Things To Do
in Capurso

Capurso is a small Apulian town nestled inland, just a short drive from Bari. Its whitewashed houses, narrow alleys, and sunny courtyards reflect a timeless, village-centered charm. The town offers tranquil plazas, locally run eateries, and easy access to the Adriatic coast.

Visitors can savor authentic Apulian cuisine, wander olive-studded countryside, and use Capurso as a gateway to Bari’s culture.

Day Trips

Spend a day exploring around

day 1
Explore the Historic Center
morning
:

Begin your adventure in Capurso by wandering through its charming historic center. Visit the stunning Church of St. John the Baptist, adorned with beautiful frescoes, and soak in the local atmosphere. Enjoy a leisurely breakfast at a nearby café, sampling traditional pastries like pasticciotto.

afternoon
:

After lunch, immerse yourself in local culture by visiting the Capurso Museo Civico, which showcases the town's rich history and heritage. Stroll through picturesque streets lined with quaint shops and boutiques, where you can find unique handmade crafts. Take a break at a local gelateria to enjoy refreshing Italian gelato.

evening
:

As the sun begins to set, head to a local pizzeria to experience an authentic Capursan dinner. Enjoy the lively ambiance as you savor classic pizzas, paired with a glass of regional wine. Conclude your day with a leisurely walk in the town square, where you can take in the vibrant nightlife and engage with friendly locals.

day 2
Day Trip to Bari
morning
:

Take a short train ride to the coastal city of Bari, where you can start your day by visiting the iconic Basilica di San Nicola. Marvel at the beautiful architecture and learn about the history of the Saint who is a patron of children. Enjoy breakfast at a local café while trying the famous focaccia barese.

afternoon
:

Spend your afternoon exploring the vibrant streets of Bari's old town, with its narrow alleys and colorful buildings. Visit the historical Norman-Swabian Castle and stroll along the waterfront promenade to enjoy spectacular views of the Adriatic Sea. You may also want to indulge in some shopping at local markets for unique souvenirs.

evening
:

Dine at a seaside restaurant, savoring fresh seafood dishes that capture the essence of Puglian cuisine. Enjoy the warm evening breeze as you relax and take in the bustling atmosphere of the city. After dinner, take a moonlit stroll along the shoreline before heading back to Capurso.

Cost Guide

Prices

ItemPrice
🍔Meal at inexpensive restaurant$12-18
Coffee or espresso$1.50-3
🥗Three-course meal for two$40-60
🚌Local transit ticket$1.50-2.50
🏨Budget hotel room (per night)$60-120

Strengths and Weaknesses

  • Calm pace of life and friendly locals
  • Proximity to Bari and the Adriatic coast
  • Authentic Apulian cuisine
  • Walkable town center
  • Limited nightlife and dining options within Capurso
  • Public transportation within town is limited; a car can be useful
  • Seasonal tourism means some services are quiet in winter
  • "Ciao" - Hello/Hi
  • "Per favore" - Please
  • "Grazie" - Thank you
  • "Mi scusi" - Excuse me
  • "Dov'è il bagno?" - Where is the bathroom?
  • "Parla inglese?" - Do you speak English?
  • "Quanto costa?" - How much does it cost?
  • "Un tavolo per due, per favore" - A table for two, please

Places to Visit in Capurso

Visit one of these nice places.

Historic Center Alleys of Capurso

Winding lanes, whitewashed façades, and flowering balconies create charming compositions, especially during early morning or late afternoon light.

Panoramic View over the Countryside

Elevated streets offer views of olive groves, fields, and the Bari skyline on clear days, ideal for wide-angle landscapes at golden hour.

Capurso Parish Church Square

A cobbled square framed by the parish church and a fountain, perfect for candid street photography and quiet portraits.

Culinary Guide

Food in Capurso

Capurso and the Bari region celebrate bright Mediterranean flavors: olive oil, fresh vegetables, seafood from the nearby coast, and hearty pastas. Expect simple, hearty preparations that let regional ingredients shine. Local wines and rustic bread pair perfectly with meals in this area.

Capurso Famous Food

Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food

Orecchiette con cime di rapa

A classic Apulian pasta dish pairing handmade ear-shaped pasta with bitter rapini greens, garlic, olive oil, and chili.

Must-Try!

Focaccia Barese

A thick, olive-oiled flatbread topped with tomatoes and olives, ideal as an everyday snack or light meal.

Taralli

Crunchy, ring-shaped crackers seasoned with fennel or black pepper, often enjoyed with wine.

Bombette

Pork rolls seasoned and grilled, a Bari specialty that showcases rustic flavors.

Fave e cicorie

Creamy fava beans with chicory, a comforting rustic dish popular in cooler months.

Food Markets

Explore local food markets

Capurso Weekly Market

Seasonal produce, bread, cheeses, and regional specialties sold by local vendors in the town center.

Bari Markets Nearby

Vibrant markets in Bari where you can sample panzerotti, puccia sandwiches, fresh seafood, and regional snacks.

Climate Guide

Weather

Capurso experiences a Mediterranean climate with hot, dry summers and mild, wetter winters. Spring and autumn are typically very pleasant, with comfortable daytime temperatures and gentle breezes.

How to Behave

Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior

Greetings

A handshake is common; use polite 'Lei' when addressing strangers or elders. Greet with 'Buongiorno' in the morning and 'Buonasera' in the evening.

Dining Etiquette

Compliments to the cook are appreciated; keep voices modest in churches and quiet in cafes; tipping is optional but appreciated for exceptional service.

Dress Code

Smart casual for nicer restaurants; modest attire when visiting religious sites; comfortable footwear for cobblestones.

Safety Guide

Safety

Overall safety is good in Capurso, with typical urban precautions: secure valuables, watch for crowded areas and night travel alone in unfamiliar areas. In emergencies, dial 112. Stay aware of petty theft in markets and popular tourist spots, and follow local guidance during severe weather or heavy rain.

Tipping in Capurso

Ensure a smooth experience

Tipping Etiquette

Tipping is voluntary in Italy; if service is included, don’t double-tip. For good service, rounding up the bill or leaving 5-10% is common.

Payment Methods

Credit and debit cards are widely accepted in towns; cash is handy for markets, small shops, and rural eateries.

Best Time to Visit

And what to expect in different seasons...

Summer

Hot and dry; expect long days with plenty of sunshine. Hydrate, wear sunscreen, and seek shade in the afternoons; coastal breezes near Bari can be refreshing at dusk.

Autumn

Mild and pleasant with less crowding; ideal for countryside walks and wine-tasting excursions in nearby vineyards.

Winter

Cool and moist with occasional rain; daylight hours are shorter—great for museum visits and cozy meals in local eateries.

Spring

Warm days with blooming orchards and olive groves; perfect for outdoor exploration and photography.

Nightlife Guide

Capurso at Night

Capurso offers a quiet, village-style nightlife with casual bars and family-run pubs. For more vibrant nightlife, Bari’s historic center and seafront neighborhoods provide a wider array of bars, clubs, and live music within a short drive or train ride.

Hiking in Capurso

Immerse in an unforgettable hike.

Countryside olive grove trails near Capurso

Gentle, scenic walking routes through olive groves and rural farmland, suitable for easy day hikes.

Hiking routes in Bari hinterland

Short drives from Capurso offer more expansive trails with views of the coast and inland landscapes.

Airports

How to reach Capurso by plane.

Bari Karol Wojtyła Airport (BRI)

Main international airport serving Bari; about a 20–40 minute drive to Capurso, depending on traffic, with rail and shuttle connections to the city.

Brindisi–Salento Airport (BDS)

Smaller regional airport to the southeast; a longer drive to Capurso (roughly 1.5–2.5 hours by road) but convenient for certain destinations and low-cost carriers.

Getting Around

Walkability

Capurso's center is compact and highly walkable; most sights, cafés, and eateries are within a short stroll. For longer trips or coastal visits, a car or local bus/rail connections are convenient.

Demographics

Explore demographics in this area.

Local families

Traditional families form the town’s backbone, often centered around local festivals and markets.

Retirees

A steady presence, drawn by the climate, pace of life, and sense of community.

Seasonal workers and visitors

Some residents and visitors come for agricultural work or tourism-related employment, especially in warmer months.

Popular Sports

Explore popular sports in region.

Calcio (soccer)

The most popular sport in the region, with local clubs and community matches throughout the year.

Cycling

Flat to rolling countryside makes cycling a common activity, especially in the spring and autumn.

Running and walking

Popular among locals for fitness and leisure along town lanes and coastal routes near Bari.

Transportation

Traffic

Traffic is generally light within Capurso, with occasional congestion during peak commuting times. For longer trips to Bari or coastal towns, road conditions shift with seasonal tourism; public buses and regional trains offer alternatives.

Accomodations

Find the best place to stay when visiting Capurso.

Dietary Restrictions

Tips for restricted diets.

Vegetarian

Look for dishes built on vegetables, legumes, and pasta with tomato-based sauces; many places can tailor orecchiette with rapa or fava-based plates to vegetarian needs.

Gluten-Free

Many venues accommodate gluten-free options; ask about pasta alternatives or grilled vegetables and seafood; confirm cross-contamination policies when dining out.

Health & Medical

Healthcare

Capurso itself has limited healthcare facilities; residents typically use clinics in town and hospitals in Bari. The public healthcare system (Servizio Sanitario Nazionale) provides general practitioners and specialist care in Bari, with 112 as the emergency number.

Discover Italy

Read more in our Italy 2025 Travel Guide.

Italy Travel Guide