Bari, Italy – Hidden Gem of Southern Italy ✈️

📍Where? Capital of Puglia (Italy's "heel"), on the Adriatic Sea. 🚆 How to Get There? Flights: Rome→Bari from €18! (Ryanair) Train: 5hrs from Rome (~€80), or cheap regional trains to nearby towns. Bus: FlixBus often has €10 deals. 🌟 Must-Do in Bari 1️⃣ Bari Old Town Medieval port + pasta ladies making orecchiette in the streets! "Bread & Tomato" Beach 🍞🍅 – Local favorite for swimming (bring snacks!). Sunset walks along the Lungomare (seafront promenade). 2️⃣ Polignano a Mare (30min by train) Turquoise coves – Swim at Cala Porto or Grotta Palazzese. Instagram spot: The "balcony" staircase in the old town. Splurge: €300/person at Grotta Palazzese (cliff cave restaurant). Budget tip: Try Il Super Mago del Hot Dog 🌭 – epic seaside hot dogs! 3️⃣ Alberobello (1hr by train) UNESCO Trulli houses – White "mushroom" huts! ☀️ (Wear sunglasses!) Pro tip: Visit at dusk for fewer crowds + magical lighting. 4️⃣ Matera (1.5hr by train) James Bond film location (No Time to Die)! Ancient cave dwellings – Like a real-life Star Wars set! #OffTheBeatenPath #Puglia #ItalyTravel