Trani Car Hire

Guide of Trani

Geography

Trani is a pretty seaport that sits on the Adriatic Sea in Apulia, a region in Southern Italy. It is located around 40 km north of Bari.

Climate in Trani

Trani has a typically Mediterranean climate, with hot dry summers and mild winters. Temperatures begin to heat up in May with a daily average of 22°C and peak in July with temperatures averaging 30°C. If you’re looking for guaranteed sunshine, May to August is the best time to visit. Temperatures start to cool in September and reach their coldest in January, when temperatures hover around 10°C.

Culture

According to local legend, Trani was founded by Tirreno, son of Diomedes. Like the rest of Puglia, it was absorbed into the Roman Empire and later became a fortified city during the Byzantine era. Trani became an important departure point for the Crusades and a thriving commercial centre between the 11th and 13th centuries and quickly grew as a maritime power. It also became home to Italy’s largest Jewish community, evidenced by the impressive Scolanova synagogue and place names like Piazza Sinagoga and Via Giudeca.

Today, Trani is still an active fishing port, with dozens of boats and fishing trawlers emerging every morning to serve up their fresh catch on the harbourside.

Things To Do in Trani

Visit the spectacular Cattedrale di San Nicola Pellegrino

This pink-hued cathedral sits right on the waterfront. It’s dedicated to Nicholas the Pilgrim, a Greek Christian to whom several miracles have been attributed. Works on the cathedral began in 1097 and construction was completed in the 13th century. Underneath the cathedral, there is a crypt, where the saints’ bones are kept under the altar. The remains of the 12th-century mosaic floor are spectacular.

Meander around Centro Storico

Trani’s town centre is characterised by pretty narrow streets, charming squares and lively bars. Ditch the map and lose yourself in the maze of alleyways and be sure to stop in plenty of shops and cafes along the way.

Take a picnic to the Villa Comunale

This beautiful garden and villa occupies a prime location overlooking the sparkling Adriatic Sea. Built in 1824, the villa features an Italianate and English garden, with sculptures dedicated to local heroes. There’s also an outdoor theatre that hosts concerts and summer performances.

Explore the town’s Jewish history at the Scolanova Synagogue

Around 600 years ago there were four synagogues serving more than 200 practising Jews in Trani, but only this 13th-century synagogue remains. It was converted into a Christian church, then abandoned in the mid-20th century but has recently been deconsecrated and returned to its former role as a Jewish house of worship. Don’t miss the Byzantine painting of Madonna dei Martiri.

Hit the beach

If you’re travelling with a car, you’ll have your pick of some of Puglia’s finest beaches but there are scenic sandy stretches close to town too. Teeny-tiny Lido Bella Venezia is a stroll away from the Villa Comunale and offers sweeping views of the pier and cathedral. There are sunbed rentals here too. A little further out, you’ll find Cala Mariposa, which serves up some superb sunset views.

Get up close to the 13th-century castle

Along with the cathedral, the Castello is one of Trani’s most iconic monuments. Built in the early 13th century by Frederick II, the Swabian castle features a seawater moat (which has now dried up), large halls and courtyards. If you have the time, make the 35-minute drive to Castel del Monte, also built by Frederick II.

Eating Out in Trani

Trani is a working fishing port and seafood is in serious supply. Fishermen ply their wares every morning on the harbourside – an excellent option if you’re self-catering. The town is also well-known for its Moscato di Trani DOC, a golden desert wine with a deliciously velvety texture. The wider region of Apulia is famed for its cucina povera style cooking, which uses simple, flavour-packed ingredients to create mouthwatering dishes.

There are dozens of osteria, restaurants, cafes and bars dotted around the town centre and the harbour, but for an extra-special view try La Darsena. The waterside restaurant is renowned for its seafood. Or, for a taste of the traditional, try Osteria La Banchina. The riso patate e cozze (rice with potatoes and mussels) is sublime. And, if you’re hoping to dance under the stars, hotfoot to Portulaca. The restaurant-come-cocktail bar stays open until the early hours and offers plenty of outdoor space to get your groove on.

Transport

Airport

The closest airport to Trani is Bari Karol Wojtyla Airport (BRI), situated 40.9 km away. Most major international and domestic airlines serve the airport, including many budget European airlines. It takes around 35 minutes to drive from the airport to the town centre.

If you haven’t hired a car, you’ll need to take a taxi or take public transport. There is no direct route from the airport, you’ll need to take a shuttle bus to Bari Centrale station, and then a 40-minute train to Trani. Trains run once or twice every hour.

Getting Around Trani

If you’re in Trani for a day or two, you’re in luck. It’s a highly walkable town and you’ll be able to reach most of the town’s major sights on foot. However, if you’re hoping to explore attractions and villages outside of the town centre, we recommend hiring a car. Navigating the local bus network can be difficult and many services only run in the summer.