24 Hours in… Bari

The traveller is unlikely to encounter Bari unless crossing the Adriatic on one of the many ferry routes that serve the port.  This fact of life is unfortunate as Bari certainly has enough to offer the 24 hour traveller.

The grid style layout of the city creates a unique, almost suffocating atmosphere that amplifies the sultriness of this important southern Italian city.

There is a distinctive grittiness about the city, a touch of Naples, but on a slightly reserved scale.

What to see…

The Old Town with its narrow alleyways is worth exploration. Piazza San Nicola and the Basilica di San Nicola are where most travellers head. There are also a number of bars and restaurants in which to spend either your first or last evening in Italy.

Bari’s castle, Castello Svevo is another of the city’s main attractions. It is also a good landmark for those heading from the port to the train station. Simply turn left at the castle and keep walking straight ahead until reaching the railway line.

Via Sparano is where Bari’s commercial area can be found, with shops to suit all needs.

Scotch, Gin or Brandy…?

Taranto - not the prettiest...

Bari Centrale is a large, busy train station directly south of the Old Town. Again, as with all the majority of Italy’s larger stations, it is advisable to allow plenty of time if needing to reserve a ticket for an onward journey. A stiff drink is recommended to numb the pain of having to wait in queues that never seem to shorten.

Those on Interrail or Eurail passes may experience problems securing a seat on faster trains to Naples.

The alternative is a longer route via the industrial city of Taranto and then onto Naples by coach. This route is not as bad as it appears and the traveller may even welcome a change from constant rail travel.

The journey by road to Naples will take almost seven hours as opposed to three and a half on the quickest of train services. Other possible destinations from Bari by train include Foggia (around one hour), Pescara (around three hours), and Salerno (four to six hours).

Sail away…

Bari is a fantastic gateway to the Balkans and beyond with several ferry routes available. Destinations include; Durres, Shengjin (Albania), Igoumenitsa, Patras, Kefalonia, Corfu (Greece), Bar, Kotor (Montenegro), and Dubrovnik, Jadrolinija (Croatia).

Bed…

Budget accommodation is limited. Beds in a shared room at the Hostel Ostello La Nuova Arca, start from around €20.

An alternative is to arrive in Bari early in the morning and depart on one of the overnight ferry services later that evening.

Danger!

There is one more piece of advice that should be passed on; do not wear open-toed footwear while exploring the streets of Bari. You’ll have to go and find out for yourselves as to the reasons why…

Links…

Easy way to obtain ferry times and bookings – www.aferry.co.uk

More destinations…

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Map…

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