Murgia tour: from Bari to the cathedrals of the plateau

Route details

A fascinating round trip through the heart of Apulia - from the lively Adriatic coast up to the barren plateau of the Murgia, past medieval towns where Frederick II left his mark and the best bread in Italy is baked.

This 118-kilometre round trip takes you out of the vibrant city of Bari into a landscape that is still unknown to many motorcyclists - and that is precisely what makes it so appealing. From the starting point on Via Giuseppe Re David, you first roll through the suburbs of Bari before the road bends southwards and the Mediterranean vegetation slowly gives way to a more austere beauty.

The Murgia plateau welcomes you with rolling hills, golden wheat fields and ancient stone walls that stretch across the land like a net. The roads here are a dream for anyone who loves relaxed cornering: sweeping curves across the karst plateau, clean asphalt and hardly any traffic. The surface is mostly good, but there are a few rougher sections on the side roads.

Your first stage destination is Santeramo in Colle - the highest town in the province of Bari at 489 meters. The approach offers wonderful panoramic views over the steppe-like landscape of the Alta Murgia National Park. The plateau is one of the last Mediterranean steppe landscapes in Italy and is home to unique flora and fauna, including kestrels and rare orchids.

The tour continues to Altamura, the 'City of Bread', which is enthroned on a 436-metre-high hill. The Cathedral of Santa Maria Assunta, built by Frederick II in 1232, is an absolute highlight - its richly decorated Romanesque portal with scenes from the New Testament is one of the most beautiful in the whole of southern Italy. The winding alleyways of the old town, the so-called 'claustri' (small courtyards), invite you to take a stroll.

The return journey to Bari leads along winding side roads through the heart of the Alta Murgia National Park. This protected area, established in 2004, covers over 680 square kilometers and is home to archaeological treasures such as prehistoric settlements and the mysterious skeleton of the 'Uomo di Altamura', a 130,000-year-old Neanderthal man.

The crowning finale takes you back to the center of Bari via the Varco della Vittoria. This Tourer is ideal for a relaxed half-day excursion or a leisurely day trip with extended coffee breaks. The terrain is gently undulating without extreme gradients - perfect for beginners or pillion riders. Best time to travel: Spring (wildflowers in bloom) or fall (pleasant temperatures, grape harvest).