On the southeastern coast of Italy is where you will find Bari, a buzzing port city with historical significance, museums and shopping streets. From its many shipping outlets on the Adriatic Sea to a charming old town displaying historical architecture, there’s plenty going on in Bari. With that in mind, we’ve put together five great reasons to visit this Italian city in Puglia. Find out why Bari should be on your holiday list.
The Old Harbour
Bari’s working port is where all the ships arrive from places like Croatia and Greece, and you can book your trip with Ferryscanner. Once you’ve arrived, however, you should head to the Old Harbour to begin your holiday. Here, you can see the real Bari as traditional fishing boats go on the lookout for fish to sell to the local eateries. One of the primary highlights is Lungomare, the seafront featuring lively bars, restaurants and cafes.
Bari Castle
Bari Castle has stood in the city for hundreds of years and features a traditional design with a central courtyard, as well as four main guard towers and a moat on three sides. It’s located in the west of the old town and offers sprawling views over the city. During your visit, why not go for a walk through the courtyard and admire the fantastic architecture? The castle offers a little slice of history well worth exploring.
Basilica San Nicola
A large, imposing church sitting in the centre of the old town, Basilica San Nicola is one of the most well-known landmarks in Bari. It was completed in the 12th century, taking over 100 years to build. Today, Basilica San Nicola it’s a popular attraction with its beautiful interiors and 11th-century bishop’s throne. Every year, thousands of people head to the church to visit the relics and show their respect to the saint.
Explore the old town
Visit Bari Old Town and wander the maze of winding streets while capturing a snap of the historic buildings. You can spend hours here soaking up its charm while stopping at restaurants and cafes before popping in and out of local shops. Many visitors go on a guided tour so they can learn all about the history of Bari’s Old Town and its most beautiful areas.
The beaches of Bari
Located along the Lungomare are the beaches of Bari. They seem to go on and on, with countless coves and bays where you can relax under the sun for a few hours. And don’t forget to take a dip, splashing about in the sparkling blue waters. The beaches of Bari are widely regarded as the most beautiful coastline in Italy, especially in Polignano a Mare. There are choices between rocky and sandy beaches too, with Cala Porto known for its pebbles and Porto Cavallo offering plenty of soft sands.
Visiting Bari and making it a trip to remember
The third-largest city in southern Italy is packed with charm, historic architecture and some of the best beaches around. Whether you’re going for a few days or longer, it’s a place where you’ll be made to feel like one of the locals as you take in the best the city has to offer.