Bari Airport or Bari Karol Wojtyla Airport as it is officially known serves the Puglia region of Italy. It handles over 3 million passengers a year. If you have car hire from Bari Airport the city is just an 8 km drive away.
Bari Airport has a new terminal building and mostly has flights from budget and charter airlines, all over Europe. There are info points should you lose your way at the airport and a tourist information desk that will advise you on what you can see in the region. There is a ticket office too, if you need to suddenly change your travel plans. If you want to surf the internet whilst you wait for your flight, there are internet points and a free Wi-Fi service. If you need some more Euros, there is a bank and currency exchange facilities. When you get hungry, there are 5 food outlets to choose from and you can try Autogrill, MyChef or the De Canto Bar. There is a selection of shops too selling everything from fashion to fragrance. You can buy all your duty free bargains at Airest Duty Free or local food specialities at Dolici de Nonna Vincenza and chocolates at Maglio.
Bari is the second largest town in the south of Italy and lies on the Adriatic Coast. It is a port city and has a medieval old town that is known for tourism and its nightlife. In the old town, you will find the Romanesque Basilica of St Nicholas and the Cathedral of Bishop Elias. You should take a walk along the waterfront on top of the old city walls for great views over the city. In the port area you will find the interesting Fort of St Anthony, which now also doubles as an art gallery. With car hire in Bari, you really can get to explore the Puglia region. See the rock settlements at Matera, they are a UNESCO World Heritage Site and the incredible fairytale- like homes with conical roofs at Alberobello. If you happen to be in the area in November, head out to the village of Adelfia. They have a wonderful 3 day religious festival celebrating the Saint of Trifone. The statue of the saint is paraded around the village and afterwards there is a huge fireworks display. There are competitions, markets and cafes and this event attracts thousands of people each year.
