Bari and the Coast

Bari, the capital of Puglia, is the second most important economic center of mainland Southern Italy after Naples, and is well known as a port and university city, as well as the city of Saint Nicholas. The city itself is abuzz with markets and people going about their day to day jobs (slightly faster paced than the rest of Puglia but still with an air of calmness). The old town sits on the port where you can gaze at the sea and the fishing boats and marvel at the churches and elegant buildings. Take a leisurely stroll through the narrow streets of the old town as you admire the colors of the artisans’ workshops. You can’t leave Bari without trying the soft focaccia made with fresh tomatoes, it will leave you wanting more. Other towns in this area are picture perfect such as Polignano, perched on a high cliff with beautiful buildings hovering above. If you’re looking for more excitement then head to Monopoli, more specifically contrada Capitolo, one of the 99 contrade (districts) of Monopoli, where you will find beaches, discos and fashionable restaurants. For something different head to Conversano and Turi where you can taste the many cherry varieties around June, or head along to one of the cherry festivals.

TOP THINGS TO DO
1 Discovering Bari and
its surroundings
Discover Romanesque churches and the blue sea. Visit Bari Vecchia (Old Bari) and try the infamous soft focaccia made with fresh tomatoes whilst strolling through artisan workshops.
2 Polignano a Mare A mere just over 30 km (18.5 miles) from Bari, Polignano a mare is known as the Pearl of the Adriatic. Crystal clear waters and sharp cliffs pitted with caves carved by the sea give Polignano a Mare its uniqueness. The historical centre echoes the history of  its Arab, Byzantine, Spanish and Norman past. You could spend a day here zig-zagging through the streets or enjoy al fresco dining with views from a postcard.
3 Monopoli Monopoli overlooks the Adriatic Sea just 40 km (25 miles) from Bari. Centrestage is the Castello Carlo V (Castle of Charles V), which stands on the promontory of Punta Penna, and today hosts exhibitions and conferences. You’ll find well conserved and carefully restored Masserie (farmsteads) in the heart of the marina.
4 Molfetta Discover the secrets of the Knights Templar at Molfetta. Molfetta is less than 20 km north from Bari and is one of the most important fishing centers in the region. The historic center is aptly famous for its fishbone shaped alleys. Nearby, outside the old town walls, you will find The Cathedral of Assunta, which contains the relics of San Corrado, the Patron Saint of Molfetta. Visit the collection of contemporary art inside Palazzo Comunale which contains several works of famous artists including Renato Guttuso and the Basilica Santurario Madonna dei Martiri.
Molfetta is also an archeological gem. Discover The ‘Pulo’ of Molfetta, an impressive depression, 170 metres wide and 30 meters deep. Here rests the remains of a Neolithic settlement.
5 Bari rickshaw Tour See Bari the easy way with an original rickshaw tour of Bari. Admire the Basilica of St. Nicholas, the Cathedral of St. Sabin, the Swabian Castle, the theatres, main squares, the beach and the most picturesque and secluded corners such as the narrow laneways where, still today, locals prepare handmade pasta and set up the fish market. The tour is followed by a tasting of traditional products and local cuisine. Visit www.veloservice.org or call +393896207353 for more information.