Bari

Sitting on a spectacular stretch of coastline on the ‘heel’ of Italy, Bari is Puglia’s bustling capital. The city’s historic Bari Vecchia district is a labyrinth of charming medieval streets where you’ll see local women selling homemade orecchiette pasta and the faithful making their pilgrimages to the 12th century Basilica San Nicola. Head out of town and explore fascinating heritage sites like Alberobello, a village of unique domed trulli structures; or relax on one of the many sandy beaches that sit beneath the region’s ancient clifftop villages. Back in Bari, take a stroll to the lively Piazza del Ferrarese, which is a great place to sample traditional Puglia dishes or spend some time hopping from bar to bar.