Bari is one of the largest port cities in Italy. It is a metropolitan hot spot with a cute old town on the coast. While Bari is a wonderful place to be, its biggest appeal (in our opinion) is its international airport and proximity to some of the most notable smaller cities in the Apuglia region. It’s the perfect place to use as a travel hub. Book yourself an Airbnb near Old Town so you can enjoy a myriad of quaint restaurants and wine bars in the evenings and train off on exciting day trips throughout your stay.
We’ve curated an incredible 6-day itinerary that will take you to a new and exciting city every day. From the whitewashed city of Monopoli to the limestone cliffs of Polignana a Mare to the Tulli houses of Alberobello and more, you are in for a real treat. So grab your train pass and get a day pack together. It’s time to explore.
You’ll notice that we don’t include any suggestions for dinner as we go over the highlights of each of these unique cities. That is because trains often stop running back to Bari before dinner time rolls around. So, get yourself back to home base in the early evening, clean up, and head out to one of Bari’s delightful restaurants for dinner.
Day 1 - Arrival in Bari
Upon landing in Bari, make your way from the airport to your place of lodging to freshen up. Once you’re settled in, take a long stroll along the Lungomare Nazario Sauro while enjoying gorgeous views of the sea. Next, wander into Old Town. Here you’ll find women in alleyways making Orecchiette, the city’s famous pasta, a gorgeous cathedral, and countless shops and eateries lining winding, cobbled streets. Once you’ve had your fill of exploring, stop into Al Pescatore for some of the best seafood you’ll ever experience. On your way home, walk along the wall surrounding the old town. Breathe in the fresh sea air and prepare yourself for a wonderful tour of the surrounding region.
Day 2 - Monopoli
An overview of the city:
First stop, Monopoli. A whitewashed city surrounded by turquoise water, Monopoli is heavily populated with locals enjoying their everyday lives. Get a feel for the culture as you watch fishermen pull in their daily catch and groups of people, young and old, discussing the events of the day.
What to do:
Wander through mazes of white stone buildings in the old town, taking in its historical charm. Stop into the Monopoli Cathedral, a beautiful display of Baroque architecture that boasts an elegant yet imposing façade, a soaring bell tower, and colorful frescos. You’ll also want to check out the Castle of Charles V. With views of the port, this once castle-turned-prison, now serves as an active conference center. This is a relatively slow-paced city and a great place to simply hang your feat over the walls of the harbor and take in the local fishing scene.
Where to eat:
Grab lunch at Carlo Quinto, one of the best seaside restaurants in town. Later, indulge in an aperativo at Tuttoapposto Winebar, a lovely spot with a cozy atmosphere, yummy snacks and beverages, and a view of the port.
Day 3 – Archeological Exploration and Caves
An overview of the city:
Polignana a Mare is one of the most stunning places in Apuglio. Colorful houses climb up cliffs that jut up for the deep blue sea far below. Known for its iconic beach and ocean caves and as a destination for cliff divers, it’s a tiny city not to be missed.
What to do:
First things first, book yourself a boat tour or rent a paddle board or kayak so that you can drift around in the clear blue water and explore some caves, gazing up at the city looming above. Out of the water, wander the cobbled streets of the Old Town. Sneak a peek at the statue of Domenico Modugno, walk through Porto Grande, and take a close look at the walls around you. You’ll find tidbits of poetry written on them all over town. Be sure to make your way to the edges of the Old Town, where the limestone cliffs butt up against the sea, supporting homes and businesses and providing a spectacular view. Finally, step down onto Cala Porto, Polignana a Mare’s iconic inlet of a beach, to soak in some sun and maybe even go for a swim.
Where to eat:
If budget isn’t an issue, we highly suggest you visit Grotta Palazzese Restaurant for lunch. You will need a reservation and the food is pricy, but you will have incredible service and an unbeatable view from this unique restaurant carved into the limestone caves overlooking the water. For a more budget-friendly option, try Ristorante Antiche Mura, a restaurant built into the ancient stone in the city. The ceilings are adorned with romantic chandeliers and the menu emphasizes simple yet elegant Apuglian cuisine.
Day 4 – Alberobello
An overview of the city:
Alberobello is a quaint little city nestled in the heel of Italy. Its unique architecture (trulli houses), cobbled streets, and rich history make it more than worth the visit. Trulli houses are circular buildings made from limestone slabs with pointed domes as roofs. Beautiful and somehow mysterious, they offer a glimpse into a different era.
What to do:
Alberobello really is all about the trulli houses, so be prepared to see a lot of them! Wander through Rione Monti, the oldest part of the city packed with hilly streets and alleyways that wind through trulli houses. Take in the unique architecture sometimes adorned with motifs and symbols that engage the imagination. We encourage you to also check out the more quiet parts of the city. Rione Aia Piccola is a little off the beaten track and allows you to admire the trulli without the hustle and bustle of the crowds. While you’re there, be sure to find a nice rooftop terrace (look for signs that read “terrazza panoramica”) to snag a view of the city from above.
To eat:
Set in a trullo, Ristorante Il Pinnacolo celebrates fresh ingredients and local cuisine. Ask for a table on the terrace. The view of the city’s unique architecture is delightful.
Day 5 – Matera
An overview of the city:
Matera is a striking, ancient city comprised of limestone caves and wonderful layers of architecture dating back to paleolithic times when the area was first inhabited. One of the most striking features of Matera is the limestone caves (yes, caves) where you can eat drink, and gaze at the gorgeous city and the lush ravine it overlooks. Pssst a James Bond movie was filmed here. Can you guess which one?
What to do:
If you don’t plan for anything else, plan on wandering aimlessly through the cobbled, winding streets of this ancient town. Get lost and take in every aspect as you go. We encourage a stop at the cave church of Santa Maria di Idris to admire the rich frescos in its crypt as well as take in the views of the city. You’ll also want to take a look at the uninhabited caves of Sasso Caveoso as well as the authentically furnished Casa Grato for a taste of what life would have been like way back when. Another unique feature of Matera is its network of underground cisterns. Pop into Palombaro Lungo, also known as the Water Cathedral to experience a wonderfully complex, awe-inspiring underground maze of man-made tunnels, pillars, and arches.
Where to eat:
For lunch, make a reservation at Trattoria del Caveoso and enjoy the traditional Basilicatan cuisine. Sit in the cave restaurant or out on the charming patio. Later, stop for an aperitivo at Terrazza Cavaliere to enjoy a refreshing beverage and an unbeatable view
Day 6 – Trani
An overview of the city:
The port city of Trani is a hidden gem that many tourists pass over. Don’t make that mistake. The inhabitants pride themselves on a slower pace of living and you can feel it in the air as you take in the gorgeous, smooth cream-stone of the streets and walls that strike such a beautiful contrast with the adjacent turquoise water.
What to see:
Wander through the port and Old Town and take in the slow pace of this peaceful city. Be sure to check out Trani Cathedral, a truly breathtaking piece of Romanesque architecture perched at the edge of the harbor and made of cream-colored stone to match the rest of the city. We also recommend spending some time in the Jewish quarter, where you can pop your head into a couple of synagogues for a little slice of history. And don’t miss the Chiesa d’Ognissanti, a medieval church where locals say knights would come to be blessed before heading off to the Crusades.
Where to eat:
At some point in your meandering, you’ll want to stop for lunch and/or an aperitivo. Osteria La Perla del Sud is an unbeatable choice. This little restaurant sits in the harbor, overlooking the beautiful ocean and the quaint boats. You’ll enjoy some of the best service and seafood you’ve ever had (along with one heck of a view). Our tip? Ask a few questions about the menu and don’t be surprised if the chef cooks something special just for you.
Wow! You did it. You made it through 6 glorious days in Apuglia. You saw an ancient cave city, lots of trulli, a city built on cliffs hanging above turquoise waters, and more. You ate some amazing food and you definitely got your steps in. Spend an extra day or two in Bari if you’d like to acquaint yourself with the more metropolitan side of southern Italy and experience some seriously amazing food. Otherwise, pack up your bags and head to your next adventure! Have you considered Granada, Spain? Check out our post on this gorgeous Moorish-influenced Spanish city.
