Car Hire Bari

With the exception of a few narrow roads in the very heart of Bari – the ‘Centro Storico’ - this is a city ripe for exploration by car, with a common sense grid layout. It also comes with the added bonus of being able to get out and drive further down the heel of Italy’s boot.

It’s a good idea to familiarise yourself with the local driving rules before you arrive – and our local teams will help with anything you’re not sure on.

Speed limits are in km/h and range from 50 km/h in urban areas and inside towns up to 130 km/h on the motorways known as ‘autostrada’. When on two-lane motorways outside of towns and cities, dipped headlights must be used. Seatbelts must be fastened for the driver and all passengers.

The SS16 coastal highway is one of the main roads in this part of Italy, cutting inland as it reaches Bari to lead you around the outskirts. You can leave it at various points to access the city, such as at Via Giovanni Amendola in the east or Via Bruno Buozzi in the west.

Outside the city, the SS16 is ideal for a stop off in gorgeous seaside towns like San Giorgio and Torre a Mare. There are perfect places to gaze out at the blue sea while indulging in freshly-caught seafood and shellfish.

Along the Adriatic coast sits the historic town of Monopoli. Here you can explore ancient tombs, traditional sculptures and breath-taking architecture. Be sure to visit the 16^th century frescoed Palmieri Palace, and the Castle of Carlo V, while learning all about the wealthy family who built them. You may also want to soak up some sea air, roam the colourful street markets and pick up charming trinkets and souvenirs along the way.

For a change in scenery, head away from the ocean views and drive inland along the SS96 to the traditional town of Altamura. Here you can explore grand city walls, the incredibly ornate Romanesque cathedral and the town’s famous Archaeological Museum. Don’t leave without trying their own bread, Pane di Altamura.

Away from the fashion of Milan, the ruins of Rome, the swank of Sorrento, Bari has quietly carved itself a niche as a wonderful place to visit. It may not get all the attention lavished on its more famous Italian siblings, but it doesn’t have all the crowds either. Instead, you’ll find a friendly, waterside city with its own way of doing things and no shortage of Italianate charm.

Snatching Santa

One of Bari’s most famous sights is the Basilica di San Nicola. An early Norman church, it’s filled with grand arches, pillars and intricate religious artwork. More notably, it’s home to the relics of the man famously known as Father Christmas – St. Nicholas. He wasn’t born here, fishermen stole the remains from Turkey in the 11^th century and interred them on this site.

Another sight that should be high on your list is the famous town of Alberobello. Just one hour away on the SS16, this hilltop location is filled with 1500 stone huts all topped with conical roofs. These quaint, traditional houses are a unique sight, and you can buy wonderful hand-crafted souvenirs here to take home.

A bite of Bari

Eating your way around Bari is just one way of discovering the city’s true soul – but it’s one of the best ways too. You’ll find unpretentious trattorias where recipes haven’t changed in generations – because you can’t improve perfection – and serious street food for a snack on the go. Pugliese food has its own specialities, from orecchiette pasta (the ‘little ears’ shape) to lamb, burrata cheese and zingy, peppery local olive oil.

Explore the squares at the end of Old Town, Piazza Mercantile and Piazza del Farrarese for places geared towards visitors or, if your Italian is up to it, ask a local for a recommendation. Near the harbour, there’s a fish market where you can tuck into baby octopus or sea urchin served simply with lemon.

Ramble through Roman ruins

In the old town, all narrow streets and charming piazzas, head to the cathedral, built in both the 12^th and 13^th century. It’s a relatively simple affair inside but worth visiting for the basement excavations which have unearthed Roman ruins and the stunning remains of a Christian basilica from the 5^th century.

Located in the heart of the nearby square is a piece of ancient history – a piece of the original Roman road, named the Appian Way, dated from the second century AD.

Life’s a beach

Bari’s most famous beach, Pane e Pomodoro sits in the heart of the city and you’ll be joining plenty of locals if you choose to relax on the sand here. The coastline of Bari is studded with hidden coves and grottoes, romantic and rugged.

If you’re happy to head a bit further away from the centre, just a short drive away is Porto Cavallo, a small family-friendly beach directly next to an exciting new marina. Or take advantage of luxury beach huts in San Giovanni for the perfect place to unwind – there’s a lido here too.

Car hire in Bari opens up the city and the whole coastline for your visit – make sure you explore every last bit of this sensational corner of Italy.