Bari Cruise Port

Located on the Adriatic sea coast, at the very top of the Italian boot’s heel, northwest of Brindisi, Bari cruise port represents one of the most popular destinations for cruise ships and ferries from such countries as Greece, Croatia, Albania, Serbia, Turkey, and, of course, Montenegro. It won’t be an overstatement to say that Bari is the largest and the most important city in the entire Puglia region visited by numerous tourists from all over the world. 

Where Do Cruise Ships Dock in Bari?

The new Bari cruise terminal (Terminal Crociere di Bari) is conveniently located northwest of the Bari old town. It will take you not more than 20 minutes on foot to get to the main city’s attraction, the old town of Bari which is very well known among tourists for its authentic beauty and rich history. The city center of Bari is also located within walking distance. In fact, the Bari cruise port is considered the door from Europe to the Balkan peninsula and the Middle East. The port city of Bari even has its sister city in Montenegro, called Bar. Bar-Bari is one of the most popular ferry lines for tourists allowing them to visit more than one country in a comparatively short period. 

What to Do in Bari Cruise Port?

If you have the Bari cruise port on your itinerary, you are lucky. The architecture of this unique Italian city represents a remarkable and inimitable mixture of modern buildings and architectural masterpieces of the past times. Bari Old Town itself is a real open-air museum allowing you to plunge into the atmosphere of an ancient medieval city that witnessed the change of numerous cultures and epochs (Roman Empire, Byzantine Empire, Norman Invasion, etc.) which of course significantly influenced the appearance of the city that we are happy to observe nowadays. Please, get acquainted with the short list of the most popular sightseeings of Bari which are worth visiting.  

St. Nicholas’ Basilica

The main Bari sightseeing that attracts tourists from all over the world is, of course, the Pontifical Basilica of St. Nicolas built in the 12th century. This Saint is well-known not only to all Christians but also to people who do not practice this religion for his miracles. Saint Nicholas the Wonderworker (a patron saint of children, seafarers, and a prototype of Santa Clause) defends this amazing city and his well-preserved Basilica is never empty as Orthodox and Roman Catholic pilgrims from all the countries try to get there to touch his relics which are kept there.

Bari Castle (Castello Normanno-Svevo)

Erected in the 12th century by the Norman king Roger II, this marvelous castle still amazes travelers with its monumental appearance and impressive size and undoubtedly deserves special attention from every traveler visiting Bari.

Cathedral of San Sabino (the Bari Cathedral)

Like almost all the touristic attractions located in the old town of Bari, this Basilica was built during the medieval time (between the 12th and 13th centuries) and represents the Apulian Romanesque architectural style. The mysterious ancient underground crypt with old graves is located inside which is of special interest among travelers. The entrance fee is 3 euros.

Piazza Mercantile

This magnificent square represents the heart of the old town of Bari and is its landmark. It has been the city’s commercial center since medieval times and today is the main place for almost all the cultural events which take place in Bari today. 

Seaside Promenade

Those who have been tired from visiting Bari’s piazzas, palaces, and churches can enjoy breathing fresh sea air while walking along a kilometer-long Lungomare Nazario Sauro, an amazing breathtaking coastal avenue popular among tourists and city dwellers for its beautiful view. Drink a cup of coffee or have a delicious lunch in one of the restaurants located there and let the whole world wait!

Alberobello

One of the Puglia region miracles is a small town and a commune of the Bari Province, Alberobello. What is it remarkable for? It is famous worldwide for its trullo houses representing the quaint white stone huts with cone roofs. The main trick of such unique constructions was that you could demolish them by removing just one stone from the masonry to avoid paying property taxes. Such unusual constructions characterize this very region and can not be found anywhere else in the world. Trullo buildings of Puglia represent the UNESCO World Heritage Site and are one of the most visited attractions of the region. The distance between Bari and Alberobello amounts to 49 kilometers. The best way to get there is by bus which will take you around an hour and a half. The direct bus departs daily from Bari Largo Sorrentino to Alberobello and the cost of a ticket is 5 euros. The detailed information is available at www.omio.com. 

Where to Swim in Bari Cruise Port?

Located on the very sea coast, Bari is undoubtedly rich with beautiful beaches allowing you to enjoy swimming in the turquoise water of the Adriatic, recognized by the way as one of the cleanest and the most suitable seas for swimming worldwide. Numerous beaches (both, public and private) are located along the whole shoreline of Puglia. For instance, “Bread and tomato” small sandy beach, “Canalone”, “Capolinea Amtab” public beach, “Lido Francesco”, and many others are located along the sea shore of Bari and its outskirts in comparatively close proximity to the cruise port of Bari (not more than 2 kilometers) and can be easily reached on foot. Of course, you can use public transport or a taxi to get to one of the nearest beaches. Having been tired of exploring the cultural architectural heritage of Bari, the best thing you can do is to cool off by the waves of the beautiful Adriatic Sea. 

How to get to Bari Cruise Port from Bari Airport?

There are several ways to get to the city center of Bari from Bari International Airport. 

Taxi

The price varies from 20 up to 30 euros. It is the fastest and, of course, the most expensive way. Hiring a private taxi you should always confirm the cost with the driver beforehand to avoid an unpleasant situation with an “unexpectedly” increased cost by the end of your trip. 

Bus

It represents the cheapest way to get from Bari Airport to the city center. Local line bus No.16 costs 1 euro and will take you to the very center of Bari. A bus shuttle from the airport to the central train station is also available. The cost of a ticket is 4 euros. 

Train

Another comparatively convenient way to get to the center of Bari is the train which regularly departs. The cost is 7 euros, the travel time to the center is approximately 25 minutes. All you have to do is to follow the signs at the airport, go to the underground and buy the ticket.

As far as you can see, it won’t be difficult to get to the center of Bari as well as to the Bari cruise port in case it is the departure port of your cruise itinerary.