If you have read our latest article dedicated to the towns near Bari to visit, you surely know which are the most beautiful towns in the Apulian hinterland.
When you visit Bari and Puglia in the summer, however, you cannot miss a tour of the most beautiful cities on our coast!
From the breathtaking views of Polignano a Mare to the beaches of Monopoli, up to the evocative atmosphere of Giovinazzo: do you want to find out which towns near Bari to visit to experience a summer nel blu dipinto di blu?
Then continue reading!
Monopoli
Tiny houses, crystal clear sea and hidden beaches: this is Monopoli, the first city on our list of best towns in Puglia to visit.
Overlooking the sea with its 16th century buildings, Monopoli is known for its pristine beaches and lively nightlife.
Walk along the city’s seafront to find wonderful coves used as free beaches, where you can spread out your towel and dive into the crystalline sea.
The most famous coves are Porto Bianco and Porto Rosso, not far from the historic center of the city.
But if you are looking for a quiet beach surrounded by nature then go to Porto Verde, a tiny basin set among the rocks where you can relax away from the hustle and bustle of the city.
What to do in Monopoli at night
To experience Monopoli as a true local, you have to wait for the sun to go down.
As soon as the air begins to cool down, the nightlife starts.
This is the perfect time to get lost in the historic center of Monopoli, made up of narrow streets that overlook courtyards and large squares full of bars.
Walking through the alleys of the Old Town, you will also be able to observe historical buildings such as the Cathedral and the Castle of Charles V, dating back to the 16th century!
How to reach Monopoli from Bari
Monopoli is just under 50 km from Bari, which is why it is the favorite destination for us locals during the summer!
You can reach Monopoli comfortably with public and private buses, or by traveling comfortably with the train!
Giovinazzo
Crystal clear waters, a historic center full of wonders and a great passion for rock: this is Giovinazzo, an unmissable city among the best towns in Puglia to visit.
Giovinazzo is a small village overlooking the sea, famous for its coasts and beaches.
It is no coincidence that Giovinazzo is one of the most popular destinations for locals who want to relax immersed in the clear waters of this city!
But the sea is not the only attraction of Giovinazzo. If you love art and history, this city will surprise you with treasures and works of art.
In Giovinazzo there is a magnificent Arch of Trajan, the Roman emperor who built the city walls in the 2nd century AD
In the historic center you can admire the Cathedral of Santa Maria Assunta, built in Romanesque style, where a panel of the Madonna di Corsignano dating back to the 11th century is kept!
Things to do in Giovinazzo at night
The serene atmosphere that reigns in Giovinazzo shouldn’t deceive you because this city is also famous for its nightlife!
The seaside village is the center of Giovinazzo’s nightlife. Here are concentrated pubs and restaurants where you can taste fish specialties and drink a good glass of wine.
During the summer, Giovinazzo hosts many unmissable events if you want to experience the city like a true local.
The Giovinazzo Rock Fest it is the most eagerly awaited and attended event of the Summer. It is a festival that hosts the most famous Italian and international rock artists and takes place in the last week of July.
How to reach Giovinazzo from Bari
Giovinazzo is located about 30 km from Bari, the ideal distance to visit this city in one day!
You can reach Giovinazzo comfortably thanks to the numerous trains direct trains departing from Bari Central Station!
Trani
Gardens overlooking the sea, panoramic terraces, and a suggestive port: this is Trani, one of our favorite destinations among the best towns in Puglia to visit.
Trani is particularly famous for its port area, that makes this city “the pearl of the South”.
The port of Trani is nestled in an inlet on the coast and is the main meeting place for the locals. Here fishing boats and sailboats are reflected in the sea, creating a postcard view.
The Romanesque Cathedral also overlooks the sea and is famous for being built entirely of Trani stone, a stone with a particular pink color. Next to the cathedral stands a bell tower, which you can climb to admire the entire city from above.
Along the coast you can also find the Swabian Castle of Trani, built in the XIII century by Frederick II of Swabia and residence of the Angevin and Aragonese kings.
Things to do in Trani at night
The evening is the perfect time to explore Trani in all its beauty!
To experience this city like a true local, lose yourself in the streets of the historic center and immerse yourself in the atmosphere of our “pearl of the South”.
In the historic center of Trani is the Jewish Ghetto where you can admire the two synagogues dedicated to St. Mary of Scolanova and St. Ann.
If you prefer to relax in the evening, then the Villa Comunale is the right place for you. It is a large garden overlooking the sea, where you can relax and make friends with parrots, turtles and the little fish that swim in the fountains.
From the Villa Comunale you can easily access the Fortino, a panoramic terrace from which to admire Trani illuminated in the evening.
How to reach Trani from Bari
Trani is located just over 50 km from Bari and in fact we locals never miss an opportunity to visit this city during the summer!
You can reach Trani thanks to the dense network of buses that depart from Bari, or by traveling comfortably by train!
Polignano a Mare
In a self-respecting guide to towns near Bari to visit, the most famous city in Puglia cannot be missing: Polignano a Mare.
Polignano a Mare needs no introduction: its breathtaking views and cliffs overlooking the sea are among the most evocative panoramas of Puglia.
Walking through the alleys of the historic center you can breathe the same poetry that inspired Domenico Modugno, born in Polignano, when he sang Volare.
On the doors, on the steps, on the walls of the houses of Polignano you can admire verses and songs dedicated to the beauty of this place.
Here in Polignano you will find one of the most beautiful beaches in Puglia. We are talking about Cala Porto, a small beach born in the bed of a stream that in the past flowed into the sea of Polignano.
It is no coincidence that the best way to explore Polignano is… by boat!
Our friends of Dorino Gite in Barca are ready to let you discover the wonders of Polignano! With their Boat Tours you can reach hidden coves and admire the city from the sea.
An experience not to be missed if you want to immerse yourself in the beauty of this city!
What to do in Polignano a Mare by night
When evening comes, in Polignano a Mare there is one thing you cannot miss: the sunset.
Watching the sun go down from the cliffs or from the small basins of the city is a suggestive moment to immortalize with lots of photographs!
After sunset, Polignano is filled with lights and colors, while people gather in the clubs of the downtown.
Here you can taste typical Apulian cuisine, completely immersing yourself in the refreshing atmosphere of Polignano!
How to reach Polignano a Mare from Bari
Polignano is just 30 km from Bariand in fact it is the most loved place by us locals!
Every occasion is good to spend a day in this wonderful city, which you can easily reach thanks to the dense network of buses and trains departing from Bari!
Now that you know all the towns near Bari to visit, all you have to do is go and visit them!
And if you want company, book a private tour with Free Walking Tour Bari now!
With our option Your Tour, you can choose where to go together with our fantastic guides!