Cruises to Puglia Italy

In which ports do cruise ships dock in Puglia?

The ports where cruise ships dock in Puglia in 2024 are:

Port of Bari

• MSC Cruises: MSC Cruises regularly uses the port of Bari as a stopover for various itineraries in the Mediterranean. Ships like MSC Opera, MSC Armonia, and MSC Splendida are frequently present in Bari.
• Costa Cruises: Costa Cruises offers departures from Bari with ships like Costa Deliziosa, traveling to destinations in Italy, Greece, and Turkey.
• Norwegian Cruise Line: This company also uses Bari as a stopover for some of its Mediterranean cruises.

Port of Brindisi

• MSC Cruises: MSC Cruises includes Brindisi as a stop on some of its itineraries in the Eastern Mediterranean.
• Royal Caribbean: Royal Caribbean has some cruises that stop in Brindisi, offering passengers the opportunity to explore the region.
• Costa Cruises: Costa Cruises also includes Brindisi as a stop on some of its itineraries.

Port of Taranto

• Costa Cruises: Costa Cruises uses Taranto as a departure and stopover port for several cruises in 2024, with ships like Costa Fascinosa offering itineraries to Malta and Greece.
• MSC Cruises: MSC Seaside is one of the ships that stop in Taranto, providing connections to various destinations in the Mediterranean.

Port of Monopoli

• Sea Cloud II and Artemis of Grand Circle Travel, which regularly call at Monopoli.
• Seadream 2 of Mystic Cruises Expedition.
• Sirena of Oceania Cruises.
• World Navigator, also of Mystic Cruises Expedition.

What to visit when cruising in Puglia?

Here are some places in Puglia that we highly recommend visiting for cruise passengers docking in this territory:

Bari

• Basilica of San Nicola: An important pilgrimage site known for the relics of Saint Nicholas.
• Castello Svevo: A historic fortress offering a panorama of the city's history.
• Historic Center: Characterized by narrow alleys, ancient churches, and picturesque squares.

Brindisi

• Historic Center of Brindisi: Rich in history with monuments such as the Cathedral and Roman columns.
• Provincial Archaeological Museum: Exhibitions covering the ancient history of the region.
• Lungomare Regina Margherita: A beautiful place to stroll and enjoy the sea view.

Taranto

• National Archaeological Museum of Taranto (MArTA): One of Italy's most important archaeological museums.
• Aragonese Castle: A historic fortress offering guided tours.
• Historic Center: Characterized by ancient palaces and churches.

Monopoli

• Historic Center of Monopoli: With its charming streets and old port.
• Cathedral of Santa Maria della Madia: A magnificent cathedral with a fascinating history.
• Beaches of Monopoli: Beautiful beaches to relax and enjoy the crystal-clear sea, including the stunning Porto Ghiacciolo beach.

Alberobello

• Trulli: Unique traditional houses that are a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
• Rione Monti: An area characterized by streets lined with trulli.

Polignano a Mare

• Historic Center: With breathtaking views from the waterfront and spectacular cliffs.
• Lama Monachile Beach: A beautiful beach nestled between cliffs.

Lecce

• Historic Center: Known as the "Florence of the South" for its Baroque architecture.
• Cathedral of Lecce: A masterpiece of Lecce's Baroque style.
• Roman Amphitheater: An ancient amphitheater located in the heart of the city.

Ostuni

• Historic Center of Ostuni: With its characteristic white houses, it is known as the "White City."
• Cathedral of Ostuni: A significant example of Gothic and Romanesque architecture.
• Ostuni Mare: With its clear and crystalline waters and beaches equipped with all comforts.

Itria Valley

• Locorotondo: A beautiful village known for its narrow streets and wines.
• Cisternino: Another picturesque town with a charming historic center.

Some also take advantage of the visit to view villas or trulli in Puglia, as they are interested in purchasing.

Trulli for sale in the Itria Valley, in fact, are increasingly sought after by foreign tourists wanting to invest in Puglia. It is not uncommon for some to inquire or conclude such purchases during their visit.

What services do the docking ports offer?

The ports of Puglia offer a full range of services to cruise passengers to ensure a comfortable and enjoyable experience during their visit.

• Transfers to other cities: The ports of Bari, Brindisi, Taranto, and Monopoli offer transfer services connecting cruise passengers to the main cities and tourist attractions of the region. These services can include buses, taxis, and private shuttles that take visitors to destinations like Alberobello, Lecce, Ostuni, and the Itria Valley.

• Organized tours: Many cruise lines collaborate with local operators to offer guided tours in the docking cities. These tours can include visits to historical and cultural sites, such as the Basilica of San Nicola in Bari, the Aragonese Castle in Taranto, and the trulli of Alberobello. The guided tours can be thematic, focusing on historical, gastronomic, or natural aspects of the region.

• Private excursions: In addition to tours organized by cruise lines, cruise passengers can book personalized private excursions through local agencies. These excursions can be tailored to individual preferences, offering a more intimate and customized experience.

• Reception and tourist information: The ports have reception and tourist information centers where cruise passengers can obtain maps, brochures, and advice on what to visit. These centers often offer multilingual assistance.

• Shopping and dining: Inside the ports and nearby, there are souvenir shops, boutiques, restaurants, and cafes where cruise passengers can shop and enjoy local cuisine.

• Car rental: Some ports offer car rental services for those who prefer to explore the region independently.

Why choose a cruise that stops in Puglia?

Puglia is famous for its beautiful beaches and breathtaking landscapes. Those arriving by sea can enjoy spectacular views along the Adriatic and Ionian coasts, with impressive cliffs and crystal-clear waters inviting swimming and relaxation. The region is also a treasure trove of history and culture.

Puglia is renowned for its simple yet delicious cuisine. Cruise passengers can savor traditional dishes such as orecchiette with turnip tops, Altamura bread, and fresh seafood. Local wineries offer tastings of fine wines like Primitivo di Manduria, making every meal a memorable experience.

Another reason to visit Puglia is the hospitality of its people. Puglians are known for their warm welcome and willingness to share local traditions and stories with visitors.

The docking ports, Bari, Brindisi, Taranto, and Monopoli, are well-equipped to accommodate cruise ships, offering easy access to the main tourist attractions of the region. The ease of access makes Puglia a convenient and enjoyable stop for cruise passengers wanting to explore this part of Italy