Bari & Surroundings



Places of interest and activities

South



Historical center

The historic center of Bari, known as "Bari Vecchia," is a maze of winding streets, picturesque squares and historic buildings. You can visit the Basilica of St. Nicholas, the Cathedral of San Sabino, and the Swabian Castle.

Caves of Castellana

About a 40-minute drive from Bari, the Castellana Caves are a spectacular limestone cave complex with stalactite and stalagmite formations. You can take a guided tour to explore them.

Polignano a Mare

This picturesque coastal town is famous for its breathtaking views and beaches. It is an ideal place for a day trip.

Matera

Although it is not quite around Bari, Matera is one of the most fascinating cities in southern Italy and is located about two hours' drive from Bari. It is famous for its sassi, the dwellings carved into the rock.

Alberobello

This is one of the most iconic places in Puglia, known for its trulli, ancient dwellings with conical roofs. Alberobello is about an hour's drive from Bari.

Ostuni

This city, about an hour's drive from Bari, is famous for its white buildings and charming old town.

Monopoly

Monopoli is a coastal town located southeast of Bari. It is famous for its charming historic center, picturesque harbor, and beaches. You can explore the historic center and visit the Cathedral Basilica Maria Santissima della Madia

Lecce

Lecce is a city located southwest of Bari and is known for its extraordinary Baroque architecture. Its historic center is full of Baroque churches, charming squares and historic buildings.

Locorotondo

This picturesque town is located in the Itria Valley, not far from Alberobello. It is famous for its white buildings and winding streets. Locorotondo offers panoramic views of the surrounding countryside and a chance to enjoy Apulian cuisine.

Otranto

Otranto is a coastal town located on the Adriatic coast. It is famous for its cathedral with a breathtaking floor mosaic, its Aragonese castle and white sandy beaches.

Gallipoli

Gallipoli is a coastal city located at the tip of western Apulia. Its historic center is located on an island connected to the mainland by a bridge. Gallipoli offers lovely beaches, a vibrant nightlife and delicious seafood dishes.

Taranto

Taranto is a port city located on the Ionian coast of Puglia. It is rich in history and culture, with archaeological sites such as the National Archaeological Museum of Taranto and the Aragonese Castle.

North



Trani

Trani is a coastal city located north of Bari. It is famous for its charming harbor, the Cathedral of St. Nicholas Pellegrino, a masterpiece of Apulian-Romanesque architecture, and the Swabian castle, located right on the sea.

Andria

Andria is located northwest of Bari and is famous for being the birthplace of Frederick II of Swabia, one of the most important rulers of the Middle Ages. Andria is known for its well-preserved historic center and the Castel del Monte.

Castel del Monte

Castel del Monte is a UNESCO site located between Andria and Corato. This castle is a masterpiece of medieval architecture and was built by Frederick II of Swabia in the 13th century. The castle has a unique hexagonal shape and is known for its symbols.