Castles and ravines of the Alta Murgia

From Bari’s coast of Romanesque cathedrals up to Frederick II’s octagonal castle, a giant sinkhole and the cave town of Gravina.

Distance: 147 km (91 mi)
Driving: 2 h 02 min
Suggested days: 3
Stops: 7
Countries: Italy
Updated: September 12, 2026

At a glance: 3-day road trip of about 147 km (91 mi) with 7 stops, from Bari to Gravina aqueduct bridge. About 2 h 02 min of driving in total.

More road trips in Italy · More road trips from Bari

Route description

North of Bari the coast is lined with old harbour towns, each with a cathedral by the water. Molfetta’s Duomo Vecchio stands on the harbour, and Trani’s cathedral rises alone on a stone platform above the sea.

Turn inland past Andria towards Castel del Monte, visible for miles on its hilltop. Cars and motorhomes park at the foot of the hill; from there a shuttle bus or a short walk leads up to the castle.

The road then crosses the Alta Murgia National Park, a stony upland of dry-stone walls, farms and sheep. The Pulo di Altamura sinkhole lies off a country road north of the town; Altamura itself is known for its bread and for the Neanderthal skeleton found nearby, presented in a visitor centre.

End in Gravina in Puglia, where the old town tops a ravine full of cave churches and the aqueduct bridge crosses to the far side. Spring and autumn are ideal; the plateau is hot and shadeless in midsummer.

Stop-by-stop itinerary

In driving order. Distances are estimates between consecutive stops.

1

Bari
Italy
Start
2

Molfetta
Italy
31 km
3

Trani Cathedral
HistoryTrani, Italy
A pale Romanesque cathedral standing alone on the edge of the sea, with a tall open-arched bell tower. The old harbour next to it is lovely at sunset.
22 km
4

Castel del Monte
HistoryAndria, Italy
Emperor Frederick II’s mysterious octagonal castle on a hilltop in the Murgia, a UNESCO site. Park at the foot of the hill and take the shuttle or walk up.
32 km
5

Pulo di Altamura
NatureAltamura, Italy
A huge karst sinkhole about half a kilometre across in the stony Alta Murgia plateau. A viewpoint on the rim is reached by a country road.
39 km
6

Altamura
Italy
10 km
7

Gravina aqueduct bridge
ViewsGravina in Puglia, Italy
A stone bridge spanning the ravine below Gravina’s old town, which is honeycombed with cave churches. Walk across to the far side for the classic view of the town.
14 km

Suggested stages and overnight stops

3 days, split by driving time. Campsites from OpenStreetMap: check opening dates before you go.

Day 1: Bari → Trani Cathedral · 53 km · 0 h 44 minOn the way: Molfetta.Overnight nearby, for example: Area Camper Olimpiadi Centro Sportivo (9 km); Brezza Tra Gli Ulivi (11 km).
Day 2: Trani Cathedral → Castel del Monte · 32 km · 0 h 26 minOvernight nearby, for example: Area Camper Via Scarlatti (18 km); Sosta camper via Minghetti (19 km).
Day 3: Castel del Monte → Gravina aqueduct bridge · 63 km · 0 h 52 minOn the way: Pulo di Altamura, Altamura.Overnight nearby, for example: Agriturismo Le Matinelle (17 km); Area Camper Frantoio oleario perniola (12 km).

Best time to go

JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec

The most pleasant months are usually April–May and September–October. Still fine, with some compromises, in March, June–August and November. July and August are the busiest months: book campsites early.

Estimate from long-term temperature averages, terrain and pass seasons

Practical notes for the road

Italy: Motorway tolls. Tolls on most autostrade; pay at the barrier by card or cash. Motorway limit for cars: 130 km/h.

Road rules and fees change. Check official sources before you travel.

FAQs

How long is Castles and ravines of the Alta Murgia?

3-day road trip of about 147 km (91 mi) with 7 stops, from Bari to Gravina aqueduct bridge. About 2 h 02 min of driving in total.

How many days do you need for Castles and ravines of the Alta Murgia?

We suggest 3 days: about 2 h 02 min of driving, which leaves time for the stops.

Where does Castles and ravines of the Alta Murgia start and end?

It starts in Bari and ends in Gravina aqueduct bridge.

Which countries does Castles and ravines of the Alta Murgia pass through?

Italy.

Where can you camp along Castles and ravines of the Alta Murgia?

OpenStreetMap lists 33 campsites and motorhome stopovers within 20 km of the stops on this route. For example: La Baia, Area Camper Olimpiadi Centro Sportivo and Area Camper Matera.

When is the best time for Castles and ravines of the Alta Murgia?

The most pleasant months are usually April–May and September–October. Still fine, with some compromises, in March, June–August and November. (Estimate from long-term temperature averages, terrain and pass seasons)