Polignano a Mare is a small, incredibly charming coastal town south of Bari, in the Southern Italian region of Puglia. As most locations on the Adriatic coastline, the town is known for its crystal waters and a striking, rugged coastline, atop which the town is built.
An old town with picturesque limestone houses, an imposing bridge, and a gorgeous beach sandwiched between two cliffs are among the most important attractions.
It also boasts incredible cuisine and cultural events, and it’s a fantastic day trip from Bari or Monopoli (unless you decide to stay in Polignano a Mare for at least a couple of days, which I recommend).
One of the major reasons for the town’s popularity, however, is being the birthplace of the Domenico Modugno. This singer and songwriter is the author of the world-famous song “Volare”. Polignano a Mare is also the setting of Italy’s Red Bull Cliff Diving World Series, drawing people from all over the world every year.
I was born and raised in Bologna, in the north of Italy, but I’m a huge fan of Puglia. This is probably my favorite region in Italy. It’s so charming, I love its towns and cities, and it has some of the best beaches in the country.
It’s also incredibly affordable compared to other destinations (Amalfi Coast, I’m looking at you) and it’s a lot more authentic in my opinion. So, great choice choosing PUglia for your trip!
In this thorough guide to Polignano a Mare, I’ll show you how to plan the perfect visit, from how to get there to the best activities and things to do.
Table of Contents
HOW TO GET TO POLIGNANO A MARE
Having a rental car and embarking on a Puglia road trip might be the easiest way to travel around the region. It will make your journey to Polignano a Mare pretty straightforward, although you can’t enter the city center by car. Once you reach it, you’ll have to park outside and then walk.
I generally use Discover Cars to find the best deals when renting a car. ➥ COMPARE PRICES HERE
Discover Cars is a car rental booking service that offers a wide range of rental options from various car rental agencies in Cancun and makes it easier to find a rental car that suits your needs and budget.
I particularly like their cancelation policy. Typically, with Discover Cars, you can cancel your booking for free up to 48 hours before the pickup time – a much more generous cancelation policy than other platforms. However, it’s always important to read the specific terms and conditions of your rental agreement for exact details, as policies can vary based on the rental company and the rate you choose.
If you’d rather travel by public transport, you’ll find details below about how to reach the town from the area’s main cities.
From Bari Airport to Polignano a Mare
Bari Airport is 34 miles north of Polignano a Mare, and the drive takes around 45 minutes.
From there you can take a taxi, a train, or a bus. The journey to Polignano a Mare train station takes 1 hour and 20 minutes, although it’s not direct. You’ll first travel to Bari Centrale, and then switch trains to Polignano a Mare. You can expect to pay around €8.
There’s not a direct bus either, having to travel to the center of Bari first on line 16, and from there take another bus to Polignano a Mare. The overall journey takes 1 hour and 40 minutes, and tickets cost €4.
From Brindisi Airport to Polignano a Mare
Aside from a taxi, the fastest way to reach Polignano a Mare is by train. You’ll first travel to Brindisi Station, and there change to a Trenitalia Intercity train. The journey takes 1 hour and 20 minutes, and tickets cost around €8.
The bus trip is much longer, taking 2.5 hours with 2 changes. You’ll take a bus to Brindisi Station, and from there one to Brindisi Viale Togliatti, where you’ll catch line 555 to Polignano a Mare. Tickets cost between €8 and €12.
From Bari to Polignano a Mare
Polignano a Mare is just 30 minutes away from Bari. The trains, departing from Bari Centrale, depart frequently throughout the day and the journey costs €5.
If you’d rather travel by bus, you’ll also leave from Bari Centrale. The direct journey takes 40 minutes, and tickets cost anywhere between €5 and €15.
From Monopoli to Polignano a Mare
Monopoli is located 6 miles south of Polignano a Mare, a very short drive away. The train is the quickest method to cover the distance, with the journey taking 4 minutes and tickets costing €1.50.
The bus trip takes 10-15 minutes and tickets can cost up to €7.
From Lecce to Polignano a Mare
Coming from Lecce? Most trains departing from the city will stop at Monopoli, where you’ll have to change trains to get to Polignano a Mare. The trip takes roughly 1.5 hours and costs €12.
The bus journey is direct, but not only is it slightly more expensive, they’re also much less frequent. The trip takes anywhere between 1.5 hours and 1 hour and 50 minutes.
From Ostuni to Polignano a Mare
Trains to Polignano a Mare depart from Ostuni every 3 hours, and the journey time is slightly under 30 minutes. Tickets cost between €5 and €10, depending on the time you take it.
The Ostuni train station is about 2 miles from the city center, so you might want to take a taxi there.
If, instead, you choose to travel by bus, the direct journey takes close to an hour and costs €10.
From Rome to Polignano a Mare
Rome is 254 miles (409 km) from Polignano a Mare, and the fastest way to cover the distance is by high-speed train, which takes 4 hours and 17 minutes. Tickets start at €23.
I wouldn’t recommend the bus, as most journeys require changes and take over 8 hours. Bus tickets are also more expensive than the train, so it doesn’t make sense to even consider it.
BEST TOURS TO POLIGNANO A MARE
Another great way to visit Polignano a Mare is by joining a tour. This ensures transfers, along with a professional guide who’ll give you all the insights and history bits about the town.
▶️ From Bari you can join this Alberobello, Monopoli, Polignano Small-Group Day Trip. Start with a visit to the enchanting Trulli of Alberobello, and then head to the seaside town of Monopoli. Your final destination is Polignano a Mare, which you’ll explore with your guide. ➥ BOOK IT HERE
▶️ From Lecce, choose the Ostuni, Alberobello and Polignano a Mare Tour. It includes pick-up and drop-off and all the transfers to these three spectacular locations. In each of them, you’ll have free time to explore at your leisure. ➥ BOOK IT HERE
BEST THINGS TO DO IN POLIGNANO A MARE
Walk Around the Old Town
Polignano a Mare, like most Puglian cities, is known for its limestone buildings. Most of them boast lovely balconies brimming with plants, and a maze of narrow streets.
The old town is small and incredibly charming. Get lost strolling along its cobblestone alleys, discovering its various attractions. The Porta Vecchia Gate (or Arco Marchesale), its various churches, and the Piazza Vittorio Emanuele II are a few of them.
If you’re an art lover, make sure to add the Museum of Contemporary Art Pino Pascali to your itinerary. It’s right outside the historic center.
▶️ The Polignano a Mare: Guided Walking Tour lasts 1.5 hours, and takes you around the enchanting old town. You’ll visit the main landmarks, discover the city’s history, and admire the seascape views from the terraces. ➥ BOOK IT HERE
Go on a Boat Tour To Explore the Sea Caves
The natural beauty of Polignano a Mare goes beyond its secluded beach and rocky cliffs. It boasts incredible sea caves, known as grottoes, along the coastline.
The karst phenomenon, along with the erosion caused by wind and water, has created sea caves that can be accessed by boat. With sunlight streaming in through holes and the caves’ entrance, they’re a mesmerizing, natural attraction that can’t be missed!
I’ve written a whole post about the best boat tours from Polignano a Mare, but if you’re in a rush, here are my favorite ones.
▶️ The Polignano a Mare: Speedboat Cruise to Caves with Aperitif is a 2-hour experience. You’ll sail past the coastline, taking in the sights and enjoying an Italian aperitif. Visit the hidden sea caves of the area, swim in the sea, and relax on deck. ➥ BOOK IT HERE
▶️ This Polignano a Mare: Catamaran Tour with Aperitif & Local Food is a great alternative. You’ll sail along the city’s coastline, and visit the various grottoes, San Paolo islet, and Cala Portalga. Swim on a local beach, and enjoy time for paddleboarding. Finally, relish an Apulian aperitif onboard. ➥ BOOK IT HERE
Check Out the Sunset View from Ponte Borbonico di Lama Monachile
Ponte Borbonico is one of the most striking landmarks in Polignano a Mare. This 49-foot high bridge was built in the 1800s as part of a new road to connect Lecce with Bari. Underneath it are the remains of the ancient Via Traiana.
It overlooks the stunning Lama Monachile beach, framed by two rocky cliffs, the sea, and the whitewashed houses of the old town. It’s also Polignano’s prime viewpoint to watch the sunset!
Relax at Lama Monachile Beach, Polignano a Mare’s Famous Beach
Lama Monachile (also known as Cala Porto) is one of the most famous beaches in the region. It’s a small, white-sand area on the shores of the Adriatic Sea, edged by two imposing limestone cliffs.
There are no facilities, so beach-goers take their towels and chairs to sunbathe, relax, and go for unlimited swims in the turquoise waters. From the beach you can see Ponte Borbonico in the background, and the old town perched atop the cliffs.
Lama Monachile Beach is probably the reason Polignano a Mare became so famous, so make sure to spend some time there, taking in the magnificent vista. However, I personally think there are such nicer beaches in Puglia if you’re mostly looking for beach time!
With my family, we usually go to the Salento area near Lecce, where some beaches are so nice that are compared to the Maldives. Just letting you know!
Eat Your Way Through Polignano a Mare
It wouldn’t be a proper Italian trip if you don’t stuff yourself in every destination you visit! Puglia is renowned for its traditional cuisine, featuring Italian classics and regional specialties.
Dishes and snacks you can’t miss in Polignano a Mare include Focaccia, Panzerotti, Taralli, and Pasticciotti. Make sure to enjoy the Caffè Speciale as well, a drink made of coffee, Amaretto, and cream.
You’ll find great places to eat and drink along Via Roma, and Fcazz is a good spot to try the coffee. Or better yet, join a food tour to sample everything and learn about the local customs and culinary gems.
▶️ The Street Food Tour of Polignano a Mare is a great option. Explore the historic center and the various viewpoints, tasting delicious local bites along the way. Sample Pugliese Focaccia, filled Panzerotti, Capocollo, Burrata, wine, and coffee, among other specialties! ➥ BOOK IT HERE
Hang Out in Piazza Vittorio Emanuele II
Polignano a Mare’s main square, named after Italy’s first king, is Piazza Vittorio Emanuele II. It’s a busy, small piazza surrounded by historical buildings. These include Palazzo dell’ Orologio and the 13th-century Chiesa Matrice di Santa Maria Assunta.
It’s a meeting hub for locals, and its numerous cafés, bars, and restaurants make it imperative that you sit for a coffee or a Spritz and people-watch. If you’re wondering what to do in Polignano a Mare for aperitivo time, Piazza Vittorio Emanuele II is the answer.
Go Poem-Hunting Around Town
This is one of the most original, beautiful activities to enjoy in Polignano a Mare. All around town, in the most unsuspected places, you’ll find poetry and Italian quotes.
Written along benches, walls, doors, and stairs, this romantic street art form is the initiative of a local writer, Guido Il Flâneur (The Wanderer).
He collected the work of renowned poets and writers, such as Pablo Neruda and Eduardo de Filippo, and scribbled down pieces of poetry all around Polignano a Mare. Some lines of his own creation possibly made it to the walls as well.
One of the main places to read his work is Vicolo della Poesia, a small stairway with poetry written on the steps. Keep your eyes on the lookout for more poems as you explore. As if the seaside town couldn’t get any more enchanting!
Have a Unique Dinner Experience
Treat yourself to a meal you won’t forget at Grotta Palazzese, a restaurant nestled inside a cave, right over the sea.
This magical dining setting dates back to the 18th century, and it’s one of the most exclusive restaurants in the country. As you dine and wine, you’ll have front-row views of the sea clashing against the rocky cliffs below you, and the striking rock walls around you.
This Polignano a Mare cave restaurant is dreamy to say the least, and the food is astoundingly good. You can order an individual dish or choose from their multiple-course offers. There’s also an extensive wine list and drinks to pair your meal with!
I can’t tell you how the food is because as you can imagine, dinner here isn’t exactly budget friendly so I skipped it, but the views and the interior of the restaurant look stunning.
Being such a popular, bucket-list restaurant, you need to make a reservation on the website ahead of time to ensure your spot.
Don’t Miss These Viewpoints
For being such a small town, it’s surprising how many glorious vantage points there are. And the panoramas are so incredibly good, you shouldn’t miss a single one of them.
▶️ Belvedere Terrazza Santo Stefano is in the heart of the historic center, and it boasts panoramic views of the Adriatic Sea. Admire Polignano a Mare’s coastline and the town built on top of the cliffs, with the vast turquoise sea as it lapped on the shoreline.
▶️ Belvedere su Lama Monachile offers the most stunning views over the spiaggia. It overlooks the rocky cliffs facing the sea and the small beach, the houses of the old town, and Ponte Borbonico in the distance.
▶️ The Viewpoint of Grotta Palazzese has one of the most privileged views of the sea and the bluffs. After all, it acts as a window from the rock itself! It also offers a great panorama of the cave restaurant.
▶️ The Lungomare di Polignano a Mare is a waterfront promenade where you can enjoy a lovely stroll. Take in the expansive sea views, and possibly a few fishermen! Along the Lungomare you’ll also come across Punto Panoramico Largo Ardito. This vantage point overlooks the Adriatic Sea and the coastline to both sides.
▶️ You can also visit Pietra Piatta, a rocky outcrop that grants you views of the entire city center across the bay, the beach, and the craggy coastline.
Eat the BEST Focaccia in Town
We’ve already covered that Pugliese Focaccia is a (delicious) staple dish of the region, and a must-try. But where can you eat the best focaccia in town? Below are the top eateries to check out!
▶️ La Focacceria delle Noci Marco is possibly the most popular in town among locals and tourists. It sells freshly baked focaccia with a great variety of toppings, from the original Pugliese Focaccia to the most creative combinations. Vegetarian options are included.
▶️ Pan per Focaccia is a bakery and focacceria, specializing in baked goods. It sells delicious, freshly-made focaccia along with a variety of breads, taralli, and panzerotti.
▶️ Focacceria del Corso is another local favorite. And while its best-seller is the traditional focaccia, the shop also offers panini, arancini, and pizza. It’s the perfect spot to get a few items for a beach picnic!
Find Domenico Modugno’s Statue
Domenico Modugno was the singer and songwriter of Volare, the most famous Italian song of all time. Consider the father of all Italian singers, and one of the most prolific artists, he might as well be a local hero in Polignano a Mare.
And there’s a monument in his honor to prove it, that has become one of the main Polignano a Mare attractions. Domenico Modugno’s statue sits in a seafront piazza, merely steps from the beach. The singer is presented with his arms open as if he were performing one of his songs.
Go SUPing or Kayaking in the Blue Waters of Polignano a Mare
Head into the sea to explore the grottoes and take in the panoramic views…while kayaking! Paddling along the striking coastline in a kayak or paddleboard is a spectacular – and very fun – experience.
▶️ The SUP Excursion in Polignano a Mare takes you to hidden coves and grottoes that can’t be accessed in a boat. Your instructor will give you a crash course on SUPaddleboarding, and then you’ll embark on a sea adventure, with occasional dips to refresh. ➥ BOOK IT HERE
▶️ This Kayak excursion in Polignano a Mare allows you to paddle your way through sea grottoes and ravines, and past the picturesque Polignano coastline with an instructor. At the end of the experience, you’ll receive photos of the trip for free. ➥ BOOK IT HERE
Take a Cooking Class in Polignano a Mare
One of my favorite activities to try in any Italian city (and consider I’m Italian!) is a cooking class.
Each region of the country has its own specialties and staples, and it’s so fun to get your hands dirty as you prepare delicious dishes! The best part is you get to learn the recipe to recreate at home.
I already wrote about cooking classes in Puglia, and Polignano a Mare offers quite a few culinary experiences, and I highly recommend joining one if you have the time.
▶️ This Polignano a Mare: Pasta Making Cooking Class with Drink is a packed 2.5-hour experience. You’ll meet your instructor and dive into the creation of panzerotti, orecchiette, and focaccia. Learn the ingredients to use and the correct way of crafting each dish, which you’ll savor at the end of the class. ➥ BOOK IT HERE
Check Out the Other Beaches in Polignano a Mare
While Lama Monachile Beach steals the spotlight, there are other Polignano a Mare beaches worth checking out.
➤ Spiaggia di San Vito is a picturesque, small fishing cove with soft sand, turquoise waters, and colorful fishing boats. You can walk along the rocks to swim further out, or take a dip in the cove that resembles a natural swimming pool.
The beach’s backdrop includes jagged cliffs and an old abbey, and there are several restaurants nearby.
➤ Ponte dei Lapilli Beach, located north of Lama Monachile, is a small bay with a sandy area and rocky outcrops to both sides. It’s the perfect beach to go for a relaxing swim or visit with children, and it’s quite popular during the summer months.
➤ Lido Cala Paura is another very small beach in the center of town, surrounded by caves and rocks that you can explore. There are food and drink stalls on the beach in the high season.
BEST DAY TRIPS FROM POLIGNANO A MARE
Bari
Bari is the capital city of Puglia. It’s a port city on the Adriatic coast with plenty of attractions to check out. Exploring the old town, visiting Basilica di San Nicola, walking past Orecchiette Street, and sipping coffee in Piazza Mercantile are a few must-dos.
Bari is also home to lovely beaches, a castle-turned-museum, and a bustling harbor.
You can easily reach Bari from Polignano a Mare by train. The journey takes approximately 45 minutes, and tickets cost around €5. There are also direct buses covering the distance, but their departure is less frequent.
Alberobello & Other Towns of the Itria Valley
Alberobello is best known for its whitewashed, hut-like constructions called Trulli. Built following prehistoric techniques, these houses are incredibly picturesque. If you only have time for a day trip, you can’t go wrong with this one!
Another town to check out in the area is Cisternino, home to a charming historic center, and quaint little cafés and bistros. It prides itself in its slow way of life, and it’s a village rich in traditions.
Locorotondo & Ostuni are two other locations you shouldn’t miss. Featuring whitewashed old towns, interesting architecture, and fabulous cuisine, they’re two Puglian gems located merely 30 minutes from each other.
The only way to visit these locations from Polignano a Mare is by rental car, or by booking a tour.
▶️The Local Towns Historic Centers Private Tour from Puglia is the perfect excursion to explore the region’s prettiest towns. You’ll walk the historic centers of Polignano, Ostuni, and Monopoli, and explore the Trulli houses of Alberobello. Delectable food and drink tastings are included. ➥ BOOK IT HERE
Matera
Matera is Italy’s oldest city, boasting over 10,000 years of history and located in the region of Basilicata. Built on a rocky outcrop, Matera is well-known for its impressive cave dwellings, and rock churches, which date back to the Paleolithic period.
Visiting Matera’s Sassi neighborhoods is a must when in the area. You can get to the city by bus or by train, although both require you to change in Bari. The journey takes 2.5 hours by train, and around 3.5 hours by bus. Alternatively, you can join a tour from Polignano a Mare.
▶️ This Alberobello and Matera Full-Day Trip is a guided excursion to two UNESCO sites. Explore the Sassi di Matera with a knowledgeable guide, and learn all about the caves and their history. Then, wander around the Trulli of Alberobello. You’ll enjoy a guided tour and free time in both locations. ➥ BOOK IT HERE
E-Bike Tour through Olive Groves
Hop on a bike and ride through the pretty olive groves that surround Polignano a Mare. It’s a very relaxing activity that will present you with a new side of Puglia: its stunning countryside. I recommend joining an e-bike tour to visit the best spots, and learn about the region from your guide.
▶️ The Tour in Polignano a Mare by E-Bike, Schiacciata and Wine is a half-day excursion. You’ll ride along country lanes and past farmhouses and olive groves from Polignano a Mare and Conversano. Stop at a local pastry shop for focaccia and wine, and enjoy a break at a bar for another drink before returning. ➥ BOOK IT HERE
WHERE TO EAT IN POLIGNANO A MARE
Check out the best Polignano a Mare restaurants and cafes to make sure your culinary experience in town is nothing but extraordinary!
▶️ Pescaria is also referred to as a fast-food fish restaurant. It specializes in both raw and cooked seafood dishes, serving everything from fried cod and tuna tartare to seafood panini.
▶️ Malidea is a bar with indoor and outdoor seating areas. It specializes in focaccia pizza, original focaccia, aperitivo dishes, and burgers. An extensive wine and beer menu, along with classic and craft drinks are also available.
▶️ Il Super Mago del Gelo Mario Campanella is gelato paradise. Founded over 100 years ago, this gelato shop serves all the classics along with special creations, caffé speciale, and ice cream cakes. It’s right in front of Piazza Garibaldi.
▶️ Gusto Caruso is another popular gelateria and pastry shop where you can enjoy dessert or a sweet afternoon treat. Besides gelato in a cup or cone, you can order a warm crepe topped with ice cream, ice cream cakes, tiramisu, coffee, and pastries.
▶️ La Locanda Porta Picc is an Apulian restaurant serving authentic local cuisine. It has both outdoor and indoor seating areas, featuring charming rustic decor. Seafood, pasta dishes, and delectable desserts are the stars of the menu, along with an extensive selection of wines and beer.
▶️ Azienda Agricola Lippolis is a family-run farm and winery. It produces high-quality olive oil, wine, and other Apulian products. There’s a shop on-site where you can enjoy an aperitivo and tastings.
WHERE TO STAY IN POLIGNANO A MARE, PUGLIA
LUXURY: Hotel Grotta Palazzese – This seafront accommodation is perched on a cliff. It offers spacious rooms with ensuite bathrooms. Guests can enjoy sea views from their private balconies, grab a drink at the bar, or relax in their private jacuzzi (selected rooms). This Polignano a Mare hotel also boasts the famous Puglia cave restaurant, with priority access to its guests.
LUXURY MASSERIA: Masseria Auraterrae – It’s a 5-star resort with an outdoor pool, a lovely garden, a shared lounge, a terrace, and a bar. The rooms feature a desk, a coffee maker, a minibar, and a flat-screen TV, and some even boast a private patio.
THE BEST VIEW: San Michele Suite – This beachfront accommodation has elegant and rustic-styled rooms, all of which are fully equipped. The rooms’ balconies overlook the Adriatic sea, the beach, and the cliffs, offering a glorious panorama. There’s a spa and a coffee shop on-site.
BOUTIQUE: Donnamaria – Dimora Vista Mare – Boasting elegant, air-conditioned rooms with a furnished balcony overlooking the sea, this hotel is a gem in Polignano. The units are equipped with a flat-screen TV, kitchenette facilities, a full bathroom, and optional amenities. Breakfast is served every morning.
MID-RANGE: Vingt Sept Bed and Breakfast—It offers modern rooms equipped with air conditioning, a coffee maker, and a TV. Rooms have double beds and private bathrooms with free toiletries. We stayed here, and it was honestly a very good choice. The pricing was right, and the location was excellent for visiting anywhere on foot.
MASSERIA: Masseria Le Torri – This spectacular accommodation has free parking, an outdoor pool, and a spa. It also offers various activities to enjoy. Rooms are equipped with a private bathroom, some of which boast a bathtub, and daily breakfast is served at the dining room.
ON A BUDGET: Underground 22 – It’s a guest house with a spacious double room equipped with a coffee maker, a seating area, TV, and a dining table. It has a private entrance and bathroom, and access to the garden.
