Bari and its surroundings: an off-the-postcard road trip

A cultural itinerary through Bari’s new identity

Start your journey at the Corrado Giaquinto Art Gallery, located on the fourth floor of the grand Palazzo della Provincia overlooking the seafront. It’s a hidden gem of Italian art, home to collections ranging from the Middle Ages to the 20th century, with works by De Nittis, Hayez, Tintoretto, Netti and Pellizza da Volpedo. Often overlooked by tourists—and even locals—it’s a key place to understand the region’s artistic roots, as well as a great excuse to admire one of Bari’s most beautiful buildings.

Just a short walk away you’ll find another little-known treasure: the Palazzo dell’Acquedotto Pugliese. From the outside, it looks strict and elegant; inside, it’s a world of frescoes, mosaics, and wrought iron details that celebrate both the engineering feat of the Apulian aqueduct and the refined taste of early 20th-century design.

Then there’s the seafront itself—the longest in Italy and Europe—worth a walk at any time of day. With the Adriatic Sea on one side and Liberty-style buildings on the other, it embodies Bari’s deep connection to water. From here, head into the historic centre. Visiting with a local guide offers a new perspective: the alleys of Bari Vecchia are full of stories—part history, part legend. You’ll catch glimpses of everyday life, meet women still making orecchiette by hand outside their homes, and find some of the city’s most iconic landmarks. The Norman-Swabian Castle, the Cathedral of San Sabino, and above all, the Basilica of Saint Nicholas, built to house the saint’s relics brought from Myra in 1087. Today, the Basilica still represents dialogue between cultures and faiths and is one of Bari’s most powerful symbols.

Theatres of Bari: architecture that speaks volumes

Bari’s cultural revival is also happening on stage. The Petruzzelli Theatre—one of the largest in Italy—was lovingly restored after a fire in 1991 and now hosts a rich calendar of opera, theatre and international music.

But venture a little further, and you’ll find two more theatres worth exploring. There’s the Teatro Margherita, built directly over the water and now a space for contemporary art. And the Kursaal Santalucia, recently restored and reopened as a multidisciplinary cultural venue.

Three different faces of Bari’s creative scene—past, present and future. And speaking of the future, getting around the city has never been easier or more sustainable, thanks to the Plenitude On The Road charging network. Perfect for exploring both Bari and what lies beyond.

Beyond the city: seaside and hilltop escapes

To experience an even more authentic side of Bari, head just a few kilometres north. First stop: Santo Spirito. Once a fishing village, now a neighbourhood, it offers a small port, a seaside promenade, fishing boats, sun-dried nets and great local restaurants.

You can recharge your vehicle at the Plenitude On The Road station in Via Leonardo del Turco 1, just a five-minute drive away, as shown on the app.

From Santo Spirito, it’s a short ride to Bitonto—off the tourist radar, but a dream for architecture and medieval history lovers. Seeing Bitonto by electric car gives you a new way to experience it: from the well-preserved historic centre, with its maze of pale stone streets, Romanesque churches and noble palaces, to the stunning Cathedral of Saint Valentine—one of the finest examples of Apulian Romanesque.

Don’t miss the town’s museums and art galleries. And when it’s time to recharge, there’s a station right in the heart of town, at Piazza Aldo Moro 35.

A more intimate Puglia

Bari and its surroundings offer a different take on Puglia—less crowded, more introspective. It’s a place for slower travel, made of small towns, deep culture and genuine flavours.
Choosing electric mobility here means more than just driving green. It’s a way to connect deeply with the land and the people who live there. Take your time. Listen to their stories. And enjoy a journey that’s as meaningful as the destination itself.