No trip to Puglia is complete without a visit to Polignano a Mare, one of the most popular destinations in Puglia. This town is easily accessible by train, with lines running from Bari, Brindisi, all the way down to Lecce.
Polignano a Mare is a beautiful, quaint beach town sitting on a cliffside along the Adriatic Sea, with the main attractions being the Lama Monachile beach, and the grottos (caves) that the town sits on. The town is quite small, which makes it perfect for a day trip or even 1/2 day. I recommend going in the afternoon, giving yourself time to stroll around during daylight to enjoy the beach and poetry, but also staying for a sunset rooftop aperitivo and getting to see the town light up in the evening.
photos by gaiaonthogo
GROTTO BOAT TOUR
If you are visiting Polignano a Mare and have some time, I would highly recommend taking a small boat tour through the Grotto's! I have gone multiple times, and have had the best experience with PugliaAMare. Most of these boat tours depart from San Vito - a small port outside of the town. If you don't have a car and don't feel like walking all the way from the train station under the heat, I recommend taking an Ape Calessino to get to San Vito.
APE CALESSINO TOUR
One of my favorite ways to get around these quaint Apulian towns is with a classic Ape Calessino. This excursion is just one hour and takes you through all the major sites of the town. The guide was so knowledgeable and gave us so many interesting details about Polignano a Mare!
photo by gaiaonthego
KAYAKING & PADDLEBOARDING
The turquoise waters of Polignano a Mare are so mesmerizing, that it's hard to not want to go for a swim! There are so many ways to get active in the water, and paddleboarding through the grottoes is one of the most fun experiences I've had here. The tours are guided by experts who will show you how it's done and take you to all the best hidden sea caves. If Paddleboarding isn't your thing, you can kayak too!
CATAMARAN CRUISE
If you have the extra time, a catamaran cruise in these gorgeous waters is a must. I booked this for my birthday and it was absolutely magical. The staff were great, and offered us an aperitivo complete with drinks and snacks!
photo by gaiaonthego
FOOD TOUR
Polignano a Mare has many specialty food delicacies, which I list below! This food tour is a great way to get to know more about how these local products came to be, while stuffing your belly with goodies!
photos by gaiaonthego
FOLLOW THE POETRY
The historical town is covered in little poems and Italian sayings on the stairs and the walls. Although many artists have contributed over the years, Guido il Flâneur is the poet who started the trend. One of his most famous works can be found on the Vicolo della Poesia, also known as the poetry steps, which can be discovered while exploring the historic center.
photos by gaiaonthego
WALK THROUGH VIA ROMA
Walk through Via Roma to see the lyrics of the "Volare" song hanging about the road as Christmas lights!
photos by gaiaonthego
ARTISAN CRAFT MARKETS
Good luck trying to leave without a little souvenir! If you happen to visit on a Sunday, we stumbled upon a small mercato with artisan crafts and snacks. There are also plenty of boutiques and street art vendors throughout the town.
SPECIAL COFFEE AND GELATO
Polignano a Mare is known for its delicious ice cream, earning the nickname "la città del gelato." Another local specialty is the caffé speciale, a unique drink invented by Mario Campanella, which is made from espresso, sugar, cream, lemon zest, and Amaretto liqueur.
BEST VIEW POINTS
photos by gaiaonthego
Ponte Barbonico su Lama Monachile
This bridge offers some of the best views of the famous Lama Monachile beach. Next to the bridge on each side, you can find stairs that take you down to the pebble beach.
Belvedere su Lama Monachile This hidden terrace is nestled away in the old town, and can also get quite busy with people trying to take photos. From this terrace, you can get a different view of the Lama Monachile beach and the Ponte Barbonico bridge. You can find this terrace right next to Cafe Acquamarea.
Monumento a Domenico Modugno
This famous monument is important to Polignano a Mare's history. Not only does it offer great views, but it honors Domenico Modugno, the famous singer who was born in Polignano a Mare who sings "Nel blu, dipinto di blu" also known as "Volare?" The statue depicts him facing the city center with open arms, embracing the town he was born in.
Viewpoint of Grotta Palazzese
This spot offers views of the famous Grotta Palazzese restaurant.
Punto Panoramico Largo Ardito
This last viewpoint is a short walk from the historical center, and has views of the city sitting on top of the cliffs and grottos.
FOOD & DRINK
Cafe Acquamarea
This cafe next to the Belvedere offers beautiful rooftop views of the beach and bridge and is a great place to stop for a coffee or spritz with a view.
Pescaria
Located in the city center, this sandwich spot offers delicious raw, fried, and cooked seafood street food options for those looking for a quick bite.
Mario Campanella's "Il Super Mago del Gelo"
Gelateria which offers a variety of authentic gelato flavors and specialty coffees since 1935.
Caffe dei Serafini
Bar with outdoor seating in the piazza and indoor seating with beautiful sea views.
BEACHES
photos by gaiaonthego
Lama Monachile
You will definitely be getting a view of this beach from above if you visit Polignano, but you can also visit the beach itself to catch some sun, have a picnic, or go for a swim! Next to the Ponte Barbonico bridge, you can find steps that take you down to the beach. During spring and summer this beach gets incredibly crowded, so make sure to go early if you're planning on spending the day here.
photos by gaiaonthego
Lido Cala Paura
Because of the rocky nature of the town, Polignano doesn't offer many sand beaches, which means you'll have to adjust to the rock and pebble surface. Lido Cala Paura is a great place to take a dip as well as cliff jump if you're up for an adventure!
NEARBY STAYS
Nestled in Torre Canne, just a short drive from Fasano. Discover modern rooms with serene views, indulge in Apulian delicacies, and unwind with poolside relaxation or adventurous activities like cooking classes and horse riding, ensuring a memorable stay on the stunning Puglian coast.
Perks when booking through me:
Complimentary welcome drink per guest, on arrival (select drinks only - check with your server)
20% discount at hotel restaurant
Complimentary 60-minute Aqua spa experience per guest, per stay
Upgrade to next room category, based upon availability at check-in
Located in lush greenery just outside Martina Franca, immerse yourself in the beauty of surrounded by protected areas, UNESCO sites, and exquisite architecture. Relax and rejuvenate by the outdoor seasonal pool or in the wellness center.
Perks when booking through me:
20 EUR hotel credit per room, per stay
Complimentary cocktail per guest, per stay
Welcome treat in room on arrival
Upgrade to next room category, based upon availability at check-in
Comments