Bari

Bari, located on Italy’s southeastern Adriatic coast, is the capital of the Puglia region and a growing cruise destination. Known for its charming old town, religious landmarks, and relaxed seafront atmosphere, Bari offers cruise passengers a glimpse into authentic Southern Italy. The city’s walkability and access to historic and natural attractions make it ideal for short visits.

Cruise Docking Information

Bari is a docking port. Cruise ships arrive at the Porto di Bari (Port of Bari), typically at the Molo San Vito pier. The terminal is modern and supports both ferry and cruise operations. It handles over 700,000 cruise passengers annually. The old town (Bari Vecchia) is approximately 2 km (1.2 miles) from the terminal and can be reached on foot in about 20–25 minutes or 10 minutes by shuttle or taxi.

Transportation Options

• Walking: It’s possible to walk from the cruise terminal to the historic center in 20–25 minutes.
• Taxi: Taxis are available at the terminal, reaching the city center in about 10 minutes.
• Public Transport: Local buses connect the port area to central Bari and the train station.

Nearby towns: Alberobello (55 km / 34 miles – 1 hr by car), Polignano a Mare (37 km / 23 miles – 40 min by train), Matera (70 km / 43 miles – 1 hr 15 min by bus or car).

Main Attractions in Bari

• Basilica di San Nicola – A major pilgrimage site and resting place of Saint Nicholas.
• Bari Vecchia – The old town with narrow lanes, churches, and family homes making traditional pasta.
• Castello Svevo – A Norman castle near the old town with archaeological exhibits.
• Petruzzelli Theatre – A grand opera house offering tours and performances.
• Piazza Mercantile – A lively square lined with cafes and local shops.

Nearby touristic destinations

• Alberobello – A UNESCO World Heritage Site known for its iconic trulli houses (1 hr by car).
• Polignano a Mare – A coastal town with cliffs and sea caves, perfect for photography (40 min by train).
• Matera – Famed for its ancient cave dwellings and film locations (1 hr 15 min by car).
• Castel del Monte – A mysterious octagonal medieval castle inland from Bari (1 hr by car).

Interesting Facts

• Saint Nicholas, also known as Santa Claus, is buried in Bari’s Basilica di San Nicola.
• Women still hand-make orecchiette pasta on the streets of Bari Vecchia.
• The Petruzzelli Theatre was completely rebuilt after a devastating fire in 1991.

Geographical Position and Surroundings

Bari is positioned along the Adriatic Sea with a coastline that combines harbors, sandy beaches, and rocky coves. Inland lies a landscape of olive groves, vineyards, and limestone hills. The climate is Mediterranean, with hot, dry summers and mild winters, making it ideal for outdoor exploration year-round.

Local Foods

• Orecchiette con Cime di Rapa – Handmade pasta with turnip greens, garlic, and anchovies.
• Focaccia Barese – A thick bread topped with tomatoes, olives, and olive oil.
• Panzerotti – Fried pastries stuffed with mozzarella and tomato sauce.
• Raw Seafood – Local tradition includes eating fresh raw mussels and clams.
• Primitivo Wine – A robust red wine produced in the region.

Destination ‘secrets’

• Via delle Orecchiette – A small alley in Bari Vecchia where women make pasta outdoors.
• Murat District – A lesser-known shopping and café area just south of the old town.
• Pane e Pomodoro Beach – A quieter urban beach often missed by short-term visitors.

Local Customs and Culture

Bari retains strong Southern Italian traditions. Family and religion play an important role in daily life. Respect for local customs, such as modest dress in churches and polite greetings, is appreciated. Festivals like the Feast of Saint Nicholas in May feature parades, music, and fireworks that highlight the city’s cultural pride.

Family-Friendly Activities

• Children up to 6 years old – Walks along the seafront promenade or local playgrounds in Bari Vecchia.
• Children between 7 and 12 – Explore the Castello Svevo or enjoy a gelato tour in the old town.
• Teenagers aged 13 to 18 – Join a pasta-making workshop or visit Matera’s cave dwellings on a guided tour.

Notice: Port information is specifically designed for cruise passengers visiting this destination. While every effort has been made to ensure accuracy, we recommend that you verify critical information such as visas, health and safety, customs, and transportation with official sources before departure. Always familiarize yourself with safety aspects when visiting your destination. We have given some pointers under the information button in the main menu of this app. Please note that distances, travel times and pricing may have some inaccuracies or may be outdated. Content and travel advice presented is created by a port moderator and/or AI. A port moderator could be a local individual, destination expert, port authority, or a tourism agency. *