Holiday in Puglia? It is a must to visit Polignano a Mare and discover all its incredible caves, the result of the erosive action of water and wind and the "artistic vein" of nature, which seems to have enjoyed painting truly unique shapes and light effects.
Follow this article and you will find all the useful information regarding the most beautiful caves of Polignano a Mare and how to visit them!
The 5 most beautiful sea caves of Polignano a Mare
Polignano a Mare is known for its enchanting scenic beauty, but above all for its numerous caves, which, from north to south, open up in the cliff.
From the sea, one can appreciate the entire coastal conformation, dotted with crevices and caverns, stone flourishes that rise above the water and preserve fantastic wonders in their hollows.
The caves of Polignano, mostly cataloged by the speleological registry, are worth visiting to enjoy the phantasmagoric plays of light, the result of refraction between a brilliant sky and a clear sea, and to admire the prodigious work that nature, using water and wind, has been able to accomplish over the centuries.
An enjoyment that can only be experienced by boat or SUP through guided excursions.
Here are the 5 most beautiful caves of Polignano a Mare, which are definitely worth visiting:
1. Grotta Ripagnola
The northernmost of Polignano's caves, it opens in the eponymous locality at a distance of about a thousand meters from Cala Fontanella (or Cala Fetente, according to the contemporary denomination). It is far from the inhabited center of Polignano di Mare. Visiting is recommended only for those with speleological expertise.
2. Grotte di Santa Caterina
These two caves penetrate the cliff of Polignano a Mare for many tens of meters and, as usual, offer a pebble beach at their innermost end. They open in pairs near the famous Tuccino restaurant. The first cave has large boulders at its entrance, fallen due to a previous collapse of the vault, and an easy entrance. The second is larger than the first, and one enters it through a very wide opening. Both are worth a visit from the open sea, but their conformation can be observed from a small external rocky spur.
3. Grottarco
It is not a true cave, but rather a stone arch, sculpted over time by weather and marine agents in the high and massive rock face. It is visible from the top of the cliff, but its most fascinating images can be enjoyed from the open sea. There are similar ones along the coast, but this is certainly the most impressive.
4. Grotte della Foca (Seal Caves)
These are two large, very deep caves with not very wide entrances, which are suggested for visiting only if you do not suffer from claustrophobia. From the back of the caves, you can admire the exit, illuminated by the morning or midday sun.
5. Grotta Palazzese: the restaurant in the cave in Polignano a Mare
Located in the historic center of Polignano a Mare, Grotta Palazzese is one of the most famous caves in Polignano a Mare because, in addition to being visible from the historic center, it houses the eponymous restaurant considered among the 10 most exclusive outdoor restaurants in the world. The restaurant has been renovated with elegant refinement and also features 15 rooms truly suspended over the sea in total harmony with the most advanced technology systems.
It is certainly an experience to be had for those with high financial means. For those who just want to glimpse Grotta Palazzese from the sea, a SUP excursion is what we recommend.
How to visit the caves of Polignano a Mare
A piece of advice we give you is to visit the caves of Polignano a Mare at least once in your life because it is a truly incredible experience that deserves to be lived.
There are many ways to visit the caves of Polignano a Mare: canoe, SUP, or by boat.
It all depends on the type of vacationer you are!
1. Visit the caves of Polignano a Mare by SUP
If you are a sports lover and you like to move in a sustainable way, choose a canoe or a SUP. An eco-sustainable way that respects the environment and allows you to reach otherwise inaccessible places. It is a way to stay in shape during your holidays and at the same time enjoy the breathtaking scenery!
2. Visit the caves of Polignano a Mare
If, however, you have limited time for your holiday and want to move quickly and peacefully, we recommend visiting the caves of Polignano by boat. There are, in fact, boat tours and guided excursions thanks to which you can admire the splendor of the Polignano coast and its caves.
Visiting the caves of Polignano allows you to witness a true natural spectacle that winds through long stretches of fine sand, cliffs overlooking the sea, ramparts, enchanting caves, and crystal clear waters.
No matter how, the important thing is to visit the Polignano coast from the sea: do not miss the opportunity to see these wonderful works of nature!
Excursion to the caves of Polignano a Mare: how to book
Every traveler who comes to Polignano a Mare will not be able to leave without having taken an excursion to discover the splendid sea caves and the cobalt blue, crystalline sea that bathes these rocky coasts overlooking the sea.
We at Pugliamare offer a series of organized excursions to discover the wonders of Polignano a Mare.
Whether you are an adventurous type or a tourist for a few days, below you will find a list of experiences that will surely suit you.
All that's left is to choose your next adventure! Enjoy!