Bari Airport

About Bari Airport

This airport started as a military airport but was seized by the Allies during World War II. After the war, it was handed back to the Italian Republic and it saw its first civilian flights in 1960. 

With Italy hosting the FIFA World Cup in 1990 the airport was given a much-needed overhaul and in 2005 another terminal was added. Today, Bari is the largest airport in the Puglia region and is served by numerous international airlines flying to a wide range of domestic and international destinations.

Things to do near Bari Airport

Sitting on the Adriatic coast in southern Italy, this is a gorgeous town to visit, especially if you are a beach lover or Douga connoisseur of fine seafood. 

• This is beach country and here you are spoiled for choice. The most well known of the beaches is probably Pane e Pomodoro and this is where you should head for if you are a lover of white sand and beachfront restaurants. If you prefer your coastal breaks to be slightly more isolated then carry on a little farther until you reach Cala Porto with its rocky coastline. This much smaller beach is not made of sand but white pebbles. If neither of these two catches your fancy, there are at least another half dozen within easy striking distance, each with its own individual character.
• Wander back in time as you stroll through the higgily piggily winding streets of the old town. This tightly woven labyrinth of streets is called Bari Vecchia and the medieval area is nestled snugly between two ports. To most appreciate the area, wander through it on foot and just go where the mood takes you. You will discover old palaces and the Basilica Saint Nicola. 
•  An 11th-century architectural masterpiece, the Basilica Saint Nicola was high on the pilgrim route when pilgrims would come here to see the relics of Saint Nicola. These were purportedly stolen from Turkey in the 11th century by sailors from Bari who then brought them home and constructed the Basilica to house them.
• Get your fish fresh by visiting Porto Vecchia. From this tiny port, Italian fishermen have been going to sea in their delightful little blue boats for centuries. This is an authentic port where you will be able to watch the fisherman land their catch, and purchase from them directly if you choose to. If that doesn't suit you, the local port side restaurants are one place where you can be sure that any fish dish your order will be straight from the sea.
• Watch orecchiette being made before your eyes in Strada Della Orecchiette. Here, old women sit patiently molding these tiny ear-shaped pieces of pasta right in front of you. No fancy machines or mass production. This is as real as it gets. You are welcome to take photos but if you purchase some of the product being made, your welcome will be far more genuine.

Transport options from Bari Airport

This is an airport that is serviced by both budget carriers and larger airlines so you will have no trouble getting here.

• The airport is connected to town by metropolitan trains which will be heading to Bari Centrale Station.  
• AMTAB bus line 16 services the city from the airport but you can also ride the metro to the city and pick up a local bus from there.
• The mainline railway system runs to Rome from the central station as well as to more regional destinations.

Luggage storage at Bari Airport

Getting around narrow cobbled streets while hauling luggage is one sure way to put a damper on any trip. Bounce have thought of this and worldwide, they have teamed up with local businesses to offer baggage storage that is both secure and inexpensive.

In more than 100 cities you can book online and ensure that there is space available for your luggage when you get there. What’s more, you are covered by free insurance so there is absolutely nothing to worry about as you enjoy your adventure.

Activities and attractions near Bari Airport

The airport is not far from the city center so there is plenty for a traveler to experience. Moving slightly further afield, there are even more places to discover in this beautiful part of the world.

I Trulli di Alberobello:  This World Heritage Site consists of a village made up of white beehive-shaped houses and if you don't pay a visit, you will always regret it. You can stay there for a few days or you may explore the town in just a few hours, but it is a must-see. The bus from Largo Sorrentino takes an hour and five minutes and costs just 3 Euros.

Grotte di Castellana: With so much limestone in Europe, there is an abundance of caves to visit, but this is described as one of the best. You are advised to book in advance and you must go on a guided tour but the visit is likely to be memorable even for experienced cave fanatics.

Cantina Frudd: This is one for the would-be wine sommeliers out there. Italy prides itself on its wines and this wine museum and cellar will walk you through the process from some of the earliest production methods right through to modern-day techniques. You will have the opportunity to do some tasting and possibly purchase some wine, but you will definitely come back knowing a whole lot more about one of this country's premier export products.