Polignano a Mare Guide: What to See, Eat, and Do

Polignano a Mare Guide: What to See, Eat, and Do

One of the most beautiful towns in Southern Italy, nestled among rocks, overlooking the sea, and with a historic center waiting to be discovered. Polignano a Mare will leave you speechless with its breathtaking landscape and the blue of its splendid sea. But also with the many events that welcome and surprise visitors every week, its shops and restaurants scattered throughout the town.

How to Reach Polignano

Polignano is well-connected and easily accessible both by car and public transport. From Bari airport, you can reach Polignano a Mare directly by train with Ferrovie dello Stato. From the station to the city center, it's just a short walk, and in 15 minutes, you'll be in the heart of the town. But if you need a transfer, you can ask us.

If you're coming by car, you can easily reach the town from the main state road or internal provincial roads. You can safely leave your car in our car park at Pugliamare in Via San Vito, 94.

One of the best ways to explore the town is aboard an Ape Calessino, the classic Italian tuk-tuk. This small, colorful vehicle will comfortably take you through the city center streets, allowing you to visit the main points of interest in an original and fun way. Riding an Ape Calessino is not only a practical way to get around but also an authentic experience that adds a touch of joy to your city tour.

What to Visit in Polignano

Polignano is one of Puglia's most famous towns. Overlooking the sea and the birthplace of our beloved Domenico Modugno. To start, we recommend visiting:

  • the historic center: a labyrinth of picturesque alleyways, flowered balconies, and views overlooking a crystal-clear sea. Here you can stroll calmly, listen to the sound of the sea, and be enchanted by iconic places like Piazza Vittorio Emanuele II. On your walk, you'll be immersed in the blue of the sea, which will suddenly surprise you when you find yourself on the famous Balconies, dominating the landscape. Stop for a moment, breathe in the pure air, wind, and sea, and then continue exploring the rest of the village with its historic churches and monuments, and small shops. For a break, you'll find bars, cafes, ice cream parlors, as well as many restaurants and eateries;
  • among restaurants, bars, and typical shops, Via Roma is one of the most beautiful streets in the center… not to be missed!
  • if you visit Polignano, you absolutely must pass by the Domenico Modugno Monument, the author of the world's most famous song "Nel blu dipinto di blu." Every day, hundreds of people gather on the promenade around his statue to take a souvenir photo with Mister Volare. From here, you can also admire one of the most beautiful sea views of the town and look down at Lama Monachile beach;
  • if you are looking for a beach in the town, Lama Monachile, as anticipated, is one of the most beautiful in Italy. The beating heart of Polignano, here the sea has all shades, from emerald green to blue. You can dive into the blue or admire the houses perched on the rocks overlooking the sea. Lama Monachile has also received the Blue Flag as one of the beaches with the best sea in Italy;
  • and if you want to move a little away from the center, we recommend the beaches of San Vito, a small hamlet of Polignano with its iconic little harbor and several beaches with rocks or sand. Crystal-clear sea, breathtaking panorama, and lots of greenery around for your relaxing days!
  • Polignano seen FROM the sea: through an exclusive boat tour along the cliffs, we will let you discover new and fascinating places. Crystal-clear waters, caves, breathtaking landscapes, and pure nature await you. During the tour, an expert will tell fascinating local legends, and you can admire the landscape in an atmosphere of absolute tranquility;
  • Every day, our exciting Vespa tour departs from Polignano, taking you to discover the panoramic roads of the Apulian countryside and the splendid views of the Adriatic Sea. Aboard a vintage Vespa, you can choose from various itineraries that include stops in charming villages like Monopoli, Alberobello, Locorotondo, and Conversano. A unique, fun, and authentic way to immerse yourself in the beauty of the territory, feeling the wind in your hair and experiencing an unforgettable adventure on two wheels.

What to Eat in Polignano

For a sweet and refreshing break, don't miss the artisanal ice cream found in all Polignano's ice cream parlors, as well as the Caffè Speciale. A truly unique coffee, with cream, amaretto liqueur, and lemon zest, offering a unique flavor. This specialty was invented by Mario Campanella, owner of the historic Super Mago del Gelo bar.

Around town, however, you can enjoy all the best street food of Puglia: panzerotti, focaccia, pizza al taglio, seafood sandwiches, and much more. For this, we have designed a real street food tour. Want to know more?

And if you want to learn how to prepare our fresh pasta or some of the most popular dishes of Apulian cuisine, all you have to do is participate in one of our cooking classes.

A truly unique experience in the heart of Polignano a Mare is to participate in a real mozzarella lesson with our local cheesemaker. You will discover the secrets of the artisanal processing of this iconic cheese, learning step by step how a fresh and genuine mozzarella is made. This activity is not only educational but also an authentic way to connect with the tradition and culture of the Apulian territory, experiencing an unforgettable moment between flavors and history.

Where to Eat in Polignano

After all that walking, you'll surely be hungry, and as you know, in Puglia, food is not a secondary element but is at the center of daily life, family, and celebrations.
For this reason, if you don't know where to go, we recommend:

  • Malidea: to enjoy fantastic pinsa, as well as platters of cured meats and cheeses, beers, and excellent cocktails just a few meters from the sea. For info and reservations, Tel. 080 809 6779
  • Morus: an elegant and refined restaurant for fish-based lunches and dinners and typical Apulian cuisine. For info and reservations, Tel. 080 411 6404
  • Ruz: typical and revisited dishes, top-quality ingredients for explosive and original tastes. For info and reservations, Tel. 345 515 4872
  • La bella mbriana: in the heart of the historic center, one of the best pizzerias in town to perfectly end your evenings. For info and reservations, Tel. 080 424 8840