Bari - beaches, attractions - what to see?

Bari is a picturesque city located in southern Italy. It has an area of 116.2 square kilometers. It is the capital of the Apulia region. It is known for its unique climate, white buildings and charming streets. It is a city where you will find many attractions. It has beautiful beaches, historic churches, a promenade, and those who like shopping must definitely visit the main shopping street (Via Sparano da Bari). This city will be an ideal place to relax and explore. It is divided into the historical part (it is called Bari Vecchia) and the more contemporary one, which is bustling with life. Bari is an excellent choice for a trip for those who want to both relax, sightsee and experience the unique everyday life of Italy. Walking through the streets of Bari, you can observe the lives of the locals - hanging laundry on balconies, cleaning, and smell the aromas of local dishes wafting through the air. Beautiful and modern buildings there are intermingled with older ones, and the winding streets resemble a labyrinth that has no end. A charming place that is sure to be memorable for all tourists who want to experience the true culture and traditions of Italy.

Attractions

Castello Normanno–Svevo

Hearing about Bari, many people certainly think of this castle. It was built in 1132 by Roger II. In the past it served as a prison and barracks, and since 2017 it has been opened to the public as a museum. In appearance, it resembles a fortress. What can we see inside? First of all, a photo exhibition that shows the entire history of the restoration of this monument over the years. We can also see ceramics, jewelry and other valuable items. The most popular, however, are the Hall of Bona Sforza and the Hall of Frederick II. These two rooms are used for cultural events or periodic exhibitions. The captivating architecture makes tourists very eager to visit this place. It is recommended to all those who want to delve into the history of this monument, view numerous photographs and exhibits. Ticket prices for Castello Normanno-Svevo for those aged 0-17 are free. For those aged 18-25 and 65 and over, the ticket costs €4.5. For others, the price is €9.

Cattedrale di San Sabino

At Piazza dell'Odegitria you will find another example of a magnificent monument that is certainly worth a visit. This is the cathedral, which was built between the 12th and 13th centuries and is an example of Romanesque architecture. Its current appearance is the result of several reconstructions. Inside we can find, among other things, paintings Tintoreretta, Veronese, as well as that of Bordony. The cathedral also contains in other exhibits and frescoes. A special painting is worth noting - it is the Madonna of Odegitria, which was brought directly from Constantinople. According to rumors, it was painted by St. Luke himself. The painting depicts the image of the Virgin Mary. The Cathedral di San Sabino is one of the more frequently visited sights in Bari. Because of both the works and the rich architecture.

Teatro Petruzzelli

Another attraction is the theater, located at 12 Corso Cavour Avenue, which is the largest theater in Bari and the fourth largest in Italy. There you can watch great performances, ballet or opera. Construction of the theater began in 1898 and was completed after five years. The theater became famous for performances by artists such as Carla Fracci, Luciano Pavarotti, Giorgio Gaber, and Eduardo De Filippo. In 1991, the theater was set on fire and was completely destroyed as a result of the fire. In 2008 it was rebuilt, and in 2009 there was a grand opening, during which Ludwig van Beethoven's Symphony No. 9 was performed by the Bari Provincial Orchestra. This venue will be ideal for supporters of cultural events and performances.

Beaches in Bari

Pane e Pomodoro

This is by far the most popular of the beaches in the Bari area. It attracts crowds of tourists as well as locals from the area because of its extraordinary natural beauty and location. It is an ideal place for beachcombing. There are stores, restaurants as well as hotels nearby. The beach is well-maintained and the sea has turquoise and crystal clear water. This place will certainly be perfect for both young people in need of relaxation and families with children. There are playgrounds, a cafe with snacks and ice cream, and a lifeguard takes care of safety in the summer. Entrance to the beach is free. It can be reached by car or public transportation. There is also parking nearby. Pane e Pomodoro beach is not only known for its funny name (which literally means "bread and tomato"), but is also the most popular of the beaches in the suburbs of Bari. Where did the name of the beach come from? Most likely from the basic ingredients of a dish called focaccia barese, which originated straight from the region.

Lama Monachile

 This is a beach that has its own unique atmosphere. It is located near the historic center of the city. The rocks and cliffs adjacent to the sea add to its distinctive atmosphere. Lama Monachile is a rocky beach with crystal clear water and extraordinary views that will take your breath away. It is about 40 kilometers from the center of Bari. You can get there by car or by train. A ticket from the center of Bari to Polignano costs €2.60 one way if booked in advance. The cost of a ticket on the day of travel is more expensive and depends on the time of day, as well as the train route. The views from here are considered among the most beautiful, and the beach itself is one of the most picturesque near Bari.

San Francesco Beach

This beach is 5 kilometers from the center of Bari. You can cover this distance by car, public transportation or on foot. It is a small public beach with numerous restaurants nearby. While sunbathing you can eat delicious local dishes. Safety on the beach is taken care of by lifeguards. You can also take advantage of rentals Sun loungers and umbrellas. The beach, due to its excellent location, is frequented by tourists. Nearby you will also find bars and cafes. For those who want to arrive by car, there is a parking lot at the beach. Something worth seeing when visiting San Francesco Beach is the magical sunsets, which are memorable for a long time. Dinner at a local restaurant with such a view, will definitely be the perfect end to the day.

Access

Car

For those who prefer sightseeing and want to visit other European cities on occasion, the best option would be to travel by car. The route to Bari is about 2,000 kilometers. Several stops can be made along the way: Ostrava, Brno, Vienna and Bologna. These are places that are definitely worth visiting when wanting to take such a long trip. When choosing to travel by car, you also have to reckon with the fees for highways, parking or vignettes. One of the many advantages of traveling by car is that you don't have to worry about public transportation on the spot.

Plane

It is also possible to fly to Bari. After the summer season, around October, you can find direct flights (for one person one way) for as low as 59 zlotys from Krakow or Warsaw. You can also choose to fly to Rome or Naples, and get to the site by train or bus. It is also possible to rent a car or travel by cab.

Public transportation

Public transportation in Bari is very well developed. The bus has 38 lines and stops at all important places around Bari. Importantly, the bus does not stop at all stops. A passenger wishing to get on must give proper notice - wave his hand. The same applies if you want to get off. It is then necessary to press the richiesta fermata button, which signals to the driver that the passenger wants to leave the bus. Bus tickets can be purchased throughout the city. Thanks to highly developed technology, it is also possible to use the ticket in electronic form (muvt app). The price of a one-way ticket is €1. For those wishing to travel to further corners of Italy, the best option would be to travel by rail. From there you can get to Rome, Milan, Turin, Bologna, as well as Naples. Train tickets can be purchased at ticket offices or vending machines. For those who like physical activity combined with sightseeing, a city bicycle will be ideal. The cost of renting such equipment is €10 for the whole day. You can explore both the city center and the area around Bari. This will be an ideal option for those who like active recreation. Bari is a very well-connected city, which makes it possible to get to know the capital of Puglia itself and its surroundings well, as well as to reach larger cities in Italy.

Weather

Bari belongs to the Mediterranean climate. This means that summers are hot and winter temperatures are moderate. When planning a trip to Bari, it is best to do it in the months of May to October, then the weather is most favorable. The hottest months are July and August, the average temperature then is 25°C. Wanting to avoid the crowds, and take advantage of the beautiful weather, it is best to go in May, June, September, or October. Then the average daytime temperature exceeds 20°C. In the coldest months you can expect very heavy rainfall.

Food - cuisine and specialties

Italy is certainly a country that has become famous for its delicious cuisine, Pasta, pizza, seafood or desserts - this is a must taste when visiting this country. Each region of Italy is famous for its local delicacies and dishes. What is it like in Bari? Something you must definitely try when visiting this place is orecchiette, which is a pasta shaped like ears. While in the capital Puglia, in the historic district of Bari Vecchia, it is necessary to mention the street Via Arco Basso. It is there that you can meet women who sit by the street and hand knead the dough for this excellent pasta. It contains only three ingredients: water, salt and ground durum wheat semolina. Another dish you should definitely try is foccacia. It can be purchased everywhere. It is a pizza-like bread and includes toppings such as tomatoes, olives and herbs. Another local delicacy is panzerotti, which are yeasty, fried ravioli with meat or tomato and mozzarella stuffing. A dish you should definitely try is sgagliozze barese. It is deep-fried polenta that can be purchased directly from street stalls.

Accommodation

In Bari you will find quite a selection of accommodations. Hotels, guesthouses and other accommodations offer plenty of amenities. In the center of town we can find a B&B called Dolci Notti. The price for one night for two people is PLN 289. Many tourists choose this place because of its attractive price and location. The area includes Bari's main shopping street, St. Nicholas Basilica and the promenade. Another accommodation worth noting is the Sisters Residence located in the very center of the city. The price for one night for two people including breakfast is PLN 307. The Petruzzelli Theater and the Basilica of St. Nicholas are within walking distance of the property. The Maison Rinaldi SrL property is also highly recommended. It has a swimming pool and offers guests a free airport transfer. The price of accommodation for two people for one night is PLN 630 including breakfast. The accommodation offer of the Bari region is very rich. It is an ideal region for both fans of quiet relaxation away from the city center and those who want to explore every corner of the capital of Puglia.

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