Trani

An elegant seaside town on the Adriatic coast famous for its breathtaking Romanesque cathedral that appears to rise straight from the sea. Its picturesque harbour is lined with yachts and excellent seafood restaurants.

Things to do

• Visit Trani Cathedral — Admire the stunning Apulian-Romanesque facade at sunset when the white stone glows pink.
• Explore the Jewish Quarter — Trani once had a thriving Jewish community—visit the Scolanova synagogue, now a church.
• Walk the Harbour Promenade — Stroll along the port at aperitivo hour and watch the fishing boats return.
• Tour Castello Svevo di Trani — Frederick II's imposing seafront castle houses local history exhibits.
• Wine Tasting at a Cantina — Trani is the home of Moscato di Trani DOC—sweet white wine unique to this area.

Food to try

• Moscato di Trani — A rare, luscious sweet white wine produced only in the Trani area from yellow Muscat grapes.
• Seppie in Umido — Cuttlefish braised in white wine, tomatoes and local olive oil—a harbour staple.
• Taralli Pugliesi — Ring-shaped savoury snacks flavoured with fennel seeds and white wine, baked until crisp.
• Burrata di Andria — Creamy burrata from nearby Andria, best eaten fresh with local bread and olive oil.

Local customs & good to know

• Cathedral Dress Code — Shoulders and knees must be covered to enter the cathedral, even for a quick look.
• Aperitivo Culture — Locals gather at harbour bars from 6–8pm—join them for a Campari spritz and free snacks.
• Visit Off-Season — Trani is far less crowded than coastal resorts outside July–August and equally beautiful.

Nearby

• Bari — 42 km
• Venosa (Basilicata) — 61 km
• Matera (Basilicata) — 70 km
• Lake San Giuliano (Basilicata) — 70 km