Bari

Bari is the capital city of the Apulia region in south eastern Italy, facing the beautiful Adriatic Sea.

The city has strong Greek influences and is made up of different urban sections – to the north is the old town on the peninsula between two modern harbours, which has also grown into a major nightlife district. To the south we have the Murat quarter, the modern heart of the city, where you among other things find the major shopping district. The combination of old and new is always apparent in this wonderful coastal city.

Top 5 attractions:

1. Old Town (Bari Vecchia): Start your journey in the historic heart of Bari, where narrow alleys lead to charming squares and ancient buildings. Don’t miss the Basilica di San Nicola, an important pilgrimage site housing the relics of Saint Nicholas.
2. Bari Cathedral (Cattedrale di San Sabino): This Romanesque-style cathedral dating back to the 12th century is a must-visit. Admire its intricate architecture and beautiful interior featuring Byzantine frescoes.
3. Castello Svevo: Explore the imposing Swabian Castle, a medieval fortress overlooking the Adriatic Sea. Take a walk along its walls for panoramic views of the city and the sea.
4. Seafront Promenade (Lungomare di Bari): Enjoy a leisurely stroll along the picturesque seafront promenade lined with palm trees, cafes, and gelaterias. It’s the perfect spot to soak in the Mediterranean atmosphere.
5. Bari Fish Market (Mercato del Pesce): Immerse yourself in the local culture by visiting the bustling fish market near the harbor. Experience the sights, sounds, and smells as fishermen sell their fresh catch of the day.

Bari’s Beaches: When you are looking to soak up the sun, the beach of San Francesco is the place to go to. It lies east of the old town centre and offers perfect golden sand and the amazing clear blue water that is the Adriatic Sea. Relax on a comfortable sun lounger, build a sandcastle or enjoy one of all the shops, beach bars and restaurants that are surrounding the beach – the choices are plenty.

Italian cuisine: Like everywhere else in Italy, the food is amazing and there are a range of very well-known dishes that originate from the Bari area:
– “Minestrone”. If you mix olive oil, garlic and fresh vegetables, such as eggplant, broad beans, chickpeas, celery, fennel and chicory “the Bari way”, they blend to make one of the most famous Italian soups.
– “Pasta al forno”. Yet another renowned and traditional dish, originally made at the start of Lent or only on Sundays. Nowadays this baked pasta wonder is thankfully available anywhere and anytime.
– “Calzoni” or “focaccia”. If you, as many others do, enjoy this treat – look no further, because you are about to taste them in the region where they are said to be originally invented.
– “Riso, patate e cozze”. Perhaps the most famous of all dishes originating from Bari, this fantastic oven baked blend of rice, potatoes and mussels should not be missed.

Day Trips: Consider taking day trips from Bari to nearby attractions such as the stunning Trulli houses of Alberobello, the historic town of Matera with its cave dwellings, or the picturesque seaside village of Polignano a Mare.

So, with amazing food, a gorgeous old town, bustling traditional harbour and Italy’s best beaches nearby, the port city of Bari is really well worth a visit.