Looking for interesting place (s) to stay overnight or visit driving from Matera to Rome AirPort

I recommend staying in beautiful Ravello, perched high above Positano and the Tyrranean Sea.

We recently drove the opposite direction, from FCO to Matera. Not wanting to drive much that first day after missing a night of sleep on our flight, we stayed overnight in Castel Gandolfo. It's a lovely little hilltop town with picturesque views of Lake Albano, the volcanic crater lake below the town. Our main activity in Castel Gandolfo was a tour of the Pope's summer palace, using audio guides. The next day, Easter Sunday, we visited the Abbey of Montecassino (attended Mass). The Abbey is stunning, with spectacular views of the countryside all around. There is a small museum there dedicated to WWII's Battle of Montecassino. Then we drove on to Matera, picking Cainaello for a lunch stop. We had a wonderful seafood meal at a restaurant called Ristorante Maracuja. On Sundays in Italy, the big meal is served mid-day rather than in the evening. The families at this restaurant seemed to be settled in for what would be hours of dining, one leisurely course at a time. Our road trip from FCO to Matera was a lot of fun!

We stopped at the Monte Cassino Abbey about 3 hours drive from Matera on the way to Rome. The abbey is extremely impressive. We were able to find lodging and food in the nearby town of Cassino.

Much thanks. That was the only option we had so far… Nice to hear worth the stop. Might even stay.

Exactluy half way you have the city of Benevento, beautiful hidden gem in Campania. If you decide to stay there, I had a beautiful time in this hotel: Domus Traiani Benevento

Enjoy :)

I have been trying to get to Anagni for several years - haven't made it yet, but I think it's worth it. An interesting town and lots to see, in particular the cathedral and the frescoes in the crypt.
And not far from there (well, 50 minutes by car) - Santuario del Sacro Speco a Subiaco