Ultimate 3 Days in Bari Itinerary: Explore Bari, Matera and Polignano a Mare

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CURRENTLY BEING UPDATED AS OF 7 SEPTEMBER 2024.

Planning a trip to the Puglia and Basilicata regions? Let me help you plan your perfect 3 days in Bari, Matera and Polignano a mare with this itinerary.

Nestled in the heel of Italy’s boot, Bari — often overlooked as the capital of Puglia — became my base for my solo trip to visit some of the region’s lesser-known treasures. Over three days, I ventured from this historic port city to uncover the hidden gems of both Puglia and neighbouring Basilicata, including the stunning coastal town of Polignano a Mare and the ancient cave city of Matera. This Bari itinerary post will dive into things to do, restaurants, accomodation and transport options to help you plan your trip.

Day 1: Bari

Kick off your 3 days in Bari discovering the coastal city that blends lively city life with the charm of a historic past. From the bustling streets of the city centre, lined with French-inspired architecture, to the maze-like, winding streets of Bari Vecchia where navigating the streets was an adventure all of its own, Bari was an unexpected mix of vibrant urban energy and old-world charm.

Morning

Arriving in Bari, I had no idea what to expect beyond its coastal location, but the city quickly proved to be full of surprises. From the lively metropolis with tall, French-inspired buildings and grid-like streets to the winding alleyways of Bari Vecchia, the Old Quarter feels like a world apart.

Start your day by fuelling up with coffee and pastries at Caffè Vergnano 1882 in the city centre. Time to become familiar with your surroundings with a Bari city tour. Choose to go by foot, segway, rickshaw or bicycle.

Midday

Time for lunch – pizza enthusiasts can head to Pizzeria I Mancini or another option is Bakery Santa Rita.

Afternoon

See somewhere on your city tour you wanted to check out? Spend your afternoon exploring Bari at your own pace. Get lost in the winding streets of Bari Vecchia (the Old Quarter), enjoy in the scenic seafront views while taking a walk along the Lungomare Nazario Sauro, or visit the Romanesque Basilica di San Nicola. Uncover the history of the Castello Normanno-Svevo, Bari’s iconic castle, wander through the lively Piazza Mercantile, or admire the incredible architecture of Teatro Petruzzelli, the city’s renowned opera house. Or do a little shopping along Via Sparano.

Evening

Around 5pm, set sail on a guided sailing tour of Bari’s coastline on the turquoise waters of the Adriatic. If you’re lucky, you might even see some playful dolphins along the way.

After your sailing tour disembarks, catch a taxi (approximately 10 – 15 minutes) or public transport (approximately 20 – 30 minutes) to La Cantina dello Zio for dinner, which is a favourite spot among locals and visitors alike who are looking for an authentic taste of Bari.

Day 2: Matera

On this day, technically you’ll go cross the border of Puglia into the Basilicata region, to Matera. Once known as the “shame of Italy” due to its severe poverty and cave dwellings that housed many people in cramped conditions, Matera has since become a UNESCO World Heritage site and one of the most fascinating towns to wander through.

Did you know that Matera was once known as the “shame of Italy,” with some of the small caves housing up to ten people in cramped conditions. Today, these ancient caves and alleys form the Sassi di Matera, a UNESCO World Heritage site where you can wander through narrow stone streets and explore all of the things this town has to offer:

Morning

I suggest a fairly early start thing morning because you’ll be taking a bus or train ride to Matera from Bari. The journey’s vary between 1 hour and 15 minutes to 2 hours and 30 minutes – and surprisingly, the bus tends to a shorter journey time. You can look at bus and train options here

Once you arrive in Matera, you might want to stop into Pasthello Gelato Autentico to grab a coffee on your way to Stassi di Matera. If you’re arriving in Matera at Matera Centrale, it’s a 5-minute walk and it’s on the way, or if you get off the bus at Matera – Piazzale Matteotti, it’s just a minute away.

Once you’re caffeinated or you’ve fuelled up on your drink of choice, it’s time to wander through the ancient streets of the city. You can choose to explore on your own accord or you could join a guided walking tour or explore by tuk tuk or open bus.

Midday

Depending on your preference you can choose to have lunch in a unique cave setting at one of Matera’s former dwellings (Era Convivial Cave Restaurant and Crialòss Café Bistrot – Panoramic Cave are two options) or you can choose to take in the views of Matera at the Quarry Lounge Terrace – Restaurant Garden In.

Afternoon

Step back in time with a visit to the Casa Grotta di Vico Solitario, a traditional furnished cave dwelling. Then visit the ancient cave churches of Chiesa di San Pietro Barisano and Chiesa di Santa Maria de Idris. You can even take a guided tour of Palomaro Lungo, an underground rock cistern.

Later this afternoon, it’ll be time to head back to Bari. (Unless, of course, you’d like to stay a night? Check out some of the accomodation options a little further down)

Evening

If you’re not staying in Matera overnight, you’ll be back in Bari of the evening.

Head to for a cheap, quick bite at Spizzipizza or head to Nassau Pub and Pirates if you’re after a place to eat and drink in a lively atmosphere.

Plan to stay a night in Matera?

Plan on spending the night instead of just doing a day trip? Stay overnight in a boutique hotel that was once a rock-hewn home. Here are four accomodation options that offer a range of unique stays within Matera’s historic cave dwellings: Il Belvedere, Le Malve Cave Retreat, Sextantio Le Grotte della Civita, and Aquatio Cave Luxury Hotel & Spa. (Even if you don’t end up staying, they’re worth having a peak at!)

As always, here’s some more options I’ve researched for various budgets:

• Budget: Vicolo Fiore Affittacamere
• Mid-range: Piano Piano – Rooms or Hydria Rooms
• Luxury: Alongside the other cave hotels above, Sant’Angelo or Quarry Resort

How to get to Matera from Bari

There are a few ways to get to Matera from Bari, depending on your preference:

• Train: Take the train from Bari Centrale to Matera Centrale, which will take approximately 1 hour and 40 minutes each way. Look at train options here.
• Bus: There are buses that will take you directly from Bari to Matera Piazza Matteotti, which will take between 1 hour and 15 minutes – 1 hours and 40.
• Organised Day Tour: There are a number of organised day tours that can take you roundtrip to Matera from Bari:
  • Matera from Bari
  • Matera and Alberobello from Bari
  • Puglia Full-Day Tour: Bari, Trulli of Alberobello, Castel del Monte and Sassi of Matera
• Private Transfer: You can also opt to book a private transfer to take you to and from Matera from Bari.
• Hire a car: Hiring a car will give you the freedom to visit at your own pace. You can check out rental car options here.

Reminder: Always remember to validate each ticket before you get on the train.

Day 3: Polignano a Mare

Polignano a Mare is a captivating coastal gem perched on rugged cliffs and surrounded by the turquoise waters of the Adriatic. Though quaint in size, the town’s unique coastline and charming streets make it a must-visit destination. Plan to spend at least half a day here, arriving in the morning or early afternoon to enjoy the beach.

Morning

Midday

Afternoon

Evening

Known for its postcard-worthy views, this charming town invites visitors to wander its narrow streets, relax on its stunning beaches, and explore hidden sea caves, all while soaking in the vibrant atmosphere of this beautiful Italian seaside destination. Here are some sights and activities you can add to your itinerary:

• Take a boat tour of the Polignano a Mare caves,
• Relax on the town’s iconic beach, Lama Monachile Beach
• Stroll through the Old Town
• Enjoy a unique dining experience at the cave restaurant called Grotto Palazze
• Join a street food tour

Where to eat and drink in Polignano a Mare

Start your day in Polignano a Mare with a coffee at Bar Luna. For a budget-friendly meal, head to Malidea – Freschi e Croccanti, where the focaccias are customer favourite. Foodies should check out Lamare Cucine e Dimore, and the Radimare Ristorante, which boasts a Michelin star for its exquisite cuisine. And for something truly unforgettable, Grotto Palazzese is a unique cave restaurant built into the cliffside with stunning views of the sea.

Plan to stay a night in Polignano a Mare?

If you’re keen for more than a day trip to Polignano a Mare, I’ve put together a list of accommodation in Polignano a Mare to make searching a little easier for you. Below, I’ve explored a range of options that cater to different budgets to help narrow down your search:

• Budget: Located very close to Lama Monachile Beach, Romi’ offers guesthouse style accomodation for budget travellers.
• Mid-range: There are so many great mid-range options in Polignano, Dimora Anderì, B&B Casa Dorsi, and B&B Nel Blu Dipinto Di Blu are a few of the options.
• Luxury: Located right on the beachfront, Musae al Mare offers suites with balconies featuring hot tubs and sea view.

How to get to Polignano a Mare from Bari

There are a few ways to get to Polignano a Mare from Bari, depending on your preference:

• Train: Take the train from Bari Centrale to Polignano a Mare, which will take approximately 40 minutes to 1 hours each way. Look at train options here.
• Organised Day Tour: There are a number of organised day tours that can take you roundtrip to Matera from Bari:
  • Ostuni, Cisternino and Polignano Small-Group Day Trip from Bari
  • Ostuni, Locorotondo & Polignano: Private or semi-private tour from Bari
• Private Transfer: You can also opt to book a private transfer to take you to and from Polignano a Mare from Bari.
• Hire a car: Hiring a car will give you the freedom to visit at your own pace. You can check out rental car options here.

Reminder: Always remember to validate each ticket before you get on the train.

Have more than 3 days in Bari? Here’s some additional ideas

if you’re planning to spend more time in this area of Italy, there are plenty of additional ideas you can add to your Bari itinerary. if you’re wanting to venture out of Bari, Alberello, Lecce, Locorotondo, Cisternino, and Ostuni are other beautiful towns in the that you can to explore.

Must-know travel tips for Bari, Matera and Polignano a Mare

• Siesta time: Siesta is a common tradition practised in these areas, which means that many of the restaurants and shops are closed from 1/2 pm until 5 pm. Plan accordingly if you wish to visit a restaurant for lunch and get in early – I learned the hard way in Matera.
• Learn some basic Italian words and phrases: While many in tourist areas speak English, knowing a few basic Italian phrases will go a long way in some of the smaller towns noted on the itinerary. But don’t let this put you off – I am terrible at retaining languages and I managed just fine! 
• Rent a car and explore: While there’s plenty of public transport options and tours, if you’re confident in driving abroad renting a car gives you the freedom to explore the area’s hidden gems, like secluded beaches, countryside towns, and wineries at your own pace. Although, you’ll want to keep in mind that the roads are different to those at home and be prepared for narrow roads in the smaller towns.

Frequently asked questions

Have I missed something?

Please leave any questions about this Bari itinerary or any general questions about travelling to Bari, Polignano a mare, Alberobello and Matera in the comments below and I will do my best to answer your queries. Or send me a message via my contact page.