Looking for the best things to do in Polignano a Mare? You’ve come to the right place. Officially the most welcoming city in the world, this stunning clifftop town on Puglia’s Adriatic coast should be on every Italian itinerary, and once you see it sitting dramatically above the glittering sea, you’ll understand why.
I’m moving here! I’m packing my dusty, worn, and torn suitcase and flip-flopping off to live my days out in Polignano a Mare’s fairytale town. That’s what I said to myself as I looked out over the ocean at Cala Porto. What more could you want: incredible food? Dramatic scenery that looks like a painting? A charming knot of whitewashed streets in the old town? Gorgeous beaches tucked between towering cliffs? Polignano a Mare has it all and it’s everything I envisioned an Italian beach town to be.
Located just 30 minutes south of Bari (one of my favourite cities in Italy), Polignano a Mare makes for the perfect day trip (though you’ll probably want to stay longer). Trust me, having traveled Italy extensively for the last 4 years, I’m sharing everything I learned about making the most of Polignano a Mare, crowds and all.
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Getting To Polignano a Mare
The closest airports are Bari Karol Wojtyła Airport (30 minutes away) and Brindisi Airport (1 hour). Both have car rental facilities and public transport connections.
The best way to get from Bari to Polignano a Mare is either a train, rental car or bus. All great options but the bus takes longer.
The Bari to Polignano a Mare train is the easiest option, taking just 20 minutes and is pretty comfortable. You can book your ticket on OMIO or purchase at the station. However, if you decide to purchase at the station and are visiting during the summer make sure you arrive early to allow time to queue at the ticket machines, as it is very busy (seriously…just use OMIO). From Polignano a Mare station it’s a 10 minute walk to the village.
The fastest service takes just 16 minutes, though most trains take 20-40 minutes. Trains run every 30-60 minutes throughout the day and tickets cost €3-5. From Monopoli, it’s an even quicker 5-minute journey
What a rental car will give you in freedom, it’ll take from you in stress. Italy is notorious for driving in so only the most confident drivers should avail of this option. But if you are then it is a quick 33 minute drive with snippets of coast along the way. You will also be in a good position to beat the crowds.
If you’re driving from Bari to Polignano a Mare, there are various carparks throughout the town. The spaces are colour-coded. Yellow lines is for residents only, blue is for everyone (paid) and white is free. The drive from Bari takes 30 minutes, while Brindisi is about an hour away. Be aware of ZTL (Zona Traffico Limitato) restricted zones in the historic center, stick to designated parking areas to avoid fines.
The most convenient place to park in Polignano is Parcheggio San Francesco, which is just a few minutes walk to Cala porto at €2 per hour. Stani Parking Lot costs around €10 for the day but there is security. Check my map for a list of carparks.
To drive in Italy you need an International drivers license. You can easily apply for this online.
Best Time To Visit Polignano a Mare
Polignano a Mare is a very popular destination in Italy. The peak season of July – September can be intense with crowds and very hot temperatures rising above 30°C (86°F). It’s a super sweaty and flustering experience that requires copious amounts of gelato, it’s a medical requirement.
November is the wettest month with an average of 9 rainy days while January is the coldest when temperatures dip to 9°C (48.2°F). Winter in general in Polignano is cold and wet, many of the cafes and restaurants are closed.
The sweet spot is mid-April, May and September when the weather is warmer but not intense and there are fewer crowds.
We arrived at 10am and had the town relatively quiet until noon when it got packed. The next time I visit Polignano I will go at 7 or 8AM to have a more peaceful experience.
Is Polignano a Mare Worth Visiting?
I will be 100% honest, I loved Polignano a Mare but I also kind of hated it. On one hand it looked like the village was carved into the cliffs by the hands of Michelangelo himself. There is no denying that this place is drop dead gorgeous, there are limestone cliffs, beaches that are dotted with colourful umbrellas, bright blue water, and the white washed historic centre that you can meander around for hours. But, it is just too damn busy.
We visited during the peak season, so it was never going to be empty but I just didn’t think it would be this overcrowded and therefore almost unenjoyable to walk around. The heat wasn’t helping anyone’s mood, you know the vibe when everyone wants everyone else to just f- off!
That being said, I wouldn’t skip it as it is genuinely one of the most beautiful places I’ve visited in Italy and makes for an excellent day trip from Bari. You just need to set your expectations and preferably, arrive early. I mean, I would still live here despite my gripes with it!
Ok, now we got that out of the way, here is what you should do on your day trip to Polignano a Mare.
Recommended Hotels In Polignano a Mare
€€€
Hotel Grotta Palazzese
Iconic clifftop hotel where a restaurant is built into the side of a cliff. This is ultimate luxury with elegant and spacious sea view rooms. The suites are especially nice.
A continental breakfast is provided.
from € 1,200 per night
€€
Donna Domenica Boutique
Quirky rooms with a colourful shower feature in the centre of Polignano. The space is cosy with views over the city, some rooms have a charming balcony.
An excellent breakfast is included.
from €180 per night
Budget-friendly apartments with air conditioning, good kitchen and seating area. Perfect for travellers wanting to cook for themselves.
Every apartment has a balcony overlooking the city.
from €109 per night
Things To Do In Polignano a Mare
Historic Centre
The historic centre in Polignano a Mare is one of the prettiest places in Italy. Made up of a tangle of intimate, car-free, cobblestoned alleys that twist and turn and just as you think you are lost they open onto whitewashed piazzas where you’re left dazzled by the sun’s reflection (or, maybe I just need new sunglasses).
Amongst the time-worn limestone buildings and medieval arches there is a vibrant and bohemian vibe with galleries and trendy cafes. I can imagine it would be very romantic outside the peak season.
As you wander you’ll notice lines of poetry scattered around the alleys, they call this Poesia sui muri which means “art on the walls”. Created by local artist Guido il Flaneur who it has to be said, has very neat handwriting, has elevated and given even more character to the historic centre. There are also murals and art installations.
Although the historic centre is full of charm, when we were there we felt a chaotic energy, which was a bit draining to absorb, especially when combined with the strong sunshine. That’s why I recommend you explore Polignano a Mare’s historic centre in the early morning to hopefully dodge the crowds.
Arco Marchesale
You can’t miss the Arco Marchesale, it’s the grand stone archway that was once the only entrance into Polignano’s historic centre. Built in the 16th century, there was once a drawbridge and if you look closely you’ll be able to see the bolts that held it together.
Take a second to observe the detail in the stonework before you get swept up in the maze of alleys, there are carvings of scenes depicting Christ’s crucifixion, serving partly as protection and partly as a reminder of faith to those entering. You don’t need to go out of your way to find it since you’ll naturally stumble upon it as you explore, but it’s worth pausing for a moment rather than breezing past like most people do.
Church of Saint Mary of the Assumption
I don’t know about you but I find it next to impossible to walk by a church in Italy and not go in. I’m not religious by any means, I just find them so peaceful, and let’s be real, cooling.
As we stumbled upon Piazza Vittorio Emanuele II I couldn’t help but duck into the Church of Saint Mary of the Assumption for some much needed shade, sorry I mean prayer! We were surprised by how quiet it was inside considering how busy the town was. Little do people know they are blindly walking by one of the best things to do in Polignano a Mare.
I don’t really blame them though, the church has a plain stone facade which doesn’t stand out beside the rest of the piazza, it’s easy to miss. Built on the site of a Pagan temple, it dates back to the 13th century.
The simple exterior might trick you into thinking there isn’t much worth seeing inside but don’t be fooled. Once you walk through the wooden doors you are greeted with a room of art. The ceiling alone is worth the visit, painted with frescoes that depict various religious scenes, all outlined in ornate gold. The frescoes also cover some of the walls along with intricate wooden carvings throughout.
But the real showstopper is the organ loft at the back, a magnificent 18th century organ perched atop an ornate gallery decorated in gold and soft blue. The doors below are painted with beautiful designs, and the whole thing is topped with elaborate gold scrollwork that practically drips from the ceiling. We didn’t even spot this until we turned to leave.
Statue Of Domenico Modugno
Do the words “Volare (Nel blu, dipinto di blu)” ring a bell? The song might not ring a bell for younger travelers, but this is the title of the most famous song by Italian singer Domenico Modugno, he won the San Remo song contest and a Grammy for it.
Born in Polignano a Mare, the town remains proud of their native son. So much so, that they erected a 3 metre tall bronze statue of him. Located on a cliff with arms spread wide facing the town, Domenico almost looks like he is flying but the pose is from his San Remo performance.
Look up as you walk down via Roma, the words of Domenico’s song are spelled out with lights. Very pretty at night, if you know the song you can hum it.
Cala Monachile
Also called Cala Porto, this is the most famous beach in Polignan a Mare, the one you see in all the photos. It’s a small cove that’s extremely scenic, almost dramatically, hugged by rugged limestone cliffs that have white medieval style buildings on them. If that’s not pretty enough the water is a shimmering turquoise.
It’s very rocky but nice for swimming in with cool grottos and caves to explore, just pack some water shoes as the rocks can be painful on your feet and also slippery getting in. You might even see some fish as the water is so clear.
It’s very crowded so if you want a spot for the day I recommend getting here early. Despite the crowds it still feels authentically Italian with seemingly just as many locals soaking up the sun here.
To get down here you need to climb down stairs which might be difficult for anyone with accessibility needs.
Cala Paura
If you’re searching for a quieter, less touristy beach in Polignano a Mare then Cala Paura deserves your attention. Located a 12 minute walk from Cala Porto and around 20 minutes from the city centre, this may be quieter but it’s just as beautiful.
The smaller pebbles make it more comfortable for sunbathing than the larger rocks at Cala Porto. We witnessed many people actually jump off the cliffs into the water here.
The best thing is that you can rent a sun bed and umbrella for €8 each for the day, and vendors sell cold bottles of Peroni for €2. Overall the best beach in Polignano for relaxing.
Cliff Diving
Polignano a Mare has become one of Europe’s premier cliff diving destinations, with the Red Bull Cliff Diving World Series stopping here since 2009. The main diving spot is from the Lama Monachile bridge, where divers plunge 27 meters below. It’s not just for professionals though with locals diving from these cliffs for generations, with kids as young as ten leaping from lower points along the coast.
If you’re brave enough to try it yourself there are several spots around town where you can jump from varying heights, starting from about 5 meters up to the full 27 meter drop. July and August are peak season when you’ll see the most action, with crowds gathering on the bridge and beaches below to watch divers perform flips and twists before hitting the water. Just make sure to check with locals about safe entry points and watch the tides, the rocks below are unforgiving if you don’t know what you’re doing.
Viewpoints
It’s no surprise that somewhere as beautiful as Polignano a Mare has an abundance of viewpoints scattered around, making it possible to appreciate this town from a number of different perspectives.
- Pietra Piatta – lots of rocks but it’s a spacious area. Amazing views in every direction and also a good place to sunbathe. People jump off here into the ocean.
- Ponte Borbonico – bridge overlooking Cala Porto. One of the town’s most famous landmarks that dates back to Roman times (2nd Century). This was my personal favourite viewpoint.
- Bastione di Santo Stefano – once a historic bastion that is now a panoramic terrace. You can see Cala Porto from here. The best place to take photos of the cliffs and beach.
- Belvedere di Grotta Palazzese – overlooking the iconic cliff restaurant Grotta Palazzese, I recommend it for sunset.
Take a Boat Trip in Polignano a Mare (Caves + Grottos)
A boat trip in Polignano a Mare is essential – it’s the only way to see the 70+ famous sea caves and grottoes carved into the limestone cliffs. We’re so glad we did this. These limestone caves are only accessible from the water, so you’re missing out on a huge part of what makes this place special if you skip it.
Our tour lasted about 90 minutes and took us to 5-6 different caves including the impressive Grotta Azzurra. Our guide was brilliant, full of stories about the history and legends behind each cave while blasting music and keeping the vibe fun and relaxed.
We stopped to swim in the water near one of the grottoes (you can actually swim inside if the water’s calm), and they provided snorkeling gear if you wanted to explore below the surface.
The tour ended with wine and snacks on board, which was the perfect way to wind down. Honestly, seeing the cliffs and town from the water gave us a completely different perspective than walking around the crowded streets, it just felt peaceful and magical. If you only have time for one activity in Polignano, make it this.
We booked this Polignano boat tour through Viator from €35 per person. Please note that most boat tours don’t operate during the winter due to the weather conditions.
Alternatively you can get even closer to some of the caves and grottoes with a SUP tour. Explore 2km of Polignano’s coast including Lama Monachile Beach, Grotta Ardito and Grotta Azzurra all from your paddleboard. Tour includes an introduction session so is suitable for beginners.
Walk the Lungomare
The Lungomare di Polignano a Mare is a scenic coastal walk that hugs the clifftops. Starting from the old town, the path winds along the rocky coastline. It’s much quieter than Bari’s Lungomare, with fewer crowds and a more rugged, natural feel. You’ll pass several viewpoints where you can stop to take photos or watch cliff divers jumping into the sea.
The walk is about 2 kilometers long and takes roughly 30 to 40 minutes, though most people spend longer stopping at the various viewpoints along the way. The path is paved and relatively flat, making it accessible for almost everyone.
Sunset is the best time to visit, when the golden light hits the cliffs and the old town glows white against the darkening sea, it’s one of the most beautiful walks in Puglia. Bring a bottle of wine, sit on the rocks and watch the sun drop into the Adriatic. It’s the perfect way to end a day in Polignano a Mare.
Day Trip To Monopoli
Although Polignano gets my vote for the most beautiful town in Puglia, Monopoli is a close second. It’s just a 6 minute hop on the train from Polignano or a 15 minute drive so super easy to take a day trip here.
It’s not as pretty as Polignano, this is a fishing village with a bit more edge. It’s historic centre winds around the port where you’ll find lots of fishing boats docking. It has a more lived in vibe to it, especially when compared to Polignano.
Although small there is still many things to do here:
- Basilica Cattedrale Maria SS. della Madia – Baroque cathedral with an interior that feels completely out of proportion to the size of the town.
- Palazzo Palmieri – 18th century palace with over a hundred rooms, many decorated with original frescoes. Unfortunately it’s not open to the public, but you can admire the exterior from the street.
- Castello Carlo V – 16th century castle that offers excellent views across the town and coastline. Worth the visit for the panoramic outlook alone.
- Porta dell’antico Porto – 16th century gate marks the entrance to the old fishing port. As you pass through, look up at the archway where there’s a faded painting of Madonna della Madia, Monopoli’s patron saint.
Food Tour
Learn about Polignano through your belly with a local. I love going on a food tour in a new place as you learn so much about the culture and it’s an excuse to stuff yourself silly.
This 2.5 hour tour was so much fun and included some wine at the end. Food included panzerotto and focaccia among other things but I wont spoil it. Groups are small which is always nice, overall it’s excellent value for money.
If a food tour isn’t your thing then these are some excellent food spots to visit while in Polignano.
Cafes + Restaurants In Polignano a Mare
Breakfast spots in Polignano
- Martinucci Laboratory [€] – a chain but very nice nonetheless. Plenty of warm pastries, very good pasticciotto.
- The Super Mago del Gelo Mario Campanella [€] – very popular espresso bar, you must try their “special coffee” made of coffee infused with cream, lemon zest and amaretto. There are also lots of sweet treats.
- Otto [€] – large variety of pasticciotto. Flavours include custard, pistachio, hazelnut and salted caramel, most of the pasticciotto are lactose free. There is also a savoury option with caciocavallo cream and capocollo.
- Caffè Dei Serafini [€€] – terrace in the back has incredible sea views. Would recommend a coffee or pastry here, not the savoury food.
Lunch/Dinner in Polignano
- Fronte Mare Giuliani [€] – amazing octopus panini with bread from Altamura, juicy tomatoes and creamy stracciatella.
- Il Quadrifoglio [€€] – the Spaghetti Assasina is one of the best you’ll have in Puglia, charred crispy bits of caramelised spaghetti in a light tomato sauce. Although we didn’t try it, the meatballs in pistachio sauce looked divine.
- DA LUCIANO [€] – famous for their octopus sandwich (polpo) and focaccia barese. Also have lots of other Apulian specialities.
- Grotta Palazzese [€€€] – It is very expensive with a meal costing €300. But it’s one way to make an occasion extra special.
Thank you for reading this things to do in Polignano a Mare travel guide, I hope it has helped you plan a memorable trip. Keep scrolling for some Polignano FAQs.
Polignano a Mare FAQ
How long do you need?
Polignano only really needs a few hours but if you want to relax on the beach and swim then I recommend a full day. Try see the old town as early as possible if visiting during the peak season. 2-4 days if you’re using it as a base to explore Puglia, but the accommodation is more expensive here.
Is Polignano a Mare expensive?
Yes it is one of the most expensive towns in Puglia for accommodation and food. Expect to pay €15-20+ for a simple lunch and €100+ per night for decent accommodation in peak season.”
Is Polignano a Mare worth visiting?
Absolutely, it doesn’t get much prettier than here. You can have a fabulous day of history in the historic centre eating your way around the streets, lazing on the beach or for the more adventurous jumping off the cliffs, take a boat trip and watch the sunset in one of the world’s most iconic restaurants.
What is Polignano a Mare famous for?
Polignano a Mare is famous for its dramatic limestone cliffs that tower over scenic beaches, particularly the iconic Lama Monachile beach. It’s also known for the Grotta Palazzese restaurant built into a sea cave and as the birthplace of singer Domenico Modugno.
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