Choosing the right hire car

Particularly in the Apulian cities, there is often a shortage of parking spaces. It’s better to choose a small car that you can squeeze into tight spaces. In the summer months, you should make sure that your hire car has air conditioning. Because then it often gets oppressively hot in Puglia.

Insuring the car properly

Many Italians maintain a sporty driving style. An accident can happen quickly. With comprehensive insurance without excess, you are well insured in such a case. With liability insurance, it is important that you check the amount of cover. It should be at least one million euros.

Because if people are injured in an accident, or if several vehicles collide, a million quickly adds up. If the sum insured of your rental company does not seem to be sufficient, you still have the possibility to take out an additional Mallorca policy with your insurance company. Let yourself be advised.

Accessories

Accessories such as child seats and navigation equipment must be booked separately to ensure that the items are available on your arrival date. Rental companies rent out accessories at different prices. Compare at your leisure.

Free kilometers

If you want to explore the beauty of Puglia without constantly squinting anxiously at the odometer, book a car with free kilometres.

Safety hire car

Although you can usually assume you’ll get a safe hire car in Bari, check the lights before your first drive. And do a brake test while still in the rental company’s parking lot.

Sights in Bari

City Wall: Fantastic View
The city wall of the old town is a good point to start a sightseeing tour of Bari. From the top, it offers a terrific view of the city and surrounding area.

Basilica San Nicola: Experience Romanesque architecture
When you’ve had your fill, pay a visit to the Basilica San Nicola. Construction began as early as 1089, but it would take until the end of the 12th century to complete.

The church is considered the epitome of Romanesque architecture. Visitors are particularly enthralled by the ciborium above the main altar, which dates back to the 12th century. You should also make it a point to take in the church’s richly decorated portals.

Cathedral: Fascinating stained glass
The city’s cathedral also boasts a magnificently ornate façade. It was built from the year 1178. Particularly noteworthy is the apse window, which only unfolds its special effect in the sunshine.

Old Town: Busy housewives at work
After visiting the mighty fortresses, explore the alleys of the old town. Watch the women sitting outside their homes shaping the region’s signature pasta, orrechietti. Stop in a small bar and enjoy a glass of Apulian red wine and some antipasti.

New Town: Splendid pedestrian zone
Freshly fortified, you can now turn your attention to the New Town. Joachim Murat had the Borgo Nuovo laid out in the 19th century. Paris and Naples served him as models for the spacious streets. Stroll down Via Sparano to the railway station and enjoy the splendour of this pedestrian zone with its buildings from the Wilhelminian period.

Find a good hotel

There are also nice hotels to discover in Bari. We recommend the Palace. This luxurious hotel has been accommodating guests since 1956. The view from the roof terrace over the city is simply magnificent and the spacious rooms leave nothing to be desired.

Suggestion of a round trip

Monopoli: Beautiful beaches and excellent restaurants
Monopoli is an enchanting first stop on a round trip. Your hire car will get you there in just over half an hour. In Monopoli, you can unwind on one of the pretty little beaches.

Or you can stroll through the largely car-free old town, stock up on souvenirs in one of the small shops and then enjoy excellent fish dishes in a restaurant. he Osteria Perricci, which has been serving authentic Apulian cuisine since 1910, is particularly worthwhile.

Brindisi: Antiquity under glass
Your next destination could be Brindisi. In just under an hour you will be there. In Brindisi, the magnificent cathedral, which originally dates back to the 11th century, awaits you. After its destruction in the 18th century, it was rebuilt and now shines in Baroque splendour.

The Area Archelogica di San Pietro degli Schiavoni is also not to be missed. You’ll find the ancient site under a glass floor in the Teatro Verdi. During construction work for the theatre, a Roman road was discovered. This can now be admired inside the theatre through a glass floor.

Martina Franca: Baroque Old Town
Before you head back to Bari, you can stop off in Martina Franca. In about an hour you will be there. In the old town with numerous baroque buildings you can stroll wonderfully and taste one of the typical meat dishes from the grill in one of the rustic butcher’s shops.

In addition, from Martina Franca you can take a beautiful walk along a picturesque road to Locorotondo. In addition to olive trees, you will always see the round trulli typical of Puglia along the way. A good hour’s drive now separates you from Bari, where you can plan your next excursion in a hire car at your leisure.