Things To Do
in Andria
Andria is a historic town in the Apulia region of southern Italy, known for its white limestone buildings, broad avenues and proximity to UNESCO-listed Castel del Monte. The city blends a lively market culture, traditional Apulian cuisine and a calm provincial atmosphere rooted in centuries of history. Olive groves, vineyards and rolling karst landscapes surround Andria, making it a gateway to outdoor adventures and rural food experiences.
Narrow medieval streets, baroque churches and pleasant piazzas make the town rewarding to explore on foot while offering easy access to beaches and larger centers like Bari and Trani.
Day Trips
Spend a day exploring around
Start your day with a leisurely breakfast at a local café, savoring traditional Italian pastries and freshly brewed espresso. Afterward, take a stroll through the charming cobblestone streets of Andria's historic center, where you can admire the beautiful architecture and vibrant local shops. Visit the impressive Cathedral of San Sabino, dedicated to the patron saint of Andria, and marvel at its Romanesque style.
In the afternoon, indulge in a delicious lunch at a trattoria, where you can try local dishes such as orecchiette pasta and fresh burrata cheese. Following your meal, head to the medieval Castello Svevo, a stunning fortress that offers panoramic views of the surrounding area. Explore the castle's fascinating history and enjoy the beautiful gardens that surround it.
As the sun sets, find a cozy spot at a wine bar to sample some of the region's finest wines, including the famous Primitivo di Manduria. Afterward, enjoy a leisurely dinner at a restaurant that specializes in Puglian cuisine, where you can taste seasonal dishes made with local ingredients. Conclude your evening with a pleasant walk around the Piazza Vittorio Emanuele II, soaking in the vibrant atmosphere and perhaps catching a local performance.
Take a scenic drive to the enchanting town of Alberobello, famous for its iconic trulli houses, which are unique to the Apulia region. Upon arrival, start your exploration by visiting the Trullo Sovrano, the largest trullo in the area, and learn about its history and architecture. Stroll through the picturesque streets lined with trulli, taking countless photos of these charming structures throughout the morning.
Enjoy lunch at a local eatery, sampling traditional Puglian dishes like capocollo and focaccia. After lunch, visit the Trullo Museum to discover the cultural significance of these unique buildings and the traditions of the locals. Spend the afternoon wandering through the quaint shops, where you can find handmade crafts and delicious local products.
Return to Andria in the evening, where you can unwind at a local gelateria, enjoying a scoop of artisanal gelato. For dinner, choose a restaurant that offers a mix of regional and modern Italian dishes, allowing you to taste the best of both worlds. End your day with a leisurely walk, perhaps visiting a local bar for a nightcap and mingling with friendly locals.
Prices
| Item | Price |
|---|---|
| ☕Coffee (espresso) at a bar | $1-2 |
| 🍝Meal at inexpensive restaurant | $10-15 |
| 🍷Glass of wine | $3-6 |
| 🚕Short taxi ride (local) | $6-12 |
| 🚌Local bus ticket | $1.50-2.50 |
Strengths and Weaknesses
- Rich historical sites including Castel del Monte nearby
- Authentic Apulian cuisine and excellent olive oil
- Easy access to countryside and coastal day trips
- Calm, walkable historic center with local markets
- Limited late-night entertainment compared with larger cities
- Public transport to smaller sites can be infrequent
- Hot summers can be uncomfortable without shade
- Some services and menus may have limited English
- "Buongiorno" - Good morning / Hello
- "Per favore" - Please
- "Grazie" - Thank you
- "Quanto costa?" - How much does it cost?
- "Dov'è il castello?" - Where is the castle?
- "Senza glutine, per favore" - Gluten-free, please
- "Parla inglese?" - Do you speak English?
Places to Visit in Andria
Visit one of these nice places.
The iconic 13th-century octagonal castle perched on a hill — dramatic exterior shots and panoramic views of the surrounding countryside are best at golden hour.
Narrow streets, limestone facades and lively piazzas provide evocative street photography opportunities and candid scenes of daily life.
Ancient olive trees and traditional farmhouses in the surrounding countryside offer atmospheric landscapes, especially in soft morning or late-afternoon light.
Harbors, Romanesque cathedrals by the sea and seaside promenades make for excellent sunset and seascape photography within a short drive.
Food in Andria
Andria Famous Food
Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food
Ear-shaped pasta tossed with bitter broccoli raab, garlic, anchovies and olive oil — a Puglian classic found in trattorie and family-run restaurants throughout Andria.
Must-Try!
Fried or baked stuffed turnovers (commonly with tomato and mozzarella) sold at bakeries and street vendors — perfect for a casual snack while exploring the town.
Creamy burrata and other fresh cheeses from Puglia are widely available; enjoy with local bread and a drizzle of native extra virgin olive oil at markets and restaurants.
Crunchy, savory ring-shaped biscuits flavored with fennel, pepper or wine, sold in markets and specialty shops as a local snack.
Food Markets
Explore local food markets
The town hosts a weekly open-air market where locals buy fresh produce, cheeses, cured meats and baked goods — great for tasting seasonal products and shopping for picnic supplies.
Look for panzerotti stands, bakeries selling focaccia and pasticciotti, and small vendors offering coffee and pastries in the morning around the central piazzas.
Weather
How to Behave
Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior
Use polite greetings: a simple "Buongiorno" or "Buonasera" when entering shops or meeting people is customary and appreciated.
Dress modestly when visiting churches (shoulders and knees covered). Maintain quiet and respectful behavior inside religious sites.
Meals are social and leisurely — avoid rushing, and accept invitations to linger over courses. It’s polite to say "Buon appetito" before eating.
Social events are relaxed about time, but for formal appointments (tours, reservations) arrive on time or notify if delayed.
Safety
Tipping in Andria
Ensure a smooth experience
Tipping is appreciated but not mandatory. In restaurants locals often leave small change or round up the bill; in tourist spots a 5–10% tip is fine for exceptional service. Tip cafe staff or baristas only a small amount (coins) if service is good.
Cash (Euro) is widely used, especially in markets and small shops. Credit/debit cards are accepted in most restaurants and hotels, but carry cash for smaller vendors. Contactless payments and mobile wallets are increasingly supported in larger establishments.
Best Time to Visit
And what to expect in different seasons...
Mild temperatures, blooming countryside and lower crowds make spring an excellent time to visit; pack layers for cool mornings and warmer afternoons.
Hot and dry with temperatures often above 30°C (86°F); expect lively town life, beach trips to nearby coasts and busy weekends — bring sun protection and stay hydrated.
Pleasant temperatures and harvest season for olives and grapes; rains increase in late autumn but the weather remains comfortable for hiking and tastings.
Mild to cool winters with occasional colder spells; many attractions remain open but some rural businesses may have reduced hours — bring a warm jacket for evenings.
Andria at Night
Hiking in Andria
Immerse in an unforgettable hike.
Extensive trails across limestone plateaus, offering wildlife viewing, ancient ruins and routes to Castel del Monte — suitable for half-day to full-day hikes.
Short scenic walks around the hill and viewpoints near the fortress — ideal for photography and history-focused exploration.
Gentle seaside paths and promenades offering easy hikes with sea views, fresh-air stops and opportunities for birdwatching along the Adriatic.
Airports
How to reach Andria by plane.
Primary airport for the region about 40–50 km from Andria; good connections to domestic and European destinations and regular bus or train services to Bari city with onward connections to Andria.
Secondary international airport around 90–110 km away; useful for southern Apulia access and some low-cost carriers, requires a longer drive or train connection to reach Andria.
Walkability
Demographics
Explore demographics in this area.
A significant portion of the population are long-standing local families and older residents who maintain traditional customs and community life.
Younger residents and students contribute to daytime activity, cafes and seasonal nightlife, though many commute to larger nearby cities for study or work.
There are smaller communities of immigrants from Eastern Europe, North Africa and elsewhere who add to the cultural and labor diversity of the area.
Popular Sports
Explore popular sports in region.
The most popular sport in the area with local clubs and community matches drawing support; you’ll find local pitches and youth teams throughout the region.
Road cycling and recreational cycling are popular thanks to flat to rolling terrain and scenic country roads.
Traditional ball sport commonly played among locals in parks and piazzas, often in the afternoons and evenings.
Traffic
Accomodations
Find the best place to stay when visiting Andria.
Dietary Restrictions
Tips for restricted diets.
Vegetarians will find plenty of pasta, vegetable-based dishes (especially with seasonal produce) and breads; ask for dishes without anchovies or meat-based broths and prioritize vegetable mains and salads.
Vegan options are available but more limited; focus on simple pasta with vegetables, salads, legumes and grilled vegetables, and ask restaurants to omit cheese or butter.
Gluten-free options are increasingly available in restaurants and some bakeries; always communicate dietary needs clearly ("Senza glutine, per favore") and look for establishments that note GF on the menu.
For allergies, inform staff in Italian if possible ("Sono allergico/a a...") and double-check ingredients since anchovies, dairy and wheat are common in local cuisine.