The Most Beautiful Villages near Bari to Visit by Car

Bari

The south of Italy has a special way of winning you over. It isn't just about the food or the local character, but the villages that make it what it is. And if there’s one perfect spot to start exploring them, it’s Bari, a city sitting right on the shores of the Adriatic.

Plenty of travellers head to Bari specifically to see the city itself. However, what many don’t realise is that some of the most beautiful villages in the whole Puglia region are just a few miles away.

From hilltop towns overlooking the sea to small inland spots famous for their traditional trulli, the area around Bari is packed with places that are well worth a visit.

That’s why more and more travellers are choosing to hire a car to explore the area at their own pace, discovering spots that don’t always make it onto the usual tourist trails.

In this article, we’ll show you some of the most beautiful villages near Bari that you can visit by car, allowing you to discover the real Puglia.

Polignano a Mare

Just 30 kilometres or so from Bari, you’ll find Polignano a Mare, one of the most spectacular towns on the Italian coast. Perched on high limestone cliffs that drop straight into the Adriatic, this place boasts some of the most stunning views in the entire region.

Its most famous landmark is Lama Monachile beach, a tiny cove with crystal-clear water, tucked between rocky walls and crossed by an ancient Roman bridge. You can get some incredible photos from the top of the bridge or the viewpoints in the old town; you’ve almost certainly seen them on Instagram already.

The historic centre of Polignano a Mare is full of narrow streets, flower-filled balconies, and terraces overlooking the sea.

Alberobello

Alberobello is probably the most famous village in Puglia and one of the most unique in all of Italy thanks to its trulli, traditional stone houses that create a one-of-a-kind landscape.

These buildings have centuries of history and are a huge part of the region’s cultural heritage. In fact, Alberobello was declared a UNESCO World Heritage site because these structures have been so incredibly well-preserved.

The best-known district is Rione Monti, where you'll find hundreds of trulli gathered together. It’s also well worth visiting Aia Piccola, a quieter area where locals still actually live.

Many of the old houses have been turned into little shops, cafes, or places to stay, which lets you get a proper look at this distinctive architecture.

From Bari, it takes about an hour by car, making Alberobello the perfect choice for a day trip.

Monopoli

Monopoli is one of those places that really catches you by surprise the first time you visit. Even though it’s a bit less famous than some of its neighbours, it has a proper, authentic charm that makes it a must-see on any Puglia road trip.

The old town is hugged by ancient walls and opens right out onto the sea. One of the loveliest spots in town is the tiny fishing port, where you can still spot the colourful little boats used by the locals. It’s particularly beautiful first thing in the morning when the harbour really starts to come to life.

Monopoli is also known for its nearby beaches and coves, many of which are small with crystal-clear water. Some are just a few minutes from the town centre, so it’s easy to mix a bit of sightseeing with a quick dip in the sea.

Locorotondo

Locorotondo is part of the Itria Valley and is widely considered one of the most beautiful villages in all of Italy. Its name literally means 'round place,' thanks to the circular layout of the old town centre.

What really makes Locorotondo stand out is its aesthetic. The streets are perfectly looked after, with whitewashed houses and almost every balcony decorated with colourful flowers. The result is an incredibly photogenic village.

Another big draw is the viewpoints looking out over the Itria Valley, a rural landscape dotted with olive groves, vineyards, and trulli scattered across the countryside.

Ostuni

Ostuni is one of the most iconic destinations in southern Italy and is famously known as the “White City.” Its old town is a maze of completely whitewashed houses that practically glow under the Mediterranean sun.

The city sits high up on a hill, which gives you some spectacular views across the countryside and out towards the Adriatic Sea in the distance.

One of the real highlights is Ostuni Cathedral, a stunning Gothic building tucked away at the very top of the city. From there, you can wander through the narrow alleyways, hidden staircases, and little squares that are always full of life.

Exploring Bari With a Hire Car

Puglia is the ideal region for a shorter road trip. The distances between the villages are relatively short, the roads are in good condition, and every few miles, a stunning new spot seems to pop up.

Why DoYouItaly is the Way to Go

One of the main reasons to hire a car in Bari is that many of the most interesting villages aren't particularly well-connected by public transport. While some towns do have a train station, others require you to jump between different buses or deal with long, impractical journeys.

With a hire car, you can design your own route, stopping at viewpoints, taking a detour to a hidden beach, or pulling up at a local restaurant to sample the regional food. Plus, driving through the Itria Valley or along the Adriatic coast is an experience in its own right.

That’s why many travellers arriving in Bari choose to pick up a car as soon as they land or get to the train station. Using a comparison site like DoYouItaly lets you find the best deals across different rental companies, so you can start your trip in total comfort.