Bari holidays

Despite it being one of the biggest cities in southern Italy, holidays to Bari sit at the relaxing end of the scale.

Seafront city breaks

Bari – the capital of Italy’s Puglia region – is plotted along the coast near the top of the country’s heel. As far as sizes go, the city comes in a large, but it’s managed to stay relatively off the radar, making it an ideal pick if you want to avoid the tourist throngs. Better still, the main sights are all within walking distance of each other – including the labyrinth-like old town, the pretty harbour, Romanesque churches and upmarket shopping streets.

The old town

Bari dates back more than 2,000 years, so it’s safe to say there’s plenty for history buffs to uncover in its old town. It’s where you’ll find the city’s most famous sight – the 11th-century Basilica of Saint Nicholas. The church holds the remains of the much-loved saint – who is said to be the inspiration for the modern-day Santa Claus – in a vaulted crypt. Elsewhere, you can peek inside a 13th-century castle and cathedral, or just get lost in the maze of narrow alleyways.

The new town

It’s easy to tell Bari’s new town apart from its old town – the former’s made up of neat squares and grid-like roads, while the latter’s a mish-mash of winding streets. When it’s time to swap the old for the new, you’ll find authentic Italian restaurants and high street stores sprinkled all over. And while you’re in the midst of some retail therapy, don’t forget to have a mooch around Palazzo Mincuzzi – an Art Nouveau palace that’s been converted into a swanky clothes shop.