| Fasano is a
relatively modern town, although it has an
interesting old centre. But just a few miles away
are the ruins of Egnazia, a
Graeco-Messapian town and seaport. In addition to
its walled acropolis, town and burial chamber
remains, there is an excellent museum with some
superb mosaics - best to visit this first while
fresh as the ruins are more extensive than at
first sight. Near Fasano is one of the area's
largest commercial attractions, the Zoo
Safari Park. If returning from this area
it is worth checking out the commercial centre of
Emmezeta, near Fasano just off
the Bari to Brindisi road SS16/SS379, which
includes the nearest large supermarket with a
wider range of goods than in the local town
stores.
To the north of
Fasano the coastal town of Polignano a
Mare is the most attractive of the
coastal towns, with its centro storico and houses
perched over sea caves.
Monopoli
also has an interesting old centre with churches
and cathedral, plus a castle overlooking the
harbour. The return trip from this area via
Conversano or Castellana Grotte climbs up to the
plateau with some fine scenic views.
The southern
Ionian (Gulf of Taranto) coast is a little
further at about 45 minutes via Martina Franca or
Massafra, and has an endless stretch of
fine beach and Lido resorts from
Chiatona to the south-west. The main lidos are
busy in summer but there are also many places for
a quieter swim.
 
Day
trips - Taranto and the gravina country
|
