Giovinazzo is a charming fishing village set on the Adriatic Sea. Honey-coloured buildings frame the harbour and set off the aquamarine water. Get lost in the atmospheric historic centre and dine at lively cafes and trattorias clustered around the marina. Giovinazzo is popular with weekenders from Bari, who flock to enjoy the historic charm and relax on the sun-drenched beaches just north of town.
Things to do in Giovinazzo
The historic centre is a maze of cobbled streets, alleys and staircases. Sandstone houses with colourful doors and window shutters will have you reaching for your camera. Built in the 1100s, the Cathedral of Santa Maria Assunta towers over the historic centre and features a classic Apulian Romanesque façade. Cafes and gelaterias dot sun-drenched Piazza Vittorio Emanuele II. The piazza is anchored by Fontana Dei Tritoni, an impressive bronze fountain inspired by the town’s seafaring past.
Giovinazzo is a great place to try Apulian cuisine, which champions time-honoured cooking techniques and simple, high-quality ingredients. Try local specialties like homemade orecchiette pasta served with a rich tomato sauce, fluffy focaccia studded with sun-ripened cherry tomatoes and baked red peppers stuffed with rice.
Swim and sunbathe on beautiful beaches just north of Giovinazzo. Beachfront lidos dot the pebble sand and rent sun loungers and umbrellas. Swim in the translucent Adriatic Sea and dry off in the sunshine. Hungry? Waiters will deliver Aperol spritzes and fried calamari direct to your sun lounger.
Set sail on a scenic cruise along the Adriatic coast. Tours depart from the marina and showcase the natural beauty of the Puglian coast. From the water, you’ll get incredible views of the fortified town centre and breezy seafront promenade.
Getting around Giovinazzo
Giovinazzo is pedestrian-friendly and easy to get around on foot. The town is in the Bari metropolitan area, 25 minutes from the city centre by car or train. Bari International Airport-Karol Wojtyla is a 15-minute drive away.