Things To Do
in Turi

Turi is a small hill town in the Apulia region of southern Italy, framed by olive groves and vineyards. Its whitewashed houses cling to gentle slopes, with a slow-paced lifestyle that blends agrarian traditions with warm hospitality. The town serves as a gateway to the Valle d'Itria, offering easy day trips to Locorotondo, Martina Franca, and Alberobello.

Nearby Bari adds a coastal counterpoint with seafood markets, historic streets, and lively evenings.

Day Trips

Spend a day exploring around

day 1
Exploring Historic Center
morning
:

Begin your day with a leisurely breakfast at a local café, savoring freshly baked pastries and rich Italian coffee. After breakfast, embark on a guided walking tour of Turi's historic center, taking in the charming architecture and vibrant atmosphere. Visit the beautiful Chiesa Madre, where you can admire its intricate details and learn about its significance in the community.

afternoon
:

After the morning tour, enjoy a traditional Italian lunch at a family-run trattoria, where you can sample local dishes made from fresh ingredients. Post-lunch, wander through the narrow streets, stopping to explore artisan shops that offer handmade crafts and souvenirs. Don't miss the panoramic views from the town's elevated points, where you can capture stunning photographs of the surrounding countryside.

evening
:

As the sun sets, find a cozy spot at a local pizzeria to enjoy a classic Neapolitan pizza, baked in a wood-fired oven. After dinner, take a leisurely stroll around the piazza, enjoying the lively atmosphere as locals gather for evening socializing. End your evening with a gelato from a nearby shop, savoring the sweet flavors under the stars.

day 2
Wine Tasting in the Countryside
morning
:

Start your morning with a hearty breakfast at your accommodation before heading out to the scenic vineyards surrounding Turi. Join a guided tour of a local winery, where you can learn about the winemaking process and the unique characteristics of Puglian wines. Enjoy a tasting session, sampling a variety of wines paired with fresh bread and local cheeses.

afternoon
:

After the winery visit, indulge in a leisurely lunch at an agriturismo, where farm-to-table cuisine showcases the region's best produce. Spend your afternoon exploring the picturesque countryside on foot or by bike, taking in the stunning landscapes and tranquil atmosphere. Be sure to stop by olive groves and ancient stone walls that tell the story of the area’s agricultural heritage.

evening
:

Return to Turi and refresh before heading out for dinner at a restaurant known for its regional specialties. Try dishes that highlight local ingredients, such as orecchiette pasta with turnip tops or grilled lamb. Conclude your evening at a wine bar, where you can enjoy a glass of wine while mingling with locals and fellow travelers.

Cost Guide

Prices

ItemPrice
🍔Meal at inexpensive restaurant$10-15
Coffee$2-4
🚌One-way local transport$1-2
🏨Budget hotel per night$60-90
🍷Glass of wine at a restaurant$5-8

Strengths and Weaknesses

  • Charming hill town with authentic Apulian cuisine
  • Excellent access to Valle d'Itria and Bari
  • Limited nightlife within the village
  • Some services may be oriented toward residents and day-trippers rather than long-stay visitors
  • "Buongiorno" - Good morning
  • "Per favore" - Please
  • "Grazie" - Thank you
  • "Dov'è il bagno?" - Where is the bathroom?
  • "Quanto costa?" - How much does it cost?

Places to Visit in Turi

Visit one of these nice places.

Turi old town (Centro Storico)

Whitewashed houses, narrow lanes and sunlit courtyards ideal for morning light.

Chiesa Matrice di San Giovanni Battista

Baroque church with a grand façade and a lively square, great at golden hour.

Valle d'Itria from the hills

Rolling olive groves and cypress-lined horizons with views over Locorotondo and Martina Franca.

Olive groves along rural roads

Long rows of ancient olive trees framed by Apulian sky and soft hills.

Culinary Guide

Food in Turi

Apulian cuisine in and around Turi emphasizes fresh vegetables, olive oil, handmade pasta, and seafood from nearby Bari. Expect vibrant flavors from simple ingredients, especially olive oil, oregano, tomatoes, and burrata.

Turi Famous Food

Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food

Orecchiette alle cime di rapa

Iconic Apulian pasta with broccoli rabe, garlic, olive oil, and chili; best enjoyed at a trattoria in Bari or nearby towns.

Must-Try!

Burrata con pomodoro e basilico

Creamy burrata served with ripe tomatoes, basil, and a drizzle of olive oil.

Friselle con pomodoro e olio

Crunchy twice-baked bread topped with tomatoes, olive oil, salt, and oregano.

Taralli

Savory ring-shaped biscuits flavored with fennel or pepper and perfect with a glass of wine.

Food Markets

Explore local food markets

Mercato settimanale di Turi

Weekly market offering fresh produce, cheeses, bread, and local snacks from the surrounding farms.

Mercato di Bari Centrale

Large city market in Bari with seafood stalls, vegetables, bread and a variety of street foods.

Climate Guide

Weather

The area has a Mediterranean climate: hot, dry summers and mild, wetter winters. Spring and autumn are pleasant for outdoor activities and sightseeing.

How to Behave

Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior

Greetings

A handshake is common; use Italian greetings such as buongiorno in the morning and buonasera in the evening.

Dining

Wait to be seated; sharing dishes is common; a little politeness goes a long way.

Safety Guide

Safety

Generally safe for travelers; standard precautions against petty theft in crowded markets. When driving, watch narrow rural roads and park in designated areas.

Tipping in Turi

Ensure a smooth experience

Tipping Etiquette

Tipping is customary but not obligatory; rounding up or leaving 5-10% at nicer restaurants is common.

Best Time to Visit

And what to expect in different seasons...

Spring

Mild temperatures, blooming countryside; ideal for walking and market visits.

Summer

Hot, dry days; coastal breezes soften heat. Bring sun protection and stay hydrated.

Autumn

Harvest season; wine and olive oil production; cooling evenings perfect for outdoor dining.

Winter

Milder winter than much of Italy; occasional rain; cozy trattorias and fewer crowds.

Nightlife Guide

Turi at Night

Turi offers a relaxed village vibe with small bars and piazza crowds; for more lively nightlife, Bari or nearby towns provide bars, live music, and wine bars, especially on weekends.

Hiking in Turi

Immerse in an unforgettable hike.

Murge plateau trails around Locorotondo and Martina Franca

Scenic hillsides with olive groves, cypress lanes, and panoramic views.

Putignano to Locorotondo loop

Gentle countryside hike through rural villages and vineyards.

Airports

How to reach Turi by plane.

Bari Karol Wojtyla Airport (BRI)

Main international airport serving Bari and the region; about 25-60 km from Turi depending on route; frequent connections to major cities.

Brindisi Papola Casale Airport (BDS)

Secondary airport for the region; longer transfer to Turi but convenient for some routes.

Getting Around

Walkability

Turi is a walkable town center with charming pedestrian lanes; however, some attractions lie in the surrounding countryside and require a car or bicycle to reach easily.

Demographics

Explore demographics in this area.

Families and retirees

Agricultural communities with long-standing family ties and a slower pace of life.

Young professionals and students

People who work or study in Bari or nearby towns and commute for work or classes.

Popular Sports

Explore popular sports in region.

Calcio (soccer)

Vastly popular; local clubs and casual games widely played during weekends.

Transportation

Traffic

Local roads are scenic but not always densely connected; most visitors rely on a car for day trips. Bari has rail and bus connections to reach other towns; plan extra travel time in peak hours.

Accomodations

Find the best place to stay when visiting Turi.

Dietary Restrictions

Tips for restricted diets.

Vegetarian

Vegetarian travelers can enjoy vegetables, legumes, burrata and fresh cheeses; ask for orecchiette with cime di rapa or roasted vegetables.

Health & Medical

Healthcare

Basic healthcare services are available locally; for specialized or emergency care, Bari hosts major hospitals such as Ospedale Sant'Anna or Ospedale in Bari, reachable by road or train.

Discover Italy

Read more in our Italy 2025 Travel Guide.

Italy Travel Guide