Bari – more than just wine and olive oil
Italy is one of the most popular European travel destinations for good reason. To catch a taste of everyday Italian life off-season, an autumn trip is ideal. As the souvenir stands disappear and the summertime throngs of tourists fade away, enjoy the pleasant autumn sun in beautiful Bari. The heat is less bothersome at this time of year, with temperatures a few degrees lower creating perfect conditions for sightseeing and rest.
Bari is the capital of the Apulia region, famous for its olive oil and wine production, so make sure you sample these local specialties during your trip. Bari’s heart is Piazza Mercantile. It is here, or the nearby Piazza del Ferrarese that locals and tourists gather in the evenings to enjoy some of the city’s many restaurants. Divided into two distinct areas, the older part of town, Bari Vecchia, will take you on a journey back in time. The district’s historic buildings and peaceful atmosphere will have you lingering over your walks. Meanwhile, Bari’s newer region boasts numerous restaurants and bars, as well as upscale fashion boutiques.
A historic theatre or a walk along the beach?
Bari Vecchia will charm anyone who likes narrow, stone streets. One such street is Arco Basso, where you can watch one of Bari’s specialties, the famous orecchiette, being made. It is named for its distinct shape, which resembles little ears, as is made by the town’s famous pasta ladies. Pick up a bag of pasta for a tasty souvenir, or head to a local restaurant where it is usually served in a rich tomato sauce.
Bari’s most famous monuments include the Romanesque Basilica San Nicola which houses the relics of St. Nicholas, the city’s patron saint, along with the Queen Bona altar. There is no shortage of sacred relics in Bari – the Romanesque Cattedrale di San Sabino should be on any history buff’s list. Make sure you also book time to visit Castello Normanno-Svevo. Reached by a beautiful stone bridge, this 12th-century castle is now a museum, but was once a prison and barracks.
Bari’s theatres are also noteable. Teatro Margherita is built on stilts in the water and has been converted into a museum, with a bustling market selling fresh seafood to the rear of the building. Meanwhile, the renovated Teatro Petruzzelli still hosts theatrical performances and is open to visitors who wish to simply take a look around. Time for a shopping break? Head to Via Sparano da Bari. This shopping street discreetly houses not only world-famous boutiques, but also a historic department store. Palazzo Mincuzzi’s richly-decorated facade is attention-grabbing and impossible to ignore! After a long day of sightseeing, take a walk along Bari’s promenade, the Lungomare. This long walkway is well lit at night and leads all the way to Bari’s city beach, Pane e Pomodoro.
Bari’s surrounding areas – ideal for a side trip
Bari is a peaceful Italian destination with a captivating atmosphere, but it is also the perfect jumping-off point for further exploration of the region. We recommend Polignano a Mare, and Lama Monachile, a small town famous for its beautiful beach surrounded by rugged cliffs. Another popular tourist attraction in the area is Grotta Palazzese, a cave with a romantic restaurant inside. The views here are breathtaking, which is why you should be sure to book a table in advance if you would like to stay and dine here.
We have best flight and accommodation offers in Bari
It is also worth planning a trip to Alberobello from Bari. Famous for its Trulli cottages – whitewashed dry-stone houses, topped with conical roofs with mysterious signs – Alberobello’s distinct architecture has led to it becoming an UNESCO World Heritage site. Standing here feels like a fairy tale, and somehouses can be visited, while many are still inhabited by the local community. If you plan to extend your visit, there are a few individual houses that offer accommodation for tourists.
Exotic Bali – an island of temples, tropical vegetation and active volcanoes
A holiday in Bali is a dream come true for many people. This Indonesian island guarantees warm, sunny weather all year round. However, it is worth planning your trip during the dry season when the temperature drops slightly, the humidity is lower, and monsoon rainfall is less likely to ruin your holiday. Bali in the September or October sunshine is a perfect alternative to the typical autumn weather in Europe!
The island has plenty of appeal both for those who love to laze and those who love water sports. If you wish to explore Bali and visit its sights, you’ll need to plan an organised schedule. This island is known as the “Island of the Gods” for good reason and there are tens of thousands of temples to visit here. Add to this rice paddies; coffee, pepper and sugar cane crops, volcanoes, trekking paths and diving schools and it’s clear to see that a holiday in Bali is one great adventure!
Bali – surrounded by lush, wild nature
Bali’s capital is Denpasar, but let’s immediately skip to Ubud, the city which is the island’s cultural capital. Ubud is full of galleries, world-class museums such as the Neka Art Museum, temples and elaborate statues of gods. Take time to relax in nature with a visit to the Monkey Forest. This is a paradise for macaques but do remember not to feed the animals and… keep your wallet and phone carefully hidden as they are proficient pickpockets!
When travelling to exotic places, make sure to be insured!
Near Ubud are Bali’s famous tiered rice paddies – try Jatiluwih or Tegalalang for a scenic backdrop to your exploration. Do you like waterfalls? Plan a trip to Singaraja where you can admire the powerful Sekumpul Falls. Not far from here you can rest on a black beach made from volcanic sand. Its striking dark colour perfectly contrasts with the bright sandy beaches in the island’s south.
Speaking of sunbathing on the beach, it would be remiss of us not to mention Bali’s many famous resorts and coastline where you are guaranteed excellent conditions for water sports. Bali is the perfect destination for diving and you can easily discover coral reefs, dive wrecks, and swim with turtles. Opt for Sanur’s many resorts or try the ever-popular Dreamland Beach. One of the most famous resort areas is Kuta, or a luxurious-but pricey option is Nusa Dua.
Visit a temple or explore a volcano?
One of Bali’s most famous temples,and well-known from the island’s postcards, is Pura Ulun Danu Bratan. This temple complex dates from the 17th century and stretches over the Bratan Volcano, washed by the lake waters of the same name. Another temple, located on a rock, is the 16th century Pura Tanah Lot, which can only be visited at low tide. A visit to the temple on the cliff, the 11th century Pura Luhur Uluwatu , will provide you with a unique view of the area. Meanwhile Pura Tirta Empul, where ritual baths are organised, is also very popular and was even featured in the iconic film “Eat, Pray, Love”. One of the island’s oldest temples is Pura Besakih, which lies within a complex dating back to the 10th century. This is located on the slope of the Gunung Agung Volcano which is active, as is Mount Batur. Both are open to visitors but you’ll need to be a keen hiker to reach the very top.
We have best flight and accommodation offers in Bali
Whether you choose tropical Bali or the Adriatic shorelines of Bari, your autumn journey is sure to be a lot of fun. Take advantage of the milder weather and recharge your batteries before the long winter months!
