The starting point for my Explora Journeys cruise was the southern Italian port city of Bari. As one of two major entry points to the Puglia region (along with Brindisi), Bari is somewhat overlooked, but from my short time there, it’s certainly worth a visit, if only for an afternoon. I flew in from Gatwick early in the morning and decided to get the train directly into the city, with a twenty-minute walk through the city as cruise ships dock close to the centre, making it an easy and rewarding place to explore in just a few hours on foot.
The focal point of the city is Bari Vecchia, the city’s old town. Here, you’ll find narrow lanes, whitewashed buildings and Romanesque churches, quiet courtyards and lovely piazzas. People actually live there, so it has a more authentic atmosphere and doesn’t feel manicured like in some of the larger cities.
Among the key sights are its churches, the Basilica di San Nicola, an 11th-century church that houses the relics of Saint Nicholas, the inspiration for Father Christmas. Its crypt draws pilgrims from around the world. A short walk away, the Cathedral of San Sabino offers a quieter space to reflect, while the Castello Svevo, a medieval fortress, gives a glimpse into Bari’s past.
With Bari Vecchia, its less about ticking off attractions and more about soaking up the texture of daily life. Stop at a small café for a caffè leccese (iced coffee with almond milk), pick up some fresh focaccia Barese from a bakery window, or browse the tiny souvenir shops selling handmade ceramics and local olive oil. Believe me, there are plenty of them! The narrow streets sometimes feel a bit like Venice, but without the canals.
Although I didn’t get there, the Lungomare, Bari’s seafront promenade, is great for wide-open views of the Adriatic and a refreshing breeze, and it was really breezy when I was there, although there is a decent-sized beach as well.
I was really impressed, both with the shopping opportunities and what the city had to offer. The long shopping street, which essentially connects the train station and the Vecchia, has every brand you would expect from Boss and Cartier, to H&M and Zara, and everything in between. Like you would also expect from a city in the Med, there are also a lot of cafes, which spill over into the pedestrianised street.
Having never been to Puglia before, I didn’t know what to expect, but it was exactly as you would expect a less touristy Italian city, and that’s what makes it really interesting.
