The port city of Bari is located on the coast of the Adriatic Sea in southern Italy. Located in the Puglia region, Bari is known for its labyrinthine streets and ancient religious site, the Basilica di San Nicola. This beautiful city is filled with Roman architecture and ruins which makes Bari an exciting city to visit. Although Bari has a lot to offer, one should visit the following place near the turn When visiting the Puglia region experience the true essence of Italy’s breadbasket region.
9 Amazing Places Near Bari
Bari attracts travelers from all over the world, especially youth, as the city is full of incredible nightlife and internationally recognized educational institutions.
1. Lacey
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Often called the Florence of the South, Lecce is a sprawling city in the Puglia region known for its beautiful Baroque architecture. Limestone coming from the mines of this ancient city is a major economic resource of the country. The historical background that surrounds the city makes Lecce one of the interesting places near Bari that is worth visiting. The city is filled with more than 40 basilicas and cathedrals, of which the Basilica di Santa Croce and the Piazza del Duomo are the most famous.
The Roman amphitheater is extremely beautiful and is often seen hosting public events. Lecce is known for its classic Puglia cuisine and various shopping centers that sell world-famous papier-mâché handicrafts and other souvenirs. Apart from the historical ruins, there are also some museums and galleries in the lap of the city which are equally fascinating. There are many buses and trains running between Lecce and Bari on a daily basis making it easy to travel to Lecce.
Place: Province of Lecce, Puglia, Italy.
Distance from turn: 150 km
time taken: 1 hour 45 minutes
2. Alberobello
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Located just a few minutes from Bari, Alberobello is a unique town known for its Trulli architecture that has been preserved and maintained by locals. Trulli architecture is native to Alberobello and some of the neighboring towns are worth a visit. Inheriting techniques from the prehistoric era, the Alberobellos built their houses and buildings with thin roofs using soft limestone. The whitewashed walls of Trulli homes are truly charming to look at and worth stopping for a photo shoot. The city is full of tourists most of the time and one can find many souvenir shops to take back souvenirs. With sugar-coated houses amidst olive groves, Alberobello is undoubtedly one of the most beautiful places near Bari.
Place: Alberobello, Province of Bari, Puglia, Italy.
Distance from turn: 54 km
time taken: 1 Hour
Must read: Bari Nightlife: 7 Best Places To Visit For A Holiday Experience
3. Polignano a Mare
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This beautiful pristine seaside resort in the province of Bari is located in a jagged valley carved by the Adriatic Sea. The city is built out of cliff sides while the valley serves as a gateway to the city’s winding streets. The city is very picturesque and is often seen on postcards throughout Italy. Polignano a Mare is one of the most visited tourist destinations near Bari, full of rich history of Arab and Norman rule. The Matrice Church and Pino Pascali Museum are must-sees in Polignano. Grotta Palazzi is a world-renowned restaurant located in a cave on top of one of the craggy limestone cliffs. Its beautiful setting along the turquoise sea is worth a visit.
Place: Polignano a Mare, Province of Bari, Puglia, Italy.
Distance from turn: 35 km
time taken: 35 minutes
Must read: 10 Ideal Places to Visit in Bari to Add to Your Holidays in Italy
4. Ostuni
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Perched on a hilltop, Ostuni is a reflection of the ancient white town of Santorin except for the limestone terraces. The city serves as a major tourist center due to its many seaside luxurious resorts. Surrounded by beautiful olive groves, the town is a typical example of an ancient Italian city, making it one of the ideal places to stay near Bari. Summer is a wonderful time to visit this small coastal town to enjoy fresh produce at one of the numerous cafes and restaurants there. The coast is lined with various bars and clubs that allow tourists to enjoy extraordinary nightlife. When in Ostuni one must definitely taste the Adriatic drinks and local cuisine. The city is also rich in Palaeolithic evidence and one can see these in the Civic Museum or the Archaeological Park.
Place: Ostuni, Province of Brindisi, Puglia, Italy.
Distance from turn: 83 km
time taken: 1 hour 10 minutes
Read suggestions: Don’t forget to visit these 10 incredible castles in Italy on your next trip!
5. Salento
image SourceSalento is located at the southernmost tip of southern Italy, isolated from other parts of the Puglia region. The Salento peninsula had a strong Greek influence before it became an official part of Italy. This has resulted in a unique blend of traditional music and dance styles specific to the region. While visiting the city one should not forget to enjoy the dance styles, pizzica and tarantella. Salento is surrounded by many beaches, making it one of the comfortable places to stay near Bari. Clubs and resorts along the beach serve classic Salento dishes like secamariti and scapes that are worth trying.
Place: Salento Peninsula, Italy.
Distance from turn: 140 km
time taken: 1 hour 45 minutes
6. Castell del Monte
image SourceThis 13th-century palace is located in Andria in the Apulia region of southern Italy. Built by a Roman emperor, this UNESCO site is known for its architecture. This defensive structure was built near the city of Santa María but the castle lacks traditional strategic structures such as drawbridges, ditches and cellars. This royal residence is built using limestone and quartz in an octagonal shape, while the interior is lined with white marble and mosaic bricks. The purpose of building the palace with such care and design was to allow ample amounts of sunlight during the days of the winter solstice. This beautiful medieval castle is a must-see when you are in Bari as its structure is full of mysterious aspects.
Place: Province of Barletta-Andrea-Trani, Italy.
Distance from turn: 55 km
time taken: 1 Hour
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7. Otranto
Otranto is widely known for its pristine beaches and crystal clear waters that invite anyone to go swimming or sailing. Otranto, located near Albania, has seen a brutal past, especially during the Turkish invasion. The Roman cathedral in the city tells of history with its beautiful mosaic floors which were restored in recent years after the invasion. The dark past of the invasion is still intact on the altar of the cathedral as one can see the skeletal remains of nearly a thousand Otranto who were massacred for not converting to Islam. Although this place touches the heart, it is definitely one of the must visit places near Bari, Italy.
Place: Otranto, Province of Lecce, Italy.
Distance from turn: 200 km
time taken: 2 hours 30 minutes
8. Castellana Caves
Built in the early 11th century, the Castellana Caves are one of the most visited tourist sites in southern Italy. The caves are covered in jagged stalactite and stalagmite rocks and form abstract tunnels beneath the city of Monopoli. The collection of caves holds an important history which can be thoroughly experienced by travelers. A church is located in one of the caves and every year a nativity scene is prepared there for Christmas. Sunlight plays colorfully with the limestone and adds vibrant colors to the caves.
Place: Piazzale Anelli Castellana Grotte BA 70013, Italy.
Distance from turn: 42 km
time taken: 45 minutes
Read suggestions: 8 Day Trips from Rome to enjoy the timeless charm of Italy!
9. Tranny
image SourceTrani serves as a good base from which to explore the areas around Bari. This small coastal town is located a few kilometers north of Bari and is an ideal destination in southern Italy. Not being a typical tourist destination and yet packed with things to see and do, Trani is a place worth visiting for a solitary holiday. There are a few resorts and hotels for accommodation in Trani and most restaurants serve classic Puglian cuisine. It is not too far from Bari or other cities. One can peacefully enjoy olive farms and natural landscapes along the shores of the Adriatic Sea.
Place: Province of Barletta-Andrea-Trani, Italy.
Distance from turn: 52 km
time taken: 45 minutes
read ahead: Shopping in Italy: 6 best places for extraordinary fun for shopaholics
With rich history and culture, the Puglia region is full of the best places near Bari, Italy to visit. In addition to beaches and art, Bari offers a myriad of shopping and culinary options. Coastal towns are always attractive to visit and relax in the Adriatic air. Plan your trip to Italy with TourTravelHotels and explore Southern Italy.
FAQs about places near Bari
What is Bari famous for?
Bari is known for its most stunning beaches, churches with amazing architecture and beautiful forts. Bari is also the second major economic center of southern Italy.
Are there beaches in Bari?
Yes. You can find many amazing beaches in Bari such as Pan e Pomodoro Beach, Mola di Bari Beach, Lido San Francesco, Lungomare Imperatore Augusto and many more!
Is Bari worth watching?
Bari has some of the most gorgeous old towns with a bustling traditional port and the best beaches in Italy and is well worth a visit.
What to do in turn?
Here are some things to do in Bari during the holidays:
1. Explore the old town of Bari
2. Go shopping on the famous Corso Vittorio Emanuele
3. Enjoy the most stunning views at Lungomare Promenade
4. Ride the Giant Ferris Wheel of Bari
Can you swim at Bari beach?
Yes. You are absolutely free to swim, dive or sunbathe on Bari’s beautiful beaches.
How far is Puglia from Bari?
Bari and Puglia are located approximately 49 kilometers apart and can be reached in less than an hour.
Where should I go to Bari?
Lecce, Polignano a Mare, Salento and Otranto are some of the most amazing places near Bari that are worth visiting.
How do I reach Bari?
You can reach Bari by air which is well connected to most European airports. Or you can also get many train options to reach this beautiful city. If you prefer to travel by road, you can take a taxi or private car from Taranto to Bari. Public transport buses are also available from Sicily to Puglia. You can also take a boat from Greece or Italy to reach Bari.
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