All About Bari
In all likelihood founded not by ancient Italians but actually ancient Greeks, Bari has had a long and illustrious history dating back millennia. Evolving a multitude of times over the centuries, today’s city can be roughly split into four areas. The evocative old town sits snuggly between two modern harbors, making a ferry trip to Bari all the easier. Ferryscanner is the perfect way of discovering the different options available to those looking to purchase ferry tickets to Bari.
Culturally, linguistically and gastronomically very different from Genoa, Venice, or Trieste, Bari is the provincial capital of southern Italy’s Puglia region. Boasting an extraordinary location on the Adriatic Sea, it sits at the top of the heel of Italy, making it an ideal getaway for either a weekend city break or longer exploration among a dizzying array of things to do.
Routes and Ferries to Bari
There are a number of international ferry companies offering ferry tickets to Bari. As a result, Bari is well-connected to some of southern Europe’s most exciting destinations. For instance, the route between Bari and the Greek island of Corfu (also known as Kerkyra) is operated by two different companies, Ventouris Ferries and ANEK-Superfast.
Operating vehicle and passenger ferries all year round, the one-way journey lasts between nine and just under 12 hours, depending on the company used. As the name suggests, ANEK-Superfast links Bari to Corfu in the shortest time, while Ventouris Ferries take roughly three hours longer. Between October and May there are two scheduled sailings each week in either direction, with sailings increasing to three times weekly the rest of the year.
The port of Sami on Kefalonia in the Ionian Islands is another route operated by Ventouris Ferries. It generally operates 11 times per week in peak season, with a sailing time of approximately 17 hours. Sailings are significantly reduced over the winter period, so it’s recommended to purchase those ferry tickets to Bari as soon as possible to avoid disappointment.
Mainland Greece is connected to Bari at Igoumenitsa in the north of the country. This sea link is operated by both Ventouris Ferries and ANEK-Superfast, and run every month of the year. Journey times are very similar to those to Corfu, with ANEK-Superfast operating the quickest (and most direct) route. In addition to direct sailings, there are also those that go via Corfu, with slightly slower sailing times as a result. There are between 15 and 17 sailings per week across the year.
Another destination in Greece connected to Bari by ferry is Patras on the northwest coast of the Peloponnese. Ferries run right through the year, and are operated by ANEK-Superfast. The journey takes around 15.5 hours, and tickets are available for foot passengers and those in vehicles including motorbikes. During the low season, which equates to October through May, there are at least seven sailings each week. This jumps to 14 scheduled crossings between June and September.
Slightly further north along the Balkan peninsula, Ventouris Ferries runs vehicle ferries from Bari to Durres, the largest port in Albania. The journey time between the two ports is approximately nine hours. A second company, Grandi Navi Veloci, also operates on this route, with their sailing taking approximately 11 hours. Right across the year, there are between 11 and 15 ferries each week, ensuring those with ferry tickets to Bari will find a ship on average at least once a day.
Bari is connected to the rest of Italy by both road and rail. Highspeed frecciargento (silver arrow) trains connect Bari Centrale station with Naples, Rome, and Venice, while regional services also connect to Brindisi and Bari airports. Bari Karol Wojtyla Airport is located eight kilometers northwest of the city center and offers flights to a multitude of European destinations.
Ports of Bari
The port of Bari sits in the Bari Vecchia district, which stretches out towards the Adriatic Sea from a neat network of gridded streets in more modern Murat. It is separated from the nearby old port (or porto vecchio) which is now an attractive place to watch Bari’s fishermen mend their nets.
The winding streets of Bari Vecchia are the location of many of the city’s main sights, putting them just a few minutes on foot from the ferry terminals.
Best Beaches
Bari has a fine Mediterranean climate throughout the year, making it a great choice for a beach getaway. For instance, from June to the end of September, daytime temperatures rarely ever fall below 20°C (68°F). These are some of our favorite beaches in Bari.
Pane e Pomodoro Beach
Pane e Pomodoro Beach is one of the closest beaches to Bari’s port, making it a great option if time is limited. Its soft pale sands are backed by Corso Trieste, the seafront promenade that runs along Bari’s Adriatic coast.
The proximity to the city center means there are few direct beach facilities, although food and drink can easily be found nearby. Underwater rocks make it a beach that’s better for sunbathing rather than swimming.
Lido Sabbiadoro
About 45 minutes south of the port along the attractive coast road is Lido Sabbiadoro. Backed by low hills dotted with sea view villas, the dark sands here curve around a small cove that gently descends into azure blue waters.
Its size makes it a popular choice with younger families looking to escape the bustle of Bari for the day.
Cala Porta Vecchia
Nearby, you’ll also find the beach of Cala Porta Vecchia in the commune of Polignano a Mare, just a few kilometers north of Lido Sabbiadoro. It is located on a prime area of coast just to the right of the attractive old port and is made up of richly golden sand.
Sun loungers and umbrellas are available for rent, while swimming and boat trips are both attractive propositions away from the sands.
Cala Paura
Another of Bari’s best beaches is also to the south of the city center. The fact it is made from an off-white shingle doesn’t stop the crowds arriving in the summer months, so it can be a good idea to get there early on weekends.
Surrounded by dramatic rock formations, the beach is small, with people also opting to lay a towel down on the seawalls that run into the shallows from the beach itself. Due to these seawalls, Cala Paura is one of the best beaches in Bari for little ones to paddle about in the shallows without the fear of large waves rolling in and engulfing them.
Places To Visit
Bari’s long history means that the city has no shortage of interesting things to do. Here are our top picks.
Castello Normanno-Svevo
Visible from the ferries as they come into the dock, Castello Normanno-Svevo was first constructed in 1132 by King Roger II. Also known in guidebooks as the Houhenstaufen Castle, it has some impressive ramparts and towers close to one thousand years old. Converted into prison and barracks by the Kings of Naples in medieval times, it provides fantastic views over the old town.
Pinacoteca Metropolitana di Bari
Art lovers shouldn’t miss the chance to check out the Pinacoteca Metropolitana, the city’s main picture gallery. Located within one of Bari’s finest buildings, it contains works by greats such as Giovanni Bellini and Giorgio Morandi and spans almost 1,000 years of regional art.
Cattedrale di San Sabino
The people of Italy are well known for their religious devotion, and so no trip to Bari should miss the chance to uncover the treasure that is the city’s Cathedral of San Sabino (Saint Sabinus). Begun around the same time as the Castello Normanno-Svevo, it is an important survivor of the Apulian Romanesque architectural style. The remains of the saint can be found in the richly decorated crypt.
Transportation Around Bari
The parts of Bari that you’ll be looking to explore are best discovered on foot. However, should you need transportation around Bari, the city has a well-functioning public transport system of buses which are safe and cheap to use. You’ll need to buy tickets before boarding, which can be purchased from tobacconists and magazine stalls throughout the city.
Should you prefer a little more comfort while exploring, the city also has its fair share of taxi cabs. Some normally await the arrival and departure of ferries, while hotel receptions will be happy to arrange one for you too.
A dedicated airport shuttle completes the ten-kilometer journey from the center of the city in around 30 minutes (versus 45 minutes by standard bus). Tickets for the shuttle are sold onboard by the driver.
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