When planning a trip through Puglia, many travelers focus on the region’s famous hill towns, trulli villages, baroque cities, and pristine beaches — and understandably so. But where to base yourself? Bari is often seen as just a gateway, thanks to its airport, port, and train station, rather than a destination in its own right. While parts of the city have a working, everyday vibe, it’s worth a closer look and makes an excellent home base for travelers who want to make the most of Puglia in a short timeframe. From Bari, you can easily reach the region’s highlights, making day trips relaxed, efficient, and full of charm.
Why Bari Makes a Perfect Home Base
Bari might not be the first place that comes to mind when people picture a Puglian holiday, but that’s exactly why it works so well. It’s central, well-connected, and has its own lively food scene — giving you a practical base with plenty of perks at the end of each day.
- Central & connected: Direct rail to Polignano, Monopoli, Ostuni, Lecce; quick highway access to the Itria Valley and Matera.
- Food scene: From panzerotti to fresh seafood on Bari Vecchia’s seafront, dinners are easy after a long day out.
- Flexibility: Mix coast, countryside, and culture in any order.
Getting Around (Without the Stress)
If you’re looking for a truly stress-free experience, a private driver is the way to go. You’ll have full flexibility with no train schedules to worry about, no parking headaches, and even your tastings and timings arranged for you. That said, Bari is one of the best-connected cities in Puglia, so there are other good options if you’d like the freedom to explore on your own.
- Car hire: Maximum freedom; pay attention to ZTL (limited traffic zones) in historic centers and use paid lots.
- Train: Great for Bari ↔ Polignano/Monopoli/Ostuni/Lecce. Check return times, especially Sundays.
- Private driver/guide: Best for stringing together multiple stops (e.g., Alberobello + Locorotondo + winery) and for stress-free tastings.
- Pace: Two stops per day is relaxed; three is doable if you start early.
Now that you know your options for getting around, it’s time to plan your adventures. To make the most of your time from Bari, we’ve paired destinations that complement each other — balancing coast and countryside, history and charm, activity and relaxation. These themed day trips are designed to flow effortlessly, whether you’re driving yourself, hopping on the train, or enjoying the ease of a private driver.
Cave City & Bread Capital: Matera & Altamura
If you’re looking to step back in time and see something truly unique, a trip to Matera is unforgettable. Our customers are always pleasantly surprised by the ancient cave dwellings known as the Sassi, with their rock-hewn churches and boutique hotels.
Pair Matera with Altamura, only 20 minutes away, famous for its cathedral and DOP-protected bread. A stop at a bakery here is the perfect counterbalance to Matera’s history-heavy atmosphere. Clients often tell us this combo feels like the best of both worlds: ancient wonder + authentic daily life.
Travel tip: Aim for a morning in Matera and an afternoon in Altamura to make the most of light and avoid the crowds.
Fairytale Towns: Alberobello & Locorotondo
For those enchanted by storybook villages, Alberobello is always a top highlight for our clients. The cone-shaped trulli houses are unlike anything else in Italy, and a guided half-day walk is the perfect way to uncover their quirky history.
In the afternoon, continue just 10 minutes to Locorotondo, a circular whitewashed town overflowing with flowers and charm. Clients love pairing a stroll here with a glass of local sparkling white wine while enjoying the panoramic views of the Valle d’Itria.
Logistics tip: Driving is easiest for this pairing, though trains are an option for Alberobello if you prefer to skip parking.
Coastal Escape: Polignano a Mare & Monopoli
For beach lovers, Polignano a Mare is an absolute must. Morning swims in the cliff-enclosed cove or a boat tour of the sea caves set the tone for a relaxing day. Check out our article on 10 things to do in Polignano al Mare.
Then head 15 minutes south to Monopoli, a working fishing town with a charming port and a maze of narrow streets. Many of our travelers tell us they love this pairing — Polignano for drama, Monopoli for authentic everyday life. Together, they capture both the “holiday postcard” and “real Puglia” experiences.
Timing tip: Start early to enjoy the beach in Polignano before it gets busy, then lunch in Monopoli.
White City & Baroque Elegance: Ostuni & Martina Franca
Nicknamed the “White City,” Ostuni gleams on a hilltop above olive groves. Spend a morning wandering its twisting streets and enjoying the viewpoints.
Then drive 25 minutes inland to Martina Franca, a quieter town filled with elegant baroque palaces and piazzas. Clients love this combination because it balances the picture-perfect città bianca with a sophisticated town for a leisurely lunch.
Travel tip: Two stops per day keep the pace relaxed; this pairing is ideal for those who prefer a slow, immersive experience.
Baroque City Tour: Lecce & Otranto
For travelers drawn to architecture and history, Lecce, the “Florence of the South,” is a must-see. Its golden sandstone palaces and intricate churches leave you in awe at every turn.
After lunch, drive 40 minutes to Otranto, a breezy seaside town with a stunning cathedral mosaic and an Aragonese castle. On summer evenings, the promenade comes alive with families enjoying gelato by the sea. The perfect combination of art, history, and Adriatic charm in one day!
Tip: Start early from Bari to maximize time in both Lecce and Otranto without feeling rushed.
Why Pairing Places Works Best
From Bari, most of Puglia’s highlights are under two hours away. By pairing destinations that complement each other, you get a richer sense of the region without the stress of backtracking.
At Classic Puglia, we design these day trips with logistics in mind, so your journey flows smoothly. And as our clients often say, Puglia isn’t just about where you go — it’s about how the places fit together to create a story.
Ready to plan your trip to Puglia?
Tell us what you love—food, beaches, crafts, history—and we’ll tailor your day trips from Bari into a smooth private itinerary with drivers, guides, tastings, and timed entries. Start here: Private Tour from Bari.
If you are looking for some inspiration, then check out this itinerary that features Bari and other destinations.
