Bari to Monopoli

October 23, 2024

mostly from A to B

Leaving Bari was quite easy as we were able to ride in a cycle lane to the coast and then along a well developed seaside promenade. We rode slowly on the promenade,, admiring the coastal views. A really nice way to start our day.

Our route out of Bari was in this cycle lane.

Quiet streets as we reached the marina, just on the other side of this ornate building.

A marina in Bari and the view to the other side looks toward the protective walls of old Bari Vecchia.

At the marina, local fishermen were selling their catch. This looks very tasty but not sure that I want to cook it!

When the promenade ended we began our ride of many kilometres along an older, shoulderless, strada provinciale road full of cracks and patches. Nothing special, but we could not complain as the traffic was light. It was a joy when the old highway went along the coast for a few kilometres, but that was rare. The ride was often beside large, gated multiunit properties, light industrial yards and many empty plots of land. Occasionally our route was right beside a very busy major highway with a large barrier between the two roads.

Nearing the coast at one point, we stopped at a small bakery where we hoped to get a coffee, but no luck. Baked goods only. We did buy some treats! Carrying on the same road there were several stand alone fish shops separated by large empty stretches of beachfront land. The street was named Della Della Marina. It was popular street for anyone shopping for fresh fish but surprisingly, not a single other shop!

Hoping for coffee but we only were able to purchase some baked goods.

Several great fish stores along the coastal road.

Another tasty treat when nicely deep fried.

We did find a cafe with outside seating in a small town we passed through.

Our lunch stop was on a grand piazza just before the town of Polignano di Mare. After our lunch, we entered into Polignano through the main gate. This pretty little town attracts lots of people to its narrow shop lined streets. With our loaded bikes it was difficult making our way too far before we elected to turn around and complete the next few kilometres to Monopoli.

A view of Polignano di Mare from the piazza across the way.

Entering the gate into Polignano di Mare.

The fortified town of Monopoli is very old and, as per usual, there are no straight streets! We worked very hard going back and forth trying to find the street with our booked apartment. But we did finally locate it and removed our room key from the lockbox on the front of the building. Some self serve checkin systems work very well. Scott was again on bike transport duty carrying both bikes up several sets of narrow steps to the second floor room. The small bikes just barely fit around the corners at each stair case landing.

Monopoli was a beautiful town to walk around. We went to the marina and then walked the perimeter before selecting a restaurant on the main piazza. Pat had a pasta dish and Scott a mixed seafood grill. Both were excellent. The town was quiet as we made our way back to our room and called it a day.

Entering the old section of Monopoli this church is the first building that we saw. Monopoli Cathedral or the Basilica of the Madonna della Madia.

Monopoli marina with the small blue fishing boats.

In Monopoli, perhaps a very old, small church.

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Today's ride: 48 km (30 miles)
Total: 123 km (76 miles)

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Rachael AndersonWhat a great day!
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3 weeks ago

Barry DevlinGreat places to visit. Two questions: Do they pronounce Bari the same as "Barry"? And did you get a chance to play any "Monopoly" while in Monopoli?
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2 weeks ago