Between the Murgia and the Sea

The lovers of the sea will find in this territory many different points of interest. The stupendous beaches of Monopoli (13 kms of sandy coast) and Polignano a Mare, characterize a coast rich in caves among which the famous Grotta Palazzese (which overlooks the sea), is today a famous restaurant. There are several characteristic seaside towns with ancient origins such as Molfetta, and Giovinazzo. At Mola di Bari it is possible to take sailing lessons or to deep sea fishing and to participate in the colourful jokes of the local fishermen.
If one loves nature and long walks, there is no shortage of choices. Here the National Park of the Murgia extends to an area of 70.000 hectares and it offers the visitor the opportunity to view the last example of a Mediterranean steppe. Inside the park it is possible to see a wide variety of wild orchids and hawks that have become the symbols of the park. In the surrounding areas of Altamura (near the park) it is possible to visit the famous man of Altamura, the only recovery of Homo arcaicus in Italy which dates back 250.000 years; and the tracks of the dinosaurs in the caves of Pontrelli. The park of the Murgia is crossed by 6 sheep-tracks, of which one (identified by #21) follows along the Appian Way for more than 140 kilometers. In addition it is possible to witness the presence of man throughout the centuries in the jazzis and in the walled farms.
In this territory there is also the Natural Park of Lama Balice near Bari. The "lama", typical of the province of Bari, are the furrows that were cut by the running water of the rivers and the streams that over time, dug these small ravines in the calcareous rocks of the region. They generally decline from the Murgia to the Adriatic sea. The visit to the Park of Lama Balice is made even more interesting by the vistas of olive groves in the adjoining zones and of the numerous farms that make this territory so charming. Among the small villages of, Villa Malatesta, Masseria Caffariello and Villa Framarino, one finds a meeting point for excursions to the regional park.
Also worth visiting are the Lakes of Conversano and the Gravina di Monsignore. It is a group of ten karstic dolines with seasonal accumulations of rain water. The territory is famous for the karsts phenomena and for the rural landscapes confined by stone walls (without cement) casedde, specchie. The landscape is enriched by the ravines of Monsignore, and the karstic furrows that descend in a southeasterly direction from the highest levels of the Murgia to the coast. One can take pleasant walks in the Mercadante Forest near Cassano Murge and in the Oasis WWF, the Shelter near Grumo Appula.

- The Province in Bari
- Produced Typical