Southern Italy’s port city of Bari is situated along the Adriatic Sea. Bari, a city in Puglia, is renowned for its perilous alleyways that spiral around one another like a maze and the historic Basilica di San Nicola. Bari is a fascinating place to see because it is full with Roman ruins and architecture. Although Bari has a lot to offer, to truly understand what the Italian breadbasket region of Puglia is all about, one should travel to the following locations close to Bari.
1. Lecce
Lecce, a sizable city in the Puglia region, is frequently referred to as the Florence of the south and is renowned for its exquisite Baroque architecture. A significant economic resource for the nation is the limestone that is extracted from the quarry in this historic town. Lecce is one of the intriguing locations close to Bari that is well investigating because of the historical context that surrounds the city. The Basilica di Santa Croce and Piazza del Duomo are the two most well-known of the city’s more than 40 basilicas and cathedrals.
The stunningly gorgeous Roman amphitheatre frequently serves as a venue for public events. Lecce is renowned for its traditional Puglian food and a variety of shops that offer the renowned paper mache crafts and other mementos. The city also has a few similarly appealing museums and galleries nearby in addition to the ancient ruins. It is simpler to get to Lecce because to the daily abundance of buses and trains that run between Lecce and Bari.
Location: Province of Lecce, Puglia, Italy.
Distance from Bari: 150 km
Time Taken: 1 hour 45 minutes
2. Alberobello
Alberobello, a small hamlet near Bari, is well-known for the Trulli architecture that the residents have kept and upheld. Alberobello and a couple of the nearby towns are worth a visit because of their distinctive trulli architecture. The Alberobellos used soft limestone to construct their dwellings and other buildings with tapering roofs, employing archaic building methods. Trulli homes’ whitewashed walls are quite charming to observe and are worth stopping for a photo opportunity. Most of the time, the town is bustling with tourists, and there are lots of places to shop for mementos to bring home. One of the most picturesque locations close to Bari is without a doubt Alberobello, with its sugar-coated cottages nestled amongst olive trees.
Location: Alberobello, Province of Bari, Puglia, Italy.
Distance from Bari: 54 km
Time Taken: 1 hour
3. Polignano A Mare
The Province of Bari contains this stunning old seashore beachfront, which is situated in a rough canyon created by the Adriatic Sea. The canyon acts as a doorway to the city’s twisting streets, while the city itself is constructed from the cliff’s edges. The city is highly lovely and is frequently featured on Italian postage stamps. One of the most popular tourist destinations close to Bari is Polignano A Mare, which has a long history that dates back to the Arab and Norman eras. The Pino Pascali museum and the Matrice Church should not be missed whilst in Polignano. World-famous restaurant Grotta Palazzese is perched dangerously in a cave above one of the sheer limestone cliffs. Its stunning location next to a blue sea is breathtaking.
Location: Polignano A Mare, Province of Bari, Puglia, Italy.
Distance from Bari: 35 km
Time Taken: 35 minutes
4. Ostuni
With the exception of its limestone rooftops, Ostuni, which is perched atop a hill, is a reflection of the snow-white city of Santorini. Due to the abundance of opulent beachfront resorts, the city is a significant tourist destination. The city is a perfect example of a historic Italian city and is surrounded by lovely olive groves, making it one of the best places to stay close to Bari. The summers are a great time to visit this small coastal town so you may eat at any of the countless cafes and eateries and enjoy the fresh produce. Tourists can take advantage of the vibrant nightlife along the seaside, which is bordered with several bars and clubs. When visiting Ostuni, it is a must to sample the local food and aperitifs. The Civic Museum or the Archaeological Park are two places where one can see Palaeolithic relics from the city.
Location: Ostuni, Province of Brindisi, Puglia, Italy.
Distance from Bari: 83 km
Time Taken: 1 hour 10 minutes
5. Salento
Salento is situated in the southernmost tip of Southern Italy detached from other parts of the Puglia region. Salento Peninsula had a great Greek influence before becoming an official part of Italy. This has resulted in a unique blend of traditional music and dance form pertaining only to this region. One should not miss out on the dance forms, pizzica, and tarantella when visiting the city. Salento is also surrounded by many beaches making it one of the relaxing places to stay near Bari. The clubs and resorts along the beach serve classic Salento dishes such as cecamariti and scapece that are worth trying.
Location: Salento Peninsula, Italy.
Distance from Bari: 140 km
Time Taken: 1 hour 45 minutes
6. Castel del Monte
This fortress from the 13th century is located in the town of Andria in the southern Italian state of Apulia. The architecture of this UNESCO site, which was built by a Roman emperor, is renowned. Although they are absent from this defensive structure, which was constructed close to the town of Santa Maria, the drawbridge, moat, and basement are still extant. This royal residence’s octagonal construction is composed of quartz and limestone, and the interiors are embellished with white marbles and mosaic bricks. The winter solstice needed plenty of sunshine, therefore the castle was thoughtfully designed and constructed with that purpose in mind. This magnificent mediaeval castle in Bari is a must-see because it has so many interesting characteristics.
Location: Province of Barletta-Andria-Trani, Italy.
Distance from Bari: 55 km
Time Taken: 1 hour
9. Trani
Trani provides a solid base from which to explore the areas surrounding Bari. This tiny coastal hamlet, which is a few kilometres north of Bari, is the ideal off-the-beaten-path vacation spot in Southern Italy. Trani is a destination worth visiting for a private holiday because it lacks obvious tourist attractions but is yet full with things to see and do. There are a few resorts and hotels in Trani, and the majority of the eateries provide traditional Puglian cuisine. Bari and other towns are not too far away. By the Adriatic Sea, one may unwind while taking in the tranquil natural scenery and olive groves.
Location: Province of Barletta-Andria-Trani, Italy.
Distance from Bari: 52 km
Time Taken: 45 minutes
