Starting May 1, United Airlines is opening a new chapter in transatlantic travel—introducing the only nonstop flight from the United States to Bari, a radiant coastal city that feels like Italy before the crowds found it. Even better, the route will operate four times a week out of Newark Liberty International Airport, making this under-the-radar destination more accessible than ever.

Bari in Puglia, Italy

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Tucked along the Adriatic Sea, Bari is more than just a destination—it’s the front door to Puglia, the sun-soaked “heel” of Italy’s boot. While much of the country wrestles with overtourism, Puglia quietly preserves a slower, more grounded version of Italian life.

Here, mornings begin with the scent of fresh focaccia drifting through narrow stone streets. Grandmothers still make pasta by hand outside their homes. The coastline stretches wide and unfiltered—no velvet ropes, no curated photo ops, just raw Mediterranean beauty.

But Bari’s real magic? It’s the perfect launchpad.

Polignano a Mare is only 35 min by car from Bari

Rent a car, roll down the windows, and set off on one of Italy’s most rewarding road trips. Within a short drive, you can swim beneath the dramatic cliffs of Polignano a Mare, wander through the fairytale trulli homes of Alberobello, and get lost in the gleaming white alleyways of Ostuni—aptly nicknamed the White City.

The magical trulli of Alberobello are only 1 h drive from Bari

Head further south to Lecce, often called the “Florence of the South” for its intricate Baroque architecture, or venture inland to Matera, where ancient cave homes have been transformed into some of the most unforgettable cave hotels in Europe.

The cave city of Matera is only 1 h and 10 minutes from Bari

For travelers growing weary of packed piazzas and influencer hotspots, Bari offers something increasingly rare: authenticity without compromise. It’s not trying to impress you—it simply is.

And now, getting there is easier than ever.

Keep exploring:

• Read more about the perfect Puglia road trip itinerary
• Dive into our guide to Ostuni
• Discover the magic of Alberobello
• Find the best trulli hotels in Puglia
• Explore the most unique cave hotels in Matera
• And don’t miss our roundup of the most beautiful masseria stays—Puglia’s iconic luxury farm retreats

This new route doesn’t just connect two places—it opens a door to a version of Italy that feels personal again.