Bari, Heart of Puglia

When you first arrive in Bari, it's often by chance: a flight landing here, a ship leaving the port, or a train passing through the region. For many travelers, it's just a stopover. But spend a few hours, and you'll see Bari isn't just a transit city. It's very lively.

For me, the journey started at the airport. My wife and I landed in Bari with a clear plan: use the city as a base to explore the region. Starting in Bari wasn't random. Its location and connections make it a natural starting point for exploring. We chose a B&B in Poggiofranco, a modern residential area we already knew. It's convenient for getting around the city.

The reason for our trip was quite special. We had rented a Vespa in advance to join the Giro dei Tre Mari. This event, held every year at the end of May, gathers scooter enthusiasts from all over Italy and abroad.

A Gateway to Puglia

Bari is centrally located on Puglia's Adriatic coast. This makes it a major hub in Southern Italy.

Karol Wojtyła Airport connects the city with many Italian and European destinations. In recent years, it's become a popular stop for those visiting the region. Not far from the center, there's also the port, with ferries to Greece, Albania, and Croatia.

Additionally, the central train station makes it easy to reach many Puglian cities. In less than an hour, you can get to very different places: Polignano a Mare, Monopoli, Trani, or other coastal destinations.

That's why many travelers choose Bari as a logistical base. You can stay here and then travel during the day to visit other towns in the region.

Here's a practical tip about where to stay. If you don't have a car, it's easier to stay in the center or near the station. This way, you can move around easily on foot or by public transport. If you're driving, it's often better to choose residential areas like Poggiofranco. It's easier to find parking there compared to the historic center.

Bari Vecchia and Life in the Alleys

The most characteristic part of the city is in the historic center, simply called Bari Vecchia.

Here, streets turn into a network of narrow alleys, stone arches, and small squares. It's not a historic center built for tourism. It's a neighborhood where daily life continues normally.

Walking through the streets, you'll see scenes that have become almost symbolic of the city. Women sit in front of their homes making orecchiette by hand. Kids play in the squares, and small neighborhood shops stand the test of time.

The most important monument is the Basilica of San Nicola. It's a prime example of Puglian Romanesque architecture. The church holds the relics of Saint Nicholas, revered in both Catholic and Orthodox traditions, attracting believers from many countries.

Nearby is the Cathedral of San Sabino, another Romanesque building. It's one of the most picturesque spots in the historic center.

The Monumental Seafront

One of the city's most stunning features is its seafront. The Nazario Sauro seafront is often considered one of Italy's longest and most scenic.

The seaside walk passes a long series of buildings from the 19th and 20th centuries. On clear days, the sea's colors are vibrant. The light highlights the contrast between the pale stone buildings and the Adriatic's water.

It's a popular spot, especially at sunset. At that time, the city's pace changes. Many people just stroll along the coast, while others sit on benches to watch the sea.

To visit Bari calmly, spend at least two days. The first day can be for the historic center and a seaside walk. The second is perfect for a morning at the beach and an evening in the city's venues.

A Real City

Unlike some tourist spots in Puglia, Bari isn't built around tourism. It's primarily a lived-in city.

You can feel this when you leave the historic center. In modern neighborhoods, you'll find bars with students, traditional shops, and markets with a local vibe.

Even areas like Poggiofranco, where we stayed, show this side of Bari: a contemporary city with offices, modern buildings, and daily activities. For many visitors, this authentic side is a delightful surprise.

The Flavors of Bari's Cuisine

Visiting Bari means discovering some of Puglia's most iconic dishes.

The most famous is orecchiette with turnip tops, a fresh pasta that's a regional symbol. Another dish tied to the city is spaghetti all'assassina, made with a special technique that makes the pasta slightly crispy.

You can't leave Bari without trying the focaccia barese. In traditional bakeries, it's often freshly baked, topped with tomatoes and olives on a soft yet crispy dough. We had to visit the famous Fiore bakery.

The Giro dei Tre Mari

The Giro dei Tre Mari has a unique history. In 2004, the Vespa Club Bari and Vespa Club Lecce revived an old route as a historical reenactment, keeping its original spirit.

The idea is simple: offer participants a long ride on a Vespa or Lambretta through various Puglia areas. It's not a race, but a two-wheel journey to explore the region, its scenic roads, local cuisine, and traditions.

Over the years, the event has grown. Alongside vintage Vespas and Lambrettas, newer models like Vespa GTS and GTV now join, ridden by enthusiasts from all over Italy and abroad.

The nineteenth edition, held in 2025, confirmed the event's success with over 160 participating teams. Registrations, limited in number, often sell out early, showing how the event has become a beloved fixture in the scooter world.

A Perfect Base to Explore the Coast

Bari is considered the heart of Puglia because it's easy to reach many other interesting places from here.

Polignano a Mare is less than half an hour by train, Monopoli a bit more. Heading north, you can easily reach Trani, with its cathedral by the sea.

These short distances allow for day trips and returning to Bari in the evening.

For us, the city was also the starting point for the Giro dei Tre Mari on Vespa, letting us travel through various regional areas with other travelers. It's a different way to discover Puglia, starting from what can truly be its natural center due to its location and atmosphere.