6 reasons to visit Bari, Italy
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Loading... - Lily Pickford
- 03 Dec 2021
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1. The old harbour and Lungomare
Forget Bari’s working port – the one where all the ferries leave for Greece, Albania, Croatia and beyond. Head instead to the old harbour, where life continues as it has for centuries.
This is where the traditional fishing boats land their catches and sell their seafood straight off their boats, where nets are repaired and raucous jokes are shared. Wandering amongst the boats here is a real treat - because you're seeing the real Bari. You may even get to sample some of the produce, cooked over rudimentary stoves.
The Old Harbour is also the best place to start your tour of Lungomare, the imposing seafront built by Mussolini. In true fascist style, it is the longest and grandest seafront in Italy, but as is the way of the locals, that pretension is well and truly pricked by the lively bars, restaurants and cafes that line the path.
Join them for an evening stroll or an aperitif and maybe kick off your shoes and walk along one of Bari’s sandy beaches, the best of which can be found right here.
2. Bari Vecchio
Step back in time and wander through one of Italy’s most atmospheric old towns – Bari Vecchio. Sitting on a peninsula overlooking the old harbour, this walled part of the city is a labyrinth of twisting alleys, cobbled streets and small piazzas, begging to be explored. Within the thick stone walls you’ll find are 40 churches, a cathedral and the Basilica St Nicholas, built specifically to house the bones of Santa, stolen from Myra in Turkey by Barese sailors.
Like Naples on the other side of the country, the real joy is wandering aimlessly and observing every day Bari life. Children play football on the streets. Men smoke and gossip on street corners and grandmothers string washing out on lines that stretch across the lanes from balcony to balcony. Bari Vecchio is an old town that is still very much lived in.
3. The beaches
The beaches in Bari start along the Longomare and keep on going. The south coast is dotted with countless coves and bays, each boasting gorgeous beaches, atmospheric seaside towns and dazzling blue waters. Many regard it as the most beautiful coastline in Italy and chances are you’ll find it hard to disagree.
The crystal blue waters in Polignano a Mare are particularly tempting and you get to choose between rocky and sand beaches. Cala Porto is famous for its smooth white pebbles. Porto Cavallo is sandy. Cala Paura is a favourite with locals. If you want a beach with all the amenities, head to San Giovanni. It’s got showers, umbrellas, sun loungers and beach huts.
For a distinctly Pugliese beach experience, head to the ancient stone towns of Monopoli and Giovinazzo. The charming towns have golden sand beaches just outside their city walls. A gelato or chilled glass of wine are only ever metres away. Read More…
