Recently, airlines have opened up Apulia—a region in Italy that wasn’t as popular before. Direct flights to Bari at affordable prices were first launched by S7, followed by Pobeda. The number of flights may vary depending on the season, and direct flights are currently available only from April to November. However, you can also reach Bari with a connecting flight—it’s a great destination for a weekend getaway or even a full vacation, not just in the summer but year-round. Discover the charm of Apulia!
Where to Start Your Journey in Apulia?
Bari, the capital of the Apulia region, is also one of Italy’s largest wine-producing areas. If you prefer staying in hotels, book a suitable option through one of the aggregators. Comparing hotel prices and finding the best deals is convenient on the website hotellook.com. Alternatively, you can rent an apartment through Airbnb—this region offers numerous options to suit any need. For example, right before our flight, we rented a spacious and stylish apartment for a large group near the central city beach Pane e Pomodoro.
What to Do in Bari? Walk from Morning Until Late at Night!
I love Italy for its charm, with narrow and lively streets where you can wander all day long. In Bari, for instance, you’ll find Italian grandmothers making the local type of pasta—orecchiette—right in the alleys. They sit at their tables, chatting and cutting fresh pasta circles, which you can buy or ask to be prepared with traditional tomato sauce. The streets are filled with the pleasant aroma of freshly laundered bed linens, hanging on most balconies.
If you want to get to know Bari better—its history, hidden spots, and hear engaging and informative stories from a guide—join one of the city tours. Your journey to other towns in Apulia is best started by visiting Bari’s suburb, the charming town of Alberobello, known for its characteristic trullo houses.
Other Interesting Cities in Apulia
Besides Bari, there are other delightful towns along Italy’s “heel” that you can reach by car or by Trenitalia trains, which run along the coast fairly often.
Monopoli
Monopoli is a romantic town with a Greek vibe, featuring beautiful streets, white stone houses, and cozy cafes. Founded in 545 BC, this town on a limestone plateau is full of rare historical buildings. You’ll find old houses, palaces, and narrow streets paved with stone tiles. Exploring Monopoli and immersing yourself in the Italian atmosphere is enjoyable both day and night.
You can get to know the town better—its history and legends—by taking a guided tour. Another good idea is to combine your visit to Monopoli with a trip to Polignano a Mare, located just 10 kilometers away. You can book an informative private tour or simply hop on a train that will take you to the neighboring town in 5 minutes.
Polignano a Mare
Polignano a Mare is famous for its numerous beaches set in rocky coves. The sea here is crystal clear, and the beach cafes serve delicious panini with fried octopus. Be sure to stay until evening—the sunset here is particularly stunning against the backdrop of white houses with soft lighting.
Capitolo
A little further along the coast beyond Capitolo lies a very long, wide beach with white sand and numerous well-equipped beach clubs and bars. We stopped at Le Palme beach to enjoy a beautiful sunset and a glass of local Apulian wine.
Gallipoli and Taranto
If you have the time, you can switch coastlines and head from the Adriatic to the Ionian Sea. The blue waters of Gallipoli or the ancient Aragonese Castle in Taranto won’t leave you indifferent. These two cities are about 100 kilometers apart, so the easiest and fastest way to travel between Gallipoli and Taranto (or vice versa) is by car or bus. Trains also run between them, but the journey, with at least one transfer through Lecce, will take twice as long—around 3.5 hours. But isn’t that a good excuse to visit yet another beautiful southern city? This open-air museum will impress many with its architectural heritage and sunny atmosphere.
In Conclusion
Reflecting on our week-long journey, we can confidently say that Apulia is yet another wonderful region in beloved Italy. Every city in this amazing country captivates you at first sight!
