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Harbour at dusk. Several boats lie on the dark turquoise water, while the city is bathed in warm light.
Harbour at dusk. Several boats lie on the dark turquoise water, while the city is bathed in warm light.

Bari

Published: 21 January 2026, 15:55

Picturesque port city in Apulia

Bari, the capital of Apulia, lies directly on the Adriatic Sea and combines Mediterranean charm with centuries of history. Once an important trading and port centre, the city is now a major cruise port in the Mediterranean. The old town of Bari Vecchia is a fascinating labyrinth of narrow streets, Romanesque architecture and historic churches. A popular meeting place for locals and visitors alike is the Lungomare Nazario Sauro promenade. It is a wonderful place for a stroll with a view of the sea. In terms of cuisine, Bari offers typical Apulian fare with fresh fish, olive oil, seafood and handmade pasta. Bari is known far beyond the city limits for its orecchiette pasta. In a small alleyway in the old town, you can watch the "orecchiette women" making pasta. And if you need to cool off, the Pane e Pomodoro city beach is the place to be. Just a few minutes from the centre, it is ideal for a quick dip or a walk by the water.

Numbers, data, facts

  • Time difference:  none
  • Population: 315,000
  • Official language: Italian  
  • Currency: Euro (EUR)

Historic port city with modern flair

A large, striking Art Nouveau building appears orange in the evening sun. Boats lie on the shore of the water in front of it.
The Teatro Margherita was built at the beginning of the 20th century right by the sea. Today it serves as an exhibition space and venue for cultural events. © Renáta Sedmáková/stock.adobe.com
Several transparent bags filled with pasta lie on a dark sieve. In the background, a person sits at a table making more pasta.
In Strada Arco Basso, the so-called "pasta street", Italian women sit at tables in the middle of the street and make orecchiette, a type of pasta typical of the area. © Massimo Parisi/stock.adobe.com
Sand-coloured historic city wall with tower. In front of it is a green meadow with scattered palm trees.
The Castello Normanno-Svevo is a medieval fortress that combines Norman and Staufian architecture. Today, it is an important cultural landmark. © milosk50/stock.adobe.com
Italian-style church made of whitewashed stone. The sky is bright blue.
The Basilica of San Nicola is an important pilgrimage site, built in the 11th century to house the relics of St. Nicholas. © Flaviu Boerescu/stock.adobe.com
View of a city with straight streets from above. In the centre stands a brightly lit, red domed building.
The Teatro Petruzzelli is the fourth largest theatre in Italy. It opened in 1903 and was rebuilt true to the original after a devastating fire in 1991. © Kateryna Muzhevska/stock.adobe.com

Apulia – Between olive groves and turquoise blue sea

Apulia, the "heel" of Italy, is one of the most diverse regions in the country. With over 800 kilometres of coastline along the Adriatic and Ionian Seas, the region offers a varied landscape, from rocky cliffs to fine sandy beaches. The southern part, Salento, is particularly well known for its clear bathing waters and picturesque coastal towns.

The interior is characterised by vast olive groves, rolling hills and traditional villages. A special feature is the Itria Valley, where you can find the trulli houses typical of Apulia. Cities such as Ostuni, Lecce and Martina Franca also impress with their well-preserved old towns with Baroque architecture and historical sights. With its Mediterranean climate, natural diversity and traditional culture and cuisine, Apulia is one of the most beautiful destinations in Italy.

A bay with a sandy beach and turquoise blue water, surrounded by cliffs topped with Mediterranean buildings.
Lama Monachile Cala Porto bay, right in the centre of Polignano a Mare, is one of the most beautiful beaches in the region with its crystal-clear water. © Michal Ludwiczak/stock.adobe.com
A mighty stone bridge with round arches spans a valley, behind which lies a small Italian town.
Gravina in Puglia impresses with a spectacular gorge that leads over a medieval bridge, centuries-old cave dwellings and a picturesque old town. © stevanzz/stock.adobe.com
Small town with white buildings and grey tiled roofs. Above them shines a blue sky. Trees tower in the background.
The trulli in Alberobello, with their white limestone walls and cone-shaped roofs, are an architectural gem and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. © jsk12/stock.adobe.com
Bay with turquoise blue water and rocky shore. In the background is a Mediterranean town with white buildings and a city wall.
Monopoli captivates visitors with its picturesque old town characterised by whitewashed houses directly on the azure blue sea and authentic fishing culture. © Freesurf/stock.adobe.com
An octagonal castle resembling a fortress, standing on a small hill. It is surrounded by scattered green shrubs and trees.
Castel del Monte in Andria is an octagonal fortress dating back to the 13th century, built by Emperor Frederick II and now a UNESCO World Heritage Site. © Vladimir Sazonov/stock.adobe.com

Bari from BER

Aircraft about to land on the runway

Ryanair

 

Piktogramm Info-i

Aeroporto di Bari-Palese (BRI)

Five tips for ...

1. Stroll along the Lungomare Nazario Sauro promenade

2. Stroll through the narrow, winding streets of the old town (Bari Vecchia)

3. Follow in the footsteps of pilgrims to the Basilica of San Nicola

4. Explore the imposing Castello Svevo fortress

5. Experience a performance at the Teatro Petruzzelli

1. Try local specialities such as orecchiette (pasta) and focaccia barese

2. Visit the Mercato di Bari for fresh produce and regional food

3. Enjoy fresh panzerotti (fried dough pockets with various fillings)

4. Drink a strengthening espresso in the lively Piazza del Ferrarese

5. Sample local wines in a wine bar or on a trip to the wine region 

1. Explore the Grotte di Castellana and marvel at spectacular stalactite formations deep underground

2. Discover the Torre Guaceto nature reserve and enjoy unspoilt nature and beautiful coastal landscapes

3. Stroll through Ostuni and be enchanted by the white city and its winding streets.

4. Immerse yourself in art and culture in Lecce and admire Baroque architecture and living history.

5. Visit Matera and experience the famous Sassi di Matera and its fascinating cave dwellings up close. 

Picture source title:
© Aerial Film Studio/stock.adobe.com

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