‘Underrated’ and ‘intriguing’ European seaside city is about to get a new UK flight

A city hailed by Lonely Planet as one of the top off-the-beaten-track destinations to visit in 2026 has just got a new direct flight from the UK.

EasyJet is adding 16 summer routes from eight UK airports, including a route to the Italian port of Bari from both Manchester and Bristol.

Both routes will fly twice a week, from Bristol on Tuesday and Saturday (from April 18), and from Manchester on Friday and Monday (from July 3).

Overshadowed by its northern neighbours, such as Venice and Milan, Bari is one of Italy’s most intriguing yet underrated destinations.

This millennia-old city, now the capital of the Puglia region, sits on the shores of the Adriatic and delights with medieval castles, excellent food and a lungomare (promenade) with spectacular sea views.

The city is a gateway to the Balkans and Greece, thanks to its regional airport and well-oiled ferry links.

It also makes for a good twin-city break with Brindisi, an overlooked gem rich in history and quintessential Italian charm.

Top things to do in Bari

Bari is not somewhere that most people go.

But while southern Italy has historically remained off the tourist track, a growing number of travellers are being drawn by its lush landscapes, ancient architecture, warm Mediterranean climate and decadent food.

And this charming, if sometimes gritty, city is definitely worth a visit.

Let us put it in its place. If you picture this part of Italy as an elegant heel, Bari sits right where the strap would go.

Dating back thousands of years, it has been occupied by everyone from the Romans and Byzantines to the Spanish Habsburgs and German Swabians (modern-day Stuttgart).

Trace this chequered history through the narrow streets of Bari Vecchia (the Old Town).

Once a hotbed of illicit activity (much of it presided over by the Capriati and Strisciuglio crime families), today it is full of colourful cafes and authentic shops. Don’t miss the Arco Basso, a stone archway where local women serve bowls of orecchiette, the region’s signature pasta.

The name translates to ‘little ears’.

Also worth trying is panzerotti (deep-fried calzone with tomato and mozzarella), and focaccia barese, a flat bread made from semolina dough, type ’00’ pizza flour and mashed potatoes that’s a bit like a cheese-free pizza.

Get it from Panificio Fiore, Bari’s most iconic bakery, which has been open since 1508.

Spend an afternoon on the glorious promenade, one of the longest in Europe, which stretches 15km along the Adriatic.

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The fish market is a good place to perch for a beer, and the Pane e Pomodoro, Bari’s most famous public beach, is the best place to top up a tan. If you want to go further, hire a bike through the Vaimoo app.

You don’t need to be religious to appreciate the scale and beauty of the Basilica di San Nicola.

Dating back to the 11th century, it houses the remains of St Nicholas. As in Santa Claus.

It is free to enter, as is the understated but elegant Bari Cathedral (San Sabino).