Bari is the main city in the Italian region of Apulia, which is full to the brim of interesting things to do and places to visit. Along the region you can find beautiful landscapes, cities and towns with a relevant history ready to be discovered, a stunning coastline with beaches and seaside locations to enjoy, and incredible local foods and products that you just can’t miss. The good news is that even if you’re visiting just the city of Bari, you’ll still have a chance to experience all of these things. Bari has a lot to offer, and there’s something for everyone – whether you are an adventurous traveller, a relaxed tourist or a foodie looking to try every single local dish! Bari comes to life through its historical landmarks and churches and there’s a whole world to explore. Follow these suggestions and pointers and feel free to look around to experience Bari (and Apulia) to the fullest, in every way possible.
Discover the History of the City
Bari features many historical buildings and places of interest that can be visited. If you’re so inclined, you can take a tour through Bari that will bring you to the most famous landmarks, and with this type of itinerary you’ll be able to learn more about the history, culture and traditions that have shaped the city across the centuries. If you’re not too keen on discovering these types of things, the incredible sights you’ll see are reason enough to still tour the most important churches and other buildings that make up Bari. You can visit Barivecchia, Old Bari, with its two main squares and a network of small streets and passageways that make it a picturesque sight. Nearby is the Swabian Castle, a massive fortress built in 1132 and rebuilt again in 1233 after being destroyed. It houses art exhibitions and you can tour it to learn about its long, complex history.
The two main churches located at the heart of Bari are the famous Basilica di San Nicola, dedicated to the city’s patron saint, and the Bari Cathedral, dedicated to Saint Sabinus of Canosa. Both are majestic structures with a rich historical and artistic relevance dating to the 11th century, and each has its own unique architectural style and features. In Bari you will come across many historical sites, museums and landmarks that tell the city’s incredible history. Visiting the sights in the city will feel like an educational time travel, enriching and breath-taking at the same time.
Discover Traditions and Local Foods
Without a doubt, you can choose to stop by a local restaurant or eatery while you hop from place to place, and sample local specialties on the go; but with such a varied and rich culinary tradition, it could be worth it if you dedicated your time (or at least lunch, dinner and snack breaks) to the discovery of local dishes, foods and other products typical of Bari and the surrounding area. If you wish to discover the production process of local wines, cheeses and olive oil, you will find wineries, dairies, olive groves and vineyards outside the city that offer tours and tastings – but you can taste many mouth-watering dishes while you’re in the city proper as well. Do try the local orecchiette alle cime di rapa (a type of pasta with a special sauce), baked goods such as tarallini and focaccia, and deep-fried panzerotti and sgagliozze. Don’t forget the classic “riso, patate e cozze” (rice, potatoes and mussels) a traditional dish of Apulia!
Explore Interesting, Unique Locations
One of the many towns and small cities that fall under the metropolitan area of Bari (each and every one of them is worth a visit) is Gioia del Colle. This town, 360 meter above sea level on the Murge plateau, is an interesting place to visit because it features a cave system, a wooded natural preserve, creeks and waterways and a majestic 12th century castle. It’s the perfect place if you love photography and nature and are looking for a small getaway from the hustle and bustle of the city. Only 5 kilometers away from Gioia del Colle is also the Parco Archeologico di Monte Sannace, an archeological site with ruins dating back to the 4th-5th century, full of history and interesting landscapes. Located atop of a hill, it’s definitely a sight to behold, and will remind you just how ancient the roots of Apulia go.
There are many other gems and little treasures to discover around Bari, so don’t hesitate to be adventurous and look around – you’ll be sure to find something interesting to do or see. And if you’re staying in Bari, there are plenty of cities and towns nearby that you can visit in a day and your holiday to Apulia will surely be intense and full of incredible memories.
Day Trips from Bari
Bari is a remarkable sparkling resort town featuring a beautiful historic center. Nestled deep in Italy’s boot heel is Bari, a landmark yet forward-looking town comprising a significant percentage of migrants and young individuals lending its vigor. While Bari may not be the most prominent spot for Italian tourism, therein lies its distinct charm. It has an assortment of allures to offer, wherein eluding the crowded summer days of larger Italian hotspots. Bari supports an opera house, a significant university, as well as public structures which shout confidence.
Outside of this remarkable town, however, is an array of day-trips await. Among the best places to visit on your Bari day trip include:
#1 POLIGNANO A MARE
An ancient medieval town in Italy’s Southern region, not any far from Bari, Polignano A Mare is the types of city comprising houses build into bold limestone cliffs as well as caves overlooking the deep sky blue Adriatic Sea waters.
The foundation of this delightful place dates far back (4th century BC) when the Greek settlers established the Neapolis city. It thrived under the Roman reign and was essential for Emperor Trajan to steer through his Via Traiana established through this town (108-110 AD). And while most of these structures have faded away, Polignano a Mare remains a deep-rooted town packed with narrow streets, stacked with several ancient well-maintained squares, churches, as well as houses with the getaway to from the street.
You will be amazed at the fact that even now, persons sit their doors open, with merely a curtain separating their sitting rooms away from the streets. You only hear them chat, but you usually don’t see them.
Aside from the remarkably old structures and architecture, you will also delight in its spectacular walls, urban panoramas, and whitewashed houses falling vertically into the sea
How to get there:
Polignano a Mare is quite close to Bari with the distance at just 33 km. On your trip, you can take a car, and it will only take you approximately half an hour, or the train which also takes about the same time.
#2 ALBEROBELLO
Also located in the Southern Italy area of Puglia, Alberobello, is an eccentric yet picturesque destination that is gradually turning into a significant fixture on travel itineraries of numerous independent travelers and tour operators. This small town is now an official UNESCO World Heritage spot for its unique Trulli districts, the distinctive conical-roofed white-washed houses of the region. Alberobello makes a fascinating day-trip destination or an amusing base for several days-particularly if you are staying in your trullo.
The tale of this town dates back (15th century) when farmers relocated here as per the orders of the local Counts. But devoid of the authorization to build, they established temporary structures that were easy to demolish when tax collectors visited them.
Nonetheless, trullis, which are stone-build round houses featuring pointy limestone-made roofs, are among the most pleasant sights here. They are established using an ancient technique where stones are piled on top of each other with of use of mortar. These structures now find use as souvenir shops, cafes, as well as accommodation for visitors. Like its predecessor, Alberobello is also a UNESCO World Heritage spot, and on visiting, you will appreciate why.
How to get there:
The distance between Bari and Alberobello is around 56 km. You can use a car which takes about an hour, book a train (90 minutes ride), or take a bus (90 minutes ride).
#3 MATERA
Matera, a town deep in the Basilicata area of Southern Italy, resembles a cradle for civilization. It is the type of ancient city where individuals still reside in structures their ancestors established centuries back. But not to shade off the glamour from it, this is a town with a lot of history especially considering it dates back to Palaeolithic Era. After a rough patch starting from its time of establishment in the 3rd century BC by the Romans, the city sparked back into life in the 50’s after the Italian Government decided to relocate the inhabitants.
Your visit here will re-inspire some fantastic memories of various blockbuster films such as the Mel Gibson-directed, The Passion of Christ which was shot here among other amazing memories.
Its distinctive Stones of Matera’ (Sassi of Matera) include the features besides the city listed in the UNESCO list of World Heritage spots across Italy.
How to get there:
To get here from Bari, which is a distance of about 54 km, you can either take a train ( 90 minutes ride), a public bus, or the luxury of a rented vehicle. However, the distance is slightly longer while driving as it stands at 75 km from Bari.
SUMMARY:
Whether you are in Bari for a day, a week, or a month, or here for business or pleasure, take your time to enjoy the many allures that comprise Bari town and its constituents with an exclusive day trip tour. The remarkable seascapes, coastal towns, traditional cuisines, as well as olive groves, are but a portion of the rich list of attractions a Bari day trip affords you. A Bari day trip is the most exciting way to delight your senses, spark your enthusiasm, and interact with the sun-baked Italian culture.