Molfetta lies on the Adriatic coast, just about 25 kilometres north of Bari. It's perfect for a day trip, but even better for a slow weekend - when you want to experience the real Puglia.
The old town
The heart of Molfetta is the Centro Storico - a tangle of narrow streets where light reflects off the whitish limestone, laundry dries between the houses and old stone tiles creak underfoot.
The city's greatest symbol is the Duomo di San Corrado - a magnificent Romanesque basilica with two square towers right by the sea.
But also worth seeing:
- The harbour promenade - ideal for an evening stroll with an ice cream
- Torre Calderina - a tower above the sea with views of the coastline
- Museo Diocesano - for lovers of Apulian art and history
The harbour, where life is still "old Italian"
It's worth getting up early in the morning. Fresh catches are brought into the port - and those who arrive early can experience a small informal market: the noise, the fishermen's calls, the clatter of plastic crates, the smell of the sea, which you can really smell here.
It is one of the last ports in Puglia where fishing life is really going on and is not just a backdrop for tourists.
Beaches in Molfetta? Small, rocky and unexpectedly beautiful
Molfetta may not have wide sandy beaches, but the crystal sea here plays all the tones of turquoise and blue.
Some of the best spots include Prima Cala - a small cove with bars and a laid-back atmosphere, Cala San Giacomo- pebble beach, ideal for swimming, Lido Algamarina - clean, tidy and quiet.
And the biggest charm? The sunsets behind the harbour.
What you must try
Molfetta is perfect for those who love seafood. We recommend trying the crudo di mare (raw seafood - a local delicacy), the orecchiette with mussels or the cime di rapa turnip), panzerotti fried until crispy, frittura mista of fresh catch (a mixture of fried seafood).
And don't forget the ice cream!
Molfetta is a town suitable for a short visit and as a quiet base in northern Puglia. Its proximity to Bari and good transport links make it easily accessible.it offers a well-preserved historic centre, the Romanesque Basilica of San Corrado, an active fishing port and several small town beaches.anyone looking for a place where they can experience the true face of southern Italy, walk the quiet stone streets and enjoy the sea without the crowds will enjoy Molfetta to the full.
