Bari is the perfect base for exploring Puglia – a city buzzing with life, food, and history, but also beautifully connected to some of southern Italy’s most magical towns and landscapes. If you’re looking for the best day trips from Bari, you’re in for a treat.

Stone building facade with arches, religious statues, and a cross on the roof. The sky is clear and blue.
Famous Archangel Michael pilgrimage church.
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I’ve done these day trips as a solo traveller, and trust me, they’re worth it. Here’s my pick of the top 10 day trips from Bari – complete with how to get there, what to do, and some handy tour options if you’d rather not DIY.

1. Alberobello 🏠

A UNESCO World Heritage Site, Alberobello is world-famous for its trulli – cone-shaped limestone houses that look like they belong in a fairytale.

White stone houses with conical roofs under a clear blue sky. A few items are displayed outside a shop. A person stands on the right. Trees are visible in the background.

Wander through Rione Monti (the main trulli district), peek inside a trullo, and don’t miss the rooftop views.

💡 Top tip: Stay overnight in a trullo if you can – I did, and it was magical.

🚆 How to get there: 1.5 hours by train (FSE line). ? About 1 hour by car.

🎟️ Tours: Walking tour, street food tour or combine with Polignano a Mare.

👉 Related: Alberobello Guide | 9 Best Things to Do in Alberobello | 15 Delicious Alberobello Restaurants.

2. Matera ⛰️

Over the border in Basilicata, Matera is known as the city of caves.

Stone buildings with weathered facades are stacked on a hillside under a cloudy sky.

Its ancient cave dwellings, or Sassi, are carved into limestone cliffs and have been inhabited since prehistoric times.

Today, you’ll find boutique hotels, cave churches, and incredible viewpoints.

💡 If you can, stay overnight in a cave hotel – the city lit up at night is breathtaking.

🚗 1 hour by car. 🚌 1.5 hours by bus.

🎟️ Tours: Full-day Matera tour with transport and tastings.

👉 Read more: Things to Do in Matera.

3. Polignano a Mare 🌊

Cliffside Polignano is pure drama – whitewashed houses teetering on cliffs above the turquoise Adriatic.

Clear blue water meets rugged cliffs and white stone buildings under a bright blue sky.

Don’t miss Lama Monachile beach, the old town, and a gelato stop. In summer, the town is buzzing, so get there early.

💡 Top tip: In summer, the town is buzzing – arrive ea

🚆 30 minutes by train. 🚗 About 40 minutes by car.

🎟️ Tours: Polignano boat tour with sea caves, or Alberobello + Polignano combo.

👉 Read next: 14 Beautiful Towns in Puglia.

4. Trani ⚓

Known as the Pearl of Puglia, Trani is a gorgeous port town with a stunning waterfront cathedral right on the sea.

A scenic harbor scene in one of the best places to stay in Puglia, featuring blue boats moored in calm water, historic buildings, and a charming church with a bell tower silhouetted against the clear blue sky.

Stroll the marina, check out the medieval Swabian Castle, and feast on fresh seafood.

💡 Top tip: Try the fresh seafood along the marina.

🚆 40 minutes by train. 🚗 45 minutes by car.

🎟️ Tours: Trani & Castel del Monte day trip.

5. Ostuni 🤍

Nicknamed the White City, Ostuni is perched on a hilltop, dazzling in whitewashed glory.

The view captures a historic town with white buildings cascading down a hillside under a clear blue sky, embodying the charm of one of the best places to stay in Puglia.

Wander through winding alleys, explore the 15th-century cathedral, and snap photos of olive groves rolling down to the Adriatic.

💡 Top tip: Wander up to the 15th-century cathedral for the best photo spots.

🚆 1 hour by train + 10-minute taxi. 🚗 1h 15m by car.

🎟️ Tours: Ostuni & countryside private tour, or combine with Polignano & Cisternino.

6. Castel del Monte 🏰

A UNESCO-listed mystery!

Castel del Monte, a medieval stone fortress with an octagonal shape, stands under a partly cloudy sky surrounded by the lush greenery of Puglia, echoing the charm of Alberobello's unique landscape.

This 13th-century castle is an architectural wonder – perfectly octagonal, with endless theories about why it was built. History buffs will love it, and the countryside views are stunning.

💡 Top tip: The surrounding countryside views are as striking as the castle itself.

🚗 About 1 hour by car (public transport is trickier).

🎟️ Tours: Trani & Castel del Monte with wine tasting.

👉 Related: Puglia Travel Guide | The Best Places in Puglia.

7. Castellana Caves 🕳️

An underground wonderland!

A cavernous underground space with large, irregularly shaped rock formations and various light sources illuminating the scene.

These limestone caves stretch for kilometres and feature surreal stalactites, stalagmites, and shimmering chambers. The White Cave is a highlight.

💡 Top tip: Wear comfy shoes – tours can last up to 2 hours underground.

🚗 45 minutes by car. 🚌 About 1h 10m by bus.

🎟️ Tours: Alberobello + Castellana Caves day tour.

8. Lecce ⛲

Nicknamed the Florence of the South, Lecce is all about baroque beauty.

Ancient Roman amphitheater with stone seats in Lecce, Italy, surrounded by historic buildings under a clear blue sky, this site is a captivating glimpse into history and one of the best places to stay in Puglia for those seeking a blend of culture and beauty.

Visit the Basilica di Santa Croce, Piazza del Duomo, and the Roman Amphitheatre. Don’t leave without tasting a pasticciotto pastry.

💡 Top tip: Take your time – Lecce’s ornate details reveal themselves slowly.

🚆 1h 40m by train. 🚗 About 2 hours by car.

🎟️ Tours: Lecce & Otranto private tour.

9. Taranto ⚓

A city of two seas, Taranto blends Greek history with seafront charm.

Aerial view of a coastal city with a historic stone fortress on the left, modern buildings on the right, and a bridge connecting both over calm blue water.
Taranto

Visit the Aragonese Castle, the cathedral, and stroll the seafront promenade. Seafood lovers, this one’s for you.

🚆 1h 20m by train. 🚗 About 1h 30m by car.

🎟️ Tours: Walking tour of Taranto old town.

10. Monte Sant’Angelo ⛪

High in the Gargano National Park, this hilltop town is a UNESCO pilgrimage site thanks to the Sanctuary of Saint Michael the Archangel.

A hillside town with clusters of white and gray buildings, featuring red-tiled roofs, under a clear blue sky.

Expect epic views, a medieval castle, and rustic local food.

💡 Top tip: Pair your visit with nearby Foresta Umbra for a scenic drive.

🚗 2 hours by car (public transport takes much longer).

🎟️ Tours: Guided sanctuary visit with castle & caves.

Map of Day Trips from Bari 🗺️

Check out my interactive Google Map below – click the stars to save to your own account for planning.

FAQs about Day Trips from Bari 💡

Do I need a car in Puglia?

Renting a car makes life much easier, especially for Castel del Monte or Monte Sant’Angelo. I use Discover Cars to compare prices.

Can I use trains and buses?

Yes! Trains run frequently to Polignano, Trani, Ostuni and Lecce. Buses cover Matera and Alberobello.

How many day trips should I plan?

2-3 is a great number if you’re in Bari for a week.

What’s the best season for day trips?

Spring and autumn – fewer crowds and cooler weather. Summer is hot but lively.

Are tours worth it?

If you want to see multiple towns in one day without the hassle, tours are a fab option. I use Viator and Get Your Guide for tours everywhere I go in Europe.

Pin for Later – Best Day Trips from Bari 📌

Planning a trip to southern Italy? Save these 10 amazing day trips from Bari for your Puglia itinerary.

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Below are some further posts relating to this one about day trips to take from Bari.

🗺️ Puglia Travel Guide.
🚗 Puglia 7 day Itinerary.
🍝 Food and Drink from Puglia, Italy.
✈️ How to Get to Bari, Italy: Plane, Train, Bus, Car & Ferry.
🏛️ Wonderful Things to Do in Bari.

    👉 Looking for practical travel tools? Check out my Travel Resources page.

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