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Millions of Americans are about to make the same mistake in Italy this summer: fighting shoulder to shoulder at the Trevi Fountain and in endless rows of tanks at the Colosseum.
Rome often feels inevitable. Not only is it the capital, but it has traditionally been the easiest Italian destination to reach with a direct flight from the US
But that just changed.
If you want to skip the suffocating crowds without sacrificing the authentic Italian experience, airlines this summer quietly rolled out non-stop transatlantic flights to three of Italy’s most fascinating and underrated cities.
As much as we love Rome, we’re not sure about you, but we think we might miss the Eternal City this year… especially now that there are non-stop transatlantic flights to 3 of the most unique cities in Italy:
Bari
Bari, the gateway to the Puglia (or Apulia) region, is often bypassed by tourists who only use it as a launching pad to reach the famous seaside resorts of Polignano a Mare and Monopoli. However, if you are a seasoned Italy traveler, you know that Bari should not be overlooked.
It is home to Bari Vecchia, one of the country’s largest medieval centres, a literal maze of cobblestones, peppered with family-run trattoria and weathered facades.
Basilica of San Nicola, the one large Romanesque church towers high above the central square and houses the relics of Sinterklaas. As in the real Santa Claus.
Just a stone’s throw from the cathedral, Via Arco Basso is perhaps Bari’s liveliest street: a stage-like alley where nonnas of people linger on the verandas, rolling in the city’s signature earlobe-shaped pasta. However, if you want to try them as a real dish, go to Orecchietteria San Nicola.
Of course you can’t come to Bari without exploring the wider Puglia:
Whether it’s the trulli houses of Alberobello, with its distinctive conical roofs, or the iconic Lama Monachile beach at Polignano, wedged between dramatic limestone cliffs, the heel of Italy’s boot is Amalfi’s biggest crown challenger now.
Fly non-stop to Bari this summer
Route information
- Airline: United Airlines
- Aircraft: Boeing 767
- Route: Newark (EWR) ⇄ Bari (BRI)
- Flight time: 8:55 am–10:15 am
- Frequency: Monday, Wednesday, Friday, Saturday (only in summer)
Schedule
- Departure Newark: 3:30 PM
- Arrival Bari: 6:30 am (next day)
Is it all year round?
No.
The Newark (EWR) ⇄ Bari (BRI) runs from late spring to early fall (usually late May to early September). Outside this window you will need a connection to get to Bari, usually via Rome or Milan.
Typical price range
- Economy return: $800–$1,400+
- Premium cabins: $1,500–$3,000+
If you’re wondering how safe it is to visit Italy this summer, the country scores a whopping 91 out of 100 on the Traveler Safety Index: the most important tool for measuring on-site safety levels, because it’s based on traveler reports.
Palermo
Palermo, the capital and largest city of Sicily, can only be described as an assault on the senses. The labyrinthine historic center is one big, organized chaos of crumbling baroque facades, busy street markets, hanging laundry and motorcyclists meandering between them.
The oldest of Palermo’s three main markets, Ballarò dates back to the Arab era and is a riot of color full of Arabic-Italian dialects and roadside stalls. The stench of drying fish may be a bit overpowering, but… those overflowing pistacchio cornetti make up for it.
Capo is where you go for that pre-lunch arancini game, and some old-fashioned souvenirs, and perhaps my personal favorite of the three: Vucciria is part open-air theatre, part backyard party, with bar tables opening onto the main square and narrow alleys.
Palermo is also known for its UNESCO-listed Arab-Norman architecture. As in, a combination of both North African and Norman (as in from Normandy in France) influences – yes, it was under the rule of every conceivable empire out there, so talk about a melting pot.
Don’t miss the Norman Palace, with its gold-clad Palatine Chapel and lush royal gardens, and the cathedral, a fortress-like fever dream of a structure with elements of Arabic, Byzantine, French and Spanish design interwoven along its facades and ramparts.
Fly non-stop to Palermo this summer
From Newark (EWR)
- Airline: United airline
- Aircraft: Boeing 767 (United)
- Route: Newark (EWR) ⇄ Palermo (PMO)
- Flight time: 8:20–8:50 am
- Frequency: Wednesday, Friday, Sunday
From New York (JFK)
- Airline: Neos Air
- Aircraft: Boeing 787 or 737 variants
- Route (Neos): New York (JFK) ⇄ Palermo (PMO)
- Flight time: 8:20–8:50 am
- Frequency: Tuesday & Saturday
Schedule
Newark (EWR) → Palermo (PMO)
- Departure Newark: 4:25 p.m
- Arrival in Palermo: 6:30 PM (next day)
JFK → Palermo
- Departures JFK: 5:00 PM
- Arrival in Palermo: 7:20 am (next day)
Is it all year round?
No.
Both routes are seasonal (summer only) and operate from late May to late September/early October. If you’re traveling after October (which, by the way, is a good time to visit Sicily without risking heatstroke), you’ll need to connect via Rome, Milan, or other larger European hubs.
Typical price range
- Economy return: $800–$1,400+
- Premium cabins: $1,500–$3,000+
Europe is drastically changing its travel rules this year, from mandatory fingerprinting to their upcoming travel permit aimed at tourists… including Americans. Before you fly to Europe this summer, do a little destination check on the Entry Requirements Check page.
Catania
Palermo is the capital and the most obvious entry point into Sicily, but Catania is the unashamed, louder second city. It lies on the east coast of the island and, like its spiritual sister Naples, is overshadowed by a rising volcano, Mount Etna.
It’s not as polished as other Sicilian towns like Palermo or Noto, and the hectic local traffic gives Palermo a bit of a bang for its buck, and that’s saying something, but that’s the beauty of it all.
The historic center is carved almost entirely from black lava stone and was rebuilt with materials from Mount Etna after a devastating earthquake in 1693.
It gives Catania one unique, asymmetrical, almost volcanic color bordering on theatricaland the ornate churches, wrought-iron balconies and grand palazzi only add to the drama.
The best way to soak up Catania’s unparalleled atmosphere is via Via Etnea, which heads straight to the base of the volcano itself, lined with shops, cafes and rooftop bars.
On Piazza del Duomo you will find u Liotruthe iconic ‘elephant fountain’, a symbol of Catania, and the baroque cathedral itself.
Just past the square you come to La Pescheria, Catania’s legendary fish marketwhich flow along a paved artery to the water that they may or may not still fish from.
Vendors shout over splashing buckets of swordfish, tuna and octopus, while nearby trattorias spend the morning turning their catch into fresh seafood pasta and fritto misto. For the best pasta alla Norma in town, go to Trattoria del Cavaliere.
Route information
- Airline: Delta Airlines
- Aircraft: Boeing 767-300
- Route: New York (JFK) ⇄ Catania (CTA)
- Flight time: 8:55–9:20 am
- Frequency: 1 flight per day during the summer
Schedule
- Departures JFK: 4:30 PM
- Arrival Catania: 6:30 am (next day)
Is it all year round?
Again, no.
The route is only operational this summer (May to October).
Typical price frenzy
- Economy return: $800–$1,400+
- Premium cabins: $1,500–$3,000+
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