes before the activity starts so the team can get you into the right gear.

You’ll find an instructor waiting for you at the meeting point. After a short setup, you’ll match with your horse and get ready for the ride. That early arrival matters. You’ll want a few minutes to settle your clothes, fill your water bottle, and listen without feeling rushed.

Also plan for this: transfer isn’t included. So you’ll need your own way to get to the farm meeting point.

Getting ready: equipment, training, and learning the basics fast

Before you go anywhere, you’ll get riding instruction and rules from the instructor. The tour includes a horse riding training led by professional instructors, plus the necessary safety equipment.

Here’s what this usually means for your experience: even if you’re not an experienced rider, you’re not thrown onto a horse and told to figure it out. You’ll receive the basics for handling the animal safely and riding appropriately on rural trails.

You’ll also be set up with the right riding gear, then meet your tame, gentle horse. The whole point is that the horses are calm and well-suited to this kind of guided ride, so you can focus on the scenery and the moment instead of fighting the basics.

The ride itself: Murgia trails through Parata Forest

Once you mount, the real experience begins: a guided ride through the Murgia paths, with the group led along the plateau by the instructor. The route includes the Parata Forest area, and that’s where the sunset viewing becomes a highlight.

Along the way, you’ll notice how the countryside is shaped. Dry stone walls alternate with patiently tilled fields, so your eyes keep getting pulled from “human-made structure” to “natural space.” If you like uninterrupted views, you’ll get them.

The air is also part of the deal. This ride is timed so you can feel the surroundings, including those strong, herbal scents typical of Mediterranean vegetation. The tour description highlights the Mediterranean maquis shrubs, and that matters because it changes what you notice during the ride. Instead of thinking only about the view, you pick up the smell and the quiet between footpaths.

The pace is slow by design. You’re guided to travel at a calm rhythm, which helps you handle the horse safely and lets you actually look around. If you’ve ever wondered what it feels like to ride without “tour chaos,” this is built for that.

The sunset moment: watching the sky change in an unusual setting

This tour includes a dedicated sunset segment during the ride. You’re not just passing a scenic patch. You’re out in the Murgia countryside with the group, and the guide brings you to the right moment to watch the light change.

Sunset in this part of Basilicata has a particular feel because you’re on open plateau paths with trees and scrub nearby. In the Parata Forest area, the light softens and filters, so the scenery looks different every few minutes. From the overall tour concept, it’s clear they want you to stay present long enough to actually enjoy it, not just take a couple of quick photos.

The big win here is that the sunset is tied to the rhythm of riding. You’re not standing in a crowd. You’re moving slowly, with the horse carrying you through the moment.

Price and value: what $100.82 buys you in real terms

At about $100.82 per person for a 2-hour experience, this sits in the “experiential” category rather than the budget category. The value comes from what’s included, not just the horseback part.

Here’s what you’re paying for:

• instruction from professional instructors before you ride
• safety equipment and a structured way to handle the horse
• horse setup and gear so you’re not figuring out logistics at the last second
• full insurance for the whole duration
• the guided ride through the Murgia paths with sunset viewing

What’s not included is also important. Food and drinks aren’t provided, and there’s no transfer to the meeting point. So you’ll want to plan a snack or drink before you go, especially since you’ll be outside for the full experience.

When you break it down that way, the cost makes more sense. You’re buying time with trained staff, safe equipment, insurance, and access to the countryside route at a specific hour.

Who should book this Matera horse tour (and who should skip it)

This is a good match if you:

• want a gentle, guided ride rather than a technical riding session
• like long rural views and quiet nature time
• enjoy sunsets that feel like an experience, not a ticketed stop
• prefer a small group (limited to 10 people) for a smoother pace

It may be a poor match if you:

• have mobility impairments or need wheelchair access (not suitable)
• have an animal allergy
• have visual impairment needs not covered by this format
• need an alternative to being on horseback (it’s not described as adjustable for special mobility requirements)

It’s also for adults: all persons of legal age and in good health may participate. If you have health concerns, it’s worth asking the provider before booking, just to be sure the riding pace and duration are right for you.

What to bring and wear so the ride actually feels comfortable

You’ll be outside and mounted, so dress for movement and weather changes. The tour suggests:

• water
• a jacket
• comfortable clothes
• long pants

Avoid:

• sandals or flip-flops
• shoes meant only for indoor use

That last point matters more than most people expect. Good shoes keep you steady around the horse and safer when you’re mounting and getting settled.

If you tend to get cold at sunset, a jacket is smart. Even in warm months, once the sun drops the air can feel cooler on the plateau.

How the group experience stays calm (and why it matters)

This is limited to 10 participants, which is a big deal for the vibe. With fewer people, instructors can explain the basics more clearly and give each rider space to understand the horse’s cues and your own position.

The ride is also set up for a low-stress experience. The overall description emphasizes that even less experienced riders can go safely with attentive guidance. In plain terms: you’ll spend more time enjoying the plateau and less time worrying about what to do next.

My practical booking checklist before you choose your time

Because this is a sunset ride, your exact start time can change seasonally, and availability varies. When you book, you’ll see starting times for the 2-hour slot.

Before you commit, check:

• that you can reach Masseria Morsara without needing a transfer
• that you’ll have time for a light snack or drink before the ride since food and drinks aren’t included
• that you can wear long pants and proper shoes (no sandals/flip-flops)
• that the date gives you decent sunset conditions, especially if clouds are common in your travel window

If you’re visiting Matera for the “evening vibe” and want something outside the standard town route, this makes a strong plan. It swaps city crowds for open space and a horse-led pace.

Should you book this Matera sunset horseback riding on the Murgia?

Book it if you want a genuinely different kind of Matera evening: horses, quiet rural paths, and a sunset viewed from the Murgia side of the story, guided by trained staff. The combination of professional instruction, safety equipment, and a small group size makes it a practical choice for many riders, not just experts.

Skip it if you need wheelchair access, have an animal allergy, or you’re uncomfortable with the basics of being on horseback on outdoor farm paths. Also skip or rethink if you don’t want to handle your own transport or you’re expecting a full meal included.

If you match the fit, this is one of those rare tours where the timing and setting do most of the work for you. You arrive, you get gear and rules, you ride out across the Murgia, and then you let the sunset happen as you move slowly through the Parata Forest.

FAQ

How long is the horseback riding tour?

The experience lasts about 2 hours. Exact starting times depend on availability.

Where do we meet for the tour?

You’ll meet at Masseria Morsara. Arrive 15 minutes early so the instructor can check you in and get you set up.

Is transfer included from Matera?

No. Transfer is not included, so you’ll need your own way to get to the meeting point.

Are horses and safety gear provided?

Yes. The price includes horse riding training, necessary safety equipment, and setup with the required riding gear before you mount and ride.

Are food and drinks included?

No. Food and drinks are not included, so plan to have something before or after the ride.

What should I wear or bring?

Bring water, a jacket, comfortable clothes, and long pants. Avoid sandals or flip-flops. Wear appropriate footwear.

Who isn’t this tour suitable for?

It isn’t suitable for people with mobility impairments, wheelchair users, people with animal allergies, or visually impaired people. It also notes participation requires adults in good health.