Things To Do
in Bitonto

Handmade 'little ear' pasta tossed with pungent turnip greens, garlic, anchovies and olive oil—available at most trattorie and home-style restaurants.

Must-Try!

A rustic puree of dried broad beans served with bitter chicory greens; a comforting, traditional Puglian dish often found at local trattorie.

Local-style pork chops or rolls seasoned with herbs and sometimes stuffed — look for family-run restaurants serving regional variations.

Traditional bread with a crisp crust and fluffy interior—great to sample at bakeries or with olive oil tastings.

The town market where locals buy fresh vegetables, cheeses, bread and fish; ideal for sampling seasonal produce and grabbing a quick panino or sfogliatella from nearby bakeries.

Small vendors and shops occasionally sell focaccia, fried snacks and panini; near market days you can find local specialties and quick bites to eat on the go.

A warm 'Buongiorno' or 'Buona sera' and a handshake are common; use formal 'Lei' when addressing older people or in formal situations until invited to use first names.

Dress neatly—smart casual for dining out; when visiting churches, cover shoulders and knees as a sign of respect. Keep noise levels moderate in residential areas, especially at night.

Meals are social and often long—accept invitations to linger. It’s polite to wait for everyone to be served before starting to eat and to compliment the host or chef.

Respect religious festivals, local market days and traditions; ask before photographing people, especially older residents in small communities.

Tipping is modest and never obligatory—round up the bill or leave 5–10% for exceptional service in restaurants; in cafés locals usually leave small change or none at all after espresso.

Credit and debit cards are widely accepted in restaurants and shops, but carry cash for small markets, bakeries and rural businesses. ATMs are available in town; notify your bank before travel to avoid card blocks.

Hot, dry and sunny with temperatures often 28–34°C (82–93°F); afternoons can be very warm so plan sightseeing for mornings and evenings; expect lively outdoor dining and festivals in July–August.

Mild and pleasant with cooling temperatures and fall olive harvest activity from October onward—great time for food and oil tastings and fewer crowds.

Mild winters with occasional cool spells and temperatures around 6–14°C (43–57°F); quieter streets and lower prices make it good for relaxed cultural visits though some rural attractions may have limited hours.

Blooming countryside, comfortable temperatures and longer daylight; ideal for hiking, cycling and attending local cultural events as the town comes alive after winter.

About 10–20 km (15–25 minutes by car) from Bitonto; the main airport for the region with domestic and European connections. You can reach Bitonto by taxi, rented car or regional bus.

Around 80–100 km (approximately 1–1.5 hours by car) southeast of Bitonto; useful for some low-cost flights and domestic connections—car rental or train/bus combinations connect to Bitonto.

Long-standing local families maintain traditions, run small businesses and populate the historic center—many shops and eateries are family-operated.

Like many Italian towns, there is a significant elderly population who play an active role in community life and traditions.

Younger residents often commute to nearby Bari for work or study, bringing some urban influence and energy to the town’s evenings.

There are immigrant and seasonal worker populations who contribute to the town’s workforce, particularly in agriculture and services.

Vegetarian options are widely available—puglia’s vegetable dishes, orecchiette with tomato or spinach, fried vegetables and cheeses make meals easy to navigate; always ask 'senza carne' and you'll be well served.

Vegan dining is possible but requires some asking: focus on legumes, grilled vegetables, tomato-based pasta and salads; avoid hidden cheese and ask about butter in breads and pasta cooking water/seasonings.

Awareness of gluten-free needs is growing; many restaurants can prepare gluten-free pasta or dishes if informed in advance—carry a translated note explaining the restriction to avoid cross-contamination in smaller kitchens.

For nut, seafood or other allergies, communicate clearly in Italian and consider wearing a medical alert; small family kitchens may not have full allergen protocols, so ask staff about ingredients.